What to Serve with Orange Chicken – 25 Incredible Dishes to Try
Orange chicken is a refreshing twist to good old regular chicken by coating it in a sauce made of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic. It is then cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
If you’re looking for what to eat with orange chicken, look no further! In this article, we’ll provide a variety of delicious options that will complement your meal. So what are you waiting for? Start reading and get cooking!
What to serve with Orange Chicken:
- Stir-Fried Vegetable Rice
- Egg Noodles
- Steamed Brocolli
- Soy Marinated Eggs
- Cucumber Salad
- Baby Bok Choi
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Lettuce with Oyster Sauce and Garlic
- Coleslaw
- Stir-Fried Oyster Mushrooms
- Milk Bread Rolls
- Pickled Cabbage
- Fries
- Baked Chicken Wings
- Potato Salad
Stir-Fried Vegetable Rice
A classic dish of Chinese cuisine, stir-fried vegetable rice is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy orange chicken. This dish is perfect for those who want something light and healthy to eat with their main dish. Not only is it easy to cook, but it also required minimal ingredients.
However, the key to success is in its preparation. First, the rice must be cooked perfectly – each grain should be separate and fluffy. Second, the vegetables must be cut into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly. And finally, the stir-fry must be done in a hot wok so that the ingredients retain their crunch.
Once you’ve mastered these techniques, you’ll be able to create a delicious and healthy meal of orange chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetable rice that the whole family will enjoy.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are a type of pasta made with flour, eggs, and water and are popular in many different cuisines. Also, they can be found in most supermarkets, and are a versatile and inexpensive way to add flavor to any dish.
They are typically long and thin, though they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can cook them in boiling water or broth, and since they are very popular in Asian cuisine, they are among the best side dishes for orange chicken.
Steamed Brocolli
A classic pairing: orange chicken and steamed broccoli make for a delicious and nutritious meal. The natural sweetness of the oranges complements the savory chicken perfectly, while the broccoli provides a crunchy contrast. Plus, this dish is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Since this dish is easy to prepare, it can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Simply steam the broccoli until it is tender but still crisp, then set it aside. In a separate pan, cook the chicken in a homemade orange sauce until it is cooked through. Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed broccoli and enjoy!
Soy Marinated Eggs
These eggs are cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar, resulting in a delicate balance of salty and sweet flavors. The eggs are then typically served alongside dishes like orange chicken.
Not only do they make a great visual contrast with their bright yellow yolks, but they also provide a deliciously savory component to the meal.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. It’s perfect for a side dish for orange chicken since it’s easy to make. Simply slice cucumbers thinly and mix with diced red onion, diced tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing.
For an extra bit of flavor, you can add crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh herbs. This salad is best served chilled, so be sure to give it plenty of time to cool before serving. Enjoy!
Baby Bok Choi
Baby bok choi is a type of Chinese cabbage that is prized for its delicate flavor and tender texture, as its leaves are thin and crisp, with a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is often used as a side dish for orange chicken, either steamed or grilled.
When choosing baby bok choi, look for heads that are bright green and crisp. Avoid those that are yellow or wilted. Ideally, it is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To prepare baby bok choi, simply wash the heads under cold water. Trim off the bottom of the stem, and cut the cabbage into desired pieces. So get creative and give this delicious vegetable a try as a side dish to your orange chicken!
Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a delicious and easy-to-make option that can be served as a side dish to orange chicken. Also, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when needed.
Even though the soup is made with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, mushrooms, and onions, you can experiment with other vegetables of your liking too. Don’t forget to season t with ginger, garlic, and chili pepper flakes, and enjoy it alongside your orange chicken!
Lettuce with Oyster Sauce and Garlic
Lettuce with oyster sauce and garlic is a classic Chinese dish that is simple to make and full of flavor. The key to this dish is to choose the right lettuce. I prefer iceberg lettuce because it has a crisp texture that holds up well against the rich oyster sauce. However, you could also use romaine or butter lettuce.
Once you have selected your lettuce, simply slice it into thin strips and set it aside. Then, in a small pan, combine oyster sauce, garlic, and water. Heat the mixture until it is hot but not boiling, then pour it over the lettuce. Serve it immediately with some orange chicken for an extra punch of flavor!
Coleslaw
When it comes to pairing side dishes with orange chicken, few options are as versatile and delicious as coleslaw. The creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage provide the perfect balance of flavors, while the carrots add a touch of sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly.
Best of all, coleslaw is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners. Simply toss together a few key ingredients and you’ll have a delicious side dish that will take your orange chicken to the next level.
Stir-Fried Oyster Mushrooms
Who says healthy food can’t be delicious? This stir-fried oyster mushroom side for orange chicken is a perfect example of how healthy and tasty can go hand in hand.
The mushrooms are packed with nutrients, and the orange chicken is a lean and flavorful protein. Together, they make a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, this dish is easy to make and can be on the table in no time.
Milk Bread Rolls
There are few things more tantalizing than the smell of orange chicken wafting through the house. And while that delicious dish is undoubtedly the star of the show, it wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying without a heaping side of steaming hot milk bread rolls.
Yet for some reason, this classic combo is often overlooked in favor of more exotic sides. That’s a shame because when it comes to pairing flavors, orange and milk bread are a match made in heaven. The rich, creamy taste of the bread complements the juicy, succulent chicken perfectly, making for a dish that is both tasty and filling.
So if you’re looking for a new side to accompany your orange chicken, don’t forget about the humble milk bread roll. Who knows? It just might become your new favorite go-to dish.
Pickled Cabbage
Who would have thought that cabbage could be so delicious? Certainly not me, that’s for sure. But this pickled cabbage dish has changed my mind.
The orange chicken is a perfect complement to the crunchy, slightly sweet cabbage. And the best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Therefore give pickled cabbage a try. You just might be surprised at how good it is.
Fries
A wise person once said, “You can never have too many fries.” And we agree – especially when they’re served alongside the orange chicken. Crispy, golden fries are the perfect complement to zesty orange chicken.
The perfect bite includes a little bit of everything – chicken, batter, fry, and sauce.
Baked Chicken Wings
Baked chicken wings are the perfect side dish to orange chicken. They are crispy and full of flavor, and they pair well with the sweetness of the orange sauce. Plus, they are easy to make.
Simply preheat the oven to 400 degrees, then toss the wings with a bit of olive oil and sea salt. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
For a delicious and easy side dish to accompany your orange chicken, look no further than baked chicken wings.
Potato Salad
A staple of potlucks and picnic tables everywhere, potato salad is the perfect side dish for orange chicken. The starchy potatoes provide a filling base, while the mayonnaise and vinegar give the dish a creamy tang.
The orange chicken, with its juicy slices of white meat and zesty sauce, provides a welcome contrast to the potatoes. And, of course, the addition of chopped celery and onions gives the salad a crunch that is sure to please.
Other Options
- Green Salad
- Fried Wontons
- Egg Drop Soup
- Vegetable Lo Mein
- Chicken Salad
- Spinach Ohitashi
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make orange chicken?
Orange chicken is a classic dish that is beloved by many. And while it may seem intimidating to make at home, it’s quite simple. All you need is a few ingredients and a bit of time.
First, start by making the sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
Add the sauce to the skillet and cook until heated about 2 minutes. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Is orange chicken gluten-free?
Yes, orange chicken is gluten-free. The sauce is made with soy sauce, which is gluten-free, and the chicken is cooked in oil, which does not contain gluten. So if you are following a gluten-free diet, you can enjoy this dish without any worries.
Conclusion
So there you have it – fifteen delicious and easy-to-make side dishes to accompany your orange chicken. Whether you’re looking for something new and exciting, or you’re just looking for a classic dish that never fails to please, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start cooking!