Honey garlic chicken – that sweet, savory, sticky delight that makes your taste buds dance! But let’s be real, even the most delicious chicken needs some awesome sidekicks to make it a complete meal. I’ve been cooking honey garlic chicken for years, and finding the perfect sides has been quite the journey.
In this article, I’m gonna share my favorite sides that make honey garlic chicken shine even brighter. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, these pairings will take your meal from good to absolutely fantastic!
Why Pairing Matters for Honey Garlic Chicken
Before diving into the side dishes, let’s understand why pairing matters Honey garlic chicken has a distinct flavor profile – it’s umami (savory), sweet, and salty thanks to ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger Some versions even have a kick from red pepper flakes.
The best sides for honey garlic chicken should:
- Balance the sweetness
- Complement the savory notes
- Add textural contrast
- Bring freshness to cut through the richness
And that’s exactly what we’re going for with these recommendations!
Top 15 Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is my go-to side when serving honey garlic chicken. Its fragrant and slightly sticky texture makes it perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. The mild flavor doesn’t compete with the chicken but provides a fantastic base.
Pro tip: For extra flavor, cook your jasmine rice in chicken broth instead of water.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully with honey garlic chicken. The rich, buttery texture creates a comforting contrast to the sticky chicken. Plus, the garlic flavor in both dishes creates a harmonious flavor experience.
You can use different garlic preparations (roasted or fresh) depending on how intense you want the flavor to be.
3. Steamed Broccoli
For a healthy option that balances the sweetness of honey garlic chicken, steamed broccoli is perfect! Its bright green color looks beautiful on the plate, and the crisp texture contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
A quick steam preserves the nutrients and gives you a healthy side in minutes. I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up even more.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with their crispy outer leaves and tender insides are amazingly good with honey garlic chicken. The slight bitterness of the sprouts cuts through the sweetness of the chicken glaze.
To make them extra special:
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Roast at 400°F until golden brown
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar
5. Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad brings texture, nutrition, and freshness to your honey garlic chicken meal. I like to mix in cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light lemon vinaigrette.
The protein-packed quinoa makes this a truly balanced meal, perfect for those trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
6. Sautéed Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with a bit of garlic and finished with lemon zest make a delightful accompaniment. For extra texture, try adding some toasted almonds or pine nuts.
This side dish comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious but quick.
7. Cauliflower Rice
Looking for a low-carb option? Cauliflower rice is your answer! Its subtle, nutty flavor complements honey garlic chicken without stealing the show.
Cook it quickly over medium heat to retain some texture, and you’ll have a healthier alternative that’s still satisfying.
8. Creamy Polenta
For something a little different, try serving your honey garlic chicken over creamy polenta. The smooth, buttery corn base is the perfect canvas for that delicious honey garlic sauce.
Add some Parmesan cheese to your polenta for extra richness, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home!
9. Grilled Asparagus
When asparagus is in season, I love serving it alongside honey garlic chicken. The slight char from grilling adds a smoky element that works beautifully with the sweet and savory chicken.
A sprinkle of lemon zest over the grilled asparagus brightens everything up and creates a balanced plate.
10. Coleslaw
A crisp, tangy coleslaw provides refreshing contrast to rich honey garlic chicken. You can go with a creamy version or a vinegar-based one depending on your preference.
I prefer a lighter, vinegar-dressed coleslaw with honey garlic chicken as it cuts through the richness really well.
11. Sweet Potato Fries
The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries echoes the honey in the chicken while providing a satisfying crunch. Season them with paprika or cinnamon for an extra flavor dimension.
Don’t forget to serve with a dipping sauce! Garlic aioli or spicy mayo works great with both the fries and the chicken.
12. Mixed Green Salad
Sometimes simple is best. A fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette brings brightness and crunch to your plate.
Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and maybe some nuts for extra texture and nutrients. This is my go-to when I want to keep things light but satisfying.
13. Garlic Butter Noodles
For a more indulgent side, garlic butter noodles are amazing with honey garlic chicken. The buttery, garlicky pasta complements the similar flavors in the chicken.
Choose your favorite pasta shape – spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne work great. Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
14. Sautéed Spinach
Quick-sautéed spinach with garlic is a nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with honey garlic chicken. The deep green color looks beautiful next to the glazed chicken.
A splash of lemon juice and some toasted pine nuts elevate this simple side dish to something special.
15. Roasted Carrots
Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots mirror the sweetness in honey garlic chicken while adding beautiful color to your plate. Try using rainbow carrots for an extra visual appeal!
Season with thyme or rosemary and roast until tender with slightly crispy edges for the best flavor and texture.
Other Delicious Options to Consider
If you’re looking for even more variety, here are a few additional sides that work wonderfully:
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up extra sauce
- Teriyaki Tofu: For an Asian-inspired meal with protein variety
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and comforting
- Spinach Soup: Light and nutritious starter
- Pesto Pasta: Herby and bright
- Ginger Rice: Aromatic and flavorful
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful and satisfying
Why These Pairings Work So Well
The best sides for honey garlic chicken create balance on your plate. The chicken is sweet and savory with a sticky texture, so sides that provide contrast in texture (crispy, crunchy) or flavor (fresh, bright, acidic) work particularly well.
I’ve found that starchy sides like rice, potatoes, and pasta are great for soaking up the delicious sauce, while vegetable sides add nutrition and freshness to round out the meal.
My Personal Favorites
If I had to pick my top three sides for honey garlic chicken, they would be:
- Jasmine rice – Nothing beats how well it soaks up that amazing sauce
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – The caramelization and texture contrast is just perfect
- Mixed green salad – When I want something light and fresh to balance the rich chicken
Tips for Creating a Balanced Meal
When planning your honey garlic chicken dinner, try to include:
- A starch (rice, potatoes, pasta)
- A vegetable (broccoli, asparagus, salad)
- Contrasting textures (something crisp with the tender chicken)
- Complementary flavors that won’t compete with the chicken
Final Thoughts
Honey garlic chicken is such a versatile main dish that there’s really no wrong answer when it comes to sides. The options I’ve shared are my favorites, but feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your pantry or what’s in season.
The beauty of cooking is making it your own – so experiment with these suggestions and find your perfect pairing! Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy for a weeknight dinner or more elaborate for entertaining, there’s a side dish on this list that will make your honey garlic chicken shine.
What’s your favorite side to serve with honey garlic chicken? I’d love to know what works for you in the comments below!
How to make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Split chicken breast in half – so 2 breasts makes 4 pieces;
- Dust chicken with flour (gives the chicken a slight crust so the sauce clings to it better!)
- Sear chicken, add butter, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, honey.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens. Turn chicken to coat in the amazing honey garlic sauce.
Want to BBQ it? Use this Grilled Honey Soy Chicken recipe instead.
Notice how the sauce is clinging to the surface? That’s because we dusted the chicken with flour so when it’s pan fried, it creates a crust.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
This sauce for chicken breast is a variation of my Honey Garlic Salmon which has been popular with readers for many years.
If I were ever to do a summary of my top 5 Most Used Sauces, Honey Garlic Sauce would probably be right at the top of the list. I love it because it requires so few ingredients that are pantry staples, and when simmered with a seared protein in a skillet so it becomes all bubbly and syrupy…. oh WOW.
It’s just DA BOMB!!! ( <– Who talks like that at my age???! I do. Only in extenuating circumstances. Excitement over crazy delicious secret-weapon sauce falls under this category. )
Honey Garlic Chicken Thigh Bites Recipe – Easy Chicken Recipe
FAQ
What is a good side for honey chicken?
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Pair the crispy honey garlic chicken with a side of rice or cauliflower rice. You might also like to offer some steamed broccoli or carrots, oven-roasted sesame broccoli, ramen noodle salad, or a sesame ginger snap pea salad.
What to pair garlic chicken with?
What is best to serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken? Try mashed potatoes, a classic potato gratin, rice, pasta or fresh crusty bread. For veggie sides, try steamed greens, a fresh rocket (arugula) or baby spinach salad, steamed broccoli, cauliflower or green beans.
What goes well with honey garlic chicken wings?
So I know I said these Honey-Glazed Garlic Chicken Wings are a must-have in your appetizer arsenal, but honestly, they make for a great dinner or weekend lunch. They can easily be paired with a side salad or any kind of potato, like fries (grab my go-to fries recipe here), or crispy smashed potatoes.
What is honey chicken served with?
Taste for seasoning and squeeze over the remaining lemon juice, if needed, then serve with rice and steamed broccoli, if you like.