What To Serve With Thai Basil Chicken (24 Best Sides!)

Thai basil chicken is a vibrant and flavoursome dish, with its perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and fresh basil aroma.

When you plate up this beloved Thai street food classic, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, you need to select the right side dishes to complement the meal. 

Just need some quick ideas? 

No problem! 

Some of the best choices for what to serve with Thai basil chicken include jasmine rice, egg noodles, stir fried veggies, cucumber salad, papaya salad, hot and sour soup, spring rolls, and satay skewers. 

Read on for more ideas and serving suggestions… 

Rice Varieties to Pair with Thai Basil Chicken

Choosing the right rice to accompany your Thai basil chicken can enhance the dish’s flavour and overall dining experience.

Each variety brings a unique texture and taste that complements the boldness of the basil and the spices used in the chicken.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety originating from Thailand.

Its subtle floral aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked make it a classic choice.

It has the ability to absorb the vibrant flavours of Thai basil chicken, creating a harmonious balance in each bite.

Sticky Rice

Also known as glutinous rice, sticky rice is characterised by its chewy texture and ability to clump together, making it perfect for scooping up with fingers or utensils.

This rice is traditionally steamed, which helps retain its unique properties, and is excellent for soaking up the sauce from Thai basil chicken.

Brown Rice

For a healthier option, brown rice provides a nutty flavour and firmer texture.

Packed with more nutrients and fibre compared to white rice varieties, it’s beneficial for those looking for a wholesome accompaniment to their meal.

Its robustness pairs well with the rich and spicy flavours of Thai basil chicken.

Noodle Options

Pairing your Thai basil chicken with the right kind of noodles can greatly enhance your dining experience.

Below are some noodle types that go well with this flavourful dish.

Rice Noodles

Thin Rice Noodles: These are a classic option. They’re light and absorb the sauce well, allowing you to enjoy the full flavour of the Thai basil chicken.

Boil them for just a few minutes and they’re ready to serve.

Wide Rice Noodles: If you prefer something more substantial, wide rice noodles are a great choice.

Their broad surface is perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding a chewy texture to your meal.

Egg Noodles

Fresh Egg Noodles: These noodles add a rich, eggy flavour that complements the spicy basil chicken.

For best results, quickly blanch the noodles before tossing them with the chicken.

Dried Egg Noodles: A more convenient option, dried egg noodles can be easily prepared by boiling for a short time.

Their springy texture holds up well against the bold flavours of Thai basil chicken.

Glass Noodles

Mung Bean Glass Noodles: These are known for their translucent appearance and jelly-like texture.

Soak them in warm water until soft, then stir-fry briefly with your chicken for a delightful mix of textures.

Sweet Potato Glass Noodles: A slight variation, these glass noodles are made from sweet potato starch.

They offer a unique, slightly sweet taste and are just as easy to prepare as their mung bean counterparts.

Vegetable Sides

Pairing your Thai basil chicken with the right vegetable sides can balance the meal with light, refreshing tastes and textures.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

You might enjoy a mix of stir-fried vegetables that complement the rich flavours of Thai basil chicken.

Try a combination of:

• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Baby corn
• Snap peas

Lightly season them with soy sauce and a hint of garlic for a simple yet satisfying side.

Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad is a cooling addition to your meal.

To prepare:

• Slice cucumbers thinly
• Toss with rice vinegar
• Add a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of salt

This salad is particularly refreshing with its crisp texture and mellow taste that counteracts the spiciness of the chicken.

Papaya Salad

For a more traditional side, papaya salad is a quintessential Thai dish. It should include:

• Julienned green papaya
• Tomatoes
• Long beans
• Peanuts

Dress it with a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and chillies for that authentic Thai flavour.

Its sweet and spicy profile is an excellent match for the savoury chicken.

Soup Selections

When choosing a soup to complement your Thai basil chicken, select one that will balance the strong flavours of the dish.

The following soups can offer a refreshing contrast or enhance the overall taste experience.

Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong is a famous Thai soup known for its vibrant flavours. It includes fresh prawns, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

The soup’s spicy and sour profile works exceptionally well with the savoury taste of Thai basil chicken, providing a robust balance.

• Ingredients: Prawns, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilli peppers, fish sauce, lime juice, and mushrooms.
• Flavour Profile: Spicy, sour, and aromatic.

Coconut Milk Soup

A milder option, coconut milk soup (or Tom Kha), uses the creamy richness of coconut milk to create a soothing addition to your meal.

It typically contains chicken but can be made vegetarian to avoid repetition with the main course.

• Main Components: Coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, and cilantro.

Tip: Add sliced chillies for an extra kick if you prefer a slight spiciness.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is another traditional Thai soup that can complement Thai basil chicken with its signature hot and sour flavours.

Often, it is prepared with mushrooms and tomatoes.

• Key Elements: It often comprises mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, and sometimes meat or seafood.
• Tasting Notes: It has a bold tanginess balanced with a touch of heat.

By selecting one of these soups, you’ll be sure to provide a well-rounded Thai dining experience that highlights a variety of authentic flavours and textures.

(If you want to explore more Thai cuisine, check out what to serve with Thai fish cakes too). 

Additional Thai Complements

When serving Thai basil chicken, consider these Thai favourites to round out your meal and give guests a fuller experience of Thai cuisine.

Thai Spring Rolls

You can start your Thai feast with spring rolls, a perfect appetiser when it comes to what to serve with Thai basil chicken.

These delicate parcels, filled with a mix of vermicelli noodles, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp or pork, are a delightful beginning to any Thai meal.

Serve them with a sweet chilli dipping sauce to enhance the flavours.

Take a look at sides for spring rolls for more ideas to add to the plate. 

Satay Skewers

Satay skewers are a splendid choice for adding protein and excitement to your table.

Typically made with marinated chicken, beef, or tofu, these skewers are grilled to perfection and commonly accompanied by a rich and creamy peanut sauce.

If you love satay, you’ll also enjoy checking out what to serve with satay chicken! 

Fried Egg

A simple fried egg with crispy edges can be a comforting and enriching addition to Thai basil chicken.

The runny yolk creates an extra layer of flavour and texture, melding wonderfully with the spicy and aromatic notes of the chicken dish.

It’s an effortless way to complement the complex taste profile of your main dish.

Beverage Pairings

Choosing the right beverage to accompany your Thai basil chicken can enhance the flavours of the dish.

Here are some top picks to consider.

Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea, or cha-yen, is a creamy and refreshing choice.

It balances the spiciness of the chicken with its sweet and milky flavour.

Brewed with strong black tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s typically served over ice which makes it especially invigorating on a hot day.

Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass Tea offers a zestful aroma that complements the herby profile of Thai basil chicken.

This caffeine-free herbal tea is soothing, aids digestion, and provides a subtle citrus note which can be a lovely palette cleanser between bites.

Chilled Beer

A glass of chilled beer is a classic pairing for Thai basil chicken.

Opt for lighter beers like lagers or pilsners that won’t overpower the dish.

The carbonation and slight bitterness of the beer can cut through the richness and helps to cool the palate after the heat of the chicken.

Dessert Ideas

After enjoying the savoury flavours of Thai basil chicken, a sweet dessert is a perfect way to round off your meal.

These Thai-inspired desserts complement the spicy and aromatic notes of your main dish beautifully.

Mango with Sticky Rice

Mango with sticky rice, or Khao Niew Mamuang, is a classic Thai dessert that brings a refreshing sweetness to your palate, and it’s a great option for what to serve with Thai basil chicken. 

You’ll adore the combination of luscious, ripe mango slices paired with warm, sticky rice that’s been soaked in coconut milk and sweetened with sugar.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds often adds a lovely texture.

Fried Banana

For a delightful treat, you must try fried banana.

This indulgent delicacy involves bananas coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.

It’s commonly served with a drizzling of honey or syrup and sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar, making for a delightful contrast to the spiciness of your meal.

Coconut Ice Cream

Consider refreshing coconut ice cream for a creamy and tropical end to your meal.

It captivates with its silky texture and subtle coconut flavour, often served atop a bed of sticky rice or with slices of tropical fruits like mango or lychee.

It’s a cooling and creamy finish to the bold flavours of Thai basil chicken.

What’s your favourite option for what to serve with Thai basil chicken? 

Leave a comment and share your ideas! 

And if you love Thai food, head over to what to serve with Thai curry.