25 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is one of those dishes that makes everyone happy – crispy chicken pieces coated in that addictive tangy-sweet sauce that has us coming back for seconds. But what should you serve with it to create a complete meal that rivals your favorite takeout? I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best side dishes that perfectly complement sweet and sour chicken.

Whether you’re making this Chinese-American favorite at home or grabbing takeout these sides will elevate your meal to restaurant-quality status!

Rice and Grain Options

Rice is probably the most classic pairing with sweet and sour chicken and for good reason! Here are some delicious options

1. Steamed Rice

Nothing soaks up that delicious sweet and sour sauce better than a bed of fluffy steamed rice. You can go with:

• White rice (jasmine or basmati are especially aromatic)
• Brown rice (for a healthier option with more fiber)
• Coconut rice (adds a subtle sweetness)

Pro tip: Garnish with some chopped scallions for color and flavor!

2. Egg Fried Rice

Fried rice takes the basic rice side up several notches. The smoky wok flavor and bits of egg, veggies, and aromatics make it substantial enough that you could almost serve it as a meal by itself. When paired with sweet and sour chicken, it’s absolutely heavenly!

To make great fried rice, use day-old cold rice – it fries up much better than fresh rice.

3. Quinoa

For a healthier grain alternative, quinoa works surprisingly well with sweet and sour chicken. Its slightly nutty flavor and pleasant texture make it an excellent base. Try a quinoa peanut stir-fry with sriracha, vinegar, turmeric, and ginger for flavors that complement your main dish.

Noodle Dishes

If you want something other than rice, these noodle options are fantastic:

4. Lo Mein

This popular Chinese restaurant staple features soft, chewy noodles tossed with veggies and a savory sauce. When serving with sweet and sour chicken, I usually keep my lo mein meat-free, but you could add shrimp or tofu for extra protein.

5. Thai Noodle Salad

For something with a bit more zing, try a Thai noodle salad dressed with a spicy-sweet dressing that complements the sweet and sour chicken sauce. The beauty of this side is you can enjoy it warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep.

6. Chow Mein

The crispy noodles offer a wonderful textural contrast to the saucy chicken. Like lo mein, chow mein can be customized with your favorite veggies and proteins.

Veggie Sides

Balance out your meal with some veggies:

7. Vegetable Stir-Fry

A colorful veggie stir-fry is one of my favorite sides for sweet and sour chicken. It adds nutrition, color, and a variety of textures to your plate. The beauty of stir-fries is you can use whatever veggies you have in your fridge – broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy all work great!

8. Garlic Green Beans

Flash-fried green beans with garlic develop a slightly blistered exterior while remaining tender inside. They’re addictively good and provide a nice counterpoint to the sweet and sour flavors.

9. Napa Cabbage Slaw

A crisp, refreshing slaw made with napa cabbage and dressed with a ginger-soy dressing cuts through the richness of sweet and sour chicken. Add some chow mein noodles, almonds, or pepitas for extra crunch.

10. Cucumber Salad

For a light and refreshing side, try a simple cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with a touch of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds provide a cool contrast to the warm, sticky chicken.

11. Steamed Broccoli

Sometimes simple is best! Lightly steamed broccoli florets provide a healthy dose of greens and a pleasing crunch. A light drizzle of sesame oil and some salt is all you need to make this side shine.

Appetizers and Smaller Sides

These smaller bites work great as starters or additional sides:

12. Veggie Egg Rolls

Crispy on the outside with a flavorful veggie filling, egg rolls are the perfect companions to sweet and sour chicken. Using pre-made coleslaw mix can save you tons of prep time!

13. Prawn Toast

These crispy golden treats feature ground shrimp on bread triangles, fried until crispy. The sweet and sour sauce from your chicken makes a fantastic dipping sauce for these.

14. Potstickers/Dumplings

Whether you call them potstickers or dumplings, these little parcels of deliciousness complement sweet and sour chicken perfectly. They feature a crispy bottom and tender steamed top – the best of both worlds!

15. Seaweed Crackers

For something unique, try seaweed crackers made from nori sheets layered with spring roll wrappers and fried until crisp. They’re light, crunchy, and addictive.

16. Egg Drop Soup

A bowl of silky egg drop soup makes a wonderful starter before your sweet and sour chicken main. The mild, soothing flavors prepare your palate for the bold sweet and sour flavors to come.

Fusion and Creative Options

Get a little creative with these unexpected but delicious pairings:

17. Scallion Pancakes

These flaky, layered pancakes studded with scallions are perfect for soaking up sweet and sour sauce. They’re golden and crisp on the outside with delicious layers inside.

18. Jicama Fries

For a healthier alternative to potato fries, try jicama fries! They’re lower in calories than regular fries but still give you that satisfying starchy bite. Plus, they’re great for dipping in any extra sweet and sour sauce.

19. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the sweet and sour flavors beautifully. Try seasoning them with garlic, cumin, and curry powder before roasting for an extra flavor boost.

20. Asian Roasted Pork Belly

If you’re hosting a feast, consider adding succulent roasted pork belly with a sweet and sticky Asian glaze. It’s finger-licking good and practically melts in your mouth!

21. Crab Egg Drop Soup

For a more luxurious starter, try crab egg drop soup. It’s just as flavorful as traditional egg drop soup but with the added bonus of tender, buttery crab meat.

22. Green Papaya Salad

This classic Thai salad with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chilies, lime, and fish sauce has an assertive sour and spicy flavor that complements sweet and sour chicken beautifully.

23. Fried Plantains

The mild sweetness of fried plantains balances sweet and sour chicken wonderfully. Try pan-frying sliced plantains until they’re caramelized and crispy.

24. Tofu Stir-Fry

For an extra protein boost, serve a tofu stir-fry alongside your chicken. The mild flavor of tofu works well with the bold sweet and sour sauce.

25. Sweet Potato Sushi

For something truly unique, try sweet potato sushi as a side dish. The sweet, earthy flavors make a surprising but delicious pairing with sweet and sour chicken.

Tips for Creating a Balanced Meal

When planning your sweet and sour chicken dinner, keep these tips in mind:

• Balance textures: Pair crispy elements with soft ones (like crispy chicken with soft rice)
• Consider flavors: Include something mild to balance the bold sweet and sour flavor
• Add something fresh: A crisp salad or raw veggie side adds freshness
• Think about colors: Try to include a variety of colors for an appetizing plate

What to Drink with Sweet and Sour Chicken

Don’t forget about beverages! These drinks pair perfectly with your meal:

• Jasmine tea: Its fragrant flavor won’t overpower the dish
• Fruit-based cocktails: A sweet peach sangria complements the sweet notes
• Coconut water: Light and refreshing
• Beer: A light lager or pilsner works well

Make-Ahead Options

Many of these sides can be prepared ahead of time, making dinner assembly a breeze:

• Fried rice actually tastes better made with day-old rice
• Thai noodle salad can be made hours before serving
• Cucumber salad can be prepped ahead but is best dressed just before serving
• Veggie egg rolls can be prepared and frozen, then reheated in the oven

Final Thoughts

Sweet and sour chicken doesn’t have to be a one-note meal! With these diverse and delicious side options, you can create a restaurant-worthy feast at home. Mix and match these sides based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

I personally love pairing my sweet and sour chicken with some fried rice and garlic green beans, finished with a few crispy egg rolls on the side. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a truly satisfying meal.

What’s your favorite pairing with sweet and sour chicken? Do you stick with the classics or venture into more creative territory? Either way, you can’t go wrong with these tasty companions to everyone’s favorite sweet and tangy chicken dish!

Sweet and sour chicken is best served with rice (white, brown, or fried) or noodles, and complemented by fresh or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas. For a more complete meal, consider adding Asian-inspired appetizers such as egg rolls, dumplings, or wontons, or a traditional Chinese soup like egg drop soup.

Good sides for chicken include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts, rice or pasta dishes, and salads such as a classic green salad or a refreshing coleslaw.