Orange chicken, with its crispy, sweet, and tangy flavors, is a beloved takeout classic. But figuring out What To Serve With Orange Chicken to create a complete and satisfying meal can sometimes be a challenge. This guide offers a variety of delectable side dishes, from comforting starches to vibrant vegetables and tempting appetizers, to perfectly complement your orange chicken and create a memorable dining experience.
A vibrant collage showcasing diverse side dishes perfect for orange chicken, including rice, noodles, vegetables, and dumplings, illustrating easy and delicious meal pairings.
Starches: The Perfect Foundation for Orange Chicken
Starchy sides are excellent for soaking up the flavorful orange sauce and providing a satisfying base for your meal. Here are some top choices:
Vegetable Lo Mein (Quick & Easy)
Looking for a quick and easy noodle dish? This Vegetable Lo Mein is ready in under 30 minutes and is incredibly versatile. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a healthy and customizable side that perfectly balances the richness of orange chicken. The subtle flavors of lo mein allow the orange chicken to remain the star while adding a comforting noodle element to your plate.
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Instant Pot Sushi Rice
For a foolproof and fluffy rice option, Instant Pot Sushi Rice is a winner. Ready in less than 30 minutes with just four ingredients, this rice is slightly sticky and perfectly cooked every time. Its clean and delicate flavor profile makes it an ideal blank canvas to absorb the sweet and tangy orange sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
PF Chang’s Fried Rice – Copycat Recipe
Craving that authentic takeout experience? This PF Chang’s Fried Rice copycat recipe brings the restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Packed with rice, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet Chinese-inspired sauce, this fried rice is a flavor explosion in itself. Serving it alongside orange chicken creates a delightful double dose of Asian-inspired goodness, making it a truly satisfying and flavorful meal.
Coconut Rice
For a subtly sweet and fragrant rice option, Coconut Rice is an excellent choice. Made with just five simple ingredients, this rice offers a hint of coconut flavor that complements the citrus notes in orange chicken without overpowering it. Its creamy texture and delicate sweetness provide a lovely counterpoint to the tangy sauce and crispy chicken.
Veggies: Bright and Refreshing Sides
To balance the richness of orange chicken, consider adding some vibrant and refreshing vegetable side dishes. These options provide contrasting textures and flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.
Spicy Cucumber Salad
This easy Asian Spicy Cucumber Salad is a burst of freshness and flavor. The crisp cucumbers, combined with a perfect balance of heat, salt, acid, and sweetness, offer a refreshing contrast to the savory orange chicken. It’s quick to make and adds a delightful crunch and zing to your meal.
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5-Minute Asian Sugar Snap Peas
For a super quick and healthy vegetable side, these 5-Minute Asian Sugar Snap Peas are a fantastic option. Ready in just minutes, these snap peas retain their crispness and vibrant green color. Their slightly sweet and fresh taste pairs wonderfully with the bolder flavors of orange chicken, adding a touch of lightness to the meal.
Stir Fried Vegetables
A classic and versatile choice, Stir Fried Vegetables are perfect for adding a healthy dose of veggies to your meal. You can customize this dish with your favorite vegetables and a savory stir-fry sauce. The slightly charred and tender vegetables provide a delightful textural contrast and a healthy balance to the fried chicken.
Chili Garlic Green Beans
Inspired by PF Chang’s, these Chili Garlic Green Beans bring a delightful combination of spice and savory flavors. The crisp-tender green beans are coated in a flavorful chili garlic sauce, offering a satisfying bite and a touch of heat that complements the sweetness of the orange chicken.
Crispy Honey Chilli Cauliflower
Looking for a vegetarian appetizer that can double as a side? Crispy Honey Chilli Cauliflower is incredibly addictive. The fried cauliflower florets, tossed in a sweet and spicy honey chili sauce, offer a delightful crunch and a flavor profile that echoes the sweet and spicy notes of orange chicken, creating a cohesive and flavorful meal.
Asian Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
This Asian Broccoli Stir Fry is a light yet flavorful vegetable dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. The tender-crisp broccoli, tossed with ginger, garlic, and a delicious sauce glaze, provides a healthy and vibrant side. Its slightly sweet and savory flavors harmonize beautifully with the orange chicken, adding a nutritious and tasty element to your plate.
Appetizers: Start Your Meal with a Flavorful Kick
Consider serving appetizers before your orange chicken main course to create a multi-course Asian-inspired feast. These appetizers offer a delicious prelude to your meal.
Chinese Chicken Dumplings with Sesame Soy Sauce
While they might be a labor of love, Chinese chicken dumplings are incredibly rewarding. Their crispy outer shell and flavorful filling, paired with a nutty and tangy sesame soy sauce, make them an exceptional appetizer. Serving these dumplings before orange chicken elevates the dining experience, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Spicy Garlic Edamame
For a quick, protein-packed, and flavorful appetizer, Spicy Garlic Edamame is an excellent choice. These edamame pods, tossed in a spicy garlic seasoning, are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying to munch on. They offer a savory and slightly spicy start to your meal, perfectly prepping your palate for the orange chicken to come.
Homemade Egg Rolls
These homemade egg rolls, filled with pork and vegetables and fried to crispy perfection, are a classic appetizer that everyone loves. They are perfect for making ahead of time and offer a satisfying crunch and savory filling. Serving egg rolls before orange chicken adds a familiar and comforting element to your Asian-inspired meal.
Vegetable Lumpia (Lumpia Gulay)
Crispy, delicious, and filled with a savory vegetable filling, these Vegetable Lumpia are a crowd-pleaser. These Filipino spring rolls are a lighter appetizer option, offering a satisfying crunch and a flavorful vegetable filling. They can be fried, air-fried, or baked, making them a versatile and delicious start to your orange chicken meal.
Simple Thai Mango Salad
For a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors, Simple Thai Mango Salad is an exceptional appetizer choice. The combination of sweet mango, crisp bean sprouts, and a spicy, tangy dressing creates a refreshing and palate-cleansing starter. Its light and bright flavors provide a delightful contrast to the richer orange chicken, making it a perfect precursor to the main course.
FAQs about Serving Orange Chicken
What’s the difference between tangerine chicken and orange chicken?
Orange chicken is typically breaded and coated in a sweet orange chili sauce, while tangerine chicken is usually stir-fried in a spicier tangerine sauce.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, or even a combination of both, this guide provides a wide array of options for what to serve with orange chicken. Explore these delicious pairings to create your perfect meal and elevate your orange chicken experience!
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