19 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, sticky orange sauce The tangy citrus flavor pairs perfectly with the salty umami chicken But figuring out what sides to serve with orange chicken can be tricky. You’ll want something to balance out the sweetness.

I did some research from top food blogs and sites to find the very best side dish pairings. In this article, I’ll share 19 delicious options, from veggies and starches to soups and appetizers. There’s something here for every taste so you can round out your orange chicken dinner.

Best Starches to Serve with Orange Chicken

Carbs like rice, noodles, and bread products pair wonderfully with orange chicken They soak up that flavorful sauce for a comforting, hearty meal Here are some excellent starchy sides to consider

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Steamed jasmine rice is a classic accompaniment for any Asian-inspired meal. The lightly floral aroma of jasmine rice balances beautifully with the bright citrus sauce on the chicken. Serve it plain or jazz it up with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of soy sauce. This versatile base lets the orange chicken shine.

Chow Mein Noodles

Crispy chow mein noodles offer a fun contrast to the juicy orange chicken. Their brittle crunch stands up well to the sauce without getting soggy. Chow mein noodles have a deep savory flavor from frying that mingles deliciously with the sweet orange notes. They’re easy to prepare too – just toast store-bought chow mein noodles in oil for a few minutes.

Fried Rice

Another great starchy side to soak up that tasty orange sauce is fried rice. You can change the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Green onions, peas, carrots, eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil are some of the most common things that are added. The orange chicken flavor combines deliciously with these aromatic ingredients.

Asian Noodle Salad

For a lighter, healthier starch option, try an Asian noodle salad with orange ginger dressing. Rice noodles, soba noodles, or ramen noodles work well here. Toss them with shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, edamame, and chopped peanuts or cashews. The cool crunch of the salad balances the hot chicken beautifully.

Best Vegetable Sides for Orange Chicken

Orange chicken and vegetables just seem to go hand in hand. Here are some fresh veggie sides to complement the juicy chicken:

Stir Fried Bok Choy

Since bok choy is a common Chinese vegetable, it goes well with orange chicken. Lightly stir frying retains the bok choy’s crisp texture. Garlic, ginger, and soy sauce add plenty of flavor. for a change, look for baby bok choy, which tastes less strong.

Steamed Broccoli

Broccoli florets are great when they are steamed until they are crisp-tender and then mixed with oyster sauce or sesame oil. The bright green pairs nicely with the orange chicken sauce. You can add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, or toasted sesame seeds on top to make it taste better.

Spicy Sichuan Green Beans

The spicy green beans in this Chinese dish go well with the sweet orange chicken. Dry frying helps them get super crispy without oil. If you want a real Sichuan taste, mix them with chili-garlic paste, rice vinegar, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Asian-Style Zucchini

For lighter fare, make a quick Asian-style zucchini side. Thinly slice zucchini into half-moons then stir fry briefly with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The light crunch and sweetness perfectly balance the orange chicken.

Best Soup and Salad Sides

Soups and salads add lighter options to cut through the rich orange chicken. They also provide extra veggies and hydration with all their broth or dressing.

Hot and Sour Soup

This classic Chinese soup has bold tangy, spicy flavors from vinegar and white pepper that taste amazing with orange chicken. It’s filled with tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots for texture. Make it mild or extra spicy!

Chinese Chicken Salad

Turn leftover orange chicken into a hearty main dish salad! Mix diced orange chicken with crispy wonton strips, shredded cabbage and carrots, green onions, and toasted almonds. Toss everything in a ginger soy dressing for a delicious fusion flavor.

Cucumber Salad

Quick pickled cucumbers are a refreshing, palate-cleansing accompaniment for orange chicken. Toss thin cucumber slices with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Let marinate 15 minutes for a tasty tangy salad.

Best Appetizers and Snacks with Orange Chicken

Appetizers and snacks are great for kicking off an orange chicken meal or nibbling while you cook. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:

Vegetable Egg Rolls

No Chinese meal is complete without egg rolls! The crispy fried wrappers encase a savory filling of cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and aromatics. Dip in sweet chili or duck sauce for irresistible flavor and crunch.

Edamame with Garlic and Chili

Spicy garlic edamame makes a protein-packed starter or snack with orange chicken. Simply sauté frozen edamame pods briefly with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes for a spicy, addictive appetizer.

Fried Won Ton Strips

For an upscale twist, fry store-bought won ton wrappers into crispy strips. Their delicate crunch and versatility make them a fun vehicle for the orange sauce. Kids and adults alike will love dipping these crispy strips into the chicken sauce.

Putting It All Together

Orange chicken is delicious, but the right sides can take it to the next level. Try pairing it with a balance of starchy carbohydrates, fresh vegetables, soup or salad, and a crunchy appetizer for a well-rounded meal. Vary your sides based on nutritional needs, seasonality, and personal preferences.