What to Serve with Mojo Chicken? 7 Tasty Side Dish Ideas

The spicy, flavorful mojo chicken will take your taste buds to the tropics. Mojo chicken is a tasty main dish thanks to its sour and garlicky marinade. However, figuring out what sides to serve can be tricky. You’ll want sides that go well with the chicken’s strong flavors without taking over.

The good news is that there are plenty of savory, bright, and hearty side dishes that pair fantastically with mojo chicken. I’ve compiled a list of my top 7 favorite sides to serve with this chicken dish. From cheesy bread to refreshing salads, keep reading for side dish inspiration!

Why Serve Sides with Mojo Chicken?

Before we get to the side dish ideas, you might be wondering if mojo chicken needs sides. After all, the chicken itself has so much flavor. Here are a few reasons why sides are a must:

• Even out the meal. Mojo chicken is already very rich, greasy, and heavy. Sides provide balance with extra vegetables, carbs, and lighter textures. This prevents the meal from feeling too greasy or rich.

• Complement the flavors: Certain sides can accentuate the tangy, tropical taste of the chicken. Sides with bright, zesty flavors are perfect.

• Satisfy appetites: Mojo chicken is tasty, but often not very filling. Nutritious, satisfying side dishes ensure guests leave full and happy.

• Soak up the juices: mojo chicken gives off a lot of oily juices. Sides that are high in carbs help soak up some of that moisture, making eating better.

• Add color: Mojo chicken is beautiful on its own, but sides provide an extra pop of color to liven up the plate. Vibrant sides like salads make for appealing meals.

With those benefits in mind, let’s look at 7 of the best side dishes to pair with zesty mojo chicken!

1. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Crispy, cheese-topped garlic bread is a no-fail side for mojo chicken. The bold garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the garlic notes in the chicken. Oozy, melted cheese provides a satisfying richness. Plus, the bread helps soak up excess oil and juice from the chicken.

For an easy shortcut, use store-bought baguettes and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. For more flavor, whip up homemade bread and use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, and fontina. Either way, this is a crowd-pleasing match for mojo chicken.

2. Rice and Bean Salad

A rice and bean salad makes for a hearty, protein-packed accompaniment to mojo chicken. Combining rice and beans provides a satisfying carb-rich base. Then, you can liven it up with vegetables like corn, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.

To match the brightness of the chicken, dress the salad with a citrusy vinaigrette. The tangy, refreshing flavors pair wonderfully with mojo chicken. Rice and bean salads also hold up well, so you can easily make this side ahead of time.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and savory roasted sweet potatoes are a classic companion to chicken dishes. To make this side, dice sweet potatoes, coat in olive oil and spices, and roast until tender and caramelized.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy mojo chicken. They also absorb the chicken juices well. Experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, coriander, or smoked paprika to complement the Latin flavors of the mojo marinade.

4. Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables like onions, carrots, jalapeños, or radishes make for a vibrant, tangy side for mojo chicken. Their bright, pronounced acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.

Quick-pickled vegetables only take about 15 minutes to make. Simply submerge sliced veggies in a vinegar mixture spiked with spices and let sit. Try pairing bold flavors like jalapeños with cooling choices like cucumbers or radishes. Pickled veggies lend great texture and acidity.

5. Avocado Salad

A cool, creamy avocado salad offers the perfect foil to hot, juicy mojo chicken. The rich smoothness of the avocado balances the oily chicken. Tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice round out the salad.

For even more flavor, you can add grilled corn, black beans, or a tangy dressing. The refreshing flavors and textures make this bright salad ideal for serving with mojo chicken on a hot day. It also provides nutritious veggies and healthy fats.

6. Coleslaw

Tangy coleslaw is a quintessential barbecue side dish, making it an excellent match for mojo chicken. To make it, simply shred cabbage and carrots, then dress with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and spices like paprika.

The crisp texture and acidic bite cuts through the richness of the chicken. You can also customize the coleslaw with extras like bell peppers, jalapeños, cilantro, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side.

7. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Comforting, creamy mashed potatoes are a guaranteed hit alongside mojo chicken. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes mashed with butter, milk, and cheese are pure flavor bliss. The potatoes also help absorb excess oil and juices from the chicken.

For more flavor, try adding minced garlic or chives to complement the mojo marinade. Crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions also make tasty mix-ins. Top the mashed potatoes with an extra sprinkle of cheese for even more richness.

Match Made in Heaven

With its bold Latin-inspired flavors, mojo chicken deserves equally vibrant, tasty sides to create a complete meal. Hopefully this list provided some fresh inspiration for sides that work brilliantly with mojo chicken. From hearty rice dishes to cool, crunchy salads, the options are endless.

Next time you make garlicky, citrusy mojo chicken, try pairing it with one of these 7 side dish ideas. With the right sides, you can build a balanced meal that highlights the succulent chicken. Your guests will be going back for seconds! Let the delicious aromas transport you straight to the tropics.