What to Serve with Tandoori Chicken

When you pull tandoori chicken, a spicy, smoky, marinated grilled chicken dish from North Indian cuisine out of the oven or tandoor, the real question isn’t how good it tastes—it’s what should you put on the plate with it. Tandoori chicken isn’t just a main course; it’s a flavor bomb that needs the right partners to balance its heat, smokiness, and richness. Without the right sides, you’re left with a delicious but unbalanced meal.

That’s where Indian rice dishes, like fragrant basmati rice or layered biryani come in. They’re not just filler—they’re essential. The mild, fluffy texture of rice soaks up the tandoori marinade and cools your palate after each bite. Biryani, with its layered spices and saffron aroma, doesn’t compete with the chicken—it elevates it. And if you’re looking for something quicker, plain steamed basmati with a knob of butter or a sprinkle of cumin works just as well. Then there’s Indian breads, like naan, roti, or paratha. These aren’t just for scooping up sauce; they’re part of the eating ritual. A warm, slightly charred naan lets you wrap bites of chicken with mint chutney, creating a flavor combo that’s better than any single element alone.

Don’t forget the chutney for tandoori chicken, especially mint-coriander or tamarind-based versions. It’s not an afterthought—it’s the secret weapon. The tangy, herbal kick cuts through the richness of the chicken and the char from the grill. A good chutney doesn’t just sit on the side; it transforms each bite. And if you’re out of store-bought chutney, simple swaps like mango salsa or spiced apple butter work surprisingly well. For a complete experience, add a simple cucumber salad with lemon and salt, or a bowl of plain yogurt with a pinch of roasted cumin. These aren’t fancy—they’re functional. They cleanse, cool, and prepare your palate for the next bite.

You’ll find plenty of posts below that dig into exactly these pairings—why biryani works so well with tandoori chicken, which chutneys actually match its spice profile, and how to fix flat roti so it holds up to the juicy meat. There’s no fluff here. Just real, tested combinations that people in Indian kitchens use every day. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding yourself after a long day, these pairings make the difference between good and unforgettable.