What to Serve with Chicken Satay : 8 Yummy Ideas

One time, my family was invited to an engagement party. We were all really excited because it was going to be a big event. My mom wanted to ensure that she brought a dish that would impress the other guests. So she decided to make some of her famous Chicken Satay.

But when she got there, she realized she had forgotten to bring any side dishes!

She was so embarrassed that she didn’t know what to do. Luckily, the other guests were very understanding, and they all said that the chicken satay was so good that it didn’t need anything else. In spite of this, it’s always a good idea to have some side dishes with your chicken satay.

So by now, you probably have some unanswered questions like…

When it comes to chicken satay, what is the perfect side dish to serve with it?

However, there’s no one definitive answer for you. That’s because different people have different preferences when it comes to food. What I can offer you, though, are a few good options that you could consider.

Let’s take a look.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Satay

1. Peanut Noodles
2. Coconut Rice
3. Cucumber Salad
4. Potstickers
5. Banana Fritters
6. Mango Chutney
7. Vegetable Spring Rolls
8. Sesame Kale Chips

Peanut Noodles

First, up is peanut noodles. These noodles are a type of Asian noodle dish that is made using wheat-based noodles and a peanut sauce. The sauce is usually made by mixing together peanuts, soy sauce, sugar, and other spices.

So, why are peanut noodles a good side dish for chicken satay?

Well, first of all, they are both made using peanuts. Hence this is a side dish that will perfectly complement the peanutty sauce of your chicken satay.

Another reason why peanut noodles make a good side dish is that they are filling. The noodles and the sauce will help to fill you up so that you don’t end up eating too much chicken satay.

And finally, peanut noodles are easy to make. You can either buy them ready-made from the store or you can easily make them at home using a few simple ingredients.

Quick Recipe: Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Thai Basil

• Ingredients: Rice noodles, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, crispy tofu, Thai basil, red pepper flakes
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
  2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice.
  3. Toss noodles with sauce, crispy tofu, chopped Thai basil, and red pepper flakes.

Coconut Rice

Now y’all, I’m not one for tellin’ folks what to do. But I will say this, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried coconut rice as a side dish for chicken satay.

It’s the perfect complement to the rich, savory flavor of the chicken, and it’s so easy to prepare.

Quick Recipe: Coconut Rice with Mango and Cashews

• Ingredients: Jasmine rice, coconut milk, mango, cashews, lime zest
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook jasmine rice in coconut milk.
  2. Fluff and mix in diced mango, cashews, and lime zest.

Cucumber Salad

Next up is a side dish that is light and refreshing. You got it right, cucumber salad. This salad is made using cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. You can also add in other ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, or herbs.

In my opinion, cucumber salad makes an excellent side dish for chicken satay because it balances out the richness of the chicken. Likewise, the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the sugar also helps to cut through the spiciness of the dish.

And finally, cucumber salad is a healthy option. It’s low in calories and fat, and it’s a good source of vitamins and minerals.

To make this salad, simply slice up some cucumbers and add them to a bowl. Then, whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the cucumbers and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

After that, you can add in any other ingredients that you like. Once everything is mixed together, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Then, serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your chicken satay.

Quick Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Mint and Pomegranate

• Ingredients: Cucumber, mint, pomegranate seeds, olive oil, lemon juice
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Slice cucumber thinly.
  2. Toss with chopped mint, pomegranate seeds, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Potstickers

I’m not sure why, but something about the shape of a potsticker just says “party.” Maybe it’s because they’re like little presents, all wrapped up in pretty wrappers. Or maybe it’s because they’re so darn delicious. Either way, potstickers make a great side dish for Chicken Satay.

They can be prepared ahead of time, and they’re easy to eat with your fingers. Plus, they have that perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors that goes so well with chicken.

But most importantly, they’re easy to prepare. Just pop them in the oven and let them do their thing. Now if you’re not into Chicken Satay, that’s okay. These potstickers are versatile little buggers. You can use them as a side for just about anything. Heck, you could even have them as a main course.

So give ’em a try, I think you’ll be mighty glad you did.

Quick Recipe: Potstickers with Shiitake and Ginger Dipping Sauce

• Ingredients: Potsticker wrappers, ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Mix ground pork, chopped shiitake, soy sauce, minced ginger, and garlic.
  2. Fill and fold potsticker wrappers.
  3. Fry until crispy, then steam to finish cooking.
  4. For dipping sauce, mix soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame oil.

Banana Fritters

Following up on my list of side dishes for chicken satay, I have banana fritters. Now I know what you’re thinking. Banana fritters? Really? But trust me on this one, they’re truly awesome.

The sweetness of the bananas pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the chicken. Plus, they add a nice crunch to the dish. And let’s be honest, everything is better with a little bit of fried goodness.

Quick Recipe: Banana Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar

• Ingredients: Bananas, flour, sugar, cinnamon, oil for frying
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Slice bananas and dip in a batter made from flour and a little water.
  2. Fry in hot oil until golden.
  3. Toss with cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Mango Chutney

Another sweet treat that goes great with chicken satay is mango chutney. This stuff is seriously delicious. It’s got a nice balance of sweet and sour flavors, and it pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken.

Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just mix together some diced mangoes, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. How can you beat that? Also, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

When you’re ready to serve, just scoop out a dollop and plop it on your plate. I like to eat mine with a spoon, but you can totally eat it with your fingers if you want. It’s our secret!

Quick Recipe: Mango Chutney with Chili and Lime

• Ingredients: Mango, sugar, lime juice, chili, ginger
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Dice mango and simmer with sugar, lime juice, chopped chili, and grated ginger.
  2. Cook until thickened.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Up next are vegetable spring rolls. These are a great option if you’re looking for something light yet somewhat healthy. They’re also super easy to make. Just mix together some shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Then, add in a little bit of salt, pepper, and rice vinegar.

Once everything is mixed together, put a spoonful of the mixture onto a spring roll wrapper. Then, fold up the wrapper and deep fry it until it’s golden brown.

Once they’re done, drain them on some paper towels and then serve them with your chicken satay. I like to dip mine in a little bit of soy sauce, but there is a variety of dipping sauces you can choose from.

Quick Recipe: Vegetable Spring Rolls with Avocado and Sweet Chili Sauce

• Ingredients: Rice paper, mixed vegetables, avocado, sweet chili sauce, mint
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Soak rice paper until pliable.
  2. Fill with julienned vegetables, sliced avocado, and mint.
  3. Roll tightly and serve with sweet chili sauce.

Sesame Kale Chips

Last but not least, is sesame kale chips. These things are seriously addicting. They’re salty, savory, and just a little bit sweet. Not to mention, they’re super healthy for you since kale is packed with minerals, as well as vitamins K, C, and A.

Quick Recipe: Sesame Kale Chips with Garlic and Nutritional Yeast

• Ingredients: Kale, sesame oil, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Tear kale into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toss with sesame oil, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and salt.
  3. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

FAQ

Is chicken satay Thai or Indian?

Chicken satay is a dish that originated in Indonesia, but it’s commonly associated with Thai and Indian cuisine. The reason for this is that chicken satay is often served with rice or noodles, which are staple ingredients in both Thai and Indian cuisine.

How do you make chicken satay?

There are many different ways to make chicken satay, but the most common method is to marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, and coconut milk. Once the chicken is properly marinated, it’s then grilled on skewers until cooked through.

Is satay healthy to eat?

Yes, satay is generally healthy to eat. However, it’s important to note that the amount of fat and calories in chicken satay can vary depending on how it’s prepared. For example, if the chicken is marinated in coconut milk, it will be higher in fat than if it’s marinated in a leaner protein like yogurt.

What are some common side dishes for chicken satay?

Some common side dishes for chicken satay include mango chutney, vegetable spring rolls, sesame kale chips, and fried bananas.

Conclusion

No doubt about it, chicken satay is a delicious and healthy dish. But what really makes it shine are the side dishes. The right side dish can take this already amazing dish to new heights.

So, now that you know what to serve with chicken satay, what’s holding you back?

The kitchen or backyard grill awaits you! And don’t forget to have fun with it. After all, that’s what cooking is all about.