Figuring out what to serve with orange chicken doesn’t have to be challenging. Make life easy with any of these 23 scrumptious sides!
Fried rice, lo mein, and egg rolls are classic Chinese food pairings. You can also mix things up with crunchy sweet potato fries or zucchini noodles.
The secret to finding the right dish is choosing complementary flavors and textures.
You want sides that pair well with the bold, sticky citrus sauce.
Whether it’s light, rich, healthy, or cozy, there’s an orange chicken side dish here for everybody.
1. Chinese Egg Noodles
Slurp up a side of these Chinese noodles with your orange chicken.
They have the most delightful chewy texture. As for the egg, it gives the noodles an even richer, more savory flavor.
This duo makes for one comforting meal!
2. Jasmine Rice
There’s a reason fluffy white rice is the go-to side for orange chicken. It’s the perfect match!
The sauce has a ton of flavor. And what better side dish to soak up every last drop than Jasmine rice?
It’s aromatic, satiating, and as simple as it gets.
3. Cauliflower Rice
Trying to watch your carbs? Trade in white rice for the cauliflower version instead.
It’s light, healthy, and gluten-free. Not to mention, it’s also super easy.
Like regular rice, it’s also neutral tasting. So, it cleans the palate in between each bite of that juicy chicken.
4. Lo Mein Noodles
You don’t need takeout when you have these lo mein noodles on the table!
This recipe is a slurp-worthy dish full of slippery noodles, fresh veggies, and an umami-packed sauce. All this savory goodness pairs marvelously with orange chicken.
And it’s ready fast, so you can skip the long wait.
5. Spring Rolls
I’m a big fan of crunchy, fried egg rolls. But when I want something healthier, I opt for these instead.
These rolls are full of fresh fixings that are completely customizable. So you can find the best flavor combo to go with orange chicken.
Plus, there’s zero frying required.
6. Zucchini Noodles
Sure, these noodles may not be your typical orange chicken side dish. Still, they’re absolutely delicious!
They’re a great gluten-free option that’s fresh, light, and healthy. They also have fewer carbs than your average Chinese noodle dish.
You can chow down on these noodles with your orange chicken without the guilt.
7. French Fries
Orange chicken and fries? You have to try it!
It’s just as gratifying as eating chicken nuggets and fries. However, the meat comes with the delicious orange sauce you crave.
Let’s not forget the texture, either! The crunch from the spuds with the juiciness of the chicken is so satisfying.
8. Spaghetti Squash
Like zucchini, spaghetti squash is a fantastic noodle alternative. It’s way more nutritious, low-carb, and gluten-free.
The sweetness of the squash complements the chicken. It also absorbs the leftover sauce, making this pairing extra tasty.
Think of it like spaghetti and meatballs, except with an Asian twist.
9. Bok Choy in Ginger Sauce
One of my favorite sides for orange chicken is bok choy, especially smothered in a ginger sauce.
These greens have so much umami flavor to boot.
They enhance the savoriness of the chicken and add a burst of color to your plate. This dish is also quick and easy.
10. Panda Express Fried Rice
Serving copycat Panda Express orange chicken for dinner? Stick with the theme and make this fried rice.
It tastes just like the fast-food chain. The fluffy rice has colorful veggies, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and everything.
Honestly, there’s no reason to dine out again.
11. Broccoli with Asian-Style Garlic Sauce
For a simple and healthy side, go with this Asian-style broccoli.
The garlicky sauce envelopes the veggies in rich umami goodness. It completely transforms the broccoli, making it irresistible.
Plus, it’s fast, so it’s easy to time it right with the orange chicken.
12. Brown Rice
Like white rice, brown rice is also foolproof for orange chicken.
It’s a little nutty and chewier. Not to mention, it’s inexpensive, easy, and makes enough for the whole family.
Help yourself to a big scoop. You’ll want it to soak up any leftover orange chicken sauce.
13. Garlic Roasted Vegetables
I love the versatility of roasted vegetables. They pair wonderfully with practically any protein, orange chicken included.
The garlic seasoning plays well with the sauce. The sweet, caramelized veggies also complement the savoriness of the meat.
You can customize the vegetables, too, so this side never gets old.
14. Cucumber Salad
Orange chicken is full of big flavors. So I enjoy serving it with a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
It’s a very light, summery dish that adds a burst of freshness.
It’s effortless, so o you can spend more time mastering your orange chicken recipe.
15. Sweet Potato Fries
Orange chicken with sweet potato fries is a guilty pleasure of mine. Actually, I should say guilty-ish because these baked spuds are nutritious.
They’re crispy, tender, and delightfully seasoned. Part savory, part sweet, they’re a super complementary side.
The hard part is not filling up on them!
16. Couscous
When I want an easy dinner, I pair my 3-ingredient orange chicken with couscous.
These teeny-tiny pearls cook super fast. You can have a pot ready in just 10 minutes.
Couscous is also pretty neutral in flavor. Like rice, it absorbs all the goodness of the orange chicken.
17. Mashed Potatoes
Orange chicken is a Chinese-American dish. So what better pairing than serving it with mashed potatoes?!
It’s a classic comfort food we can’t get enough of in the States. The buttery, fluffy spuds melt in your mouth.
The richness completes the sweet, savory, citrusy flavors of orange chicken.
18. Egg Rolls
No one can resist these crunchy egg rolls! They’re a classic Chinese appetizer no one can resist.
They’re very savory, umami, garlicky, and a little ginger-flavored. All those flavors are a great match for orange chicken.
You can also use these rolls to scoop up leftover sauce.
19. Vegetable Stir-Fry
You can never go wrong with a veggie stir-fry.
It’s a fast side for a more substantial meal. Plus, it’s a smart choice for trying to eat more healthily.
Paired with a sweet, umami sauce, it’s perfect for orange chicken. Skip the takeout and save money with this dish!
20. Chinese Dumplings
Chinese dumplings plus orange chicken equals one tasty meal!
I can’t resist these pillowy pockets of umami goodness. The filling features pork, egg, and cabbage with savory flavorings.
Alongside orange chicken, it’s Chinese food heaven! Sure, they’re a labor of love. But they’re beyond worth it.
21. Spicy Edamame
As an appetizer or side, these spicy edamame are a must.
The pods are tender as can be. As for the sauce, it puts them on another level. They’re very umami, delightfully spicy, and garlicky.
All those flavors pair perfectly with the sweet and savory orange chicken.
22. Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
I always get orange chicken and crab rangoon whenever I order Chinese takeout. They’re two of my favorites!
Most commonly, crab rangoon comes as an appetizer. But I prefer it on the side.
These crunchy dumplings add more texture and savoriness to orange chicken. You have to try it!
23. Sweet and Sour Green Beans
These green beans are addicting. Seriously, I kid you not!
They’re smothered in an enticing sweet and sour sauce. And they’re mixed with thick-cut bacon and sweet onions.
All the flavors contrast and complement the orange chicken perfectly. Serve these beans, and everyone at the dinner table will polish off their veggies.
What to Serve with Orange Chicken (23 Perfect Side Dishes)
The best side dishes for orange chicken include fried rice, lo mein noodles, spring rolls, bok choy, cucumber salad, and more! Each one makes the meal even better.
Ingredients
Chinese Egg Noodles
Jasmine Rice
Cauliflower Rice
Lo Mein Noodles
Spring Rolls
Zucchini Noodles
French Fries
Spaghetti Squash
Bok Choy in Ginger Sauce
Panda Express Fried Rice
Broccoli with Asian-Style Garlic Sauce
Brown Rice
Garlic Roasted Vegetables
Cucumber Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
Couscous
Mashed Potatoes
Egg Rolls
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Chinese Dumplings
Spicy Edamame
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Sweet and Sour Green Beans
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a side dish for orange chicken in 30 minutes or less!
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