Have you ever found yourself staring at a plate of delicious chicken satay and wondering “what else should I serve with this?” You’re not alone! As someone who’s been cooking Asian-inspired meals for years I’ve experimented with countless side dishes to find the perfect companions for this flavorful dish.
Chicken satay, with its tender grilled meat and rich peanut sauce, is a star on its own – but pairing it with the right sides can transform it from a simple appetizer into a memorable feast. Today, I’ll share my favorite side dishes that complement chicken satay perfectly, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something special for dinner.
What Exactly is Chicken Satay?
Before diving into the side dishes let’s quickly talk about what makes chicken satay so special. This popular dish originated in Indonesia but has become a favorite across Southeast Asia particularly in Thailand and Malaysia.
Chicken satay features marinated strips of chicken threaded onto skewers and grilled over an open flame. The marinade typically includes aromatics like garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric, giving the chicken incredible flavor. After grilling, the chicken skewers are served with a rich peanut dipping sauce that’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy.
The combination of tender, charred chicken and creamy peanut sauce creates a flavor profile that’s absolutely irresistible!
Best Rice Dishes to Serve with Chicken Satay
Rice is perhaps the most traditional accompaniment to chicken satay, providing a neutral base that soaks up the delicious peanut sauce. Here are some of my favorite rice options:
1. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is hands-down my favorite partner for chicken satay. The subtle sweetness and fragrant aroma of coconut complement the bold flavors of the satay perfectly.
To make it, simply combine jasmine rice with coconut milk, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. The result is fluffy, fragrant rice that elevates your entire meal. I sometimes add a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut and fresh lime juice just before serving for extra flavor.
2. Jasmine Rice
Sometimes simplicity is best! Plain jasmine rice provides a neutral canvas that allows the flavors of the chicken satay and peanut sauce to shine. Its subtle floral aroma and fluffy texture make it a perfect accompaniment.
3. Garlic Rice
Want to add a bit more flavor to your rice? Try garlic rice! Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding your rice and cooking liquid. The result is a savory side dish that can stand up to the bold flavors of chicken satay.
4. Fried Rice
For something a bit more substantial, fried rice makes an excellent side for chicken satay. The combination of rice, vegetables, and seasonings creates a tasty base for the grilled chicken. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice!
Refreshing Salads to Balance the Meal
The rich, creamy peanut sauce of chicken satay pairs beautifully with bright, crunchy salads. These refreshing sides cut through the richness and provide a nice contrast in texture.
5. Cucumber Salad
A simple cucumber salad is my go-to side dish for chicken satay. Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and perhaps some red chili for heat create a refreshing counterpoint to the rich peanut sauce.
The Din Tai Fung-style cucumber salad is particularly good – with cucumbers marinated in a garlicky dressing and drizzled with chili oil. It’s cool, crunchy, and absolutely addictive!
6. Asian Slaw
Asian slaw offers a similar refreshing crunch but with more variety of vegetables. Shred napa cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and scallions, then toss with a dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. The sweet-sour flavors balance the satay beautifully.
7. Papaya Salad
Thai papaya salad (som tam) is another excellent choice. The combination of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, long beans, peanuts, and a spicy-tangy dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, and chilies creates an explosion of flavors that pairs wonderfully with chicken satay.
8. Shirazi Salad
This simple salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion dressed with plenty of fresh herbs, lime juice, and olive oil. Every bite is bursting with refreshing flavors that complement the rich satay sauce.
Noodle Dishes for a Heartier Meal
If you’re looking to make chicken satay the centerpiece of a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with these noodle dishes:
9. Spicy Peanut Noodles
Peanut noodles are a natural companion to chicken satay since they share similar flavor profiles. Cook linguine or rice noodles and toss them with a sauce made of peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili paste. The creamy, nutty noodles with a kick of heat are fantastic alongside the satay.
10. Satay Noodle Salad
For a lighter take on peanut noodles, try a satay noodle salad. Combine rice vermicelli with julienned vegetables like cucumber and carrot, then dress with a peanut-based sauce. The cool noodles and crunchy veggies offer a nice contrast to the warm satay skewers.
11. Thai Glass Noodle Salad
This light and tangy noodle salad features rice vermicelli noodles tossed with vegetables and a zesty lime dressing. The bright flavors and varied textures make it a perfect partner for chicken satay.
12. Zucchini Noodles
For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) work surprisingly well with chicken satay. Their mild flavor and al dente texture allow the bold flavors of the satay and peanut sauce to shine.
Vegetable Sides for a Well-Balanced Meal
Adding vegetable sides not only makes your meal more nutritious but also adds variety in texture and flavor.
13. Steamed Vegetable Medley
A simple medley of steamed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas makes a healthy and colorful addition to your chicken satay meal. A light drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil enhances the flavors without overwhelming them.
14. Stir-Fried Vegetables
For more flavor, try quick-stir frying your favorite vegetables with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. The slight char from the wok adds depth that pairs well with the grilled chicken satay.
15. Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
Grilled corn slathered with a zesty chili lime butter makes a fantastic side for chicken satay, especially if you’re already firing up the grill for the chicken. The sweet corn balances the strong flavors of the chicken perfectly.
16. Thai Basil Eggplant
Grilled eggplant with Thai basil is another excellent choice. The smoky flavor of the eggplant complements the charred chicken satay, while the sweet and salty Thai-style marinade adds another dimension of flavor.
Bread and Dumpling Options
Bread and dumplings provide yet another texture to round out your meal:
17. Roti Canai
This flaky, stretchy flatbread from Malaysia is fantastic for dipping in peanut sauce. The rich sauce soaks into the soft, chewy roti beautifully, making for an amazing hand-held accompaniment to chicken satay.
18. Naan
If you can’t find roti, naan is a great alternative. This soft Indian bread works wonderfully for scooping up peanut sauce and pairs well with the spices used in chicken satay.
19. Steamed Dumplings
Steamed dumplings might not be traditional, but they make a delicious addition to a chicken satay meal. The soft, tender dough filled with vegetables or meat provides a nice contrast to the grilled chicken.
20. Bao Buns
Soft and pillowy bao buns are another fun option. You can stuff them with pickled vegetables or additional chicken for a more substantial side dish.
Additional Creative Sides
Looking for something a bit different? Try these unique sides:
21. Grilled Pineapple
The natural sweetness of grilled pineapple helps counteract any spiciness in the satay, while the caramelization from grilling adds depth and complexity.
22. Edamame
Simple steamed edamame beans, lightly salted, make a great palate cleanser between bites of chicken satay. Plus, they add extra protein to your meal!
23. Fried Tofu with Thai Basil
Crispy pan-fried tofu topped with a Thai basil stir-fry provides an interesting textural contrast to the chicken satay.
Putting It All Together: Creating a Balanced Meal
When planning your chicken satay meal, I recommend choosing 2-3 sides from different categories for a well-rounded experience:
- A starchy base (rice or noodles)
- A refreshing salad or vegetable dish
- Optionally, a bread for dipping in extra peanut sauce
Some foolproof combinations include:
- Coconut rice + cucumber salad + steamed bok choy
- Jasmine rice + papaya salad + roti
- Peanut noodles + Asian slaw + grilled corn
The key is balancing flavors and textures. Aim for a mix of cooling and crunchy sides along with heartier, savory options. This helps cut through the rich peanut sauce while providing a satisfying meal.
FAQ About Serving Chicken Satay
What’s the simplest way to serve chicken satay?
For a hassle-free meal, serve chicken satay with plain rice or noodles, a wedge of lime, and some fresh cilantro.
How do you eat satay properly?
The traditional way is to take one skewer of satay and dip it in the peanut sauce before eating. Notice that the peanut sauce is typically served on a plate or in a shallow, flared bowl.
Is chicken satay spicy?
Traditional chicken satay has a mild to moderate level of spice, but you can always adjust the heat level in your peanut sauce according to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, reduce or eliminate the chili components.
Can I make chicken satay with other proteins?
Absolutely! While chicken is most common, satay can also be made with beef or pork. Flank steak cut across the grain or diced pork tenderloin would work well with the same marinades and sides.
Final Thoughts
Chicken satay is such a versatile dish that it pairs well with countless side dishes. Whether you’re planning a Thai-inspired feast or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these sides will help create a memorable meal.
The rich, savory flavors of the chicken and peanut sauce are beautifully complemented by fresh, crunchy vegetables and aromatic rice or noodle dishes. And don’t forget the bread for sopping up extra sauce!
Now, who else is suddenly craving chicken satay? I know I am!
