Chicken stir fry, a crowd-favorite worldwide, requires the right combination of flavors to make it delightfully delicious.
Stir fry chicken is a fantastic weeknight meal – it’s quick, easy, and relatively healthy. But what should you serve with it to make a complete meal?
Here are some of our famous sides to pair with chicken stir fry, which is easy to make and delicious at the same time. You can also try the 28 best sides that go well with Stir fry instead of rice.
Rushing Hour want to know What to serve with Chicken Stir Fry then try any of these Rice is always best choice, then Rice Pilaf, Chinese Chive Pancakes, Hot soups, Noodles, Chinese Steamed Pork Buns, Dumplings, Creamy Mac n' Cheese, Egg Drop Soup, Chinese hot and sour soup, Roasted Broccoli, Cornbread, Vegetables, Salad and Sauces.
14 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Stir Fry
1. Rice
Rice is a classic side dish to serve with a stir fry. It’s inexpensive, filling, and satisfying but still light enough that it won’t weigh you down.
Plus, it soaks up all of the delicious sauce from the stir-fry, making every bite even more flavorful. Plus, there are so many various types of rice to choose from – white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, and the list goes on and on.
If you’re feeling extra healthy, try opting for brown rice instead of white, it’ll be a great accompaniment to your chicken stir fry.
2. Rice Pilaf
Rice Pilaf goes well with tasty chicken stir fry, and you can easily whip it up in no time. To make this delicious dish, one needs only to sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until smooth, add the rice and allow to toast lightly before adding chicken stock.
Then, throw in some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for depth of flavor, cover, and cook until all liquid is absorbed.
It’s that simple–you’ll have perfectly cooked Rice Pilaf to serve alongside your zesty stir fry in no time.
Don’t forget to add a squeezing of lemon juice and plenty of freshly ground black pepper before serving for added pleasure!
3. Chinese Chive Pancakes
Chinese Chive Pancakes are an excellent and easy way to complete any stir fry meal, especially stir fry chicken.
Not only are they relatively quick and easy to make, but their surprisingly light yet full-bodied flavor compliments various savory flavors.
The pancakes also provide a nice textural contrast to the tenderness of the chicken and other stir-fried vegetables.
The key to achieving fluffy, golden-brown pancakes is finding a good balance between heat and moisture, taking time to distribute the chives evenly throughout the batter, and being patient when flipping them on the skillet.
You’ll have flawlessly Chinese Chive Pancakes that complement your chicken stir fry dish with only a little work and patience.
4. Hot soups
Serving hot soups alongside a chicken stir fry is an excellent way to provide your guests with an impressive variety of flavors.
The spiciness and unique textures of the stir fry, paired with the warm and comforting properties of the soup, make it a truly satisfying meal.
You don’t need to just stick with traditional food combinations either- Miso, minestrone, and French onion soups are just a few examples of soups that go well with stir-fries.
This combination also allows for more creativity when selecting the spices for each dish, ensuring flavors that will linger in the mouth long after dinner has ended.
Whether you organize a meal for yourself or entertain guests, serve them some hot soup along with your chicken stir fry – they won’t be disappointed!
5. Noodles
Noodles are another excellent option for a side dish with chicken stir fry. They cook quickly and can be found in most pantries.
Ramen noodles, soba noodles, lo mein noodles – there are so many different types of noodles to choose from.
Cook the noodles per package directions, then add them at the end of the stir fry. The result is a hearty, filling meal that’ll satisfy even the biggest appetites.
If you’re using rice noodles, they’ll even soak up some of the sauce from the stir fry as rice does. Try spiralized vegetables such as zucchini or sweet potato for a different take on noodles.
These “noodles” are full of nutrients and add some extra texture to the dish.
6. Chinese Steamed Pork Buns
Chinese Steamed Pork Buns are a great companion to any chicken stir fry. Noted for their plump and fluffy texture, these buns perfectly contrast the savory flavor of a typical chicken stir fry.
With their exemplary ability to absorb the sauces, spices, and flavors all around them, you won’t be disappointed with this classic Asian dish.
For those who want a level up in meal satisfaction, I recommend lightly pan-frying your Chinese Steamed Pork Buns before serving them with your chicken stir fry.
Trust me when I say it’s worth risking a few extra minutes in the kitchen.
7. Dumplings
Dumplings are a great accompaniment to any type of stir fry chicken. Not only do they bring out the flavors in the dish, but they are also a great way to bulk up your meal and make it more filling.
Dumplings can vary in size, texture, and flavor, depending on the ingredients used, so you can customize them to your own taste and create something unique every time.
Try making different fillings with a mix of vegetables or even adding a protein like shrimp or pork for an extra nutritional kick.
Serve them steamed or pan-fried alongside your stir fry for a tasty complete meal guaranteed to satisfy!
8. Creamy Mac n Cheese
Creamy Mac n’ Cheese is a great side dish to pair with chicken stir fry.
They always complement each other well in terms of taste and texture, but they also look beautiful when presented together on the plate.
Start by preparing the chicken stir fry first, with its array of vegetables and seasonings. Then, prepare a classic mac n cheese recipe, either stovetop or baked.
Once both components are ready, gently mix them together and serve in individual bowls; this will ensure that you retain the creamy taste of the mac n cheese while benefiting from the flavors of the stir fry.
With this delicious combination, you will surely have a crowd-pleasing dish!
9. Egg drop Soup
Egg drop soup is an underrated yet delicious dish that truly elevates the overall experience of a stir-fry dinner.
It’s an excellent combination, as the egg’s subtle grittiness adds a unique texture element to contrast with the juicy chicken pieces.
The rich flavors of the stock and soy sauce combined also balance out with each other, making for a deliciously cohesive meal.
With its light yet memorable taste, it’s no wonder egg drop soup is an excellent choice for chowing down on some stir fry!
10. Chinese Hot and sour soup
Chinese hot and sour soup is an excellent pair to chicken stir fry, as its flavorsome spices perfectly balance the subtle flavors of the chicken.
Even though it is a simple dish to make, the preparation of ingredients and slow simmering of the ingredients together are needed to achieve the best taste.
Perfectly cooked strands of tofu along with wakame, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, instantly elevate any stir-fry meal.
Plus, the expertly crafted hot and sour soup will have just the right level of tanginess to provide full flavor through each rich spoonful.
11. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted Broccoli is an ideal side dish to complement a delicious chicken stir fry. The broccoli roasted just right – golden brown and slightly crunchy – adds a depth of flavor that can’t be beaten.
Its sweet, nutty flavor and crunchy texture work perfectly with the savory mix of vegetables and tender chicken pieces in this classic Chinese main dish.
It’s important not to overcook the broccoli; follow the recipe instructions carefully so your guests will enjoy this flavor-packed meal!
12. Cornbread
Cornbread is an incredible side pairing to a classic chicken stir fry, as the fluffy texture and subtle sweetness help perfectly complement the savory flavors of the dish.
Try adding various herbs or diced vegetables to your cornbread recipe for an added dimension of flavor.
From roasted peppers to chives, experiment with different combinations to bring a unique twist to a traditional favorite.
Whatever you decide, you can be sure that a golden-brown cornbread will bring out the best in your chicken stir fry.
13. Vegetables
Stir fry is a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet. There are many possibilities for veggies for, broccoli, carrots, peppers, and mushrooms.
So load up your stir fry with as many veggies as you’d like. I guarantee you won’t even miss the meat!
14. Salad
A salad might seem odd for a side dish, but hear me out! A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing is ideal for lightening a chicken stir fry.
The vegetables in the salad will help balance out the heavier proteins and starchier sides, plus the dressing will add some extra flavor to the dish as a whole. Trust me, this combination is heavenly!
Best Sauces Pair with Chicken Stir fry
A tried and true classic is the oyster sauce which provides an umami-rich experience to the mix.
If you prefer something lighter and tart, opt for teriyaki or even ponzu to give your stir fry an Asian flair.
For spice lovers, sambal oelek or gochujang is always a great option, providing a subtle yet lingering heat with every bite.
Read More- 19 Perfect Sides to Serve with Octopus with ideal sauces
FAQs
What wine to serve with a chicken stir fry?
White wines pair best with poultry, and you can’t go wrong with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that will enhance the flavors in your dish.
Try an unoaked Chardonnay with some tropical fruit notes for bold and full-bodied.
An approachable Pinot Noir is always crowd-pleasing for reds – its subtle flavor profile won’t overpower the spices in the stir fry. However, it will still create an interesting contrast with its gentle tannins and bright acidity.
