Tandoori chicken is one of those dishes that’s loved by many — with its smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, it’s already delicious on its own. But when you pair it with the right sides and drinks, it becomes something truly special. Whether you’re cooking at home or enjoying a meal at Sizzling Grill, knowing what goes best with tandoori chicken Calgary can really level up your dining experience.
Bread is Always a Win
You can’t go wrong with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha alongside tandoori chicken. These soft, warm breads are perfect for soaking up all those tasty spices and juices. Garlic naan or butter naan adds an extra buttery, flavorful punch that pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.
If you want to try something a little different, stuffed naan — like cheese or potato stuffed — adds a creamy or hearty element that goes well with the spicy meat.
Rice Makes It a Meal
Pairing tandoori chicken with rice is another great option. Plain basmati rice works well if you want something simple, but if you want more flavor, try jeera rice (cumin-flavored) or a veggie-loaded pulao. Both bring extra aroma and texture that complement the chicken.
For a bigger meal, try tandoori chicken served with biryani. It’s a perfect combo of two classic Indian dishes.
Don’t Forget the Sauces
Chutneys and dips are a must! A fresh mint chutney adds a cool, spicy kick that balances the heat of the chicken. If you like tangy flavors, tamarind sauce is sweet and sour — great for cutting through the richness.
And there’s always raita, a yogurt-based dip with cucumber and spices that’s cool and creamy — especially helpful if the chicken is on the spicy side.
Fresh Salads Add Crunch
A simple salad can bring some freshness to your plate. A cucumber and tomato salad with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chaat masala is light, tangy, and crunchy — perfect alongside tender chicken.
Another popular choice is a sliced onion salad tossed with lime juice and chili powder. It adds just the right bite.
Drinks to Cool You Down
The right drink can really bring everything together. Try a classic lassi, a yogurt drink that comes sweet or salty — both help cool the heat. Mango lassi adds a sweet tropical twist that pairs well too.
If you want something fizzy, lemon soda is refreshing, or you could enjoy a cup of spicy masala chai. And for beer lovers, a cold lager or pilsner works great to balance the spices.
Sweet Treats to Finish
After all that flavor, a traditional Indian dessert is the perfect way to end your meal. Think gulab jamun (sweet milk balls soaked in syrup), rasmalai (soft cheese in sweet milk), or kheer (rice pudding). These desserts are sweet and creamy but light enough to finish off the meal nicely.
To Wrap It Up
Tandoori chicken Calgary is already amazing, but pairing it with the right breads, rice, chutneys, salads, and drinks makes it even better. Next time you want to enjoy this flavorful dish, try some of these pairing ideas or come visit Sizzling Grill — they know exactly how to serve up tandoori chicken with all the perfect sides to make your meal unforgettable.