Let’s face it – bourbon chicken is that sticky, sweet, savory dish that practically begs for the perfect sidekick. I’ve spent countless evenings where this flavor-packed chicken was the star of our dinner table. Picture this: sizzling chicken drizzled with that rich, glossy sauce coating every single bite like a warm hug. Divine, right?
But here’s the million-dollar question – what should you serve with it? From classic rice options to zesty green veggies I’ve gathered over 30 incredible side dishes that’ll take your bourbon chicken to new heights. So let’s dive into what to whip up to keep those dinner vibes soaring high!
The Best Starchy Sides for Soaking Up That Delicious Sauce
When you’ve got that amazing bourbon chicken sauce, you’re gonna want something to soak up every last drop These starchy options are perfect for the job!
Rice Options
Rice is definitely the classic choice when serving bourbon chicken Here are some variations to try
- Jasmine rice – Sweet and sticky, perfect for capturing that sauce
- Basmati rice – Fragrant and fluffy for a more elegant pairing
- Brown rice – Adds a nutty flavor while keeping things healthier
- Wild rice blend – Creates interesting texture and depth
- Coconut rice – My personal favorite! The creamy coconut infuses each grain with subtle sweetness that works beautifully with bourbon chicken’s flavor profile
Potato Dishes
Potatoes are another hearty pairing that won’t disappoint:
- Creamy mashed potatoes – A comforting favorite that makes bourbon chicken feel like home
- Roasted potatoes – Crispy outside, fluffy inside – the perfect contrast
- Sweet potato fries – Add a delightful sweetness that complements the sauce
- Potato wedges – Season with spices for a simple yet tasty side
Other Starchy Options
- Quinoa offers a protein punch with unique texture while letting the bourbon chicken shine
- Couscous is light and fluffy, soaking up sauce beautifully
- Ginger garlic noodles bring a zesty kick that refreshes every bite
Crisp, Fresh Veggies to Balance the Richness
Fresh vegetables add color, nutrition, and brightness to balance that rich bourbon chicken. The slight bitterness or crunch creates the perfect contrast.
Green Vegetables
- Steamed broccoli – A classic choice with subtle earthiness
- Garlic sesame green beans – Crispy with caramelized garlic and nutty sesame
- Stir-fried bok choy – Crisp and slightly sweet, lightens up the meal
- Honey glazed carrots – Sweet and vibrant
Salads and Slaws
- Asian slaw – A colorful crunch fest with cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers in tangy sesame dressing
- Thai cucumber salad – Refreshing with a zesty kick that brightens the palate
- Rocket salad with vinaigrette – Cuts through the richness perfectly
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots and squash caramelize for sweet depth that stands up well to bourbon chicken’s bold flavors.
Noodles That Let Sauces Shine
Noodle dishes make excellent vehicles for that amazing bourbon glaze:
- Stir-fried noodles like chow mein complement the Asian flavors
- Soba noodles have a nutty essence and absorb sauce well
- Angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs lets the chicken take the spotlight
- Fettuccine Alfredo offers a creamy, mellow base
Breads That Soak Up Sauce
Bread is great for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce:
- Cornbread offers sweetness to balance the chicken
- Fluffy dinner rolls soak up sauce nicely
- Garlic bread adds aroma and crunch
Creative Ways to Complement Bourbon Chicken
Want to think outside the box? Try these unique bourbon chicken pairings!
Fruit-Based Sides
- Mango salsa – Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that add sunshine to your plate
- Pineapple fried rice – Sweet and savory goodness that brings a refreshing twist
- Fruit salad – Cleanses the palate after the rich meal
Protein-Based Sides
- Crispy egg rolls – Crunchy delights with savory fillings that add fun to the meal
- Teriyaki mushrooms – Umami meets sweet, sticky goodness
Perfect Beverages
Complete your bourbon chicken meal with these drinks:
- Iced tea
- Sparkling water
- Red wine
- Crisp beer
Top 13 Side Dishes for Bourbon Chicken
If you’re looking for the absolute best pairings, here are my top 13 recommendations:
- Coconut Rice – Tropical twist that adds subtle sweetness
- Steamed Broccoli – Green powerhouse with earthy flavor
- Sweet Potato Fries – Sweet, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying
- Asian Slaw – Colorful crunch fest with tangy dressing
- Garlic Sesame Green Beans – Crispy with caramelized garlic
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Crisp green addition with mild sweetness
- Mango Salsa – Vibrant splash of sunshine on your plate
- Crispy Egg Rolls – Crunchy delights filled with savory goodness
- Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet twist that brings vibrant color
- Pineapple Fried Rice – Sweet and savory bowl of goodness
- Thai Cucumber Salad – Refreshing crunch bomb with tangy dressing
- Ginger Garlic Noodles – Simple yet flavorful with zesty kick
- Teriyaki Mushrooms – Umami meets sweet, sticky glaze
Understanding Bourbon Chicken
Before we wrap up, let’s understand what makes bourbon chicken so special. With origins tied to New Orleans and bourbon whiskey, it blends Chinese and Cajun flavors into something truly unique. That rich sweet and savory sauce is what makes finding complementary sides so important – you want options that enhance rather than compete with these bold flavors.
FAQ About Bourbon Chicken Pairings
What vegetables go well in bourbon chicken?
Carrots, bell peppers, and peas work great in the dish itself. Other options include green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, edamame, bok choy, baby corn, onions, eggplant, zucchini, and white mushrooms.
What goes with bourbon food in general?
Grilled and smoked meats are excellent choices for pairing with bourbon flavors. Steak, particularly a well-cooked and charred one, is a classic choice.
What are the best sides for chicken in general?
The best sides depend on how you’re cooking the chicken. A roasted chicken in fall or winter pairs wonderfully with butternut squash or cauliflower, while grilled chicken in summer makes more sense with seasonal salads and veggies charred over coals.
Final Thoughts
With so many amazing options from traditional to innovative, you can create a delicious, well-balanced meal built around bourbon chicken. The key is finding sides that complement rather than compete with that rich, sweet and savory sauce.
Next time you make bourbon chicken, try one of these 30+ side pairings to bring your meal to the next level! I’d love to know which ones become your favorites. For me, that coconut rice and Asian slaw combo is simply unbeatable!
7 – Mango Salsa
Mango salsa is our go-to for adding a splash of sunshine to any plate. This vibrant side offers a mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.
Mango brings a juicy sweetness that plays well against the zesty lime. The fresh cilantro and onion add a refreshing crunch. We’ve found it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, complementing their savory richness.
Compared to regular salsa, mango salsa is lighter and more fruity. It’s perfect for summer dishes or whenever we need a burst of colour.
4 – Asian Slaw
Asian slaw is a colorful crunch fest. We find the vibrant mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers refreshing. The salad gets a zesty kick from a tangy sesame or peanut dressing that sets it apart from regular coleslaw.
It’s light yet packs flavor. The sweetness of the veggies contrasts perfectly with the dressing’s tang. It’s a great side for protein-heavy dishes, adding balance with every bite.