It’s sticky, it’s sweet, it’s satisfying, and it’s totally delicious… Orange chicken is a takeaway favourite, and it’s even better when served alongside a selection of complementary side dishes!
Whether you want something you can whip up in ten minutes or less on a busy weeknight, or you’re prepared to spend some extra time in the kitchen to make some real showstopper sides for a special occasion, this guide will give you plenty of food for thought!
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Some of the best options for what to serve with orange chicken include stir fried vegetable rice, egg noodles, steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, spring rolls, scallion pancakes, salt and pepper chips, and Chinese dumplings.
Keep reading for more ideas, as well as step by step instructions…
1. Stir fried vegetable rice
You can’t make orange chicken without making some stir fried vegetable rice!
There are lots of different varieties of methods for making this side, though I like to keep things really simple and straightforward…
First, cook your rice according to packet instructions and set aside.
Next, heat a frying pan over a medium to high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil.
Add your favourite chopped veggies to the pan and stir fry until softened but still maintaining a crunch – options like carrots, peppers, spring onions, peas, and sweetcorn work really well.
Finish off by adding a good few dashes of soy sauce.
If you like, you can crack in an egg to make egg fried rice.
2. Egg noodles
If you’re more of a noodle lover than a rice fan, then this choice for what to serve with orange chicken will be right up your street.
Keep them plain if you like, or add chopped veggies for extra flavour and texture.
I like to add a little stir fried red chilli and garlic to my noodles just after they’ve been cooked.
3. Steamed broccoli
Orange chicken can sometimes be very rich, so it makes sense to have some lighter, more refreshing side dishes to choose from.
You really can’t go wrong with a serving of steamed broccoli.
Garnish with some sesame seeds and chopped red chilli.
4. Soy marinated eggs
If you’re cooking for friends and family and you want to impress, you might want to have some conversation starters on the table when it comes to what to serve with orange chicken.
Soy sauce eggs definitely tick the boxes in this respect!
They require some time and care, but they’ll definitely be worth it.
I follow this recipe for making soy eggs, and the results are perfect every time – a deliciously jammy egg, with beautiful flavours of soy, mirin, and vinegar.
5. Cucumber salad
A cucumber salad is so quick and easy to prepare, but it adds a lot to any Chinese inspired banquet in terms of colour and crunch.
Just finely slice a cucumber into long, skinny strips, and then add a little white wine vinegar, some chopped red chillis, and garnish with some white and black sesame seeds.
I like to leave my cucumber salad in the fridge for at least an hour or so before serving, to let that gorgeous pickled taste really come through.
6. Baby bok choi
Baby bok choi has small and tender leaves, and a sweet taste that lends itself really well to being part of a salad or a light steamed side dish.
Cut your vegetables in half and stir fry in a hot pan before serving.
Though it’s delicious served on its own, you can make a quick dressing by mixing together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of vegetable stock, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
7. Hot and sour soup
Soup is a popular starter in Chinese cuisine, and there’s no reason why you can’t serve it as a side dish alongside your orange chicken.
By having several different sides and accompaniments available, you can guests can simply pick and choose a little bit of whatever they fancy.
This spicy, tangy, sour broth is often packed with mushrooms, beansprouts, and diced tofu.
8. Cooked lettuce with oyster sauce and garlic
In Chinese cuisine, you’ll often find cooked lettuce making an appearance more often than its raw counterpart!
It’s actually considered to be a good luck ingredient, that you’ll often see featured on menus and banquets around the time of New Year celebrations.
This cooked lettuce with oyster sauce and garlic recipe proves that you can make sophisticated side dishes for orange chicken that take hardly any time at all.
It requires just five ingredients, and has a wonderful salt savoury taste that works so well when served alongside a slightly sweeter main course.
9. Chinese coleslaw
A good Chinese coleslaw is colourful, fresh, and can be made in advance without going soggy.
If you’re a little turned off by the prospect of a gloopy coleslaw that’s laden with sickly mayonnaise, you’ll be relieved to hear that this side dish is miles away from what you might be imagining.
It’s very similar to a salad, and it’s easy to prepare.
I really enjoy this Chinese coleslaw recipe, and its secret ingredient of Chinese vinegar makes all the difference.
It’s well worth taking a trip to your local Asian supermarket to make an authentic version.
(By the way, you might also enjoy taking a look at what to serve with lemon chicken for more ideas!)
10. Stir fried oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms typically have a delicate texture and a mild, savoury flavour, making them perfect for what to serve with orange chicken.
Simply stir fry, and add some seasoning and chopped spring onion garnish before serving.
11. Milk bread rolls
Milk bread rolls are often considered to be Japanese in origin, and they’re perfect for dipping into a delicious orange sauce.
They’re beautifully soft and airy, so won’t be too filling, and can be served alongside a selection of accompaniments.
12. Pickled cabbage
A side serving of pickled cabbage is a fabulous side dish, thanks to its vibrant colour and delightful crunch.
It’s also really easy to prepare, and can be kept in an airtight jar in the fridge for several months.
13. Fries
Fries might not be the most traditional choice for what to serve with orange chicken, but they’re guaranteed to be hugely popular with everyone at your dinner table.
If you’re cooking for people who are perhaps new to Chinese cuisine, or they’re just a little fussy, then this can be a great way to ensure there’s something available for them that they’ll be comfortable with.
14. Cauliflower rice
Cauliflower rice is a light and tasty alternative to traditional rice, and it’s especially good if you’re trying to cut down on calories and carbs.
Here’s how to make it in a few simple steps:
- Ingredients: Grab a head of cauliflower, salt, and pepper. Optional additions include garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Preparation: Wash the cauliflower head and pat it dry. Remove the leaves and any excess moisture.
- Chopping: Cut the cauliflower into florets, discarding the tough inner core.
- Ricing: Using a food processor, pulse the florets until they resemble the texture of rice. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a box grater to manually grate the florets into “rice.”
- Cooking: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. You can add a splash of oil or a small amount of butter if you like. Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender and slightly crispy. If you want to add extra flavour, stir in your choice of spices or herbs.
- Seasoning: Season the cauliflower rice with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any additional seasonings as desired.
15. Spring rolls
Crispy spring rolls are always popular when you serve them alongside any Asian takeaway inspired dish, and you can serve them either as a starter with some sweet chilli dipping sauce, or as a side dish.
This spring rolls recipe is easy to follow and produces deliciously authentic results.
16. Prawn crackers
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Prawn crackers are a deep fried snack that are often served as a nibble before a meal, and I love putting some on the table for my guests to dig into with a drink, before I bring out the main course.
17. Crispy sesame tofu
If you’ve never cooked with tofu before, now’s a great time to start!
This crispy sesame tofu is easy to make, and you might be surprised at just how satisfying and delicious it is.
You’ll bake your tofu in the oven, so you don’t have to worry about it sticking to the pan.
Be sure to finish off this dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped spring onion.
18. Scallion pancakes
Scallion pancakes are a savoury Chinese flatbread that are perfect for serving alongside dishes like orange chicken, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual rice and noodle combinations.
This recipe creates pancakes that are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and ideal for serving either as an appetiser or side dish.
Make sure that you serve them fresh off the stove!
19. King prawn fried rice
King prawn fried rice is a hearty and flavourful dish that’s simple to make.
Here’s a quick rundown on how to prepare it:
- Ingredients: You’ll need cooked rice (preferably day-old rice), king prawns (cleaned and deveined), eggs, peas, diced carrots, chopped onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Optional ingredients include green onions for garnish and a dash of oyster sauce for extra flavour.
- Preparation: Beat the eggs lightly and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Chop all your vegetables and have your seasonings ready.
- Cooking Prawns: Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the prawns and stir-fry until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Eggs: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until just set, then remove them from the pan and set aside with the prawns.
- Vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the pan, then sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and peas until they start to soften.
- Combining: Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps of rice. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and continue to stir-fry, mixing everything well.
- Final Touches: Return the cooked prawns and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two to ensure all ingredients are heated through. If you’re using oyster sauce, add it at this stage.
- Serving: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the king prawn fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh contrast to the savoury flavors.
20. Courgette noodles
For a low calorie, low carb side for orange chicken, try making courgette noodles!
They’re a fantastic way to get some extra green veggies to your diet, and they’re super simple to prepare.
Use a spiraliser or a julienne peeler to create the strips, pat dry with some kitchen roll, and fry in a hot pan with a little oil for 1-2 minutes.
21. Chinese spare ribs
Spare ribs are a fantastic option for what to serve with orange chicken, especially if you want to create takeaway style vibes at home!
This spare ribs recipe includes a glossy glaze with that beautiful red hue that you expect from your favourite restaurant, and an 8-hour marinading period ensures that they’re full of flavour.
22. Pork and prawn wontons
If you really want to impress your dinner guests, try making your own pork and prawn wontons!
You can pick up the wrappers in most Asian supermarkets, and because they’re steamed rather than fried, they’re healthy, light, and delicious.
23. Salt and pepper chips
Salt and pepper chips are another takeaway classic, and they’re always a big hit with kids and adults alike when you’re serving up Chinese inspired food!
I like to keep the chips nice and chunky, and garnish with plenty of sliced red chillis for a satisfying kick of heat.
24. Chinese dumplings
Chinese dumplings make a great addition to the table when you want to serve up a variety of different options for everyone to sample.
If you want to take a shortcut, check out the freezer section in your local Asian supermarket.
You’ll often ready prepared varieties with a selection of different fillings to suit all tastes.
What are your thoughts on what to serve with orange chicken?
If you have any favourite side dishes or accompaniments that haven’t been mentioned here, and you believe your fellow passionate home cooks need to know about them, leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
I love hearing from you!
Oh, and make sure you check out my Fanta orange chicken recipe.
It’s one of the most popular dishes amongst readers of Slimming Violet, and it’s really easy to make.
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