Want to know what to serve with coconut chicken? This simple dinner recipe is great on its own, but it tastes even better with a great side dish. From coconut jasmine rice to roasted potatoes, the options are endless. With one of these sides, you’re sure to create a meal the whole family will love!.
Coconut chicken is a comforting chicken dinner that’s loaded with juicy chicken in a rich and creamy coconut milk sauce. It’s incredibly tasty and, of course, deserves a couple of incredibly tasty side dishes to round it out.
Fortunately, you have tons of options! I’ve put together a list of perfect pairings for coconut chicken so next time you whip up this chicken dinner, you’ll know exactly what to serve it with.
Thai coconut chicken is a delicious dish that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the savory flavors of Thai spices. With its complex blend of sweet, salty, spicy and tangy flavors, it can be hard to choose side dishes that properly complement this flavorful entree. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the 15 best side dishes to serve with Thai coconut chicken.
Since I blog about food and cook at home a lot, it can be hard for me to plan my meals and find dishes that go well together. I’ve learned through trial and error in my own kitchen which sides go well with coconut chicken and bring out its signature Thai flavors. This list has everything you need, whether you want classic rice or noodle pairs, lighter veggie-based options, or new ways to mix flavors.
Balancing Sweet and Savory with Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a no-brainer pairing that soaks up the delicious coconut curry sauce The delicate floral aroma of jasmine rice balances the sweet coconut and savory Thai spices in the chicken For extra texture and color, I love cooking the rice with diced red bell peppers. The crisp peppers perfectly complement the tender rice grains. Jasmine rice is a classic Thai pairing that lets the coconut chicken shine.
Zucchini Noodles for a Low-Carb, Nutritious Option
If you want to eat less carbs, zucchini noodles are a great choice instead of rice. Zoodles are low in calories (35 calories per cup) and high in nutrients like manganese and vitamin C. They have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the coconut chicken. It doesn’t matter if you spiralize your own or buy zoodles. They cook up quickly. I like to add red pepper flakes and lemon juice to make it taste better.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes for Heartiness
For a more hearty filling side, roasted potatoes are a delicious choice. Cubed potatoes roasted in the oven develop a crispy, golden exterior and fluffy interior. I season them simply with thyme rosemary, salt and pepper which enhances the flavors of the coconut curry chicken. The potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.
Fresh and Crispy Spring Rolls
Light and crunchy spring rolls make a refreshing side. The crispy fried exterior encases fresh veggies that add great texture and color to your plate. Store-bought spring rolls are tasty, but I prefer making them myself with shredded carrots, cabbage, cucumber and cilantro. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for a burst of flavor. They lighten up the coconut chicken wonderfully.
Cool and Crisp Cucumber Salad
Along the same lines, a quick cucumber salad offers a nice light, crisp contrast to the hearty coconut chicken. I make a simple salad with thin slices of English cucumber and red onion, tossed in a bright dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The cool crispness balances the creamy curry perfectly.
Tropical Taste of Mango Kani Salad
Adding a tropical touch is one of my favorite things to do. When you mix sweet mango with salty fake crab meat (kani), you get an irresistible sweet and salty flavor combination. Toss them with cucumber, carrot and romaine lettuce for crunch. The sweet mango pairs divinely with the coconut chicken.
Brown Rice and Veggies for Fiber
For a one-bowl meal, stir-fried brown rice and vegetables is satisfying but lighter than plain rice. Nutty, chewy brown rice boosts the fiber and makes it more nutritious. Meanwhile, the mixed sautéed veggies like broccoli, bell pepper and snap peas add freshness. The saucy coconut chicken complements the wholesome rice and veggies wonderfully.
Elegant Steamed Dumplings
Steamed shrimp dumplings make an impressive first course or side. Although store-bought frozen dumplings work, I prefer making them from scratch and serving them fresh. Their soft, tender wrapper and savory filling beautifully balances the creamy coconut chicken. They can be made ahead and steamed right before serving.
Nutritious Bok Choy
Bok choy that you cook quickly is a healthy side dish that is high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. The mild bitter taste of bok choy goes well with the flavors of coconut chicken. I like to quickly cook it with sesame oil and garlic. Steaming is another easy cooking method that retains its nutrients. The green veggie adds beautiful color contrast.
Grilled Pineapple’s Sweetness and Char
For a pop of flavor, grilled pineapple is amazing with coconut chicken. The caramelized tropical fruit plays off the coconut curry perfectly. Grilled pineapple has a delicious char but still retains its juicy sweetness. To grill it, I just brush pineapple slices with a bit of oil and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. They add amazing color and flair to the plate.
Peanut Noodles for Savory Contrast
Cool peanut noodles make a more filling plant-based side. Boiling rice noodles and tossing them in a spicy peanut sauce creates a wonderful flavor and texture contrast to the coconut chicken. I use rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter and sriracha to make the flavorful sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Spicy and Vibrant Papaya Salad
For a taste of authentic Thai flavors, a spicy papaya salad called som tum is a popular side. Shredded green papaya and tomatoes are mixed with lime, fish sauce, chilies and crunchy peanuts. The bright, bold flavors cut the richness of the coconut chicken beautifully. Add as little or as much chili as you like.
Coconut Rice for Richness
Incorporating more coconut flavors into your side dish, coconut rice is aromatic and delicious. White or brown rice simmered in coconut milk gains a subtle tropical essence. Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds even more flavor. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or chopped cilantro. The coconut rice harmonizes impeccably with the chicken.
Quick and Easy Sautéed Green Beans
When you want a simple veggie side, sautéed green beans round out the meal nicely. Their vibrant green color looks fantastic on the plate too. I like to quickly sauté the green beans with sliced garlic in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. They retain their crisp texture and absorb the delicious curry sauce excellently.
Chilled Rice Noodles for Contrast
Finally, chilled rice noodles create a refreshing contrast to the warm coconut chicken. Soaking thin rice noodles in hot water for 5 minutes softens them up. Then I drain and rinse them in cold water before tossing with sesame oil, rice vinegar and cilantro. The light and tangy chilled noodles balance the richness of the curry sauce fabulously.
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.
What Does Lime Juice Do to Chicken?
Lime juice serves a couple of purposes in a chicken dish like coconut chicken. First and most obviously, it adds a delicious, bright, tangy flavor.
The other purpose of lime juice is to help tenderize the chicken. The acidity in the citrus juice helps break down the meat fibers creating a juicer, more tender texture.
Kevin’s Thai Style Coconut Chicken | How to Prepare and Serve | Super Quick & Easy Delicious Dinner
FAQ
What side dishes go with coconut curry chicken?
It’s packed with delicious flavors and is the perfect weeknight dinner. Pair Coconut Curry Chicken with rice and/or naan bread. A side of roasted carrots or roasted sweet potatoes would also pair nicely.
What can I serve with mango and coconut chicken?
Coconut Mango Chicken Recipe
It’s a super comforting main course and is perfect over rice or noodles.
What is traditionally served with Thai curry?
Thai curries are typically served over rice noodles or jasmine rice.
What to eat with Thai green curry chicken?
Steamed Jasmine rice, Thai Fried Rice, or Coconut Rice can be served on the side to make it a meal. Crunchy Asian Slaw on the side – great all rounder Asian salad that goes with all Asian foods. Asian Sesame Dressing for any fresh salad or steamed vegetables. To start – Chicken Satay Skewers or Thai Fish Cakes.