Best Side Dishes for Chicken Curry: 27+ Tasty Pairing Ideas
When you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of chicken curry, finding the perfect side dishes can take your meal from good to amazing.
I’ve tried countless combinations over the years, and let me tell you – the right accompaniments make all the difference!
Whether you love traditional Indian sides or want to try something new, you’ll find plenty of delicious options here.
From fluffy basmati rice to crispy samosas, we’ll explore side dishes that complement the rich flavors and textures of your favorite curry.
Just like how butter chicken pairs beautifully with certain sides, chicken curry also has its perfect matches.
What is Chicken Curry?
Let’s learn about this yummy dish! Chicken curry makes people happy all over the world. It’s full of tasty spices and flavors.
All About Chicken Curry:
- The Basics: Chicken curry is so good! You take soft chicken and cook it in a tasty sauce. The sauce has lots of spices that make it super yummy. Some people add veggies too!
- Where It Comes From: This dish started in India long ago. Now, lots of places make it their own way! Thai folks add coconut milk. Caribbean cooks use different spices. Each place makes curry special.
- Different Types: Every family has their favorite way of making curry. Some like butter chicken – it’s creamy and mild. Others love spicy tikka masala! Some add potatoes, while others keep it simple with just chicken.
- How It Tastes: Mmm, chicken curry can be spicy or mild. Some are creamy and smooth. Others are hot and zingy! The spices make your nose happy, and your mouth water.
Whether you like it mild or super spicy, chicken curry brings people together. It’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen!
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Curry
I’m excited to share these amazing sides that’ll make your curry shine! From simple recipes to crowd-pleasers, you’ll find something perfect for your Indian dinner.
Potato-Based Side Dishes for Chicken Curry
These potato sides are comfort food at its best, making them perfect partners for your curry of choice.
- Bombay Potatoes: Baby potatoes get dressed up with Indian spices and clarified butter (ghee). They’re crispy outside, soft inside, and packed with flavor. This gluten-free side dish takes just 30 minutes to make, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Aloo Gobi: Here’s a healthy side where cauliflower meets potatoes in a dance of spices. You can make this simple recipe in your instant pot or stovetop. The turmeric gives it a beautiful yellow color that brightens up your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Looking for something different? My creamy mashed potatoes soak up curry sauce like a dream. I add a touch of chicken stock for extra flavor – trust me, it makes all the difference!
- Potato Wedges: Want some crunch? These crispy wedges are your answer! Season them with Indian spices for an extra kick. They’re my go-to when curry is on the menu.
- Aloo Tikki: These spiced potato patties are a popular Indian snack that doubles as a great side dish. Golden and crispy outside, soft inside – they’re totally addictive!
Flavorful Rice Dishes to Pair with Chicken Curry
Rice is a classic curry companion, and these variations will make your meal extra special.
- Basmati Rice: Long, fluffy grains with a heavenly aroma. The recipe is made simple – just rinse well and cook with a pinch of salt. It’s perfect for soaking up those rich curry flavors!
- Ghee Rice: This vibrant rice dish gets its richness from ghee (clarified butter). Add whole spices like cardamom and cinnamon – the recipe card shows you exactly how. It complements the spices in chicken curry beautifully.
- Jeera Rice: Basmati rice flavored with cumin (jeera) seeds makes for a fragrant side. Looking for the best version? Toast those cumin seeds until they pop!
- Lemon Rice: Here’s a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the curry. The citrus zing pairs well with spicy dishes. I love adding curry leaves when I have them.
- Khichdi: This comforting mix of rice and lentils is perfect when you want something lighter. You can make it in an instant pot or stovetop – both ways turn out great!
Traditional Indian Bread to Serve with Chicken Curry
I love how Indian breads make curry time extra special! Let’s discover your new favorite way to scoop up that yummy sauce.
- Naan: Hot, puffy naan fresh from the pan is pure joy! I brush mine with melted ghee and sprinkle garlic on top. You’ll love how it gets those pretty brown spots. The soft, stretchy texture makes it perfect for scooping curry. My family fights over the last piece every time!
- Garlic Naan: Regular naan gets a flavor boost with lots of garlic and fresh herbs. I brush it with butter and add chopped cilantro too. The garlic gets all toasty and sweet. It smells so good, that your neighbors might come knocking!
- Roti (Chapati): Want a lighter bread? Try roti! These whole wheat flatbreads are super healthy. I make them daily, and they stay warm in a special cloth. You can watch them puff up on the stove. Rolling them out is like a fun cooking game!
- Paratha: Oh my goodness, these flaky breads are amazing! Each layer gets brushed with ghee, making them so rich and yummy. When you tear a piece, you’ll see all the pretty layers inside. They’re crispy outside but soft inside. Pure bread heaven!
- Puri: These fun little breads puff up like balloons when you fry them! Kids love watching them grow in the hot oil. They’re crispy, light, and perfect for breaking and dipping. My secret? A pinch of ajwain seeds in the dough makes them extra tasty.
Vegetable Sides That Complement Chicken Curry
Adding veggies makes your curry meal complete! Here are some colorful sides that’ll make your plate look like a rainbow.
- Steamed Vegetables: Fresh veggies get a gentle steam bath with simple spices. I add carrots, peas, beans, and cauliflower. A sprinkle of cumin and lemon juice wakes up all the flavors. You can pick your favorite veggies too!
- Vegetable Medley: Quick-cooked veggies keep their crunch and bright colors. I toss them with Indian spices and a touch of ghee. Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms work great. Your curry just got a new best friend!
- Saag Paneer: Creamy spinach hugs little cheese cubes in this classic dish. The garlic and ginger make it super flavorful. You’ll feel strong like Popeye! It’s smooth, rich, and totally addictive.
- Baingan Bharta: Smoky eggplant gets mashed up with tomatoes and spices. The charred flavor is amazing! I cook the eggplant right on the flame. It’s like a warm hug for your curry.
- Zucchini Stir-Fry: Light and fresh zucchini cook up quick and easy. Some sesame seeds pop in hot oil first. Then the zucchini gets all golden and yummy. It’s perfect when you want something light!
Refreshing Salads & Raita to Balance Chicken Curry
When curry brings the heat, these cool sides come to the rescue! Let’s explore some refreshing options.
- Cucumber Raita: Cool yogurt meets crisp cucumber in this refreshing dish. I add mint leaves and a tiny bit of cumin powder. The creamy texture feels so nice with spicy curry. Some people like to add grated carrots too. It’s like a tasty cooling blanket for your tongue!
- Chickpea Salad: This protein-packed salad makes curry time extra special. Fresh tomatoes, avocado, cucumbers, and chickpeas play together nicely. A squeeze of lemon makes everything pop! I toss in fresh cilantro and onions. You’ll love how filling it is!
- Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocados get dressed up Indian style! Mix with red onions, tomatoes, and lime juice. The smooth texture feels amazing with curry. I add a pinch of chaat masala for fun. It’s like guacamole went on a trip to India!
- Kachumber Salad: This simple Indian salad is so fresh and crunchy! Dice up cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions really small. Add a splash of lemon and some herbs. It’s light, bright, and makes curry even better. Every bite feels like a little party!
- Mint Chutney: Fresh mint leaves turn into a magical green sauce! I blend it with green chilies and lime juice. It wakes up your taste buds right away. Some coconut makes it extra special. You’ll want to put this on everything!
Snacks & Appetizers as Side Dishes for Chicken Curry
Start your curry feast with these yummy bites! They’re so good, that you might fill up before the main dish.
- Onion Bhajis: Crispy onion fritters that crunch when you bite them! The batter has chickpea flour and spices. They’re like onion rings but way more exciting. I dip them in chutney. Perfect for snacking while curry cooks!
- Vegetable Pakoras: Mixed veggies get a crispy coating that’s super fun to munch. Each bite is different – maybe potato, maybe cauliflower! The spicy batter makes them extra tasty. They disappear fast at my house!
- Crispy Samosas: Triangle pastries stuffed with spicy potatoes and peas. The outside gets all golden and flaky. Everyone loves breaking into the crispy shell. They’re like little treasure packets!
- Radish Chips: Thin radish slices turn into crunchy chips in the oven. Just a sprinkle of salt and pepper makes them perfect. They’re light but satisfying. Such a fun twist on regular chips!
- Pani Puri: Hollow crispy balls filled with spicy water and chickpeas. You crack the top and fill them up. Each one is a tiny flavor explosion! It’s like a game and snack in one!
Conclusion
You’ve now got a whole collection of the best side dishes for chicken curry! From cooling raita to crispy samosas, these tasty sides will make your curry night extra special.
Mix and match different sides – maybe try roti with cucumber raita one day, and naan with Bombay potatoes the next. Your curry adventures are about to get even more exciting!
