Name: What To Serve With Orange Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 portion orange chicken

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering what to serve with your orange chicken, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for orange chicken.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with orange chicken are lo-mein noodles, Asian cauliflower wings, and spicy Sichuan green beans. For salad options, try a bok choy salad or a Chinese cabbage salad. For more unique options try parmesan quinoa or fried wontons.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Bok choy salad

Bok choy is a classic Asian side dish.

But instead of simply sauteing your bok choy, why not make it into a light salad?

Together with shredded carrots and radishes, this bok choy salad becomes a nutritious pick-me-up that’s refreshing with every bite.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a quick and easy salad that can be on the table in 15 minutes.

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Garlicky steamed broccoli

Chinese orange chicken is pretty indulgent, but some veggies will make it healthier.

Crispy and easy, these steamed broccoli florets are elevated with buttery panko crumbs, garlic, and a spritz of lemon.

Psst… if steaming isn’t your thing then roasting works too.

Why we love this recipe: it’s an easy side everyone will love.

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Garlicky steamed broccoli
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Spicy Sichuan green beans

Spice up your orange chicken with these Chinese Sichuan green beans.

The beans have a heat to them that’s enough to wake you up, but won’t blow your socks off (unless you want it to).

The rice vinegar also brings a mellow sweetness to the dish.

Why we love this recipe: the beans are dry-fried with makes them super crispy without all the oil.

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Roasted garlic mashed potatoes

Make your plain old mashed potatoes extra flavorful with some roasted garlic.

It might not be a traditional pairing for orange chicken – but honestly, I will eat mash with anything!

If you want to give it more of an Asian theme, try adding some wasabi into the mash (yum!).

Why we love this recipe: it’s creamy, fluffy, and comforting.

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Chinese spare ribs

You might be thinking that pairing orange chicken with meaty spare ribs is a bit much.

But if you’re really hungry, it works and it’s on point with your Chinese theme too.

The sticky glaze that coats Chinese spare ribs is sweet, salty, and savory all at once – they may take an hour to make, but they’re definitely worth it!

Why we love this recipe: the instant pot method gives you tender and succulent meat.

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Beef and broccoli

Cauliflower fried rice

Looking for something low-carb?

This cauliflower fried rice has got you covered. The fluffy grains will soak up the sweet orange sauce, meaning every bite will be filled with flavor.

And the addition of cashews adds a nice crunch.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a great meal prep option.

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Lemon parmesan kale salad

I love a kale salad with a sweet main like orange chicken.

The bitterness of kale will balance out the sweetness of the sauce, and the acidity from the lemon will cut through the richness.

Clean and simple flavors.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a healthy salad that’s easy to customize.

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Lo-mein noodles

Healthier than Chinese take-out, these lo-mein noodles can be made in exactly 15 minutes.

This recipe uses chopped cabbage and julienned carrots, but you can also add other veggies like broccoli or snow peas.

Top it with some orange chicken for a quick and hearty meal.

Why we love this recipe: it will feel like a takeout treat.

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Asian cauliflower wings

These Asian cauliflower wings are perfect to serve at your next Chinese dinner party or potluck.

They’re a veggie version of your much-loved chicken wings.

Psst… make enough because they’re really addictive!

Why we love this recipe: the ‘wings’ are gluten-free and you can make them in an air fryer or oven.

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Fried wontons

Crunchy fried wontons make for a fun starter or a unique side.

These golden brown crisps are filled with shrimp and ground pork but you can always change it up and use vegetables or (my personal favorite) crabsticks and cream cheese.

Either way, these wontons will be delicious no matter what.

Why we love this recipe: you can make a big batch and freeze them, so all you need to do on the day is cook them.

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Stir-fry veggie medley

This is my go-to side dish when I’m in a rush.

Simply take a look in your fridge and see what veggies you have, chop everything up and you’re all set.

You can add a little bit of heat by mixing in some red pepper flakes or keep it mild with garlic.

Why we love this recipe: it’s great for clearing out your fridge.

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Chinese cabbage salad

If you’re not feeling a veggie stir-fry, why not try a healthy Chinese cabbage salad instead?

It’s a no cook-dish that’s perfect for summer or when you want something light.

Psst… leave the mandarins out if you don’t want to be overwhelmed with orange flavor.

Why we love this recipe: the ginger in the dressing adds a nice tang.

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Asian slaw
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Green pea and parmesan quinoa

Serve your sweet and spicy chicken with a bowl of green peas and parmesan quinoa for a healthier spin on the traditional rice.

Quinoa has nutty undertones that pair nicely with the fruity orange flavor, and the green peas will add a pop of color to your meal.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a simple dish that’s guaranteed to fill you up.

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Green pea and parmesan quinoa
More traditional
Quinoa fried rice
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What vegetables go well with orange chicken?

The best vegetables to serve with orange chicken are simple veggies like steamed broccoli and sauteed bok choy. A stir-fry vegetable medley would be a colorful addition too. Serve Asian cauliflower wings for something a little different.

The best vegetables to serve with orange chicken: