What To Serve With Cashew Chicken? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Cashew chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect blend of crunchy cashews, tender chicken, and a savory sauce. To make this meal even more memorable, pairing it with the right sides is key.

Here you can find 15 tasty side dishes that will complement the flavors of your cashew chicken, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious meal for everyone at the table.

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The best side dishes to serve with cashew chicken are jasmine rice, bok choy, sauteed mushrooms, chow mein, cauliflower rice, baked broccoli, spring rolls, Chinese walnuts, brown rice, lettuce wraps, crab rangoon, char siu, hot and sour soup, Asian slaw, and fried rice.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a fragrant and fluffy side that pairs beautifully with cashew chicken. Its slightly sweet aroma and tender grains make it an ideal base to soak up the savory sauce, ensuring that none of the rich flavors go to waste. It's a simple yet essential dish that balances the boldness of the chicken and cashews, bringing harmony to your plate.

2. Bok Choy

Bok Choy, with its crisp stems and tender leaves, adds a fresh and slightly peppery taste to the meal. Quickly sautéed with garlic and a splash of soy sauce, it offers a crunchy contrast to the softer textures of cashew chicken. This green side is not only nutritious but also brings a vibrant color and a burst of freshness to complement the rich flavors.

3. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and meaty texture, make for a wonderful side to cashew chicken. Cooked in a bit of butter or olive oil with garlic and thyme, they add depth and a savory note that pairs well with the nutty, savory elements of the dish. This side dish enhances the overall umami experience of your meal.

4. Chow Mein

Chow Mein, consisting of stir-fried noodles with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, offers a delightful textural mix and a hearty addition to cashew chicken. Its savory sauce and chewy noodles complement the crunchy cashews and tender chicken, providing a satisfying contrast and making the meal more substantial and diverse.

5. Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a light, grain-free alternative that pairs excellently with cashew chicken. Its mild flavor and rice-like texture make it a perfect base for those looking for a low-carb option. Sauté it with a bit of onion and garlic for extra flavor, and enjoy a healthy, yet fulfilling, complement to your dish.

6. Baked Broccoli

Baked broccoli, seasoned with garlic, lemon, and a touch of parmesan, brings a crunchy and flavorful side to the table. Its roasty edges and tender florets offer a delicious way to add greens to your meal, enhancing the cashew chicken with its bold taste and nutritional benefits.

7. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls, filled with vegetables and sometimes shrimp or pork, provide a crispy, light appetizer or side that complements the richness of cashew chicken. Served with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili or soy sauce, they introduce a variety of textures and flavors, making your meal more exciting and complete.

8. Chinese Walnuts

Chinese walnuts, candied and slightly toasted, offer a sweet and crunchy addition that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors of cashew chicken. These walnuts can be served as a snack or a garnish, adding a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness that enhances the overall meal. Their unique preparation brings an unexpected twist to your dining experience, making each bite interesting.

9. Brown Rice

Brown rice, with its nutty flavor and chewy texture, is a wholesome alternative to white rice. It complements cashew chicken by absorbing the sauce and adding a healthy, fiber-rich component to your meal. Its hearty nature makes it a satisfying base that stands up to the bold flavors of the dish, ensuring a well-rounded and nutritious plate.

10. Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps, filled with a mixture similar to the cashew chicken or with the dish itself, offer a fresh, crunchy way to enjoy the meal. The cool, crisp lettuce contrasts with the warm, savory filling, providing a light and healthy option that adds both texture and a burst of freshness to your dining experience.

11. Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon, with its creamy, crab-filled center and crispy wonton exterior, serves as a decadent side or appetizer that pairs wonderfully with cashew chicken. The slight sweetness of the crab and the richness of the cream cheese offer a delightful contrast to the savory and nutty notes of the main dish, introducing a different texture and taste.

12. Char Siu

Char Siu, a type of Chinese barbecue pork, is a sweet and savory addition that complements cashew chicken with its rich flavors and tender texture. The honey-glazed exterior and the aromatic spices used in its preparation add depth to your meal, making it a meaty, flavorful side that harmonizes with the chicken and cashews.

13. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup, with its bold, tangy flavors and comforting warmth, is an excellent starter for a meal featuring cashew chicken. Its spicy and acidic notes awaken the palate, preparing it for the rich, savory main course. The soup's variety of textures, from tofu to bamboo shoots, adds an enjoyable complexity.

14. Fried Rice

Fried rice, a versatile and flavorful dish, can be customized with vegetables, eggs, or leftover meats. It acts as a hearty companion to cashew chicken, incorporating the same savory, umami flavors while adding its unique texture and taste. This side dish makes use of day-old rice, turning it into a delicious, aromatic component of your meal.

15. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," offer a light and healthy alternative to traditional noodles. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them an excellent base for cashew chicken, allowing the bold flavors of the dish to shine. Toss them with a bit of olive oil and garlic for a simple yet delicious side that adds a nutritious twist to your meal.

16. Asian Slaw

Asian slaw, made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing of vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, provides a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the savory cashew chicken. The vibrant colors and crisp texture of the slaw not only add visual appeal to your plate but also offer a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the main dish.