Sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese takeout dish that is typically served with white rice on the side. However, rice is not the only option for serving with this tasty chicken entree. There are many alternatives that can pair well with the sweet, tangy flavors of sweet and sour chicken. Here are some of the best options.
Noodles
Noodles make an excellent substitute for rice with sweet and sour chicken. The noodles nicely soak up the flavorful sauce. Some good noodle options include:
- Lo mein noodles
- Rice noodles
- Soba noodles
- Udon noodles
- Ramen noodles
Lo mein and rice noodles are traditional choices, but udon, soba, and ramen can also work well. You can prepare the noodles plain or add some vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, etc. to make it a more complete meal.
Vegetables
Serving sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fresh vegetables is a healthy, lighter alternative to rice. Some vegetable ideas include:
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Bell pepper strips
- Snap peas
- Steamed green beans
The vegetables will add color to the plate and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To make it a low-carb option, try serving it over riced cauliflower.
Rice Alternatives
If you want a neutral base like rice, there are several alternatives you can use, such as:
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Cauliflower rice
- Riced broccoli
Quinoa and couscous have a light, fluffy texture similar to rice. Riced cauliflower or broccoli are lower in carbs than regular rice. Serve these under the saucy chicken for a satisfying meal.
Breads
For a heartier accompaniment, serve the sweet and sour chicken over or alongside a warm bread. Options include:
- Dinner rolls
- Biscuits
- Cornbread
- Naan or pita bread
The bread will soak up some of the tasty sauce while adding plenty of carbohydrates. Dinner rolls or cornbread are classic choices.
Starch Sides
In place of rice, you can also serve sweet and sour chicken with starchy vegetable sides like:
- Roasted potatoes
- Sweet potato fries
- Parsnip fries
- Fried plantains
- Corn on the cob
These options will provide a hearty, filling complement to the saucy chicken. Roast the potatoes with garlic, herbs and olive oil to boost the flavor.
Salads
For a lighter meal, you can serve sweet and sour chicken over a fresh salad. Some salad ideas include:
- Spinach salad with mandarin oranges and slivered almonds
- Kale salad with cabbage, carrots, edamame and ginger dressing
- Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and feta
The sweet and sour chicken pairs well with both fruit and vegetable salads. Top your salad with sliced chicken and drizzle on a bit of the sauce.
Conclusion
While white rice may be the traditional choice, there are plenty of delicious options for serving sweet and sour chicken. Noodles, vegetables, rice alternatives, breads, starchy sides, and salads can all complement the flavors of the chicken. Mix up your usual rice habit and try a new base for this Chinese food favorite.