Are you staring at your delicious Thai coconut chicken and wondering “what else should I put on this plate?” I’ve been there! Thai coconut chicken is absolutely amazing with its creamy coconut milk sauce, tangy lime, and aromatic spices, but figuring out the perfect sides can be tricky.
After countless dinner experiments in my kitchen (some successful, some… not so much), I’ve put together this ultimate guide to what pairs perfectly with Thai coconut chicken. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or just trying to make your weeknight dinner more exciting, these sides will elevate your meal from good to unforgettable!
Why Side Dishes Matter with Thai Coconut Chicken
Before diving into specific recommendations let’s talk about why choosing the right side dishes is so important
- Balance of flavors: Thai coconut chicken has a rich, creamy sauce with complex sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy notes
- Textural contrast: The right sides add crunch, chew, or freshness that complements the tender chicken
- Visual appeal: Colorful sides make your plate look Instagram-worthy
- Nutritional balance: Complete your meal with different food groups
Rice and Grain Options
1. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is the most classic pairing with Thai coconut chicken. Its delicate floral aroma and perfect sticky texture make it ideal for soaking up all that delicious coconut sauce. I like to cook mine with a little salt and sometimes add a bay leaf for extra flavor.
2. Coconut Rice
Want to double down on those coconut flavors? Coconut rice takes your meal to the next level! Made by cooking jasmine rice in coconut milk instead of water, it adds an extra layer of tropical flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the chicken.
Quick Coconut Rice Recipe:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- Water as needed
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: toasted coconut flakes for garnish
3. Brown Rice and Vegetables
For a more nutritious option, brown rice mixed with sautéed vegetables adds fiber and nutrients. The nutty flavor and chewy texture of brown rice creates a hearty base for the coconut chicken. I usually throw in some broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for color and crunch.
Noodle Options
4. Chilled Rice Noodles
For a refreshing contrast to warm coconut chicken, chilled rice noodles are perfect. They’re super easy to prepare – just soak thin rice noodles in hot water for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with a bit of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and fresh cilantro.
5. Peanut Noodles
Spicy peanut noodles create a wonderful flavor contrast. The savory, nutty sauce complements the coconut chicken beautifully. I make a quick sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sriracha. Pour it over rice noodles and top with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
6. Zucchini Noodles
Looking for a low-carb option? Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are my go-to! With just 35 calories per cup, they’re light and nutritious, plus they won’t compete with the coconut chicken flavors. I like to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon for extra zing.
Vegetable Sides
7. Cucumber Salad
A simple cucumber salad provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, rich coconut chicken. I thinly slice English cucumbers and red onions, then toss them in a dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s so refreshing!
8. Sautéed Green Beans
When I need a quick veggie side, sautéed green beans never disappoint. Their vibrant green color looks beautiful on the plate, and they retain a nice crisp texture that contrasts with the tender chicken. Just quickly sauté them with sliced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
9. Bok Choy
Bok choy is a nutritious green that cooks in minutes and offers loads of vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Its slightly bitter flavor pairs nicely with the sweet coconut sauce. I usually sauté it quickly with garlic and sesame oil, but steaming works great too.
10. Broccoli Salad
For a more substantial veggie side, a broccoli salad with fresh broccoli florets, carrots, pecans, apples, red onion, and bacon brings amazing texture and flavor. The tangy-sweet mayo dressing complements the coconut chicken beautifully, and it can be prepared ahead of time.
11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
This is one of my favorite veggie combos! Toss brussels sprouts and sweet potato chunks in avocado oil and maple syrup, season with salt and pepper, then roast until they’re tender and caramelized. The slight bitterness of the brussels sprouts and sweetness of the potatoes balance the coconut sauce perfectly.
Fruity Additions
12. Grilled Pineapple
For a tropical twist, grilled pineapple is absolutely amazing with coconut chicken! The caramelized fruit develops a delicious char while maintaining its juicy sweetness. Just brush pineapple slices with a bit of oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. The color and flavor it adds to your plate is incredible!
13. Mango Pineapple Salsa
To create an impressive tropical chicken dish, top your coconut chicken with fresh mango pineapple salsa. The sweetness of the fruit complements the rich coconut sauce perfectly. I mix diced mango, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for a bright, vibrant topping.
14. Mango Kani Salad
This unique salad combines sweet mango with savory imitation crab meat (kani) for an irresistible sweet-savory flavor combo. Add cucumber, carrot, and romaine lettuce for crunch. It’s unexpected but works beautifully with coconut chicken.
15. Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
For authentic Thai flavors, spicy papaya salad is a traditional side that pairs wonderfully with coconut chicken. Shredded green papaya and tomatoes mixed with lime, fish sauce, chilies, and crunchy peanuts create bright, bold flavors that cut through the richness of the coconut sauce.
Bread Options
16. Naan Bread
Looking for something to scoop up that delicious coconut sauce? Naan bread is perfect! The slightly tangy bread pairs wonderfully with the sweet coconut sauce. I love tearing off pieces and using them to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put coconut cream in chicken instead of coconut milk?
I definitely recommend using full-fat coconut milk rather than straight coconut cream. The coconut milk provides the perfect balance – it’s thick and creamy but still thin enough to create a nice saucy texture. Coconut cream can be too thick and might make your sauce too heavy.
What does lime juice do to chicken?
Lime juice serves two important purposes in coconut chicken. First, it adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the coconut milk. Second, the acidity in the lime juice helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down the meat fibers, resulting in juicier, more tender chicken.
Can I freeze coconut milk chicken?
Yes, you can freeze coconut chicken, although there is a risk that the coconut milk might separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently on the stove.
What drinks pair well with Thai coconut chicken?
Here are some fantastic beverage pairings:
- Thai iced tea (sweet and creamy)
- Coconut water (light and refreshing)
- Sparkling wine (crisp acidity cuts through the richness)
- Lightly hopped beer (refreshing contrast)
Final Thoughts
Thai coconut chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with so many different sides! My personal favorite combo is coconut rice with a cucumber salad and grilled pineapple – the mix of textures and flavors is absolutely perfect.
The beauty of this dish is that you can adjust the sides based on what you have available or your dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for something traditional like jasmine rice or want to try something different like zucchini noodles, there’s a perfect pairing for everyone.
What’s your favorite side to serve with Thai coconut chicken? I’d love to hear about your combinations in the comments!
What to Serve with Coconut Chicken
Every great chicken dinner deserves a delicious side dish or two! Keep reading to find a side dish that sounds great to you. There’s something for everyone!
It may sound a little unconventional, but I love a serving a french fries with coconut chicken.
Baked french fries are so simple to prepare and you can add whatever seasoning you like. You can even dip them into the extra coconut sauce!
Green beans are one of the simplest and tastiest veggies to sauté!
And this recipe for Sautéed Green Beans is my all time favorite! It’s a restaurant-quality side dish made with just 5 ingredients right in your own kitchen.
To make these pan-fried green beans, cook bacon in a large skillet.
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan, but leave the grease. You’ll use that to sauté the green beans for the best flavor!
So, add the beans into the pan, season with a little bit of garlic, salt, and pepper, and enjoy!
These roasted potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes. They’re simple, flavorful, and go with pretty much anything!
To put together these perfect roasted potatoes, simply chop up a couple pounds of Russet potatoes, cover them in oil, dried herbs, and a couple of seasonings.
Then pop them in the oven at high heat until they’re soft in the middle and deliciously crispy and golden brown on the outside.
Who knew you could achieve crisp-tender roasted veggies using frozen veggies?
This recipe is a step-by-step guide on roasting frozen veggies perfectly every single time.
This recipe uses thawed California-blend veggies that are covered in oil, parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and smoked paprika.
The veggies are thawed and drained, seasoned to perfection, then roasted until soft in the middle and crispy on the edges.
This sautéed broccoli is the perfect side dish for an easy family dinner or for a fancier dinner party!
It’s quick to come together and features the best blend of fresh flavors.
To make this sautéed broccoli, chop broccoli into florets, arrange in a single layer in a skillet, then cook until golden-brown and crisp-tender.
Finish with garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, then serve with your favorite entree!
This coconut jasmine rice is the perfect flavor pairing for coconut chicken.
It’s light, flavorful, and takes just 5 quick minutes to prep.
This recipe features long-grain jasmine rice cooked in a combination of coconut milk, coconut water, sugar, and salt.
The result is tender and creamy rice infused with the perfect amount of coconut flavor and a touch of sweetness!
This summer vegetable couscous salad is bursting with colors, fresh flavors, and textures.
It’s simple to make, easily customizable, and makes an excellent side dish to an array of entrees.
This couscous salad is made with chewy couscous mixed with grilled zucchini, bell pepper, and onion all doused in a tangy and bright vinaigrette.
These roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are the perfect combination.
The two veggies are smothered in avocado oil and maple syrup, seasoned with salt and pepper, then roasted until soft tender and caramelized.
Whip this easy side dish up with 15 minutes of prep, garnish with chopped pecans, and devour!
This recipe is one you’ll be making for every meal.
There’s nothing better than an old-fashioned three bean salad. It’s a simple, fresh, crowd-pleasing side dish that just gets better as it sits!
This bean salad is made with green beans, chickpeas, and cannellini beans tossed together with purple onion, fresh rosemary, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette.
Enjoy this recipe as-is or customize it to suit your tastes. There are so many possibilities!
To create a tropical chicken dish, top it with some mango pineapple salsa.
Spoon the salsa evenly over each piece of chicken, ensuring every bite has mango and pineapple for flavor.
The fruit’s sweetness complements the coconut’s richness, creating a delicious blend.
Perfect for summer gatherings or a unique twist to weeknight dinners.
Is there anything better than a perfect, fluffy, buttery baked potato?
I don’t think so! It’s simple, it’s tasty, it’s a hit with everyone, and it goes with everything.
This recipe for baked potatoes allows you to create the best baked potatoes every time.
It’s made with Russet potatoes covered in oil, salt, and pepper, then baked at high heat until the skin is nice and crispy and the middle is steaming and tender.
Broccoli salad is one of my favorite side dishes to whip up for the summer, but it can be served all year long with any of your favorite entrees!
This recipe is made using fresh broccoli florets, carrots, pecans, apples, red onion, and bacon.
It has so many flavors and textures that come together perfectly with a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet mayonnaise dressing.
This recipe is a crowd favorite and is ready to serve in a quick 25 minutes.
Keep your side dish simple and classic with this homemade Italian bread recipe.
It’s so much better than store-bought and can be served buttered up with coconut chicken, used for sandwiches, made into croutons, you name it.
This homemade bread is made with a combination of yeast and water, a little bit of sugar, olive oil, salt, and bread flour.
It’s perfectly light, tender, soft, and fluffy with a golden crust.
Roasted asparagus and brussels sprouts is the veggie duo you’ll be serving with every dinner. It’s just that good!
This recipe is made with simple ingredients and requires just 10 minutes of prep.
Simply halve or quarter your brussels, trim your asparagus, then season the veggies with oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Roast at 425ºF until crisp-tender, then dig in!
Looking for an easy side dish for your coconut chicken? Try some naan bread!
The sweet coconut sauce pairs wonderfully with the tangy naan. Spread the chicken generously on top of the freshly baked naan to let the bread soak up the flavorful sauce.
This combination is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Can You Put Coconut Cream in Chicken?
I definitely recommend full fat coconut milk, not straight coconut cream.
The full-fat coconut milk is plenty thick and creamy, but still thin enough that you get that saucy texture.