Orange chicken is a classic dish that is loved by many. Orange chicken is a delicious dish with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
It has a complex flavor profile and is often served with white rice, but there are so many other delicious sides you can serve with it to give your meal an extra bit of flair. So, what to serve with orange chicken?
From salads and veggies to noodles and more, let’s explore the best side dishes to serve with orange chicken. Here are some creative and flavorful side dishes that will pair perfectly with orange chicken. Read on for all the details!
What is orange chicken? What does orange chicken taste like?
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese American dish that is typically made with crispy fried chicken portions coated in a sweet and slightly spicy orange sauce.
The sauce is made from orange juice, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and sometimes chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor. It can be served with white or brown rice and steamed broccoli, as well as other vegetables.
When it comes to taste, orange chicken has a sweet yet tangy flavor that has hints of garlic and ginger. It’s also slightly spicy, thanks to the addition of chili flakes.
It’s not overwhelmingly spicy; rather, it has just enough heat to give it some depth without being overpowering. All in all, it’s a flavorful and delicious combination.
25+ Sides to serve with orange chicken
1. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with any Asian-inspired meal, like orange chicken. To make fried rice, start by cooking up some Jasmine or Basmati rice.
Then, stir-fry it in a wok with garlic, onion, and your favorite vegetables (think carrots, peas, bell peppers).
Finally, season it with soy sauce or tamari for a salty kick. This simple and tasty side dish will be a hit at any dinner table!
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls
Looking for something crunchy and refreshing? Vegetable spring rolls are an excellent option!
You can make them yourself using thin wrappers filled with cabbage, cucumber, carrots, lettuce or other veggies of your choice. Serve them alongside your orange chicken and dip them in a spicy peanut sauce for extra flavor.
Discover More: What to Serve with Vietnamese Spring Rolls
3. Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli is healthy and delicious when cooked correctly and goes excellent with orange chicken.
To make roasted broccoli to accompany your orange chicken meal, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and toss broccoli florets in olive oil and salt.
Spread them out on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and roast in the oven until crispy – about 25 minutes. Sprinkle some garlic powder or Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
4. Veggie Stir Fry
If you’re looking for something light and healthy to pair with your orange chicken, try making a veggie stir fry.
Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, broccoli, bok choy, or zucchini. You can also add some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Noodles
Noodles are always a great option when it comes to side dishes because they’re quick and easy to make, and they taste great when paired with orange chicken.
Try serving some lo mein noodles topped with green onions or some stir-fried udon noodles topped with sesame seeds.
Alternatively, if you want something heartier, you can always opt for ramen noodles which pair nicely with orange chicken.
6. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine Rice is fragrant, long-grain white rice that is a subtle complement to the sweetness of the orange chicken.
It’s cooked in a ratio of 1 ½ cups liquid (such as broth or water) to 1 cup of rice, resulting in light and fluffy grains.
Explore More: How to Pair Jasmine Rice for a Delicious Meal
7. Egg Fried Rice
As a delicious variation on traditional fried rice, add scrambled eggs to the mix for added flavor and texture.
Use leftovers from your orange chicken to make egg-fried rice that is sure to become a family favorite!
8. Steamed Bok Choy
Steamed Bok Choy is a leafy green vegetable that pairs perfectly with orange chicken thanks to its slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture.
When steamed, bok choy takes on an even more delicate taste — making it the perfect addition to any meal!
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss these tiny cabbages with olive oil and salt before roasting them until golden brown for an unbeatable side dish that has plenty of crunch from the crispy exterior of each cylindrical sprout.
10. Garlic Bread
Toast up some thick slices of Italian-style bread for an extra carb load that will satisfy even picky eaters’ hunger pangs!
Spread on some butter mixed with minced garlic for extra flavor before baking them until lightly golden brown for the ultimate garlicky-goodness side dish that’s perfect for mopping up all those delicious sauces from your orange chicken dinner!
11. Crispy Fried Shallots
Crispy Fried Shallots are delicious onions that take just minutes to fry up in hot oil until they turn golden brown, adding an irresistible crunchy texture along with an oniony sweetness when sprinkled over your plateful of orange chicken dishes!
12. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Swap out regular potato fries for these healthier alternatives by slicing sweet potatoes into sticks before tossing them with olive oil and spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder etc., then baking them until crispy perfection! (Recipe)
13. Coconut Sticky Rice
Rich sticky rice made by cooking white jasmine rice in coconut milk instead of plain water offers a delectable combination when served alongside orange chicken dishes — you won’t be able to resist seconds (or thirds)!
14. Green Bean Stir Fry
Cut fresh green beans into smaller pieces, then stir fry them together with lots of spices like ginger, garlic & scallions for maximum flavor — top it off with some sesame seeds if desired!
15. Scallion Pancakes
If you’re looking for something different than the usual sides, then why not try scallion pancakes?
Shredded scallions are cooked together with the dough until golden brown on each side, creating mouthwatering appetizers that everyone will love!
16. Teriyaki Glazed Broccoli
Give broccoli some oomph by drizzling it liberally with teriyaki sauce & glazing it under high heat before serving – this dish is guaranteed to tantalize taste buds everywhere!
17. Spicy Coconut Mango Salad
For something light & refreshingly tangy yet still tasty enough to stand up against the bold flavors found in many orange chicken dishes – look no further than this spicy coconut mango salad which not only looks beautiful but also packs quite the flavorful punch too!
18. Hot & Sour Soup
You can complete your delicious feast by ending it off on a savory note by offering everyone piping hot bowls full of tangy hot & sour soup that’s brimming with ingredients such as bamboo shoots, tofu cubes & egg whites, among others giving every spoonful a unique twist that promises not disappoint anyone at all!
19. Sticky Rice
A traditional Thai side dish, sticky rice helps to soak up all of the delicious flavors from your orange chicken meal without overpowering it with too much starchiness or sweetness, like some other sides may do so. Plus, it’s low-fat! (Recipe)
20. Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms offer a delightfully earthy flavor that balances out sweeter dishes like orange chicken nicely – plus they offer some additional nutrients thanks to their high levels of B vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium!
Discover More: Delicious Sides to Serve with Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
21. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is perhaps one of the most popular sides when serving up with orange chicken – not only does its sweetness perfectly complement any other flavors present in your meal, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare since all you need is butter or oil!
22. Winter Squash Soup
Winter squash soup offers just enough creaminess to cut through any sharpness present in your entrée while still providing additional nutrition along with its milder flavor – think turmeric spiced squash soup with ginger or curry powder added in – yum!
23. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are an easy way to add some brightness and color to your plate without going overboard on calories.
Consider zucchini, bell peppers or asparagus for a full – yet healthy – side dish that won’t overwhelm your main course.
24. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is quick, easy and perfect for rounding out any meal. Add some bacon bits, dried cranberries or sunflower seeds to make it even heartier!
Plus, you get a healthy serving of fiber and vitamins A & C in every bite.
25. Edamame
High in protein and low in fat, edamame makes for an excellent side when paired with Orange Chicken.
Not to mention, its slightly sweet flavor is a definite crowd-pleaser – consider steaming or boiling the edamame before serving for even more of that classic Asian flavor.
5 amazing noodles to go with orange chicken
1. Shanghai-Style Fried Noodles
Shanghai-Style Fried Noodles are crispy fried noodles made from egg noodles, stir-fried in a savory sauce with vegetables like carrots, peppers, and bean sprouts. The dish is usually served with a sweet and sour orange sauce for added flavor.
2. Lo Mein
A Chinese classic, lo mein is made from wheat flour egg noodles and served with your choice of meat or vegetables and a flavorful orange chicken sauce.
3. Singapore Noodles
Singapore Noodles is a colorful dish that combines thin rice vermicelli noodles with shrimp, pork, egg, garlic, curry powder and other spices to create a delicious medley of flavors that pairs perfectly with orange chicken.
4. Drunken Noodles
Drunken Noodles, also known as pad kee mao, this popular Thai dish features wide flat rice noodles stir-fried in sweet soy and fish sauces combined with vegetables like onions, bell peppers and chilies for spicy heat—all topped off with juicy orange chicken pieces.
5. Udon Noodles
Udon Noodles are made from wheat flour; these thick Japanese noodles are hearty enough to stand up to bold flavors like those found in orange chicken dishes.
Topped off with additional ingredients like mushrooms or bok choy for extra texture and crunch, udon makes the perfect accompaniment to any meal featuring orange chicken!
What are the best flavors to go with orange chicken?
Some of the best flavors to pair with orange chicken are garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and scallions. For a spicy kick, add a bit of chili pepper or Sriracha.
To give it a sweet and tangy flavor, try adding pineapple juice or white wine vinegar. For an even more umami-rich dish, add some mushrooms and bell peppers.
Finally, don’t forget to garnish your orange chicken with fresh cilantro leaves for added color and flavor! Enjoy!
How do you jazz up orange chicken?
One way to jazz up orange chicken is to add some heat. Try incorporating different types of chilies, such as jalapenos or habaneros, into the sauce.
You can also add fresh ginger and garlic for a more intense flavor. Or you can use dried spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to give your dish an extra kick.
For a bit of sweetness and acidity, try adding some orange marmalade or other citrus fruit, such as lemon or lime juice. This will balance out the spiciness of the chilies and bring out the natural sweetness of the chicken.
Additionally, you can also incorporate some honey for added depth of flavor.
If you want a bold flavor, try adding some hoisin sauce or Chinese five-spice powder. These ingredients will give your orange chicken an Asian flare.
You can also add a variety of vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers and onions, to create a colorful and flavorful stir fry.
Finally, top it off with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh and herbal boost! With these few simple additions, you’ll be able to transform plain orange chicken into something new and exciting. Enjoy!
How do you display orange chicken on a platter?
Orange chicken can be displayed elegantly on a platter by arranging the pieces in overlapping concentric circles.
Start with the largest pieces in the center and work your way out to the smaller pieces. This will create an eye-catching arrangement that is sure to impress your guests.
To add extra color and texture, consider adding herbs or vegetables, such as sliced carrots or scallions, around the edges of the platter.
For an added touch of sophistication, you can place any sauce or glaze used to season your orange chicken in a small bowl or ramekin and arrange it on the platter next to the main course.
Finally, garnish with fresh orange slices for even more flavor and visual appeal!
With a little bit of creativity, you can easily create an impressive display of orange chicken that is sure to be a hit.
Wrap up on What to Serve with Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is an easy yet delicious dinner option that’s sure to please everyone at the table. And now you have plenty of options for sides to complete your meal!
From fried rice to vegetable spring rolls to roasted broccoli – these side dishes are sure to complement your orange chicken perfectly while adding new flavors and textures into the mix as well!
So next time you’re making orange chicken, don’t forget about these tasty side options! They will take your meal from good to great in no time!
FAQs
How much orange chicken per person?
This will depend on how much each person is likely to eat. Generally, for a small group of about 4 people, you could plan on 1 pound of orange chicken per person.
If the group is larger than that, it may be wise to increase the amount of chicken in order to ensure everyone gets enough food.
Additionally, if the meal includes sides or appetizers, you may want to plan on slightly less orange chicken per person. Ultimately, it just depends on how hungry your guests are! Enjoy!
What do you eat with mandarin chicken?
Mandarin chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with several sides. A classic side to accompany mandarin chicken is white or brown rice, providing a neutral base for the flavors of the dish.
Another popular option is steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peas, which provide texture and nutrition alongside the entrée.
Noodles like lo mein or chow mein also make an ideal accompaniment to mandarin chicken due to their contrasting texture and flavor.
For those who prefer something lighter on the side, a salad made with leafy greens and crunchy vegetables can complete the meal.
Wide varieties of bread, like dinner rolls or garlic knots, can also be served alongside mandarin chicken as well.
Ultimately, what you choose to pair with mandarin chicken is up to you and your dietary needs, but these are all excellent options that complement the flavor of the dish.
What dessert goes with orange chicken?
One great dessert to pair with orange chicken is an orange-infused sweet. Some good options would be an orange creamsicle cake, a mango cheesecake with an orange glaze, or a light and fluffy orange chiffon cake.
Another delicious option would be a plate of fresh oranges drizzled with honey and served with ice cream or sorbet for a refreshing end to the meal.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, you could try serving up some deep-fried mandarin oranges with a scoop of ice cream on top. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
For those who prefer something less sugary, there are plenty of savory options that also complement the flavors of orange chicken.
A side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables would be a great accompaniment, as would some steamed white rice with herbs and spices.
A light salad composed of mixed greens, bell peppers, and cucumbers topped with a citrus vinaigrette would also pair nicely.
Whatever you decide to serve alongside your orange chicken, it is sure to be an unforgettable meal. Enjoy!
What kind of rice goes with orange chicken?
Jasmine rice is a great accompaniment to orange chicken. Jasmine rice has a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the orange sauce and complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
The fluffy texture of jasmine rice absorbs sauces and other seasonings beautifully, making it an ideal side dish for your favorite Asian-style dishes like orange chicken. This makes it a nutritious addition to any meal.
To make the perfect orange chicken and jasmine rice dish, cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions until it is fluffy and tender.
Then stir in seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or chili powder, for added flavor. Once the rice is cooked, serve with orange chicken and extra sauce on top.
What vegetables go with orange chicken?
Orange chicken is a popular dish that can be served with many different vegetables. For those looking for something bright and crunchy, consider adding some sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets to the meal.
For those looking for something a bit sweeter, carrots or sugar snap peas are great options. You could get creative and add some sweet potato cubes as well!
If you’re looking for something more exotic, consider trying baby bok choy or shiitake mushrooms to add an extra depth of flavor.
Finally, asparagus or green beans make great additions too.
All of these vegetables will add color and texture to the orange chicken while bumping up the nutrient content of your meal.
What to serve with trader joe’s orange chicken?
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a side of rice and a vegetable such as broccoli, carrots, or bok choy.
To give the meal more flavor and texture, you could also serve it with some crunchy wontons or crispy egg rolls.
If you’re looking for something slightly lighter to accompany the dish, try a cool cucumber salad on the side.
For more of an Asian flair, top off your meal with some sesame seeds and green onions.
For health-conscious eaters, adding some steamed edamame will help boost your intake of protein while still fitting in well with the flavors of orange chicken.