Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made with sweet, sticky fried chicken covered in orange sauce. The tangy citrus flavor goes well with the savory chicken, making it a favorite for takeout. But it can be hard to figure out what to pair with orange chicken. You want sides that go well with the sweet and spicy main dish without taking over.
After researching numerous food blogs and sites, I’ve compiled this list of 20 delicious side dishes that go great with orange chicken. From veggies and grains to soups and appetizers, there’s something here for every palate.
Best Starches to Serve With Orange Chicken
Starches like rice, noodles, and potatoes are classic pairings with Chinese food They soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a neutral base that doesn’t compete with the bright orange chicken.
Steamed Rice
Orange chicken is usually served with hot white rice. The mild flavor of the rice soaks up the sauce beautifully. Jasmine or basmati rice also work well. For extra flavor, try coconut rice made with coconut milk.
Chow Mein Noodles
Chow mein noodles are nice and soft, and they go well with orange chicken that is crunchy. They come pre-made, so they’re quick and easy to prepare. For a hearty side dish, mix them with soy sauce and vegetables.
Fried Rice
Fried rice goes well with a lot of different foods because it adds another layer of texture. Toss in carrots, peas, onions, and white or brown rice when you make it. The sweet orange chicken sauce goes well with the eggs and soy sauce.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes may not be traditional, but they pair wonderfully with orange chicken. The soft mash soaks up the extra sauce. Jazz it up with roasted garlic or ginger for extra flavor.
Best Vegetable Sides for Orange Chicken
Bright, fresh vegetables help cut through the rich orange chicken and add nutrition. Asian-style veggie sides work especially well.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
A quick stir-fry of broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots in a soy-ginger sauce makes the perfect complement. It provides crunch and bold flavor.
Spicy Sichuan Green Beans
Green beans sautéed with a touch of chili garlic sauce offer a spicy, crispy pairing. They hold their own against the orange chicken’s sweet heat.
Sesame Bok Choy
Tender baby bok choy sautéed with sesame oil and garlic is a light and healthy option. The crunchy greens offset the chicken’s richness.
Asian Coleslaw
For something refreshing, an Asian coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrot, and ginger dressing cuts through the heavy orange sauce beautifully.
Unique Orange Chicken Side Dishes
Beyond standard veggie sides, there are many creative options that pair wonderfully with orange chicken.
Egg Drop Soup
A bowl of egg drop soup makes a nice light starter before the orange chicken. The savory broth and ribbons of egg complement the flavor.
Wontons
Crispy fried wontons filled with pork or shrimp are an amazing textural contrast against the sauce-coated chicken. Enjoy them as an appetizer or side.
Fried Rice Egg Rolls
For an unexpected twist, make egg rolls stuffed with leftover fried rice, chicken and veggies. The crispy exterior contrasts the tender orange chicken.
Hot and Sour Soup
The bold, tangy flavor of hot and sour soup stands up to the orange chicken but doesn’t overpower it. They make an ideal flavor pairing.
Simple Salads to Serve with Orange Chicken
Salads offer brightness and acidity to balance the sweet orange chicken. Lighter vinaigrettes work best to avoid over-dressing the dish.
Cucumber Salad
Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions tossed in a light rice vinegar dressing makes a crisp, refreshing accompaniment.
Cabbage Slaw
An Asian slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a ginger vinaigrette pairs nicely without competing flavors.
Mandarin Spinach Salad
Baby spinach leaves, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and a sesame vinaigrette complements the orange chicken beautifully.
More Unique Pairings for Orange Chicken
If you want to venture beyond typical Chinese sides, almost anything goes with orange chicken! Here are some more interesting pairings.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Crisp, sweet potato fries offer the perfect salty, starchy balance of textures against the sauced chicken.
Edamame Succotash
A fresh mix of lima beans, corn, and edamame in a vinaigrette makes a satisfying and unique pairing.
Fried Cheese Wontons
Wontons filled with cream cheese and cheddar, then fried golden, are an indulgent, tasty complement.
Green Salad with Almonds
A simple green salad with sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, and a light dressing provides contrasting flavors and textures.
Orange chicken deserves flavorful, texturally interesting side dishes that complement its signature sweet and spicy taste. This list offers a wide variety of options from simple rice and veggies to unexpected fried wontons and succotash.
Varying flavors, textures, colors, and cooking methods keeps the meal exciting. So break out of the takeout box and try pairing your homemade orange chicken with some of these delicious sides for a tasty dinner or party menu. Just avoid overloading on too many sweet or heavy accompaniments that will overshadow the starring orange chicken.
The Best Chicken to Use for Orange Chicken
There is no specific chicken cut that works better than any other. Personally, I like boneless skinless chicken thighs because they’re inexpensive and stay a bit juicier than chicken breasts. But you can use chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer.
You can also use chicken wings for this recipe! Just deep fry them for about 12 minutes or bake them for 45 minutes until they’re cooked through, before tossing them in the sauce.
Suggestions and Substitutions
To make a vegetarian version of this orange chicken, I recommend using tofu. Make sure to press the tofu to get rid of as much water as you can. Then, mix the tofu with the egg and cornstarch mixture the same way you would the chicken.
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Orange Chicken | Way Better Than Takeout #shorts
FAQ
What’s a good side dish for orange chicken?
A good side dish for orange chicken should complement its sweetness and savory flavors. Good options include steamed rice (white or brown), stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or mixed vegetables, or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette.
What to serve with Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange chicken?
Serve with rice and veggies for a complete meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare, and delivers big flavors at a small price.
What is a good side dish for chicken?
You can serve mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts, or even a classic like coleslaw with chicken. For a more substantial side, consider pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, or a hearty baked bean.