What To Serve With Orange Chicken (20 Best Side Dishes)

Orange chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its tangy and sweet orange sauce and crispy chicken pieces. Whether you make it at home or order it from your favorite Chinese restaurant, it’s hard to resist this flavorful dish.

But what could make a plate of orange chicken even better? The perfect side dishes to complement its beautiful citrusy flavors, of course!

From steamed rice and sesame green beans to scallion pancakes and lo mein noodles, these sides will complete your meal in the best way possible. So, let’s dive into the best side dishes to serve with orange chicken and discover delicious and easy recipes.

What to serve with orange chicken including stir-fried bok choy, easy noodle dishes and egg-fried rice.

Looking for a quick answer? Here are my favorite sides for orange chicken.

Some of the best side dishes to serve with orange chicken are steamed rice, cauliflower rice, cucumber salad, sesame green beans, zucchini noodles, Asian broccoli salad, coconut rice, egg rolls, Chinese dumplings, wonton soup, slow cooker Chinese spare ribs, stir-fried oyster mushrooms, spicy Sichuan green beans, thai fried rice, scallion pancakes, lo mein noodles, sesame noodles, fried wontons, garlic bok choy, and egg drop soup.

1. Steamed rice

Steamed rice is a classic orange chicken side dish. The light and fluffy texture of white rice is the perfect match for the rich and tangy orange sauce.

The glossy orange chicken sauce made from freshly squeezed orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, red chili flakes, orange zest, and corn starch coats the fluffy white rice for a memorable Asian-inspired dinner.

My favorites are sushi rice, Calrose rice, and jasmine rice. For an added touch, sprinkle some sliced garlic chives and sesame seeds on top for a nutty and flavorful crunch. This side dish will add that authentic touch to your orange chicken recipe.

We love: How To Make Perfect Steamed Rice (by Curry Trail)

2. Cauliflower rice

Add some extra veggies to your meal by serving orange chicken with cauliflower rice. This low-carb and gluten-free option is a great side dish for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional white rice.

To make the cauliflower rice, simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Then, steam or sauté them in a frying pan. Or use them to make cauliflower fried rice with scrambled egg pieces.

We love: How to Make Cauliflower Rice (by Premeditated Leftovers™)

3. Smashed cucumber salad

Smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of orange chicken.

The cool and crisp cucumbers, combined with a tangy and flavorful dressing, help to balance out the richness of the chicken. Plus, the cucumber salad is quick and easy to make, making it a great option for a busy weeknight meal.

For a complete meal, pair the orange chicken and cucumber salad with your favorite stir-fried noodles or steamed rice. With its simple recipe and fresh taste, cucumber salad is a tasty and convenient addition to any meal, whether it’s for a meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

We love: Smashed Cucumber Salad (by Healthy Nibbles)

4. Sesame green beans

Sesame green beans are the perfect side dish to serve with orange chicken. The bright and tangy flavors of the orange chicken sauce are complemented by the nutty and savory flavors of sesame oil.

To make this dish, simply stir-fry some green beans in toasted sesame oil until they are golden brown and tender and toss with toasted sesame seeds. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.

It’s a healthier alternative to traditional Chinese takeout sides, and it pairs perfectly with orange chicken made with chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breast.

We love: Sesame Garlic Green Beans (Paleo/Whole30) (by Eat the Gains)

5. Zucchini noodles

Zucchini noodles make a delicious and healthy side dish for orange chicken. These low-carb noodles, also known as zoodles, are a great alternative to traditional rice or noodles and pair well with the tangy and savory flavors of orange chicken.

To make this easy side dish, simply use a spiralizer to turn fresh zucchini into noodles, then sauté them in a hot pan with a little olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

For an even more flavorful option, make an Asian-style stir-fry sauce with rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil.

We love: How to Make and Cook Zucchini Noodles (by Downshiftology)

6. Asian broccoli salad

Orange chicken is a popular Asian-style dish that is loved for its sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you opt for an easy orange chicken recipe or order it in from Panda Express, consider serving it with a side of Asian broccoli salad.

This super easy and refreshing salad is made with steamed broccoli and a delicious dressing. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or cashew nuts for some crunch. It’s the perfect side dish for any orange chicken meal.

We love: Asian Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce (by Gimme Some Oven)

7. Coconut rice

Add some tropical flair to your next Chinese orange chicken meal with a side of creamy and fragrant coconut rice.

This easy recipe is made by cooking jasmine rice in coconut milk for a rich and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of orange chicken.

We love: Easy Coconut Jasmine Rice (by Cooking For My Soul)

8. Egg rolls

Egg rolls are the perfect appetizer to kick off your orange chicken meal. They are addictively crunchy and add a pleasing crunch to any main meal!

They’re also super easy to make at home, making them a perfect addition to your homemade orange chicken meal. Fill them with a mix of vegetables and minced meat, then fry them in hot oil until they are golden and crispy. Or try an air fryer version for a healthier option.

We love: How to Make Egg Rolls (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

9. Chinese dumplings

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its sweet and tangy flavors. And steamed dumplings or potstickers make an amazing appetizer for orange chicken.

The bright and tangy flavors of the orange chicken follow the rich and savory flavors of the dumplings perfectly.

Plus, with so many Chinese restaurants offering both dishes, it’s a classic and popular pairing that many Chinese food lovers enjoy ordering in. So next time you’re in the mood for orange chicken, kick off the meal with homemade Chinese potstickers—or add them to your orange chicken take away order!

We love: The Best Potstickers Recipe (by The Novice Chef)

10. Wonton soup

Wonton soup is a perfect side dish or appetizer for orange chicken, the classic and popular Chinese takeout dish.

The light and refreshing flavors of wonton soup, with its clear broth, delicate wontons, and fresh vegetables, provide a perfect balance to the rich and tangy sauce of orange chicken.

Next time you eat orange chicken, make sure to pair it with a homemade bowl of wonton soup for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

We love: Quick & Easy Wonton Soup (by Belly Full)

11. Slow cooker Chinese spare ribs

If you’re looking for another protein to share center stage, look no further than Chinese spare ribs.

These easy ribs are tender with a sweet and sticky sauce that leaves you wanting more. Serve it with orange chicken, egg-fried rice or simple stir-fried sesame noodles, and a veggie stir-fry dish like garlic bok choy or Sichuan green beans.

We love: Slow Cooker Chinese Spare Ribs (by Butter Your Biscuit)

12. Stir fried oyster mushrooms

Stir-fried oyster mushrooms are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with orange chicken. The mild flavor of the mushrooms complements the savory flavors of the orange chicken, making it a perfect addition to any Chinese-American meal.

This easy recipe calls for a few simple ingredients. And it’s a low-carb option that goes well with different dishes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

We love: Garlic Butter Oyster Mushrooms (by Spend With Pennies)

13. Spicy Sichuan green beans

For a complete meal alongside orange chicken, try some spicy Sichuan green beans. This popular Chinese dish is super easy to make and complements the savory flavors of orange chicken.

Try this simple recipe as a delicious side dish for orange chicken served with plain rice for the perfect quick and easy dinner.

We love: Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans (by Dinner, then Dessert)

14. Thai fried rice

Thai fried rice is a flavorful rice dish to serve alongside orange chicken, especially for those who love the bold flavors of Thai cuisine.

The fiery egg fried rice pairs perfectly with the sweet orange sauce from the chicken. Customize the fried rice recipe with your favorite vegetables like sugar snap peas, red bell pepper, or spinach for a complete meal.

We love: Thai Fried Rice (by The Woks of Life)

15. Scallion pancakes

Scallion pancakes are a great side dish or appetizer for tangy orange chicken. These pan-fried pancakes have a crispy and meaty texture that pairs well with the tender chicken pieces.

They also add some variety to the meal, making it more interesting than just having rice as a side.

For a complete Chinese takeout experience, serve the scallion pancakes with some spring rolls and egg rolls. Or, for a healthier option, add steamed broccoli salad or sesame green beans.

We love: Homemade Scallion Pancakes (by The Flavor Bender)

16. Lo mein noodles

When it comes to popular Chinese-American dishes, orange chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. And what better side dish to serve alongside this delicious meal than lo mein noodles?

These stir-fried egg noodles are budget-friendly, easy to make, and the perfect side for orange chicken. The savory and slightly spicy flavors of the orange chicken pair perfectly with the chewy and flavorful lo mein noodles.

This easy side will be a hit at your next dinner table. Use spaghetti squash instead of noodles if you need things gluten-free or low-carb.

We love: Lo Mein Noodles (by RecipeTin Eats)

17. Sesame noodles

Sesame noodles are another great noodle dish to serve with orange chicken. The nutty flavors of the sesame oil and the savory notes of the soy sauce complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the orange chicken.

This easy recipe is a great way to add some variety to your usual Chinese takeout order. Plus, if you’re making this at home, you can use instant ramen noodles for a quick and easy sesame noodle side dish.

We love: Garlic Sesame Noodles (by Eat With Clarity)

18. Fried wontons

Irresistibly crispy fried wontons make a great appetizer or snack to whet your appetite for delicious orange chicken.

These crispy appetizers are often filled with a combination of meat, vegetables, or even cream cheese, giving them a meaty texture that complements the tender chicken thighs in the orange chicken dish.

Try making your own fried wontons at home for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

We love: Fried Wonton (Best Homemade Wontons Recipe) (by Rasa Malaysia)

19. Garlic bok choy

Garlic bok choy is a classic Asian side dish that pairs perfectly with orange chicken.

This recipe is also super easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Simply stir-fry the bok choy in a large skillet with minced garlic and soy sauce (use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari if you need to). You can even add some chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.

Feel free to add other stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Overall, garlic bok choy is a versatile and tasty side dish that goes well with any meal, whether it’s a chicken stir fry, lo mein noodles, or even cauliflower fried rice. It’s the perfect addition to your meal prep repertoire.

We love: Sautéed Bok Choy (by Little Pine Kitchen)

20. Egg drop soup

Chinese egg drop soup is the perfect way to kick of your orange chicken meal in the cold winter months.

This super comforting Chinese soup can be a side dish served alongside steamed rice. Or serve it as an appetizer.

However you choose to serve it, it is one of the easiest Chinese recipes you’ll ever try. Once you get the hang of drizzling the egg mixture into the hot broth, you’ll never need to order it in again!

We love: Chinese Egg Drop Soup (by Takes Two Eggs)

These side dishes will perfectly complement your orange chicken and add a little bit of variety to your meal.

Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh like steamed vegetables or a more classic Asian side dish like fried rice, these options will have something for everyone. So go ahead and add some flavor to your next meal with these delicious side dishes for orange chicken.

Let me know how you like to serve your orange chicken in the comments below!

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