Peanut chicken skewers make for a quick, easy and tasty meal or appetizer. The skewers feature boneless, skinless chicken thighs that have been marinated in a peanut sauce, resulting in a dish that is full of flavor. While the skewers themselves are quite simple, having a few tasty side dishes and appetizers can round out the meal nicely. So what are some good options for sides and starters that pair well with peanut chicken skewers? Here are some ideas for sides, appetizers and more that will complement the peanut flavor of the skewers.
Rice Dishes
Rice is a natural pairing with the Asian-inspired peanut chicken skewers. The rice soaks up the peanut sauce that drips from the skewers, adding more flavor. Here are some rice side dish ideas:
- Coconut rice: Mix some coconut milk into the rice as it cooks for a tropical flavor that matches well with the peanut skewers.
- Fried rice: Toss cold, cooked rice in a skillet with vegetables, soy sauce and eggs for an easy fried rice.
- Brown rice: Opt for nutty, fiber-rich brown rice instead of white for a heartier texture.
- Rice noodles: Boil up some rice noodles and toss with a peanut sauce for a noodle complement to the skewers.
- Cauliflower rice: For a lower-carb option, riced cauliflower stands in for rice nicely.
Any of these rice dishes, from simple white rice to coconut-infused to cauliflower rice, pairs deliciously with the peanut chicken.
Vegetable Sides
Because the peanut chicken skewers are protein-based, adding some vegetable sides provides color and nutrition balance. Here are some veggie ideas:
- Stir fried vegetables: Quickly stir fry an assortment like broccoli, carrots, snap peas and bell peppers.
- Roasted vegetables: Roast vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, zucchini or cauliflower in the oven.
- Green salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing works nicely.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw with a creamy peanut dressing is right at home with the peanut skewers.
- Sauteed spinach: Garlic-sauteed spinach is a fast, easy option.
Aim for a mixture of vegetables in different colors and textures. Steamed, stir-fried, roasted and raw preparations all pair well with the skewers.
Starch Side Dishes
In addition to rice or veggies, a starch like potatoes, pasta or bread can round out the meal. Consider these:
- Garlic bread: Chewy garlic bread is great for dipping in any leftover peanut sauce.
- Potato wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges are easy to make and full of crunch.
- Pasta salad: Chilled pasta tossed with diced vegetables and Italian dressing makes a nice light side.
- Quinoa: This protein-packed seed can be cooked up just like rice for a gluten-free option.
- Wonton wrappers: Deep fry wonton wrappers into crunchy little chips or crisp them up in the oven.
The crispness and heartiness of these starch sides stands up well to the saucy peanut chicken skewers.
Appetizers and Small Bites
In addition to side dishes, some appetizers or small plates are a great starter before the main course of peanut chicken. Here are some options:
- Egg rolls: The classic appetizer to enjoy with any Asian-inspired meal.
- Vegetable spring rolls: Lighter spring rolls wrapped in rice paper and dipped in peanut sauce.
- Potstickers: Pan-fried pork dumplings are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Edamame: Boiled and salted soybeans make for easy finger food.
- Shrimp toast: Top bread slices with shrimp and sauce, then bake or fry.
- Summer rolls: Fresh shrimp, rice noodles and crisp vegetables wrapped in rice paper.
Any of these starters complement the peanut skewers beautifully. The variety of textures from crispy to fresh keep the appetizer course interesting.
Sauces and Condiments for Dipping
Don’t forget the sauces and condiments to go with all of these delicious sides. Here are some dipping sauce ideas:
- Peanut sauce: Extra sauce for dipping the skewers and sides.
- Plum sauce: The sweet and tangy sauce pairs nicely.
- Soy sauce: Can’t go wrong with some extra soy sauce for dipping.
- Hot chili oil: Add some heat with dashes of chili oil.
- Hoisin sauce: Similar to barbecue sauce, with Asian flavors.
- Ponzu: The citrusy Japanese sauce compliments the peanut flavor.
Offer small ramekins of these sauces so guests can customize their dipping experience.
Drinks
Beverages are an important part of the meal. Consider these drink ideas:
- Iced tea: Brew up a pitcher of refreshing iced tea.
- Thai iced tea: For a fun twist, make Thai tea with spices, milk and sweetener.
- Green tea: An Asian-inspired, lighter beverage option.
- Fruit juice: Fruit juices like orange or pineapple are a nice complement.
- Bubble tea: Fun bubble tea with tapioca pearls and milk tea.
- Beer: An ice cold beer is always a great pairing.
- Coconut water: For something ultra refreshing alongside the spicy peanut skewers.
Providing both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages allows guests options.
Dessert
End the meal on a sweet note with desserts that follow the peanut and Asian flavors. Some options include:
- Peanut butter cookies: Classic and easy homemade cookies.
- Peanut butter cups: Fun individual peanut butter cups are perfect single-serve desserts.
- Peanut ice cream: Top with chocolate sauce and chopped peanuts.
- Banana egg rolls: Wrap sliced bananas in wonton wrappers and fry.
- Sesame balls: Fried dough balls coated in sesame seeds.
- Green tea ice cream: Tangy green tea ice cream is delicious after an Asian meal.
Desserts staying in the peanut flavor profile provide a nice completion to the meal that started with the chicken peanut skewers.
Full Meal Ideas
Putting everything together, here are some full meal lineup ideas perfect for serving alongside peanut chicken skewers:
Asian-Inspired Meal
Appetizer: Vegetable spring rolls with dipping sauce
Side: Coconut rice
Side: Sauteed Asian vegetables
Sauce: Hoisin and chili oil
Drink: Thai iced tea
Dessert: Sesame balls
American Backyard BBQ Vibes Meal
Appetizer: Deviled eggs
Side: Pasta salad
Side: Coleslaw
Sauce: Barbecue sauce
Drink: Iced tea
Dessert: Peanut butter cookies
Weeknight Dinner Meal
Side: Quinoa
Side: Sauteed spinach
Sauce: Peanut sauce for dipping
Drink: Fruit juice
Dessert: Peanut butter cups
Conclusion
Peanut chicken skewers have a versatile, crowd-pleasing flavor that pairs well with many sides and starters. Rice, noodles, vegetables, potatoes and breads all make excellent complements to the protein-packed skewers. Egg rolls, spring rolls and dumplings are fun appetizers before the main course. Don’t forget peanut-themed desserts like cookies and ice cream to finish the meal. With the simple skewers as your protein centerpiece, get creative mixing and matching side dishes for an easy, full meal perfect for dinner parties, game day, or backyard barbecues. The possibilities are endless with this versatile main dish.