I f you’re wondering what side dish goes best with honey garlic chicken, you’re not alone. Honey garlic chicken is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, which makes it versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes. However, finding the right side dish can elevate the entire meal. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, choosing the perfect side dish will bring out the best in your honey garlic chicken.
When you serve honey garlic chicken, its bold flavors should be matched with side dishes that balance or complement them. From light salads to hearty vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore the best side dishes for honey garlic chicken and how they can complete your meal.
If you’re interested in more chicken recipes, check out our Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe for more inspiration.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken
Choosing the right side dish for honey garlic chicken means thinking about the flavor and texture balance. You’ll want something that complements the sweetness and savoriness without overpowering the dish.
1. Cauliflower Fried Rice
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower fried rice is a perfect choice. It’s light but filling, and its subtle flavors blend well with the boldness of honey garlic chicken. The best part is that the cauliflower absorbs the extra sauce, enhancing every bite.
- Grate fresh cauliflower to resemble rice.
- Sauté with garlic, a splash of sesame oil, and soy sauce.
For more on the benefits of using cauliflower rice, check out this Healthline article.
2. Lemon Ginger Broccoli
Broccoli is always a classic side dish, but adding lemon and ginger takes it up a notch. The lemon’s acidity and the slight spiciness from ginger complement the honey garlic chicken by balancing the sweetness with a fresh, zesty taste.
- Lightly steam the broccoli to retain its crunch.
- Drizzle it with lemon juice and freshly grated ginger.
This dish adds brightness to your meal, making it a great partner for honey garlic chicken.
3. Chili Garlic Snow Peas
Chili garlic snow peas are another great way to bring a bit of heat and crunch to your meal. Their light, crisp texture is the perfect foil to the sticky, savory chicken.
- Stir-fry snow peas with garlic and chili flakes for a subtle kick.
- Add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor.
This dish provides just enough spice to contrast the sweetness of the honey garlic chicken without overwhelming the palate.
4. Vegetable Egg Rolls
Egg rolls aren’t just for appetizers—they make an excellent side dish for honey garlic chicken, too. The crispy exterior and fresh vegetable filling bring texture and contrast to the sticky chicken.
- Fill egg rolls with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions.
- Serve them alongside the chicken with a dipping sauce made from honey garlic glaze.
This side adds a fun, crunchy element to your meal, making it even more enjoyable.
5. Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes naturally complement honey garlic chicken because their sweetness pairs well with the glaze. Roasting the sweet potatoes with spices brings out their flavor even more, creating a warm, comforting side dish.
- Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, chili powder, and cumin before roasting.
- Roast them until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
This is a hearty, flavorful side that perfectly balances the sweet and savory elements of the chicken.
6. Zucchini Noodles
For a low-carb, gluten-free option, zucchini noodles are a great choice. Their light texture allows the rich flavors of honey garlic chicken to shine, and they provide a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- Spiralize fresh zucchini into noodles.
- Lightly sauté them with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Zucchini noodles are perfect if you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing side dish.
Light and Healthy Salad Options
Salads are an excellent choice when you want to balance the rich flavors of honey garlic chicken with something light and fresh. Here are a few options that work well with this dish.
1. Asian Slaw
Asian slaw is a crunchy and refreshing side that pairs perfectly with honey garlic chicken. The combination of fresh vegetables and tangy dressing creates a contrast that enhances the meal’s overall flavor.
- Use shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers as the base.
- Toss with a dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sriracha.
This side dish adds a refreshing crunch and slight heat, making it a great complement to the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Bok Choy Salad
Bok choy is another nutrient-dense leafy green that makes a delicious salad. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture balance the bold, sticky flavors of honey garlic chicken.
- Toss raw or lightly steamed bok choy with a sesame vinaigrette made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little honey.
This salad is a light, refreshing side that offers both texture and flavor, complementing the chicken perfectly.
3. Sesame Kale Salad
Kale has earned its place as a superfood, and when paired with a sesame dressing, it becomes a flavorful side dish for honey garlic chicken. The umami flavors from the sesame oil and soy sauce enhance the savory notes of the chicken.
- Massage kale with a dressing made from sesame oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds for added texture.
This is a nutrient-packed, flavorful side dish that will balance the richness of the chicken.
4. Tomato Corn Salad
For something fresh and light, a tomato corn salad is a perfect summer side for honey garlic chicken. It’s vibrant and bursting with flavor, offering a nice contrast to the dish’s rich sauce.
- Combine cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, and fresh herbs.
- Dress with olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
This side dish is quick, simple, and refreshing, making it a great choice for warm-weather meals.
Classic Side Dishes with a Twist
Sometimes, you want a more familiar side dish but with a new twist. Here are a few classic sides that have been elevated to complement honey garlic chicken perfectly.
1. Roasted Edamame
Roasted edamame is a crunchy, protein-rich side dish that pairs well with honey garlic chicken. Roasting the edamame gives it a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the chicken glaze.
- Toss edamame in olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Roast until crispy and golden.
This side dish is healthy, satisfying, and adds a crunchy texture that balances the meal.
2. Gochujang Roasted Carrots
Carrots might seem like an ordinary side, but roasting them with gochujang (Korean chili paste) brings out a depth of flavor that works beautifully with honey garlic chicken.
- Toss carrot sticks in gochujang, honey, and olive oil before roasting.
- Roast until caramelized and tender.
The sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of the roasted carrots complement the rich glaze on the chicken, making this an exciting side dish option.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Side Dish for Honey Garlic Chicken
In conclusion, finding the best side dish for honey garlic chicken is all about balance. Whether you’re looking for something light like zucchini noodles or a hearty side like spicy roasted sweet potatoes, there’s a wide range of options to suit every taste. From fresh salads to roasted vegetables, these side dishes enhance the flavors of honey garlic chicken and create a well-rounded meal.
If you’re in the mood to experiment with more exciting chicken dishes, be sure to check out our Popcorn Chicken Recipe, where you’ll find even more delicious pairings and cooking tips.
For a healthy, low-carb side, consider the benefits of cauliflower rice. Learn more about it in this Healthline article.