Question: What do we serve with chicken fried rice? We all love that delicious, savory goodness (a stir-fried rice dish of chicken, vegetables, and soy-seasoned rice), but pairing it can be tricky.
Let's keep it simple. We've gathered some stellar side dishes that complement our beloved fried rice perfectly.
We're talking about flavors that play nice together without stealing the spotlight. How about a crispy spring roll or some tangy sweet and sour sauce?
These sides not only add flair to our meal but also make it feel like a treat.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Rice
Here are our top picks for the best side dishes to serve with chicken fried rice:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Egg Drop Soup | Eggs, chicken broth, cornstarch | Savory, comforting | Easy | 15 mins |
| Ginger Soy Noodles | Noodles, ginger, soy sauce | Savory, gingery | Medium | 20 mins |
| Sweet and Sour Chicken | Chicken, bell peppers, pineapple, sauce | Sweet, tangy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Crispy Spring Rolls | Spring roll wrappers, vegetables, pork | Crispy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Chinese Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil | Tangy, refreshing | Easy | 10 mins |
| Teriyaki Grilled Vegetables | Mixed vegetables, teriyaki sauce | Sweet, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Tofu, mushrooms, vinegar, soy sauce | Spicy, tangy | Medium | 20 mins |
| Pork Potstickers | Pork, dumpling wrappers, vegetables | Savory, crispy | Medium | 35 mins |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken, peanuts, bell peppers, sauce | Spicy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Garlic Green Beans | Green beans, garlic, soy sauce | Savory, garlicky | Easy | 15 mins |
| Sesame Chicken Wings | Chicken wings, sesame seeds, soy sauce | Savory, nutty | Medium | 30 mins |
| Wonton Soup | Wontons, chicken broth, vegetables | Savory, comforting | Medium | 25 mins |
| Stir-Fried Bok Choy | Bok choy, garlic, soy sauce | Savory, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
1 - Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is that one dish we never knew we needed until we tried it; for similar egg-based sides try egg bites side dish ideas.
It's simple and quick. Just whisk some eggs into hot broth (about 1 egg per cup of broth), and watch the magic happen.
The texture is silky and smooth. It's like a hug in a bowl, minus the emotional baggage.
Add some green onions for a pop. They bring a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
We can totally sip this soup with anything. It just fits in anywhere.
2 - Ginger Soy Noodles
We can all agree that noodles make everything better; for chilled noodles, consider cold soba sides for light meals.
Ginger soy noodles are simple to whip up. They're a quick stir-fry away from our dinner plate.
The ginger gives a nice zing. It wakes up our palate alongside the rich soy sauce.
Using fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) totally changes the game. It adds a deeper flavor than powdered stuff.
We can toss in some veggies for crunch. Carrots and snap peas are solid choices.
Perfect as a side or a meal on their own!
3 - Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic. It's all about that sweet sticky sauce and crispy chicken.
We can't forget about the colorful veggies mixed in.
This dish is super versatile; pair it with sweet potato sides for cozy soups or enjoy it solo with rice.
Choosing fresh ingredients pays off. Fresh peppers and pineapple boost the flavor.
Sauce consistency is key too. We should aim for a balance of sweet and tangy (about a 2:1 sugar-to-vinegar ratio).
A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives it a nice crunch.
4 - Crispy Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are like little flavor sticks wrapped in crispy goodness. They're crunchy and surprisingly fun to eat.
They hold a mix of veggies or meat (often wrapped in rice paper made from rice flour). We can dip them in sauces to jazz things up.
Frying gives them that golden edge we can't resist. There are also baked options if we're feeling mild.
Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. We can pair them with sweet chili for a kick.
These rolls are a go-to for entertaining and snacking; pair them with pizza roll sides for party snacks.
5 - Chinese Cucumber Salad
We all appreciate a good crunch. This salad adds freshness to the table.
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) stay cool, crisp, and refreshing. They mingle with vinegar and sesame oil for tang.
Chill before serving. This salad shines when it's cold.
Try adding garlic for a kick. We can sprinkle sesame seeds on top to up the crunch factor.
This side requires minimal prep; it also pairs well with taco salad sides for Tex-Mex meals.
6 - Teriyaki Grilled Vegetables
Who doesn't appreciate veggies that shine on the grill? These guys get charred and saucy, turning any meal into a flavor-packed experience.
Choose your favorites, like bell peppers and zucchini. They grill well and soak up that teriyaki goodness (a sweet-savory glaze).
Let's not forget to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch. Marinate them a bit for better flavor.
We might even want to mix in some fresh herbs post-grilling for an extra kick.
Light, delicious, and colorful plates are calling!
7 - Hot and Sour Soup
What's a meal without a little soupy goodness? Hot and sour soup is a solid choice that brings heat and a zingy kick.
The broth is a balance of spice and tang (often achieved with white pepper and black vinegar). We add tofu for protein and mushrooms for texture.
It's great when we crave something warm and comforting. A sprinkle of green onions adds freshness.
Watch the spice level; we can adjust it for our preference.
This side stands tall beside fried rice and fills us up nicely!
8 - Pork Potstickers
Pork potstickers are bite-sized goodies. They're all about that crispy bottom and juicy filling (usually ground pork mixed with napa cabbage).
We can pan-fry them for a crunchy finish. Steam them for a softer touch.
Dipping sauce is a must; soy sauce brings it home.
Filling options vary. We can get creative with veggies or spices.
These are excellent as apps or a quick snack. They disappear fast at any gathering.
Batch-cook them ahead of time for go-to snacks.
9 - Kung Pao Chicken
Who doesn't want a little spicy kick in their meal? Kung Pao chicken brings heat and flavour to the table.
It's all about that perfect balance of spicy, salty, and sweet (with Sichuan peppercorns providing a numbing, citrusy heat). We toss in peanuts for crunch and veggies for freshness.
Cooking it in a hot wok enhances those tasty vibes. Adjust the spice level to suit everyone.
No one wants to set their mouth on fire, right?
Pair it with white rice for a complete meal. It's a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
10 - Garlic Green Beans
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Another crispy side option is garlic green beans. They're tasty and healthy!
The key is to add some minced garlic or chili flakes while cooking for extra flavor (about 2 cloves garlic per 8 ounces beans).
We can also toss in almonds or sesame seeds for crunch.
These beans are a nice way to balance out the richness of fried rice.
11 - Sesame Chicken Wings
We all know chicken wings are a classic, but these sesame wings take it up a notch.
They're sticky, sweet, and full of crunch (finish with toasted sesame seeds for extra depth). The sesame seeds add that nutty vibe we crave.
Wings are simple to make. Bake or fry, your choice.
Either way, they turn out delish.
Dunk them in soy sauce if we need more flavor. Pairing with fried rice is a win.
They're great at parties, but watch them disappear quick!
12 - Wonton Soup
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Wonton soup is like a warm hug in a bowl.
These little dumplings pack tons of flavor. They usually come filled with meats like pork or shrimp (commonly ground pork or shrimp seasoned with ginger and scallion).
Bite in, and you'll get a pop of juicy goodness. The broth is light but soothing, perfect for chilly nights or when we want something comforting.
We can tweak the broth with soy sauce or chili oil for extra flair.
Pair it with some scallions for a fresh touch. It's a quick fix that feels fancy without all the fuss.
13 - Stir-Fried Bok Choy
Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is a leafy green that makes us think of a crunchy counterpart to any meal.
It cooks quickly and keeps that bright green color. Sautéing is a go-to method for maximum flavor.
We can toss in garlic for a kick. A splash of soy sauce ties everything together.
Bok choy adds freshness to stir-fries and pairs well with rice.
Storage is easy. It can sit in the fridge for about a week. No fuss there!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
