Chicken satay is a popular grilled meat dish that originated in Indonesia. It features skewers of marinated chicken that are grilled and served with a savory peanut dipping sauce. While the chicken is flavorful on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can take your meal to the next level.

In this article I’ll recommend 13 of the best side dishes to serve with chicken satay. I’ll provide quick overviews of each dish along with tips on preparation so you can easily whip up the perfect meal.

Overview of Chicken Satay

Before diving into side dish recommendations, let’s do a quick rundown of chicken satay itself The dish features slender strips of boneless chicken that are threaded onto skewers and grilled over hot coals or a grill

The chicken is first marinated for a minimum of 30 minutes, but preferably overnight, in a blend of aromatics like garlic, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and coconut milk. This imparts tons of flavor and keeps the meat tender when cooked over high heat.

Once grilled until charred and cooked through, the satay is served with a sweet and nutty peanut dipping sauce. The sauce often contains ingredients like coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili paste, and chopped peanuts. It provides a lovely contrast to the boldly spiced chicken.

Now let’s get into the recommended sides!

1. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a classic accompaniment to satay in Southeast Asian cuisine. It provides a sweet, fragrant base to balance the strong flavors of the chicken and peanut sauce.

To make it, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, lime zest, cilantro, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork before serving.

The coconut milk gives the rice a sweet creaminess while the cilantro adds a bright, herbal note. Lime zest also contributes a nice citrusy flair. This is simple to make but very flavorful.

2. Cucumber Salad

A light and refreshing cucumber salad is another fantastic pairing for chicken satay. It helps cut through the richness of the peanut sauce.

Simply mix sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, and scallions. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The cool, crisp cucumber topped with a sweet, tangy dressing provides the perfect balance.

For extra texture, you can add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or red cabbage. Some crushed peanuts on top add crunch as well. It’s a bright, tasty side dish.

3. Steamed Vegetable Medley

A medley of quick-steamed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas is a healthy option. The vegetables retain their crunch and vibrant flavor when steamed briefly.

To prepare, cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Set up a steamer basket in a pot with about an inch of water. Place veggies in the basket, cover, and steam for 2 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.

The fresh, light vegetables paired with the rich chicken satay and peanut sauce make for a well-rounded meal. It’s simple and nutritious.

4. Spicy Peanut Noodles

For a more filling carb option, go for spicy peanut noodles. They mirror the flavors of the satay sauce with an addictive peanut butter dressing.

Simply boil linguine or rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with a sauce made of peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, chili garlic paste, and lime juice. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

The creamy, nutty noodles with a kick of heat are fantastic alongside the salty-sweet chicken. They also help use up any leftover peanut dipping sauce.

5. Satay Noodle Salad

For a lighter take on peanut noodles, try a satay noodle salad with cucumbers and carrots. It has a nice crunch and freshness.

First, boil rice vermicelli noodles for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss the noodles with julienned cucumbers and carrots.

Make a dressing by whisking together peanut butter, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the noodle-veggie mixture and garnish with chopped peanuts.

The cool noodles and veggies paired with the rich satay dressing is a winning combo. It’s also great for meal prepping.

6. Asian Slaw

No barbecue is complete without a tangy, crunchy slaw. An Asian-style version pairs especially nicely with chicken satay.

Shred napa cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and scallions. Toss with a dressing made of rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili-garlic paste, and brown sugar. The sweet and sour flavors balance the satay beautifully.

For added crunch, you can top it with roasted peanuts or crispy wonton strips. The fresh slaw cuts through the richness of the meal.

7. Thai Basil Eggplant

Grilled eggplant makes an excellent meatless side option. The smoky flavor complements the charred chicken satay.

Slice eggplants lengthwise and brush with a Thai basil marinade of fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and chili flakes. Grill until softened and charred.

The sweet and salty Thai-style eggplant provides a nice textural contrast to the satay and peanut sauce. It also gives your meal an extra boost of veggies.

8. Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter

For a classic barbecue side, go for grilled corn slathered in a zesty compound butter. The sweet corn balances the strong flavors of the chicken perfectly.

Grill shucked corn over medium heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides. While still hot, brush with a chili lime butter made of softened butter, lime zest, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and salt.

The corn picks up a wonderful smoky char flavor while the spicy herbal butter adds flair. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

9. Thai Papaya Salad

Crunchy green papaya salad is a popular Thai street food that pairs fabulously with chicken satay. The lime, fish sauce, and chili flavors mirror satay seasonings.

To make it, use a vegetable peeler to shred unripened green papaya into thin strips. Toss with tomatoes, long beans, peanuts, garlic, fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, and fresh Thai chilies.

The tangy papaya salad provides a nice contrast to the rich peanut sauce. The crisp texture and bright flavors are a fantastic complement.

10. Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps

For a spin on lettuce wraps, use chicken satay instead of the usual ground meat. Load up butter or romaine lettuce leaves with satay strips, julienned vegetables, and satay sauce.

Sauté matchstick carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms, cabbage, and scallions in a bit of peanut oil just until slightly softened. Spoon the filling into lettuce leaves and top with chicken satay and extra sauce.

The combination of cool lettuce, crispy vegetables, tender chicken, and rich peanut sauce is incredible. It makes for fun hand-held bites.

11. Thai Glass Noodle Salad

This light and tangy noodle salad is a refreshing change of pace from heavier sides. The glass noodles soak up the zesty lime dressing beautifully.

First, soak rice vermicelli glass noodles in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes until softened. Drain and snip into smaller pieces. Toss with carrots, cabbage, scallions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts.

Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili flakes or sambal for the dressing. Pour over the noodles and veggies. Chill before serving.

The bright flavors and varied textures pair wonderfully with chicken satay. It’s a lighter option that still delivers big taste.

12. Roti Canai

Roti canai is a popular flatbread served with curry and satay dishes in Malaysia and Indonesia. The flaky, stretchy roti is fantastic for dipping in peanut sauce.

While homemade roti is challenging, you can find frozen roti prata at Asian supermarkets that just needs reheating. Alternatively, use store-bought naan or lavash.

The rich peanut sauce soaks into the soft, slightly chewy roti beautifully. A wedge of roti canai with chicken satay makes for an amazing hand-held snack.

13. Fried Tofu with Thai Basil

For a vegan side, try crispy pan-fried tofu cubes topped with a Thai basil stir-fry. The tofu gets golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.

Press extra firm tofu to remove moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Pan-fry until all sides are browned. Set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry Thai basil, garlic, chili, and seasoning until fragrant.

Spoon the basil stir-fry over the crispy tofu. The contrast of textures and flavors pairs perfectly with the chicken satay and peanut sauce.

Putting It All Together

From coconut rice to spicy noodles, tangy salads to grilled veggies, you have tons of options for rounding out a chicken satay meal. Try pairing a few different sides to give your guests a tasty variety.

A foolproof combo is coconut rice, cucumber salad, and steamed bok choy. Or go for peanut noodles, grilled corn, and Asian slaw. There are so many possibilities!

The key is to balance flavors and textures. Aim for a mix of cooling and crunchy sides along with hearty, savory carbs. This helps cut through the rich peanut sauce while providing filling nutrition.

With the right sides, chicken satay makes for an amazing Asian-inspired barbecue or weeknight dinner. Just skewer up some chicken, whip up a few simple sides, make a batch of peanut dipping sauce, and you have a flavorful feast perfect for serving.