Sweet and sour chicken is a famous dish from China that is traditionally made with chicken, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It can also be made with other meats, such as pork or shrimp.
While the dish is typically served as-is, there are a few sides that can be added to make it a more complete meal.
10 Best Side dishes to serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken
1. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a type of long-grain rice that is native to Thailand. It has a light and fluffy texture with a subtle floral aroma. Jasmine rice pairs well with sweet and sour chicken because it can help to offset the dish’s sweetness.
2. Vegetables
Sweet and sour chicken is often served with steamed vegetables on the side. Common vegetables to include are broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. The vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
3. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are a popular side dish in many Caribbean cuisines. They are made by frying ripe plantains until they are golden brown.
Fried plantains are a good choice to serve with sweet and sour chicken because they complement the sauce’s sweetness.
4. Fried rice
Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish and is the perfect foil for sweet and sour chicken. The savory flavor of the fried rice helps to offset the sweetness of the sauce, while the crispy texture contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
5. Try Rolls
Rolls are another best top-rated pair with sweet, sour chicken. You can have either egg rolls or spring rolls.
The crunchy wrapper of egg rolls is a nice contrast to the softer chicken, and the filling provides a welcome dose of savory flavor.
Spring rolls are a great choice if you’re looking for a lighter option. The fresh veggies offer a crisp crunch, while the delicate wrapper prevents them from overwhelming the other flavors on your plate.
6. Noodles
Noodles are another great way to enjoy sweet and sour chicken. They can be served plain or tossed with a bit of garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
7. Sauteed mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms are a mouthwatering side dish that pairs perfectly with sweet and sour chicken. They’re earthy and savory and add a great depth of flavor to any meal.
8. Potatoes au gratin
Potatoes au gratin is a cheesy, creamy side dish perfect for complementing sweet and sour chicken. They’re comforting, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table.
9. Brown rice
Brown rice is a healthier and low-carb alternative to white rice, but it still has a lot of flavor and texture, making it perfect for pairing with sweet and sour chicken.
10. Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutritious grain that makes a great side dish for sweet and sour chicken. It’s light, fluffy, and has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the other dishes. Plus, Quinoa is low fat and high protein pair.
11. Try sweet and sour chicken with store-bought sauce
If you’re in the mood for something sweet and sour, why not try making your own sweet and sour-chicken? This meal is simple to make and can be made with store-bought sauce.
Simply marinate chicken breasts in the sauce for 30 minutes, then cook in a hot skillet until browned and cooked through.
Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a delicious and healthy meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always add some other ingredients to the sauce, such as pineapple or bell peppers, to create your own unique flavor.
12. Chow mein
Chow mein is another simple side dish that goes great with sweet and sour chicken. It’s made with noodles and vegetables and can be cooked in various ways.
13. Bread
Lastly, you can have bread. Bread is always a good option for dipping into sauces or sopping up juices from the main dish. It’s versatile, filling, and can be enjoyed in various ways.
No matter what sides you choose, they’re sure to pair perfectly with sweet and sour chicken! So get cooking, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.
5 Best salads to go with sweet and sour chicken
When pairing salads with sweet and sour chicken, there are a few things to consider.
The acidity of the vinegar in the sweet and sour sauce can overwhelm delicate greens, so it’s best to pair it with something that has some body to it.
Arugula, romaine, or iceberg lettuce would all work well.
1. Chicken salad
Chicken salad is a versatile side dish that can be tailored to your taste. For example, if the sauce is too sweet, add some chopped celery or green onions for a bit of tartness.
Alternatively, if you find the sauce too sour, you can add some chopped fruit or nuts for sweetness.
2. Cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is another refreshing option that can help balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
The cool, crisp cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch, while the vinegar dressing adds just enough acidity to brighten up the flavors on your plate.
3. Fruit salad
If you’re looking for something sweet to offset the sourness of the sauce, fruit salad is a great option.
Fresh berries, melon, and grapes all pair well with sweet and sour chicken, and they’ll add a splash of color to your plate as well.
4. Potato salad
Potato salad is always a hit at potlucks and barbecues, and it’s also a great side dish for sweet and sour chicken.
The starchy potatoes help absorb some of the excess sauce, while the mayonnaise dressing adds creaminess and body.
You can add some chopped celery or green onions for extra flavor if you like.
5. Mandarin Orange Salad
One of my favorite salads that goes well with sweet and sour chicken.
This salad is made up of greens such as romaine lettuce or spinach, mandarin oranges, red onions, cashews, and a citrus vinaigrette.
FAQs
What vegetables to serve with sweet and sour chicken?
Green bell peppers and onions are two of the most popular vegetables to serve with sweet and sour chicken. Sometimes pineapple chunks are added to the dish as well.
What sauce goes with sweet and sour chicken?
When it comes to pairing sauces with sweet and sour chicken, there are a few different directions you can go.
You could try a honey-based sauce if you want to play up the dish’s sweetness.
For a savory option, soy sauce or hoisin sauce would be a good choice.
If you’re searching for something with a bit of spice, consider using Sriracha or another chili-based sauce.
What kind of rice to serve with sweet and sour chicken?
When it comes to rice, many delicious options can be paired with sweet and sour chicken.
For a classic dish, white rice is always a safe choice. Basmati and jasmine rice is another popular option with a light, fluffy texture.
Brown rice is a fantastic alternative if you’re searching for something a little healthier.
Try pairing sweet and sour chicken with wild rice for a truly unique dish. The nutty flavor of the wild rice pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chicken.
