Discovering the best side dishes to pair with orange chicken can transform your meal into an unforgettable feast. Consider fried rice, with varieties like pineapple or shrimp, to enhance the flavors. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas offer a light, healthy complement. Enjoy the crispy delight of egg rolls with a tangy dipping sauce, or savor the balanced textures of lo mein. For a comforting touch, a bowl of wonton soup works wonders. Additional options include edamame, Asian slaw, garlic green beans, and sweet and sour soup. Explore these choices to elevate your next dinner experience!
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a quintessential accompaniment to orange chicken, offering a complementary blend of flavors and textures.
Pineapple fried rice introduces a sweet and tangy twist, enhancing the citrus notes of the chicken.
Meanwhile, shrimp fried rice brings a savory and rich depth, balancing the dish beautifully.
These variations provide a delightful contrast, making every bite more enjoyable and satisfying.
Steamed Vegetables
While fried rice adds a savory dimension to orange chicken, steamed vegetables provide a lighter, healthier option that complements the dish's vibrant flavors.
Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, offer significant nutritional benefits and are easy to prepare.
Their bright colors and fresh taste enhance the meal without overwhelming the palate, making them an excellent choice for a balanced and delicious dinner.
Egg Rolls
Egg rolls, with their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, serve as a delightful and complementary side dish to orange chicken. A homemade recipe allows for customization, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, these egg rolls not only enhance the meal but also add a satisfying crunch. Their versatility and appeal make them a perfect addition to any table.
Lo Mein
Another excellent accompaniment to orange chicken is lo mein, a savory noodle dish that brings a balance of textures and flavors to the meal.
Homemade lo mein can be personalized with various vegetables and proteins, making it a versatile side.
For a lighter option, vegetarian lo mein, packed with colorful veggies, offers a delightful contrast to the sweet and tangy orange chicken.
Wonton Soup
Wonton soup, with its delicate dumplings and savory broth, perfectly complements the robust flavors of orange chicken. This homemade recipe not only enhances your meal but also provides nutritional benefits.
The warm, comforting soup adds a delightful contrast to the tangy sweetness of the chicken, making it an excellent choice for a well-balanced and satisfying dining experience.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls, with their crisp exterior and fresh, vibrant fillings, offer a delightful textural contrast to the tangy and savory flavors of orange chicken.
These versatile rolls can include a variety of fillings, such as vegetables, shrimp, or pork, catering to different tastes.
Paired with an assortment of dipping sauces, like sweet chili or peanut sauce, they elevate the meal's overall enjoyment.
Sesame Noodles
Incorporating the nutty flavor of sesame noodles into your meal provides a savory and satisfying complement to the citrusy notes of orange chicken.
With various noodle types available, such as soba or udon, you can explore different flavor variations to suit your taste.
These noodles, often seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, create a rich and delicious pairing that enhances the overall dining experience.
Cucumber Salad
For a rejuvenating contrast to the rich flavors of sesame noodles and orange chicken, a cucumber salad offers a crisp, light accompaniment that balances the meal.
Utilizing pickling techniques, you can enhance the cucumbers' natural freshness. Salad variations include adding onions, sesame seeds, or a tangy vinaigrette.
This side dish provides a revitalizing break from the main course's savory elements.
Broccoli Stir Fry
A broccoli stir fry serves as a nutritious and vibrant side dish that complements the savory notes of orange chicken.
This dish offers numerous health benefits, including high fiber and essential vitamins.
For best results, use quick cooking techniques like sautéing or steaming to retain the bright color and crisp texture of the broccoli, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal of your meal.
Dumplings
Dumplings provide a savory and satisfying side dish that pairs exceptionally well with the bold flavors of orange chicken.
With a wide fillings variety, such as pork, chicken, or vegetables, these delicious morsels offer something for everyone.
The wrapping technique, whether steamed, boiled, or fried, adds a delightful texture that complements the tangy sweetness of orange chicken perfectly.
Jasmine Rice
After savoring the rich flavors of dumplings, the aromatic and subtly sweet jasmine rice provides a perfect balance to the vibrant zest of orange chicken.
Among rice varieties, jasmine stands out for its fragrant aroma and delicate taste. Simple cooking techniques like rinsing the grains before boiling help achieve fluffy, separate grains.
This rice complements the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
Edamame
Edamame offers a nutritious and visually appealing side dish that harmonizes well with the flavors of orange chicken. Packed with protein and fiber, edamame nutrition adds a wholesome element to your meal.
Simple edamame recipes, such as steamed with a sprinkle of sea salt or lightly sautéed with garlic, enhance the dish's overall appeal, providing a delightful balance to the tangy sweetness of orange chicken.
Asian Slaw
Asian slaw offers a revitalizing and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of orange chicken, making it an excellent side dish choice.
This vibrant salad combines crisp vegetables like cabbage and carrots with a tangy dressing, creating delightful flavor combinations and texture contrasts.
The freshness of the slaw balances the savory-sweetness of the chicken, ensuring a harmonious and satisfying meal experience.
Garlic Green Beans
Garlic green beans provide a savory and aromatic complement to the flavors of orange chicken, enhancing the meal with their robust taste and crisp texture.
Easily prepared on the stovetop, these beans can be customized with flavor variations like adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Their simplicity and quick cooking time make them a perfect side dish choice.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Different Types of Chicken Dishes?
When serving buttered chicken, some of the best side dishes for buttered chicken include fluffy basmati rice, warm garlic naan, crunchy cucumber salad, or creamy spinach saag. These complementary side dishes perfectly balance the richness of the buttered chicken and enhance the overall dining experience.
Sweet and Sour Soup
Sweet and sour soup combines tangy and savory elements to create a balanced and invigorating starter that pairs excellently with the vibrant flavors of orange chicken.
This delightful soup often features spicy tofu and can be complemented by crispy shrimp tempura, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Together, these components offer a flavorful experience that enhances the overall meal.