What To Serve With Bang Bang Chicken (33 BEST Sides!)

Bang bang chicken, also known as bang bang ji, hails from the Sichuan province of China.

It’s a traditional street food that’s become a modern takeaway classic, and with crispy chunks of succulent chicken breast drizzled with a satisfyingly spicy sauce, it’s one of those delicious dishes that you’ll want to recreate in your own kitchen! 

If you’re looking for inspiration for side dishes, you’re in the right place. 

Looking for the short answer? 

The best choices for what to serve with bang bang chicken include cucumber salad, tempura prawns, spring rolls, steamed dumplings, green salad, Asian slaw, jasmine rice, and soba noodles. 

Let’s take a look at some more ideas… 

Starter Pairings

When planning your meal with bang bang chicken, choosing the right starter can set the stage for a delightful dining experience.

Consider these appetisers to complement the spicy, creamy profile of your main dish.

Cold Appetisers

• Tempura Prawns: A classic choice, featuring succulent prawns coated in a crispy batter.
• Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil create a vibrant, palate-cleansing salad that prepares you for the rich flavours of bang bang chicken.

Warm Appetisers

• Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and beansprouts, served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, provide a satisfying crunch.
• Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings packed with a mixture of finely chopped pork or vegetables, served with soy sauce or a light broth to warm up your taste buds.

(If you love bang bang chicken, take a look at what to serve with bang bang cauliflower too!) 

Salad Combinations

Pairing your bang bang chicken with the perfect salad can elevate your dish to new heights.

Here’s how you can complement the spicy creaminess with fresh, vibrant salads.

Green Salads

You might enjoy a simple green salad that balances out the bold flavours of bang bang chicken.

Try mixing:

• Spinach: for a mild, slightly sweet taste
• Rocket (Arugula): adds a peppery kick
• Butter lettuce: for a tender, buttery texture

Dress lightly with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken.

Grain Salads

Grain salads bring a hearty element to your meal.

Consider these options:

• Quinoa salad: with red bell pepper, cucumber, and a lemon dressing for a refreshing twist.
• Bulgur wheat salad: combine with chopped tomatoes, parsley, and a hint of mint for a Middle Eastern flair.

Grains offer a subtle nuttiness that compliments the creamy spice of bang bang chicken.

(Love flavoursome chicken recipes? Check out what to eat with harissa chicken for more meal plan ideas!) 

Slaw Varieties

Slaw adds a crunchy texture contrast and can be a colourful addition.

Examples include:

• Classic coleslaw: with shredded cabbage and a light mayo dressing.
• Asian slaw: using red cabbage, carrots, and a soy-sesame dressing for an oriental touch.

Choose a slaw that will provide a crisp counterpoint to the soft texture of the chicken.

Side Dishes

Choosing the perfect side dishes can elevate your bang bang chicken to a complete and satisfying meal.

Here’s how you can pair it with complementary flavours and textures.

Rice Varieties

• Jasmine Rice: Aromatic and slightly sticky, jasmine rice underscores the spicy notes in bang bang chicken.
• Brown Rice: Offers a chewy texture and a nutty flavour which contrasts nicely with the tanginess of the dish.

Noodle Options

• Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles provide a subtle earthy taste that balances the bold flavours.
• Rice Noodles: Light and versatile, rice noodles absorb the sauce of bang bang chicken, making every bite flavourful.

Vegetable Sides

• Stir-Fried Veggies: Mix bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli for a colourful and crunchy addition.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side dressed in rice vinegar to complement the zesty punch of your main course.

Bread Selections

There’s a variety of breads that can be excellent choices for what to serve with bang bang chicken. 

Steamed Breads

• Mantou: Enjoy these fluffy, white Chinese buns. Their mild flavour doesn’t compete with the chicken, and they absorb the sauce well.
• Baozi: Similar to mantou but filled, baozi can carry additional flavours to balance the spice if you choose a mild filling.

Baked Breads

• Naan: This traditional Indian bread, especially garlic naan, offers a pleasant chew and slight tang that pairs well with the richness of bang bang chicken.
• Focaccia: A slice of herbed focaccia, with its crisp exterior and airy interior, contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the dish.

Sauce Complements

When pairing sauces with bang bang chicken, you’ll want to consider the contrast and balance of flavours to enhance your meal.

Creamy Sauces

Creamy sauces offer a rich and smooth texture that complements the crispy coating of bang bang chicken.

Your go-to options include:

• Garlic Aioli: A thick garlic-flavoured emulsion, ideal for dipping.
• Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce: Tangy with a herbal kick; it’s refreshing against the savoury chicken.

Spicy Sauces

If you’re keen on adding a bit more heat, spicy sauces can elevate the dish to new heights.

Recommended choices are:

• Sriracha Mayo: A popular choice that balances creaminess with a fiery punch.
• Chilli Oil: Just a drizzle can infuse your dish with a warm, tingling sensation.

Sweet Sauces

Sweet sauces bring a delightful contrast to the spicy chicken.

Delight in these:

• Honey Mustard: A mixture of sweet honey and piquant mustard offers a complex flavour profile.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: Its vibrant sweetness is offset by a gentle acidity.

Beverage Recommendations

When enjoying bang bang chicken, your drink choice can amplify the experience.

A suitable beverage should complement the spicy, creamy, and slightly sweet profile of the dish.

Soft Drinks

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water can cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing the complex flavours of bang bang chicken.

If you’re after something sweeter, a chilled ginger beer offers a gingery kick that pairs well with the spiciness of the chicken.

Alcoholic Pairings

If you’d like to enjoy your meal with an alcoholic beverage, there are a few choice pairings.

A crisp lager can dampen the heat while its carbonation contrasts the creamy sauce.

For wine lovers, a Riesling with its fruity notes and acidity balances the richness and highlights the dish’s spicy-sweet dynamics.

Dessert Ideas

After enjoying the spicy and savoury flavours of bang bang chicken, you might crave something sweet to balance out your taste buds.

Here are dessert ideas that perfectly complement your meal.

Light Desserts

Opt for light desserts to refresh your palate without feeling too full:

• Fruit Salad: Toss together a mix of fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, and mango. A hint of mint and a drizzle of honey can enhance the freshness.
• Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of zesty lemon sorbet serves as a cool, refreshing end to your meal. It’s light and palate-cleansing.

Rich Desserts

If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, these rich desserts are sure to satisfy:

• Chocolate Fondant: Oozing with warm, molten chocolate, this dessert offers a luxuriously rich experience. Serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: This classic British dessert with a sticky date cake smothered in a luscious toffee sauce is a delightful way to indulge.

What’s your favourite option for what to serve with bang bang chicken? 

Leave a comment and share your ideas! 

If you love takeaway inspired dishes, you might also enjoy what to serve with chicken chow mein, and what to serve with beef and broccoli.