Are you staring at your pot of chilli chicken wondering what sides would make it a complete meal? I’ve been there too! After years of experimenting with different combinations, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of side dishes that pair perfectly with chilli chicken, whether it’s the Chinese-style dry version or the saucy Indian variant.
Chilli chicken by itself is already amazing with its juicy chicken pieces coated in that spicy, flavorful sauce. But adding the right sides can elevate your meal from good to absolutely fantastic! Let’s dive into the best accompaniments that will make your chilli chicken shine.
Rice Options – The Classic Companions
When it comes to serving chilli chicken rice is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reason!
1. Jasmine Fragrant Rice
Jasmine rice is my go-to choice when serving chilli chicken. Its fluffy grains perfectly absorb the chili oil without overpowering the chicken’s flavor. The subtle floral aroma of jasmine rice complements the spicy notes in the chicken beautifully.
2. Fried Rice
For a more substantial side, fried rice works wonders with chilli chicken. You can customize it with chopped ginger garlic spring onions, or even add some chili for extra heat. The slight crunch from properly made fried rice contrasts nicely with the tender chicken pieces.
3. Coconut Lime Rice
If you’re looking for something to balance the spiciness, coconut lime rice is your answer! It requires only 4 ingredients and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. The creamy coconut and tangy lime create a cooling effect that pairs perfectly with the heat from chilli chicken.
Noodle Options – Slurp-worthy Combinations
Noodles and chilli chicken are a match made in heaven. The sauce clings to the noodles, creating a flavor explosion in every bite!
4. Chinese Noodles
I’ve found that Chinese noodles are the most suitable to pair with chilli chicken Pour the sauce over hot plain noodles or knife-cut noodles for a spicy and satisfying meal that’ll leave you wanting more For best results, cook the noodles fresh to maintain that perfect chewy texture.
5. Japanese Udon Noodles
For something different, try Japanese udon noodles. Their thickness and smoothness, paired with the spiciness of chilli chicken, create a perfect match. Pro tip: drain the noodles well in advance so they can better absorb the sauce.
6. Whole-Wheat or Buckwheat Noodles
If you’re health-conscious, whole-wheat or buckwheat noodles make excellent choices. Garnish them with leafy greens for added nutrition without compromising on taste.
Bread Options – Perfect for Dipping
Bread is fantastic for sopping up that delicious chilli chicken sauce!
7. Naan Bread
Warm, soft naan bread is ideal for dipping in chilli chicken sauce. The bread soaks up all the rich flavors. While plain naan works great, garlic or cheese naan adds an extra dimension of flavor. Brush with melted butter or ghee for an indulgent experience.
8. Roti
Another excellent bread option is roti. This flatbread is common in Indian cuisine and soaks up the spice-infused sauce beautifully. Tear off pieces and use them to grab mouthfuls of chicken and sauce – the contrasting textures work amazingly well together.
9. Texas Toast
For a Western twist, try Texas toast – those double-wide slices of bread slathered with butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley, then grilled to golden perfection. It’s surprising how well this goes with chilli chicken!
Crispy Sides – For Textural Contrast
Adding something crispy to your meal creates a delightful textural contrast to the saucy chilli chicken.
10. Fried Wontons
For extra crunch, fried wontons make a fun side. You can buy ready-made ones or make your own by stuffing wonton wrappers with minced chicken or pork. The crispy texture helps cut through the richness of the chilli chicken sauce.
11. Vegetable Pakoras
These Indian fritters made of chopped vegetables in spiced chickpea flour batter add a nice crunch to your meal. Onion, potato, spinach, and cauliflower pakoras all pair well with spicy chicken and help balance some of the heat.
12. Tortilla Chips or Strips
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best! The crunch of tortilla chips or strips with a bowl of chilli chicken is incredibly satisfying. You can use them to scoop up the sauce or crumble them on top for added texture.
Cooling Sides – To Balance the Heat
Spicy chilli chicken begs for something cooling to balance the heat. These sides do exactly that!
13. Cucumber Raita
This cooling Indian yogurt dip helps balance out the spiciness of chilli chicken. Simply grate or chop cucumbers and mix with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs like mint or cilantro, garlic, and spices like cumin. The refreshing yogurt cools your palate between bites of fiery chicken.
14. Mixed Salad
For freshness and a vitamin boost, a side salad is a smart choice. The crisp, cool greens help balance the hot chicken. Use lettuces like romaine, baby spinach, or arugula, topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and shredded carrots. A light vinaigrette ties it all together.
15. Shredded Chilled Asparagus
After extensive testing, I’ve found that shredded chilled asparagus is particularly effective at relieving spiciness. Shred the asparagus, soak in ice water for 10 minutes to enhance crispness, then pair with white sesame seeds and a little balsamic vinegar. The cooling sensation quickly relieves the burning from the spices.
Sauces to Elevate Your Chilli Chicken
While chilli chicken already has its own delicious sauce, adding an extra dipping sauce on the side can take it to another level!
Sesame and Garlic Sauce
This thick, creamy sauce is perfect for de-greasing and enhancing aroma. Mix 2 tablespoons of sesame paste, 1 tablespoon of crushed peanuts, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, and some mashed garlic. Slowly add lukewarm water until it reaches yogurt consistency. This sauce can hold the chili seeds and is gentler on the stomach than plain vinegar.
Lime and Honey Sauce
For a sweet-sour buffer that’s unexpectedly good, try this simple sauce. Squeeze the juice of half a lime, add 1 tablespoon of honey, and sprinkle a little chili powder. The acidic components quickly neutralize the sharpness of the spiciness. Make it fresh, as it separates if left standing too long.
Mango Chutney
Sweet, spicy mango chutney makes for a delicious condiment with chilli chicken. The sweet fruity flavors help balance the bold heat of the dish. Serve it in a bowl alongside for dipping pieces of bread or drizzle some directly into the chicken sauce.
Tips for Making Chilli Chicken Less Spicy
If you’re worried about the heat level of your chilli chicken, here are some tips to make it more accessible to everyone:
-
Change the type of chili pepper: Replace hot chilies with milder varieties like Erjingtiao peppers. When processing, cut lengthwise and soak in cold water for 15 minutes to dissolve some capsaicin.
-
Add ingredients in stages: When frying the spice oil, add Chinese prickly ash and star anise first. When the oil temperature drops to 150°C, then add the soaked chili peppers.
-
Add sugar at the right time: Sprinkle half a spoonful of white sugar before taking the dish out of the pan. This forms a protective film around the capsaicin without changing the flavor profile.
-
Include nuts: Stir-fry with drunken peanuts or roasted cashews. The oils in the nuts absorb some of the chili oil, and their crispy texture distracts from the heat.
-
Quick fix for too-spicy dishes: If your dish turns out too spicy, immediately stir in shredded lettuce leaves after turning off the heat. The moisture and fiber quickly absorb the surface chili oil.
Dry vs. Wet Chilli Chicken – Which Style to Choose?
Chilli chicken comes in two main styles – dry and wet. Here’s what you need to know:
Dry-Fragrant Stir-Fry Style (Sichuan Style)
This style has a higher success rate for beginners. The chicken is fried until golden-red, then stir-fried with dried chili segments and Chinese prickly ash in minimal oil. No water is added throughout the process, resulting in a dry dish where you can hear the rustling sound of chili peppers colliding.
Saucy and Moist Style (Modified Guizhou Style)
This starts with stir-frying a sauce base of broad-bean paste and sweet bean sauce with lard until red oil appears. The fried chicken is added along with cooking wine and stir-fried until the sauce becomes stringy. Before finishing, a half spoon of balsamic vinegar is poured along the edge of the pan, creating steam that makes the sauce cling to the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Chilli chicken is already a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates it to a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you prefer rice, noodles, bread, or something cooling to balance the heat, there’s a perfect combination waiting for you to discover.
My personal favorite combo is chilli chicken with jasmine rice and cucumber raita on the side – the fluffy rice soaks up the sauce while the raita cools my palate between spicy bites. What’s your favorite way to serve chilli chicken? I’d love to know!
Remember, the best meal is one that makes you happy. So go ahead and mix and match these sides until you find your perfect chilli chicken combination!
15 Sides that Pair Perfectly with Chicken Chili
Looking for a great recipe to serve with chicken chili? Youre in luck! Here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with your favorite chicken chili recipes. 1
Chili night definitely needs a very large bowl of chips. These slow cooker Cajun Ranch corn chips are the perfect savory snack — delicious scooped into salsa or queso, or alongside a warm bowl of chili. 2
This easy fresh salsa recipe is filled with corn, roasted peppers, jalapeno, red onion, red bell pepper, black beans, and tons of citrus. Amazing with tortilla chips, or on grilled chicken or fish. 3
Homemade Crescent Rolls are so soft and buttery, you’ll never go back to the canned version again. This easy recipe yields perfectly fluffy rolls, full of real butter flavor! 4
A side of cornbread goes perfectly with chicken chili! This Buttermilk Cornbread is soft and moist, lightly sweetened with honey and sugar, and has just the right amount of crunch on the top. 5
Savory Monkey Bread is super easy to make and looks beautiful as an appetizer or side dish for any occasion. 6
Mini Quesadillas with bacon, jalapeños, and gooey melted cheese are crispy, cheesy, and easy to make. They’re a perfect dinner, appetizer or snack! 7
These avocado fries are a crunchy, baked appetizer with a creamy center – the perfect avocado appetizer recipe or side dish. Your kids will have a blast helping you make — and devour — these! 8
This Lemon Arugula Couscous Salad is filled with fresh, bright, and crisp flavors. Excellent side dish thats just as delicious the next day. 9
This Corn Salad Recipe is a delicious fresh salad with ripe, juicy vegetables that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. 10
These sauteed green beans are cooked in butter, garlic and an assortment of fresh and dried herbs. An easy and delicious ten minute side dish. 11
Veggie Skewers made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce. 12
This Coconut Lime Rice is the perfect side dish for any spicy dish. It requires only 4 ingredients and its ready to eat in just 15 minutes! 13
Apple Kale Slaw is filled with colorful veggies and fresh fruit, and tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing (without mayo). Plus, it stays crunchy the next day, so you can make it ahead. 14
These crispy potato wedges with lemon aioli are going to be your new favorite side dish. Thick, fresh cut potato wedges are tossed with a flavorful combination of Parmesan cheese and seasonings and roasted until perfectly crispy. 15
Stuffed sweet potatoes are topped with crispy taco-seasoned chickpeas, avocado crema, and fresh fixings so everyone can make their own baked potato creation!
Crispy sweet chilli chicken
FAQ
What side dishes go with chicken chili?
The best side dishes to serve with chicken chili are breads, salads, vegetables, and finger foods. Pair the white chili with one of these dishes to enjoy a hearty meal. What Sandwich Goes with Chili? Cornbread is a classic side to serve with chicken chili. However, there is an amazing list of breads that pair just as well as cornbread.
Does white chicken chili need a side dish?
But even flavorful white chicken chili needs a side dish to enhance the flavor and complete the meal. What should you serve with chicken chili? The best side dishes to serve with chicken chili are breads, salads, vegetables, and finger foods. Pair the white chili with one of these dishes to enjoy a hearty meal.
What to eat with white chili chicken?
The best side dishes to serve with white chili chicken are nachos, tostada, bacon wrapped asparagus, Brussels sprouts and bacon, crab cakes, avocado fries, spinach, coconut shrimp, tater tots, chili cheese fries, arugula salad, jalapeno cornbread, pickles, garlic fries, baked potatoes, honey oat bread and fried green tomatoes.
What Sandwich goes with chicken chili?
Not just bread, but sandwiches go with chili too. The best sandwiches to serve with chicken chili are open-faced or small, light sandwiches. Tortillas or flat breads make a simple sandwich too. Avocado alone is a scrumptious garnish for spicy chili. But avocado toast?
What to serve with honey Chilli Chicken?
Crack in the egg and continue to cook for a few minutes, or until cooked to your liking. If you’ve never tried it before, add some chunks of fresh or tinned pineapple. The sweetness complements the honey chilli chicken perfectly, and it’s a great way to encourage your family to try different fruits. 2. Mediterranean salad
What goes well with chilli chicken?
Chilli Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer, consisting of tender fried chicken bites tossed in a super aromatic sweet, spicy and slightly tangy chili sauce. It is usually accompanied with Hakka noodles, Fried rice, Schezwan fried rice or even plain steamed basmati rice.
What sides go well with chicken chili?
- Bread and Tortillas. Ciabatta Garlic Bread. Garlic bread is one of the best side dishes for pretty much anything- white chicken chili included! …
- Handhelds. Chimichurri Chicken Sandwich. …
- Rice. Gallo Pinto. …
- Salads. Taco Coleslaw. …
- Vegetables. Crispy Oven Baked Fries. …
- Appetizers. Pineapple Pico de Gallo Salsa.
What is chilli traditionally served with?
The dish may be served with toppings or accompaniments; grated cheese, diced onions, and sour cream are common toppings, as are saltine crackers, tortilla chips or corn chips, cornbread, rolled-up corn or flour tortillas, and pork tamales. Chili can also be served over rice or pasta in dishes such as chili mac.
What accompanies sweet chilli chicken?
For me, the perfect accompaniment to this delicious Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken is jasmine rice. But it also works well with regular white rice, brown rice or even basmati rice! Alternatively you could serve this with plain cauliflower rice, if you are trying to keep the carbs and calories down.