5 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Mesquite Chicken (Because It’s So Good)

Orange chicken is a popular dish found in many take-out restaurants.

If you are planning to make your own orange chicken at home, it is always a good idea to choose the right side dish.

Side dishes should not only taste great, but they should also be able to contrast with orange chicken’s flavor.

In this post, you will learn about what orange chicken is and some of the most popular and easy-to-prepare options that will help you create an exciting meal, let’s check it out!

What is Orange Chicken?

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What exactly is orange chicken? It’s a savory dish that consists of deep-fried chunks of chicken coated in an orange sauce with additional seasonings, such as garlic and ginger.

This flavor combination has been around for centuries, but the exact origins are unknown.

One theory is that it was first introduced by Cantonese immigrants to America who opened restaurants during the early 1900s.

The name “orange” comes from the color of the sauce which resembles oranges or tangerines.

Orange chicken is a Chinese dish that is very popular.

It can be made in many different ways, but one of the most common ingredients include orange juice.

This bright citrusy flavor pairs well with other foods

What to Consider When Choosing an Orange Chicken’s Side Dish?

Who doesn’t love orange chicken? The sweet and tangy sauce is such a satisfying addition to the fried chicken, but which side dish is the best to accompany your orange chicken?

It may seem like a simple question, but it is actually much more complicated than you might think.

There are many things that need to be considered before selecting your side dish for the meal.

You Want to Have a Light Meal or Full Meal

Orange chicken can also be served with brown rice or white rice for those who are watching their carb intake.

For those who prefer their fried food without breading, this recipe substitutes panko crumbs for the batter which yields an equally delicious alternative!

It is recommended to get a vegetable stir-fry instead of just one side dish because it would provide more variety in terms of color and texture in your meal.

The Side Dish Should Not Overwhelm the Main Course

It would be best for you to avoid dishes with spice in them or else they will clash with the heat of the orange chicken.

Go for the basic carbs like chow mein noodles, white rice, or French fries.

These side dishes’ flavors won’t overwrite the flavor of your favorite orange chicken.

Also, they are quick and easy to make, which does take you much time to enjoy your warm dinner.

On the other hand, if someone is craving something different but still wants an Asian flare, then they might choose egg rolls.

5 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Orange Chicken

This bright citrusy flavor pairs well with other foods as well, which means you don’t have to limit yourself to just having it with rice! There are several side dishes you can serve alongside your orange chicken and here are three of the best ones to try out!

1. Steamed rice

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White or brown rice can be found in almost any grocery store and takes only minutes to prepare.

A bed of fluffy white rice is always a good choice when serving up Chinese food at home because it provides a hearty meal that satisfies hungry stomachs.

Although it’s an easy way to turn your orange chicken into a more filling meal by adding extra carbs, it’s important not to add too much as it may overpower the flavor of your main dish.

2. Vegetables

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One of the best things about cooking is that you can make one dish and turn it into something completely different.

For example, if you’re making orange chicken – a delicious Chinese staple – you don’t have to just serve it with rice.

In fact, there are plenty of other side dishes that will go well with your main course, one of them is the steamed veggies.

Steamed veggies work well as they don’t absorb too much oil from the sauce and allow all of its flavors to shine through.

Try broccoli florets or sugar snap peas for an appetizing crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender, flavorful chicken in this dish.

3. Chow Mein

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Chow mein noodles are one of the considerable options because they taste so good, plus they go really well with orange chicken since both have similar flavors!

4. Egg Rolls

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Others may not want any carbs with their meal, so they opt for an appetizer like egg rolls instead of having breading on their chicken.

Egg rolls have an Asian flare as well as add variety to your meal while still enjoying the same main course you love so much!

5. French fries

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This classic option might seem odd, but it is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

The crispy texture of french fries pairs well with the sweet sauce on orange chicken, while also providing some carbohydrates to balance out your meal.

The Bottom Line

Orange chicken is a tasty dish that can be paired with many different side dishes.

However, some are better than others at complementing the flavors of this Chinese food favorite.

Many recipes online have conflicting information on what goes best with orange chicken, we hope this article will help you determine which side dishes are more likely to enhance your meal!

If you have any other questions on choosing the best side dish for your orange chicken, don’t hesitate to tell us in the comment section below!