Delicious Chinese Chicken Side Dish Recipes to Elevate Your Meal

Chinese chicken dishes are a culinary delight, renowned for their savory flavors and aromatic spices. However, to truly elevate your Asian dining experience, the perfect side dish is essential. This comprehensive guide will explore a diverse range of side dishes that will complement your Chinese chicken dishes and create a harmonious culinary symphony.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Preparation: Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice thoroughly. In a rice cooker or saucepan, combine the rice with 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
Why it’s a good side dish: Steamed jasmine rice is a classic accompaniment to Chinese chicken dishes. Its light and fluffy texture provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the chicken to shine through.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Preparation: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil and stir-fry for an additional minute.
Why it’s a good side dish: Stir-fried vegetables add a vibrant and healthy element to your meal. The crisp texture and fresh flavors complement the savory chicken dishes perfectly.

Cantonese-Style Noodles

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces) Cantonese-style egg noodles
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, chopped

Preparation: Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and green onion. Add the noodles and toss to coat.
Why it’s a good side dish: Cantonese-style noodles provide a chewy and satisfying texture that balances the richness of Chinese chicken dishes. The savory sauce adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall experience.

Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water

Preparation: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and water. Add to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Why it’s a good side dish: Eggplant with garlic sauce is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your meal. The tender eggplant absorbs the savory sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Chinese-Style Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 1 head of green cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Why it’s a good side dish: Chinese-style coleslaw provides a refreshing and tangy contrast to the savory chicken dishes. The crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing add a light and vibrant element to your meal.

Fried Wontons

Ingredients:

• 1 package (30) wonton wrappers
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, onion, celery, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Fold the wontons into triangles and seal the edges with water. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the wontons in batches until golden brown and crispy.
Why it’s a good side dish: Fried wontons add a crispy and savory element to your meal. The flavorful pork filling and crunchy exterior complement the richness of Chinese chicken dishes perfectly.

Final Thoughts

With this comprehensive guide, you now have an arsenal of delicious and versatile side dishes to elevate your Chinese chicken feasts. Whether you crave the simplicity of steamed rice, the vibrant flavors of stir-fried vegetables, or the savory richness of eggplant with garlic sauce, these side dishes will transform your dining experience into a culinary adventure.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What is the best side dish for orange chicken?
A: Cantonese-style noodles or steamed jasmine rice are excellent side dishes for orange chicken, providing a neutral base to balance the sweet and tangy sauce.
Q: What is a good side dish for Szechuan chicken?
A: Stir-fried vegetables or Chinese-style coleslaw are ideal side dishes for Szechuan chicken, adding a refreshing and tangy contrast to the spicy and aromatic flavors.
Q: What is a healthy side dish for Chinese chicken?
A: Steamed vegetables or Chinese-style coleslaw are both healthy and flavorful side dishes that complement Chinese chicken dishes without adding excessive calories or fat.