Chicken satay is a popular and flavorful dish consisting of marinated, skewered, and grilled chicken, often served with a delicious peanut sauce.

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate this tasty dish and create a memorable meal.

In this post, you will find 20 side dishes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with chicken satay are coconut rice, cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, bok choy, bao buns, orange chicken, egg roll in a bowl, edamame, zucchini noodles, jasmine rice, mango sticky rice, fried rice, spring rolls, Asian slaw, grilled pineapple, stir-fried vegetables, and papaya salad.

Let's dive in!

1. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a fragrant and slightly sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken satay. The subtle coconut flavor complements the savory chicken and rich peanut sauce, while the fluffy rice provides a satisfying base for the meal.

2. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing cucumber salad is an excellent choice to serve with chicken satay. The cool, crisp cucumbers provide a contrasting texture to the grilled chicken, while the light dressing helps to cleanse the palate between bites, ensuring every mouthful is delightful.

3. Steamed Dumplings

Steamed dumplings are a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with chicken satay. The soft, tender dough encases a variety of flavorful fillings, providing a delightful contrast to the grilled chicken and adding an extra layer of complexity to the meal.

4. Bok Choy

This leafy green is a light and nutritious choice. Sautéed with garlic and a hint of soy sauce, bok choy adds a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to your plate. Its crisp texture contrasts nicely with the tender chicken satay, making it a refreshing and healthy side dish.

5. Bao Buns

Soft and pillowy, bao buns are a fun and versatile side. You can stuff them with a variety of fillings, such as pickled vegetables or additional chicken. The fluffy texture of the buns complements the rich flavors of the satay, and their versatility allows you to get creative with your meal.

6. Orange Chicken

Orange chicken brings a sweet and tangy flavor to the table. Its citrusy sauce and crispy coating provide a delightful contrast to the savory peanut sauce of the satay. This dish adds a bold and zesty element, making your meal more vibrant and flavorful.

7. Egg Roll in a Bowl

This deconstructed egg roll offers all the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. It's a mix of sautéed vegetables and meat, seasoned with Asian spices. This dish is a low-carb option that adds a crunchy and savory aspect to complement the chicken satay.

8. Edamame

Edamame beans, lightly salted and steamed, are a simple yet tasty side. Their subtle, nutty flavor and firm texture make them a great palate cleanser between bites of chicken satay. Plus, they're packed with protein, making your meal more nutritious.

9. Mango Kani Salad

Mango Kani salad is a sweet and refreshing choice. It combines the sweetness of mango with the delicate flavor of crab meat, dressed in a light mayo-based sauce. This salad adds a unique and fruity flavor to your meal, offering a delightful contrast to the chicken satay.

10. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," are a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional noodles that work well with chicken satay. Their mild flavor and al dente texture allow the bold flavors of the satay and peanut sauce to shine without being overpowering.

11. Jasmine Rice

Steamed jasmine rice is a simple and versatile side dish that works well with chicken satay. The delicate aroma and fluffy texture of the rice make it an ideal base to soak up the flavorful peanut sauce, creating a harmonious and enjoyable meal.

12. Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a sweet and satisfying side dish that adds an exotic touch to your chicken satay meal. The combination of creamy, sweet rice and ripe, juicy mango provides a pleasant contrast to the savory flavors of the satay, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

13. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken satay. The combination of rice, vegetables, and seasonings creates a tasty base for the grilled chicken, while the variety of ingredients ensures a well-rounded and fulfilling meal.

14. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a light and refreshing side dish that adds a touch of freshness to your chicken satay meal. The crisp vegetables and tender rice paper create a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the satay, making for a well-balanced and enjoyable meal.

15. Asian Slaw

Asian slaw is a tangy and crunchy side dish that complements the flavors of chicken satay. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing helps to balance the richness of the satay and peanut sauce, while the variety of textures adds interest to the meal.

16. Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a unique and delicious side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your chicken satay meal. The natural sweetness of the pineapple helps to counteract the spiciness of the satay, while the caramelization from grilling adds depth and complexity to the dish.

17. Stir-Fried Vegetables

Stir-fried vegetables are a healthy and colorful side dish that goes well with chicken satay. The variety of vegetables adds texture and flavor, while the quick stir-frying method ensures the veggies remain crisp and vibrant, complementing the tender chicken.

18. Las Vegas Roll

Adding a Las Vegas Roll to your chicken satay meal brings a fusion of flavors. This sushi roll, often filled with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and sometimes a hint of spice, is deep-fried for a crispy exterior. Its combination of textures – creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside – along with the unique flavors, makes it an exciting and unconventional pairing with chicken satay.

19. Roti Bread

Roti is a soft and flaky flatbread that pairs beautifully with chicken satay. The warm, buttery bread is perfect for scooping up the peanut sauce and chicken, creating a satisfying and interactive dining experience.

20. Papaya Salad

Papaya salad is a zesty and flavorful side dish that complements the flavors of chicken satay. The combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy elements in the salad helps to balance the richness of the satay and peanut sauce, while the crunchy texture adds a contrasting element.

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