Honey garlic chicken is a classic Chinese takeout dish that has become beloved for its sticky sweet and savory sauce. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger gives the chicken a wonderful umami and subtly spicy flavor.
While the chicken is tasty on its own, serving it with complementary side dishes can take the meal to the next level The right sides can add color, crunch, creaminess, and other textures and flavors that balance out the chicken
So what should you serve alongside honey garlic chicken? Here are 14 delicious side dish ideas that pair perfectly with this Chinese restaurant favorite
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower fried rice is a fantastic low carb alternative to regular fried rice that goes great with honey garlic chicken. By grating cauliflower into rice-sized pieces and stir-frying it with classic fried rice ingredients like peas, carrots, eggs, and green onions, you get all the flavor without the grains. The cauliflower soaks up the spices and sauces for lots of flavor. This vegetable side adds nutrition and color to balance out a rich chicken dish.
Roasted Broccoli
For a simple and healthy vegetable pairing, try roasted broccoli florets. The high heat of the oven caramelizes the broccoli, giving it a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the garlic-honey glaze on the chicken. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. Sprinkle on some garlic powder or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor if desired. The crunch of the tender-crisp broccoli gives your meal more varied textures.
Garlic Green Beans
Buttery green beans sauteed with garlic are an easy vegetable side that pairs perfectly with honey garlic chicken. The bright green beans look beautiful next to the golden chicken, providing color contrast. Their fresh, snappy crunch balances the chicken’s soft and sticky texture. Garlic green beans also echo the garlic flavors of the chicken, tying the whole meal together. Just sauté the green beans in olive oil with minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
Asian Slaw
For a lighter take, try an Asian slaw with flavors that complement honey garlic chicken. Use a base of shredded napa cabbage and carrots dressed with a tangy sesame rice vinegar dressing. You can add ginger, garlic, scallions, cilantro, and a touch of honey to echo the chicken. The crisp coolness of the slaw contrasts with the warm chicken. Add some roasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
Egg Rolls
What better pairing with takeout chicken than homemade egg rolls? Making them from scratch lets you fill them with shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions. Fry or bake them until golden brown and crispy. The egg roll wrappers add a delicate crunch, while the filling offers freshness. Dip them in the leftover honey garlic sauce for a flavor boost. Making your own egg rolls is surprisingly easy.
Fried Rice
You can’t go wrong pairing this Chinese restaurant chicken with a classic side of fried rice. The soft, fluffy rice soaks up flavors easily and provides the perfect blank canvas for other ingredients. Cook the rice with soy sauce, eggs, frozen peas and carrots, scallions, and garlic. If you want, you can even add small diced pieces of leftover honey garlic chicken to the fried rice. The simple flavors pair beautifully with the sauce-coated chicken.
Lo Mein Noodles
Lo mein noodles have a pleasing chewy texture that stands up well to saucy chicken dishes. Their neutral flavor absorbs surrounding flavors. Cook them in sesame oil then toss with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots. You can make it veggie style, or add shrimp or chicken for extra protein. The soft noodles contrast with the crispy chicken skin for an enjoyable mix of textures. Lo mein is easy to customize to your preferences.
Coleslaw
Cool and creamy coleslaw can offset the savory richness of honey garlic chicken. The crunch of shredded cabbage and carrots combined with a mayo-based dressing provides a nice change of pace. Coleslaw offers a tangy, vinegary note than cuts through the sweet sauce coating the chicken. Feel free to jazz it up with extras like celery seeds, lemon juice, scallions, cilantro, and a hint of sesame oil to give it an Asian twist.
Edamame
For an extra boost of plant protein, try boiled edamame pods as your side. These immature soybeans have a pleasant nutty, buttery flavor and a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. Their mild taste lets the chicken shine. Simply boil them with some salt then sprinkle with garlic powder and chili flakes if desired. You can also roast them for a crispy crunchy take. Edamame contains antioxidants and makes a satisfying snack on its own.
Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad is a crisp, refreshing accompaniment for sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken. Cool cucumber slices contrast nicely with the warmth of the chicken. Toss the cucumbers with a tangy dressing, like rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add some diced onion for a bite and cilantro for freshness. The lightness of the cucumber salad prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.
Rice Pilaf
What’s chicken without some rice on the side? A rice pilaf flavored with garlic makes the perfect base for honey garlic chicken. Cook the rice in broth and olive oil infused with garlic and onions. For a Greek twist, use lemon juice and oregano. For an Indian twist, use cumin and turmeric. You can stir in vegetables like peas or dice up the chicken and mix it in. The possibilities are endless with this versatile side dish.
Sautéed Spinach
Iron-rich spinach helps balance the meal nutritionally, offering an extra serving of vegetables. Sauté the spinach with olive oil and garlic, adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. The tender leaves wilt down quickly to a silky texture that pairs well with the chicken. You can also make a creamy spinach dip by mixing the sautéed spinach with Greek yogurt, garlic, and Parmesan. Spinach provides vitamin C, A, and folate.
Brussels Sprouts
For another green veggie option, try roasted Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven, becoming crispy on the outside while tender inside. Toss them with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before roasting. Garnish with lemon zest or Parmesan cheese if desired. The nutty flavor and texture of Brussels sprouts stands up well to saucy chicken dishes. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
Sweet Potato Fries
Instead of regular fries, change it up with sweet potato fries, which are better for you. The natural sugars in sweet potatoes caramelize in the oven for the perfect hint of sweetness and crispy edges. They taste delicious paired with the honey notes in the chicken. Toss the fries in oil and your favorite seasonings before baking. Sweet potato fries contain fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. Enjoy them as a shareable side for dipping in any leftover sauce.
Quinoa Pilaf
For a high protein side dish, try making a quinoa pilaf. Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Cook the quinoa according to package directions with chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor. Then mix in vegetables like corn, tomatoes, peppers, peas, and spinach or kale. Season with garlic, lemon juice, cilantro or Italian seasoning. The light fluffy texture pairs nicely with the chicken.
Cauliflower Mash
If you want a creamy, comfort food side dish, try mashed cauliflower. By blending cauliflower florets, you can create a smooth mash akin to mashed potatoes but with fewer carbs. Cauliflower has a mild flavor, so be sure to season it well, adding garlic, butter, cheese, herbs, etc. The richness balances the sweet and salty chicken. Top it with crunchy fried shallots or scallions for contrast. This low carb side dish is easy to make in minutes.
Honey Garlic Chicken Instructions
Step 1
Pat the chicken dry. Season all over with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Heat the oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high for 1 to 2 minutes until hot and shimmering. Add the chicken and cook without moving until it’s golden brown on the bottom, about 7-8 minutes.
Step 3
Use tongs to flip the chicken and cook until just cooked through, about 6 minutes.
Step 4
While the chicken cooks on the second side, mix together 3 tablespoons of water, the honey, and soy sauce in a measuring cup.
Step 5
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 6
Pour in the soy sauce mixture and let cook until the liquid reduces, about 1 minute. Add the vinegar, garlic and butter, stirring to melt and incorporate until thick and glossy, about 2 minutes more.
Step 7
Return the chicken to the pan, leaving behind any accumulated juices on the plate, and turn to coat in the sauce. Then serve immediately, garnish with the parsley, if desired.
This Honey Garlic Chicken is so flavorful! The addition of vinegar brightens up the sauce, which is smooth and silky, coating the chicken beautifully.
A simple veggie mix like sautéd green beans and mushrooms makes for a light side, perfect for a summer weeknight dinner. I hope you give this recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken a try, I think you’ll love it! Take care and be well, xo Kelly
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
This original recipe is by Yasmin Fahr, via the NYT Cooking site. I have modified it, replacing the chicken breasts with thighs for added flavor and juiciness. I have also increased the measurements of the sauce ingredients to allow for the increased amount of chicken.
The Best Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe ❗️
FAQ
What is a good side for honey chicken?
I chose to make a quick and simple side dish of sautéd French Green Beans and Mushrooms, but Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli or Rice and Roasted Carrots are two other great side options. This chicken dish is so full of savory flavor, with a little sweetness thanks to honey.
What can you eat honey garlic chicken with?
Easy, homemade crispy chicken tossed in a spicy-sweet honey garlic sauce. Serve this dish with asparagus, broccoli, or a combination of the two, cooked up right alongside the chicken. It’s the easiest sheet pan dinner. Add a side of rice for a main, or serve it on its own as an appetizer.
What to pair with garlic chicken?
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What is honey chicken served with?
Tip in the honey sauce and stir-fry for 10 mins, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste for seasoning and squeeze over the remaining lemon juice, if needed, then serve with rice and steamed broccoli, if you like.