Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that has become popular worldwide. The tangy, sweet and savory sauce coats juicy chicken pieces, making for a mouthwatering combination. However, the dish can feel incomplete without a good side to accompany it. The ideal sides should complement and balance out the flavors of the sweet and sour chicken.
In this article, I’ll recommend over 20 delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with sweet and sour chicken. From rice and noodles, to vegetables and salads, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The Best Starch Sides for Sweet and Sour Chicken
Starchy sides like rice and noodles make excellent pairings for sweet and sour chicken. They soak up the flavorful sauce and provide satiating carbs to balance the protein from the chicken Here are some great starchy sides to consider
1. Steamed Rice
Plain steamed rice, whether white or brown, is a classic pairing with Chinese food. The mild flavor and fluffy texture of rice soaks up the sweet and sour sauce perfectly. Jasmine and basmati rice are especially aromatic varieties to try. To add flavor, mix in diced scallions, peas or scrambled egg bits into the rice.
2. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a delicious alternative to steamed rice. It has a wonderful smoky flavor from being cooked in oil or fat. And leftovers are a convenient way to use up old rice. Simply fry the cold rice with aromatics, vegetables and a protein like diced chicken, shrimp or pork. A fried egg on top completes the dish.
3. Lo Mein or Chow Mein Noodles
These soft wheat noodles, cooked until tender yet chewy, make a satisfying pairing with sweet and sour chicken. Their mild flavor complements the sauce well. Add some protein and vegetables to make it a one-dish meal. Bean sprouts, cabbage and scallions are classic additions.
4. Rice Noodles
For a lighter option rice noodles have a wonderfully smooth and chewy texture. Pad thai rice noodles soaked in a sweet and tangy sauce, would be right at home next to sweet and sour chicken. Or try glass noodles or cellophane noodles, which soak up sauce and flavored oils exceptionally well.
5. Quinoa
Quinoa is a highly nutritious pseudo-grain that works well alongside saucy dishes. It has a pleasant crunch and nutty taste. Try making quinoa pilaf seasoned with garlic, ginger and soy sauce to serve alongside sweet and sour chicken. The flavors and textures will complement each other beautifully.
Crispy Vegetable Sides for Contrasting Textures
Crisp, fresh vegetables are a smart choice alongside the saucy chicken dish. Their crunch provides textural contrast and cuts through the rich sauce. Here are some great veggie sides to try:
6. Stir-Fried Vegetables
A medley of crisp-tender vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli and baby corn would be right at home next to sweet and sour chicken. Stir-fry them briefly with garlic, sesame oil and oyster sauce for a classic Chinese flavor profile.
7. Green Beans
Blanched green beans, dressed with a sprinkle of sea salt, toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil make a light and tasty accompaniment to sweet and sour chicken. They have a satisfying snap when eaten.
8. Steamed Broccoli
Simple steamed or boiled broccoli florets provide a healthy dose of greens as well as crunch. Toss the broccoli with a sprinkle of salt, lemon juice and red pepper flakes for a kick of flavor.
9. Coleslaw
Creamy or vinegary coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots is a classic pairing for many Asian dishes. The cool crunch of the vegetables and the tangy dressing cuts through the rich sweet and sour sauce beautifully.
10. Cucumber Salad
A light cucumber salad with a bright vinaigrette is perfect for cleansing the palate between bites of saucy chicken. Try smashing sliced cucumbers and tossing them with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili flakes for a tasty salad.
More Unique & Global Side Pairings
Beyond the usual rice and veggies, try out these more unique, global side dishes with sweet and sour chicken:
11. Fried Wontons
These crispy fried dumplings filled with pork or vegetables make an appetizing accompaniment to sweet and sour chicken. Their crunchy texture and savory filling provides contrast to the saucy chicken.
12. Egg Rolls
Egg rolls have a similar appeal – they’re crunchy and stuffed with seasoned meat and veggies. The combination of crispy egg rolls and saucy chicken can’t be beat.
13. Fried Plantains
Fried green plantains, popular in many Latin cuisines, have a firm texture and mild sweetness that balances the sweet and sour chicken beautifully. Try pan-frying sliced plantains in oil until caramelized and crispy.
14. Naan Bread
Fluffy, soft naan bread is perfect for dipping in the sweet and sour sauce. The rich bread soaks up the sauce wonderfully. For added flavor, try garlic naan or cilantro-mint naan.
15. Roasted Sweet Potato
The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potato wedges or fries makes an excellent complement to the sweet and sour flavors. Kick them up a notch by seasoning the potatoes with garlic, cumin and curry powder before roasting.
16. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salads studded with diced celery, egg, onions and herbs soak up sauce exceptionally well. Try a vinegar-based potato salad for a tangy complement to the chicken.
17. Pita Chips
For carb-loading, bake up a batch of homemade pita chips seasoned with za’atar or garlic powder. These crispy chips are tasty vessels for the sweet and sour sauce.
18. Cornbread
Moist, sweet cornbread also pairs well with saucy dishes. The corn flavor and hint of sweetness complements the chicken beautifully. Try it with jalapeño cornbread for a kick.
Refreshing Salad Sides
Fresh, crunchy salads help cut through the rich sweet and sour sauce. These are some excellent salad sides to try:
19. Green Papaya Salad
This classic Thai salad with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chilies, lime and fish sauce has an assertive sour and spicy flavor that complements sweet and sour chicken perfectly.
20. Greek Salad
A crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and a red wine vinaigrette provides a tasty fresh contrast to the rich chicken dish.
21. Cabbage Slaw
For something lighter, try an Asian cabbage slaw with shredded napa cabbage, carrot and ginger dressing. The cooling crunch balances the warming chicken dish.
With so many tasty sides to choose from, you’ll never get bored eating sweet and sour chicken again. From starchy and crispy, to fresh and cooling, these 20 side dishes will seriously elevate your meal. Now it’s time to get cooking!
Crab Egg Drop Soup
Sure, you can serve traditional egg drop soup, but this crab egg drop soup totally blows it out of the water! Its just as flavorful but with the added bonus of tender, buttery crab meat!
Asian Roasted Pork Belly
Theres no better word to describe roasted pork belly with a sweet and sticky Asian glaze than succulent. Its finger-licking good, and it basically melts in your mouth!
This tofu stir-fry will add an extra boost of protein to your chicken dinner and comes complete with tender vegetables, too! Serve it takeout style alongside a scoop of sweet and sour chicken and some rice or noodles.
30-min. Sweet and Sour Chicken without Deep Frying!
FAQ
What to eat sweet and sour chicken with?
What should you serve with sweet and sour chicken? This meal always goes well with rice, whether it’s white or brown basmati rice, bone broth rice, coconut rice, fried rice, and so on. Cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice are great options, too!
What to serve sweet and sour with?
Serving Suggestions Sweet And Sour Vegetables can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or Fried Rice, soaking up the flavors of the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and crunch.
What rice to serve with sweet and sour chicken?
The ultimate takeaway classic – made at home. You’ll sear chicken breast to tender perfection, smother it in tangy sweet and sour sauce and serve over fluffy white rice.
What to eat with sweet and sour chicken wings?
- Mac and Cheese.
- Onion Rings.
- Loaded Potato Skins.
- Mozzarella Sticks.
- Jalapeño Poppers.
- Creamy Coleslaw.
- Seasoned Fries.
- Garlic Bread.
What to serve with sweet and sour chicken?
Looking for a quick answer? The best side dishes to serve with sweet and sour chicken are brown rice, glutinous rice, egg rolls, chicken wings, french fries, lentil salad, potato salad, gluten free bread, sauteed vegetables, broccoli, baked sweet potatoes, candied yams, prawn toast, pork dumplings, scallion pancakes, cucumber salad and crispy kale.
What to eat with sour chicken?
For preparation tips, simply slice cucumbers thinly, add a pinch of salt, and toss with rice vinegar and sesame seeds. This invigorating side dish is both healthy and easy to make. Pineapple fried rice, a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, makes an excellent accompaniment to sweet and sour chicken.
What drinks go well with sour chicken?
Pairing the right beverages can enhance your sweet and sour chicken experience even further. Jasmine Tea: A fragrant option that won’t overpower the dish. Fruit-Based Cocktails: Think along the lines of a sweet peach sangria! Coconut Water: A light, refreshing option that complements the dish’s sweetness.
What vegetables go with sweet and sour chicken?
Some people may hate the idea of broccoli, so for that, we recommend carrots or green beans. These vegetables remain crunchy even when you stir-fry them with the slightest bit of softness on the outer layer, which is the perfect texture to go with your sweet and sour chicken. Save It! Sweet and sour chicken is popularly enjoyed with boiled rice.
What goes well with sweet and spicy chicken?
This is an Asian-inspired side dish that goes well with any sweet and spicy meal. All you have to do is chop up the cucumbers and add a mixture of sesame oil, red chili flakes, and salt. You can even add soy sauce if you like, but the simpler it is, the better it goes with the sweet and sour chicken.
Can you make sweet & sour chicken side dish ahead of time?
Crisp crushed cucumbers are tossed with garlic turmeric oil, fresh herbs, and chili oil to leave you with a simple dish that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired meals and BBQ favorites. Many of these sweet & sour chicken side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer.