What To Serve With Mango Chicken (16 Best Side Dishes)

Mango chicken is a vibrant and flavoursome dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of mango with the savoury taste of chicken.

Typically consisting of seared chicken breast, bell peppers, and fresh mango, all tossed in a sweet and savoury sauce, it serves up some seriously tropical vibes whilst also being full of goodness! 

It’s a fantastic choice for a special dinner or when you want to add a tropical twist to your meal.

But what about the sides? 

When choosing accompaniments for mango chicken, consider textures and flavours that complement the dish without overpowering it.

Here’s the short answer… 

The best choices for what to serve with mango chicken include basmati rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, steamed broccoli, mixed peppers, spinach salad, stir fried noodles, naan, roti, and pita bread. 

Let’s take a look at these ideas and more, in greater depth… 

Rice and Grains

Pairing the right rice or grain with your mango chicken can significantly enhance your dining experience.

The following options offer a delightful balance to the dish.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice, with its long, slender grains and aromatic nature, is an excellent choice.

When cooked, it yields fluffy separate grains that absorb the flavours of mango chicken beautifully.

• Cooking tip: For best results, rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, and soak it for about 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is another fragrant variety that complements the tropical notes of mango chicken.

It’s slightly stickier than basmati, which is perfect if you enjoy a softer texture.

• Cooking tip: To cook jasmine rice, use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio and bring it to a boil before reducing to a low simmer, covering, and cooking for about 18 minutes.

Quinoa

For a nutritious alternative, try quinoa.

It’s protein-rich and has a lovely nutty flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of mango and the savoury chicken.

• Cooking tip: Rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can taste bitter.
• Cook it in a 1:2 quinoa-to-water ratio until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, usually about 15 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.

(You might also enjoy what to serve with sweet and sour pork, and what to serve with salsa chicken!)  

Vegetable Sides

When planning what to serve with mango chicken, picking the right vegetable sides can enhance your dining experience.

Here are some excellent choices that complement the dish beautifully.

Steamed Broccoli

Steaming broccoli is a superb way to preserve its vibrant green colour and nutrients.

Simply season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to let its natural flavours shine through.

Mixed Peppers

A mix of bell peppers – red, yellow, and green – not only adds a splash of colour to your plate but also a sweet and slightly tangy flavour.

Slice them up and sauté lightly to keep their crisp texture.

Spinach Salad

A spinach salad is a refreshing and nutritious addition.

Toss in some fresh spinach leaves with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for an extra bit of indulgence.

(If you love bold and flavoursome chicken dishes, you might also like sides for Mongolian chicken). 

Noodle Dishes

When pairing mango chicken with noodle dishes, consider the balance of flavours.

A cold noodle salad brings a refreshing twist, while stir-fried noodles add a hearty warmth to the meal.

Cold Noodle Salad

You can create a cold noodle salad that complements the tropical notes of mango chicken.

Use rice noodles for their delicate texture and toss them with crisp vegetables such as sliced cucumber, bell peppers, and spring onions.

For dressing, whisk together a bit of sesame oil, lime juice, and a touch of fish sauce to achieve a refreshing tang that won’t overpower the mango chicken.

• Ingredients for dressing:
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp fish sauce

Toss the ingredients gently until the noodles are well-coated and serve chilled.

Stir-Fried Noodles

Alternatively, consider stir-fried noodles; they work well with the richness of mango chicken.

Opt for egg noodles for their satisfying chewiness and stir-fry them with a mix of Chinese vegetables like pak choi and bean sprouts.

A sauce made from a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of ginger will provide a robust flavour that matches the depth of the chicken dish.

• Ingredients for sauce:
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger

Simply stir all the components over high heat until the noodles are heated through and have absorbed the sauce.

Breads

Pairing mango chicken with the right bread can enhance your dining experience, as it adds texture and substance to the meal.

Naan

Naan, a classic Indian bread, is a superb choice. Its soft texture and slight chewiness make it perfect for scooping up chunks of mango chicken.

You can choose from a variety of naans, such as garlic or butter naan, to complement the flavours of your dish.

Roti

Another splendid option is Roti, which is typically made from whole wheat flour, adding a wholesome, nutty flavour.

The thick yet pliable texture of roti makes it an ideal choice for what to serve with mango chicken. 

Pita Bread

Finally, pita bread offers a slightly different option.

This Mediterranean bread comes with a handy pocket, which is excellent for stuffing pieces of succulent mango chicken inside.

Opt for whole grain pita for a healthier choice, or go traditional with white pita to keep it authentic.

Condiments and Sauces

Enhancing the sweet and savoury flavours of mango chicken, the right condiment or sauce can elevate your meal.

Here are a few you can pair with the dish.

Yogurt Sauce

Combine Greek yogurt with a pinch of ground cumin, mint leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

This sauce brings a creamy texture and cool contrast to the spiced chicken.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

A bottle of sweet chilli sauce offers a sticky sweetness with a mild kick.

Drizzle over your mango chicken or serve on the side for dipping.

Tangy Lime Dressing

Mix fresh lime juice with extra virgin olive oil, honey, and coriander.

This zesty dressing complements the mango’s tropical flavour and adds a refreshing citrus note.

Beverage Pairings

Selecting the right beverage to accompany your mango chicken can elevate the dining experience.

The drinks suggested here are chosen to complement the dish’s flavours and refresh your palate.

Iced Green Tea

Pair your mango chicken with iced green tea for a refreshing twist.

The tea’s subtle bitterness and cool temperature contrast pleasantly with the sweet and savoury notes of the chicken. Plus, it’s a healthy option that can help cleanse your palate.

Mango Lassi

For a harmonious pairing, try a mango lassi.

Its creamy texture and mango goodness match the tropical profile of your chicken dish, creating a consistent flavour theme throughout your meal.

The lassi’s coolness also offers a reprieve from any spiciness in the chicken.

What’s your favourite side for mango chicken? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! 

You might also enjoy side dishes for sweet and sour chicken.