Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Orange Chicken

Originally posted on November 16, 2023 @ 8:31 am

Orange chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish that is perfect for any occasion. The crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce is a crowd-pleaser that is hard to resist. But what should you serve with orange chicken to make your meal even more special? Look no further! We have rounded up the best side dishes, accompaniments, and recipe pairings to elevate your orange chicken meal.

Whether you are looking for easy side dishes, Asian-inspired options, or fresh and crispy vegetables, we have got you covered. These delicious sides bring a variety of contrasting textures and flavors that complement the sweet and savory flavors of orange chicken. You can mix and match different options to create the perfect meal for your taste preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the perfect pairings for your orange chicken dish.

Key Takeaways:

• Orange chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that can be elevated with the right side dishes.
• Classic Chinese-inspired sides, fresh and crispy vegetables, flavorful rice and noodle dishes, light and refreshing salads, bread and dumpling delights, tangy and sweet sauces, and unique beverage pairings all make a great addition to your orange chicken meal.
• Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match for your taste.

Classic Chinese-inspired Sides for Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has gained worldwide popularity for its sweet and tangy flavor. If you want to take your orange chicken meal to the next level, try serving it with some classic Chinese-inspired sides that complement the dish’s flavors.

Here are some excellent side dishes to pair with your orange chicken:

Side Dish	Description
Steamed Rice	This classic Chinese side dish is a perfect base for orange chicken. The light and fluffy texture of the rice pairs well with the bold flavors of the chicken.
Stir-fried Vegetables	A stir-fry of vegetables such as bok choy, snow peas, and carrots is an excellent option to add some crunch and freshness to your meal. The veggies’ flavors complement the sweet and tangy notes of the orange chicken sauce.
Spring Rolls	Spring rolls are a tasty and crispy appetizer that goes well with orange chicken. These rolls are usually filled with vegetables and meat and served with a dipping sauce that adds another layer of flavor.
Wonton Soup	This hearty and warming soup is a classic Chinese dish that complements orange chicken well. The wontons, filled with meat and vegetables, add some texture to your meal, while the broth provides a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken.

Pairing your orange chicken with these classic Chinese-inspired sides will create a complete dining experience, taking you on a culinary journey to China.

Fresh and Crispy Vegetable Sides

Not only do vegetable sides add freshness and crunch to your orange chicken meal, but they are also a healthy and colorful addition to your plate. Broccoli, snow peas, and bell peppers are just a few options to consider.

Roasting or stir-frying these vegetables will bring out their natural sweetness and elevate the flavors of the dish. For a simple and easy side dish, try steaming some bok choy or Chinese broccoli and drizzling with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Roasted Vegetables Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Chop vegetables of your choice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Stir-Fried Vegetables Recipe

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add chopped vegetables of your choice and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
3. Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to taste.

These vegetable sides not only provide a balance of flavors and textures, but they are also a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal. Try incorporating some of these fresh and crispy sides alongside your orange chicken dish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Flavorful Rice and Noodle Dishes

Elevate your orange chicken meal with a satisfying base of rice or noodles that absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Here are some delicious options that pair perfectly with orange chicken:

Rice and Noodle Dishes	Description
Chicken Fried Rice	A classic Chinese dish made with rice, eggs, and vegetables, stir-fried with chicken. This dish is savory and satisfying, complementing the sweet and tangy flavors of orange chicken.
Lo Mein Noodles	Fresh egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and a savory sauce. This dish is a great option for those who want a noodle dish that is not spicy but still flavorful enough to pair well with orange chicken.
Pad Thai	A popular Thai dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, tofu, peanuts, and a sweet and sour sauce. The zesty flavors of pad thai contrast well with the rich flavors of orange chicken.

These rice and noodle dishes are sure to make your orange chicken meal more satisfying and flavorful. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match for your taste preferences.

Light and Refreshing Salad Options

When enjoying a savory and rich dish like orange chicken, it can be refreshing to have a light and flavorful salad on the side. Not only do salads provide a healthy addition to the meal, but they also bring a burst of freshness that complements the bold flavors of the chicken.

Here are some of the best side dishes for orange chicken that will leave your taste buds feeling refreshed and satisfied:

• Asian Cucumber Salad: This salad is a perfect match for orange chicken because it provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts the sweetness of the sauce. To make this salad, simply slice cucumbers thinly and toss with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great option to balance out the richness of the chicken. Mix together your favorite greens, such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce, and dress with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
• Fruit Salad: If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, a fruit salad can be a delicious complement to the tangy flavors of orange chicken. Try a mix of fresh berries, melon, and pineapple for a colorful and refreshing side dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different salad combinations to find the perfect pairing for your orange chicken meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a few Asian-inspired ingredients like edamame or sesame seeds to give your salad a unique twist.

Bread and Dumpling Delights

Looking for some variety to go with your orange chicken? Look no further than bread and dumpling delights! These options provide a different texture and can be enjoyed alongside the flavorful orange chicken.

One classic option is fluffy steamed buns, which are perfect for soaking up the sauce of the orange chicken. They also add a soft and pillowy texture to balance out the crispy chicken.

If you’re looking for something a little heartier, consider pan-fried or steamed dumplings. These come in a variety of flavors and can be filled with vegetables, pork, or chicken, making them a versatile and delicious accompaniment to your orange chicken dish.

Dish	Description
Steamed Buns	Soft, pillowy buns that are perfect for soaking up the sauce of the orange chicken.
Pan-Fried Dumplings	Crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful meat or vegetables on the inside.
Steamed Dumplings	Soft and juicy dumplings that come in a variety of flavors and fillings.

No matter which option you choose, bread and dumplings are a great way to add some variety to your orange chicken meal.

Tangy and Sweet Sauces

One of the best ways to enhance the flavors of your orange chicken is to pair it with tangy and sweet sauces. These sauces not only add another layer of flavor to your dish, but they also complement the sweetness and tanginess of the orange chicken.

One popular sauce that pairs well with orange chicken is sweet and sour sauce. This sauce is made with a blend of vinegar, sugar, and fruit juice, creating a tangy and sweet flavor that perfectly matches the flavors of the orange chicken. Another option is honey mustard sauce, which combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, creating a unique and delicious flavor.

If you’re looking for a spicier option, try pairing your orange chicken with sriracha sauce. This hot and tangy sauce adds a kick of flavor to your dish and perfectly complements the sweetness of the orange chicken sauce.

“The combination of sweet and sour sauce with orange chicken is just heavenly. It’s like they were made for each other.”

Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite pairing. You can drizzle the sauce over the chicken or use it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors to create your own unique sauce. For example, you can mix sweet chili sauce with hoisin sauce for a tangy and sweet flavor that complements the orange chicken.

Overall, adding a tangy and sweet sauce to your orange chicken meal is a great way to enhance the flavors of the dish. Try out different sauces and find the perfect pairing for your taste buds!

Unique Beverage Pairings

What’s a meal without a delicious beverage to wash it down? When it comes to pairing a drink with your orange chicken dish, you want something refreshing that complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce. Here are some unique beverage pairings to consider:

• Iced Tea: A classic beverage that pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes, iced tea is a refreshing option to complement the flavors of orange chicken. Consider a green tea or fruity blend for a twist on the traditional.
• Mango Lassi: This Indian-inspired drink is made with yogurt, mango, and spices, making it a perfect pairing for the bold flavors of orange chicken. Its creamy and fruity taste provides a refreshing break from the heat.
• Sparkling Water: For those who prefer a less sweet option, sparkling water is a great choice. Its effervescence refreshes the palate between bites of the rich and savory orange chicken.
• Lychee Martini: For a more adult option, a lychee martini is an excellent choice. The fruit’s sweetness pairs well with the flavors of the sauce, making it a delicious accompaniment to your meal.

Whether you prefer a classic option or something more unique, these beverage pairings will elevate your orange chicken meal to the next level. Make sure to have a variety of options available to suit everyone’s taste preferences.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect meal to go with orange chicken is all about exploring different side dish options and complementary flavors. The perfect pairings will elevate your orange chicken meal to a whole new level.

From classic Chinese-inspired sides to light salads and flavorful sauces, there are endless possibilities to explore. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match for your taste preferences.

Remember, the sweetness and tanginess of orange chicken make it a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Whether you prefer rich and hearty dishes or light and refreshing options, there is a perfect match for everyone.

So go ahead and try some of these delicious options to enhance your orange chicken experience. You are sure to impress your guests with your culinary skills. Bon appétit!