10+ Best Side Dishes For What To Serve With Tikka Masala

Ever wonder what the perfect side dish to serve with chicken tikka masala is?

Chicken tikka masala is a South Asian cuisine made with chicken that has been marinated in spices and yogurt.

It’s a popular Indian meal and can be paired with multiple side dishes.

You can dunk or mix in plenty of these great options, while others work better separately. Whatever you are looking for, the perfect side dish for you is out there.

You can dunk or mix in plenty of these great options, while others work better separately.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular options, from breads to vegetables and everything in between so you can find your prefered choice.

The Best Side Dishes For Tikka Masala. From Naan Bread To Basmati Rice. 

1. Cucumber

Cucumbers are a popular type of fruit known for their crisp, watery taste. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins, making them a great nutritional choice.

Tikka Masala is a very creamy, tender dish, so normally you wouldn’t expect a good crunch when you take a bite. 

A cucumber can provide that missing texture without overpowering the taste of the dish.

2. Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a type of long-grain rice with a distinct nutty flavor.

Depending on how you prepare it, the rice can come out nice and fluffy or a little thicker, depending on what you are looking for.

No matter if you prefer your sides truly on the side or mixed in with the dish they accompany, basmati is a great starch to accompany your chicken tikka masala.

3. Cauliflower

Cauliflower has a mild, earthy flavor that doesn’t overpower dishes it is a part of. It can fit well into a multitude of dishes, including tikka masala.

You can roast this vegetable to create a crispy texture and add a little seasoning to your dish. A good cauliflower dish can bring a whole new spectrum of feeling to a plate of tikka masala.

4. Raita

Raita is a delicious Indian dish made from yogurt, spices, and veggies. It has a consistency almost like soup and is a tasty side dish that goes well with chicken tikka masala.

Recipes usually call for veggies to include at least onion and cucumber, but you can add any veggie you would like on top of that.

If you choose to keep it simple, then an onion and cucumber raita still makes for a popular dish.

5. Mango Chutney

Mango chutney is a sweet type of chutney made with mangos and spices like turmeric and coriander.

If you don’t want a sweet flavor, you can add more of the spices, such as the chili flakes, to make it more spicy than sweet.

The conflicting flavors may make this seem like a bad dish to serve with tikka masala. However, the savory chicken and sweet chutney come together to make a nice blend of flavors.

6. Lentil Dal

Dal is made of legumes that have been dried and split, such as peas, beans, and in this case, lentils. This option has a subtle, earthy taste.

While it may not have a rich taste, lentil dal is a side dish that pairs well with tikka masala.

While it may not bring much in the taste area, this side  is highly aromatic and will still help out your dish as best as it can.

7. Naan Bread

This type of bread is a popular side with many South Asian dishes. Naan bread is puffy and soft as a cloud, but with just a little bit of chewiness.

Naan bread is perfect for dunking into your masala, letting you get at the juices left once you’ve finished your chicken.

8. Pakora

Pakora is a fried dish that usually contains meats and veggies and is fried in a chickpea oil. You can choose to fill yours with chicken, potatoes, or whatever you feel will compliment your dish the best. 

Pakora is a fried dish that typically has a crunchy exterior.

This makes them the perfect accompaniment due to tikka masala’s creamy texture.

No matter if you choose to make vegetable pakora or chicken pakora, these delectable morsels will make a great side dish.

9. Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad is a popular dish in Indian cuisine made with cucumber and other vegetables like tomatoes and onions.

This salad is a refreshing choice that can make a side dish for your tikka masala.

All of the fresh, watery veggies make this salad a great choice to enjoy on a hot summer day when you need something fresh.

All in all, this Indian side dish is a prime choice to go with your tikka masala.

10. Paneer

Paneer is a type of cheese that is made by curdling milk with yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar. The result is a butter-like cheese that doesn’t melt.

When it is a side dish, you can eat paneer in a few different ways. You can serve them on whole wheat crackers, or in a dip made with spinach.

Paneer is a versatile option that can create numerous side dishes for your tikka masala.

11. Roti Bread

Roti is a type of unleavened bread as opposed to naan which is leavened. This means that roti is made without yeast and is slightly thicker.

This dish is an excellent way to scoop up the tikka masala’s creamy sauce once you have finished your chicken. After all, there’s no point in leaving those rich and creamy juices behind.

12. Pilau Rice

Pilau rice is a variation of plain basmati rice. This simple rice recipe doesn’t need a lot of preparation, just some basmati rice and some spices and veggies such as turmeric and onion.

Pilau makes use of its fragrant spices by acting as a fantastic side dish for tikka masala.

This meeting of flavorful dishes creates a wide array of tastes that can’t be done justice with words.

13. Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a popular type of Indian food comprised of potatoes and cauliflower that has been well seasoned with spices such as cumin powder and turmeric. 

This flavorful dish will pair well with your tikka masala sauce and the spices that go into it. This is a great starchier option to pair with your tikka masala.

14. Jajik

This yogurt-based side dish incorporates mint and cucumber to make a fresh side dish. This creamy dish pairs well with umami flavors like meats.

The spices of tikka masala and this yogurt and cucumber salad makes a wonderful combo. These contrasting flavors work together to make a wonderful meal.

Chutney Or Paneer? How To Choose The Best Side Dish To Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that can be paired with plenty of different side dishes.

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet like chutney or flavorful like pilau rice, the best side dish for you is out there.

If you’re wondering what to serve with your masala, consider how you prepared your main dish. 

How you prepared your tomato-based sauce or chicken marinated in spices can be key for determining what you want to pair your meal with.

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