Having stir fry by itself is tasty, but adding the right side dishes can really make your meal stand out. Choosing side dishes that complement the flavors and textures of your main dish is key. If you are wondering what to serve with stir fry, I have curated a list of 25 side dishes. Whether you prefer classic pairings like steamed rice and noodles or adventurous options like wontons and dumplings, you will find the perfect pair!.
Stir fry chicken is a quick and easy dinner staple in many households. The mix of tender chicken and crisp veggies coated in a flavorful sauce makes for a satisfying meal. But what should you serve alongside your chicken stir fry to make it a complete dinner?
I’ve rounded up 13 of my favorite side dish ideas that pair deliciously with stir fried chicken. From rice and noodles to flavorful salads and appetizers, keep reading for plenty of ideas to make your stir fry chicken dinner delicious and complete.
Rice Dishes
Stir-fried chicken goes well with rice because the bland grains soak up the tasty sauce and make a great base for other dishes.
Jasmine Rice – Jasmine rice is a fragrant variety that complements the flavors of a stir fry beautifully. Cook up a pot of this fluffy rice according to package directions to serve alongside your chicken.
Coconut Rice: If you want a more interesting rice dish, try coconut rice. Spicy or salty stir fry sauces go well with the mildly sweet coconut taste.
Fried Rice – Leftover rice? Transform it into delicious fried rice, loaded with veggies, eggs, and other mix-ins. The crispy, seasoned rice grains are the ideal accompaniment.
Noodle Sides
Slurping up a bowl of noodles along with your stir fry chicken allows you to get the most out of every last drop of delicious sauce.
Lo Mein: Lo mein noodles tossed in a tasty sauce will soak up all the flavors from your stir fry perfectly. Add veggies for extra nutrition.
Ramen – For another noodle option, prepare fresh ramen and serve it alongside your chicken in a flavorful broth.
Zucchini Noodles – Spiralized or julienned zucchini noodles are a lighter alternative to wheat noodles. Their mild flavor soaks up stir fry sauce wonderfully.
Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb and gluten-free side dish. It has the texture of rice and more healthy vegetables than rice.
Fresh Vegetable Sides
Since stir fry already contains veggies, serving extra vegetables on the side makes for a very well-rounded, nutritious meal.
Broccoli – Broccoli florets, steamed or roasted, are a classic pairing with any chicken dish. The bright green vegetable provides vitamin C and fiber.
Asparagus – Fresh, tender roasted asparagus spears complement chicken stir fries beautifully. Toss them in a little olive oil, salt and pepper before roasting.
Green Beans – Another green veggie option is sautéed green beans. Cook them with sliced garlic and toasted almonds for added flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries – For a change of pace from roasted veggies, baked sweet potato fries are delicious. The natural sweetness balances salty or spicy stir fry sauces.
Tasty Salads
A lightly dressed salad provides a nice fresh contrast to hot stir fried chicken. Try one of these flavorful salad recipes:
Cucumber Salad – This simple salad of sliced cucumbers and onions in a light vinegar dressing is a classic Chinese side dish.
Cabbage Slaw – For crunch, make an Asian inspired coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onion, cilantro and a rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing.
Spinach Salad – Baby spinach, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds and diced chicken breasts over oriental dressing makes for a balanced dinner when paired with your stir fry.
Kale Salad – Massaged kale salad with edamame, red peppers, carrots and an Asian peanut dressing is packed with antioxidants.
Appetizers and Small Bites
Begin your stir fry chicken dinner with a tasty morsel to excite your tastebuds.
Egg Rolls – No Chinese meal is complete without crispy, savory egg rolls served with duck or sweet and sour sauce.
Dumplings – Pan fried or steamed pork or chicken dumplings are perfect before your main chicken and veggie stir fry dish.
Wontons – Another classic Chinese appetizer, wontons are filled dumplings that can be fried, steamed or added to soup.
Crispy Tofu – For a vegan appetizer option, try pan frying bites of tofu until crispy and golden and serve with a tangy dipping sauce.
Potstickers– Pan fried potstickers with crispy bottoms and tender tops are irresistible dipped in soy sauce and chili oil.
So the next time you’re making stir fried chicken, try serving it with one of these 13 side dish ideas for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With choices ranging from rice and noodles to salads and appetizers, you’re sure to find plenty of delicious pairings!
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Edamame Salad Enjoy this edamame salad recipe with fresh veggies, protein, fiber, and a delicious Asian-inspired dressing to keep you satisfied.
Cooking Basics: How To Stirfry
FAQ
What do you serve chicken stir fry with?
I always top my chicken stir fry with green onions and sesame seeds and serve it with brown rice, white rice, or noodles! I also tried it with our homemade coconut rice the other day and that was really delicious.
What is stir fry usually served with?
Serve your stir-fries vegetables with either rice or noodles Traditionally, stir-fried vegetables are served with either rice or noodles. But even then, there are numerous options available to you when it comes to stir-fry accompaniments.
What do you pair with stir fry?
How to Serve You can serve the stir fry over rice or noodles. Quinoa would also be good, use whatever is in your pantry. If you don’t want a starch, enjoy as is or serve in lettuce cups. Garnish with sesame seeds, a little fresh cilantro or Thai basil, and sliced green onions and you are good to go! Dinner is served!.
What goes great with stir fry?
You will find the perfect pair, whether you like traditional combinations like steamed rice and noodles or new ones like wontons and dumplings.