20 Irresistible Foods That Go Amazing with Orange Chicken

Ever had that moment when you’ve cooked up some delicious orange chicken and then realized you have no idea what to serve with it? Yeah, me too! Orange chicken is this incredible Chinese-American dish with those crispy fried chicken pieces coated in that sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s absolutely yummy on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can totally transform your meal from good to OMG-I-need-seconds!

I’ve spent way too many hours in my kitchen experimenting with different side dishes to find the perfect companions for orange chicken. Today, I’m gonna share my absolute favorite pairings that’ll make your orange chicken meal complete.

Traditional Pairings That Never Disappoint

Let’s start with the classics, cuz sometimes you just can’t beat tradition!

1. Steamed Rice

This is probably the most obvious choice, but there’s a reason for that! The simplicity of steamed rice makes it the perfect canvas for that sticky orange sauce The rice soaks up all those sweet and tangy flavors, and every bite is just heaven I usually go for jasmine or basmati rice, but regular white rice works great too.

2. Fried Rice

If you want to kick things up a notch from plain steamed rice fried rice is your answer! The slightly crispy texture adds another dimension to your meal. You can make it with leftover rice (actually works better than fresh rice) and throw in some veggies like peas, carrots and corn. I sometimes even add a scrambled egg for extra protein.

3. Lo Mein Noodles

OMG, lo mein noodles and orange chicken is just chef’s kiss! These delicious noodles take only about 15 minutes to prepare and you can customize them with whatever veggies you have in your fridge. I usually throw in some cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. The combination of the soft noodles with the crispy chicken is just amazing!

4. Chow Mein Noodles

Similar to lo mein but with a different texture, chow mein noodles have this awesome crispiness that pairs so well with the soft, saucy orange chicken. They’re my go-to when I’m eating at a Chinese restaurant. You can buy them pre-made or make them yourself if you’re feeling ambitious!

Veggie Sides That Complement Orange Chicken

Adding veggies not only makes your meal healthier but also adds beautiful colors to your plate!

5. Steamed Broccoli

Simple yet effective! Garlicky steamed broccoli offers a nice contrast to the sweetness of orange chicken. The crispy green florets soak up that orange sauce beautifully. Plus, it makes me feel less guilty about devouring all that fried chicken!

6. Spicy Sichuan Green Beans

If you love a bit of heat with your sweet, these spicy green beans are perfect! They’re dry-fried which makes them super crispy without tons of oil. The spiciness balances out the sweetness of the orange chicken so perfectly. My kids hate these, but that just means more for me!

7. Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy

Bok choy is a classic Asian vegetable that’s super easy to prepare. It has a mild flavor that won’t compete with your orange chicken. Just sauté it with some garlic and soy sauce, and you’re good to go! The crunch from the stems provides a nice textural contrast.

8. Asian Cauliflower Wings

These are kinda like a veggie version of your orange chicken! The crispy cauliflower “wings” coated in Asian-inspired sauce are addictive. They’re gluten-free and can be made in an air fryer or oven. Make plenty cuz these disappear fast!

9. Chinese Cucumber Salad

For something refreshing and crunchy, this cucumber salad is perfect! It cleanses your palate between bites of the rich orange chicken. It’s super simple to make – just slice cucumbers, add some rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and sesame oil. Sometimes I throw in some red chili flakes for a kick!

10. Stir-Fry Veggie Medley

This is my go-to when I need to clean out the veggie drawer in my fridge! Just throw together whatever veggies you have – bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms – and stir-fry them with some garlic and soy sauce. Quick, easy, and sooo delicious with orange chicken.

Unique Sides That Will Impress Your Guests

Wanna wow your dinner guests? Try these more unusual pairings!

11. Coconut Rice

The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of coconut rice pairs beautifully with orange chicken. The coconut flavor complements the citrusy notes in the chicken. Plus, it looks fancy even though it’s super easy to make! Just substitute some of the water with coconut milk when cooking your rice.

12. Zucchini Noodles

Looking for a low-carb option? Zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) are your answer! They’re fresh, light, and won’t leave you feeling overly full. You can serve them raw or lightly sautéed – just don’t overcook them or they’ll get soggy. My kids actually eat these without complaining!

13. Hot and Sour Soup

Starting your orange chicken meal with a bowl of hot and sour soup is amazing! The tartness of the vinegar and the heat from the white pepper in the soup prepare your taste buds for the sweet orange chicken. Plus, the earthy mushrooms and tofu in the soup add interesting textures to your meal.

14. Chinese Walnuts

Candied Chinese walnuts might sound weird with orange chicken, but trust me on this one! These sweet and crunchy nuts provide an awesome textural contrast. They’re great for serving as “picky bits” while your guests wait for the main event, or scattered over your rice for added crunch.

15. Green Pea and Parmesan Quinoa

For a healthier grain option, try this quinoa dish! The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs nicely with the fruity orange chicken, and the green peas add little bursts of sweetness. The parmesan cheese might not be traditional with Chinese food, but it totally works here!

Appetizers That Go Great with Orange Chicken

Start your meal off right with these appetizers!

16. Fried Wontons

Crispy fried wontons are so fun to munch on before diving into your orange chicken. You can fill them with shrimp and ground pork, or do what I do and use cream cheese and crabsticks (my personal fave!). Make a big batch and freeze them so you can quickly fry them up whenever needed.

17. Egg Drop Soup

This classic Chinese soup is light enough that it won’t fill you up before your main course. The silky strands of egg in a flavorful broth make for a comforting start to your meal. I sometimes add some corn for extra sweetness and texture.

18. Chinese Cabbage Salad

This no-cook salad is perfect for summer! It’s light and refreshing with a ginger dressing that adds a nice tang. If you don’t want to be overwhelmed with orange flavor, you might want to leave out the mandarin oranges the recipe calls for.

19. Spinach Ohitashi (Japanese Spinach Salad)

This Japanese-inspired spinach salad is a great way to use up wilting spinach leaves. It’s super nutritious and provides a nice earthy contrast to the sweet orange chicken. Toss in some edamame beans and tofu cubes for added protein!

20. Spicy Bean Sprout Salad

If you want something light and fresh with a bit of spice, this bean sprout salad is perfect! The crunch from the bean sprouts, peppers, and cucumbers adds textural interest to your meal. The dressing is simple – just sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and ginger.

What Vegetables Go Best with Orange Chicken?

If you’re wondering specifically about vegetables, here are some that work particularly well:

• Broccoli
• Bok choy
• Green beans
• Snap peas
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Cauliflower
• Bean sprouts

You can steam, stir-fry, or roast these veggies depending on what texture you prefer!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Side Dish

Not sure how to pick the right side dish for your orange chicken? Here are some tips:

1. Look for light and healthy options – Orange chicken is rich and filling, so lighter sides work well.
2. Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance – This makes your meal prep easier.
3. Balance flavors – Orange chicken is sweet and tangy, so pick sides that are refreshing and simple.
4. Consider texture – Crispy veggies provide a nice contrast to the soft, saucy chicken.
5. Think about preparation time – Pick sides that have similar cooking times to make meal planning easier.

Wrapping It Up

Orange chicken is seriously one of the most versatile Chinese-American dishes out there, and now you’ve got 20 amazing side dish ideas to try! My personal faves are lo mein noodles, spicy Sichuan green beans, and coconut rice, but you really can’t go wrong with any of these options.

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with orange chicken? I’d love to hear about your go-to pairings!