what goes good with orange chicken

3 min read 26-12-2024

Orange chicken, with its sweet and savory glaze, is a beloved dish. But what truly complements its vibrant flavors? This guide explores delicious side dishes, drinks, and even desserts that perfectly pair with orange chicken, elevating your meal to a delightful experience.

Side Dishes that Sing with Orange Chicken

The best side dishes for orange chicken offer a contrast in texture and flavor, balancing the richness of the sauce. Here are some top contenders:

Grains and Starches: A Foundation of Flavor

White Rice: A classic choice, plain white rice soaks up the delicious orange sauce, providing a neutral base for the bold flavors of the chicken. Steamed is best, so the rice is light and fluffy.
Fried Rice: The savory, slightly oily fried rice adds another layer of texture and flavor. The contrast of textures and tastes is a delicious upgrade from plain rice.
Egg Noodles: These noodles offer a softer texture than rice, providing a different mouthfeel that works well with the crispy chicken. They're also great for soaking up any extra sauce.
Lo Mein: A stir-fried noodle dish, lo mein adds a savory element that complements the sweetness of the orange chicken. Choose a vegetable-based lo mein to add freshness to your meal.

Fresh Vegetables: A Burst of Freshness

Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli cuts through the richness of the orange sauce, adding a healthy and refreshing contrast. Steaming preserves its nutrients and vibrant green color.
Stir-fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas adds a vibrant crunch and sweetness that complements the chicken beautifully. Make sure to lightly stir fry them, so they retain their crispness.
Simple Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a much-needed counterpoint to the richness of the orange chicken.

Drinks to Complement Your Orange Chicken Feast

The right drink enhances the overall dining experience. Consider these options:

Sweet Tea: The sweetness of the tea complements the orange sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile. Iced tea is a refreshing option, especially during warmer months.
Sparkling Water: A light and bubbly beverage, sparkling water provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orange chicken without overpowering the flavors.
White Wine: A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, cuts through the richness of the sauce, providing a clean and refreshing counterpoint.

Desserts that Delight After Orange Chicken

While it may seem unconventional, a dessert can be a delightful way to end your orange chicken meal. The key is finding a dessert that offers a contrast in flavor and isn't overly sweet.

Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or pineapple, provides a light and refreshing end to the meal, cleansing the palate after the richer flavors of the orange chicken.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a simple and satisfying dessert, offering a cool contrast to the warmth of the chicken.
Light and Fruity Sorbet: Lemon or Raspberry sorbet provides a tart and refreshing finish to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best way to prepare the sides to complement the orange chicken?

A: The best approach is to keep the sides relatively simple. Let the orange chicken be the star of the show. Avoid strong, overpowering flavors that might compete with the delicate balance of sweet and savory in the sauce.

Q: Can I use leftover orange chicken in other dishes?

A: Absolutely! Leftover orange chicken can be added to stir-fries, fried rice, or even quesadillas for a quick and flavorful meal.

Conclusion

Orange chicken is a versatile dish, and choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience from good to great. By considering textures, flavors, and overall balance, you can create a harmonious meal that leaves you completely satisfied. Experiment with these suggestions, and discover your perfect orange chicken pairing!