40 Perfect Side Dishes To Serve With Chicken
Add a burst of flavor and texture to every dinner with simple yet inventive pairings.
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No matter how you prepare chicken—roasted, grilled, fried, or slow-cooked—finding the right side dish can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast. From crispy potatoes to vibrant salads and crowd-pleasing grains, this guide highlights 40 exceptional side dishes that pair beautifully with chicken for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and velvety on the inside, these roasted potatoes get a flavor boost from onion soup mix. Simply toss potato chunks with olive oil and the mix, then roast until golden. The result is a fuss-free, satisfying side that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
This bright, crunchy salad features sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s refreshing and lightly sweet, offering a nutritious balance to richer chicken dishes.
French Onion Cabbage Gratin
For something truly indulgent, try this cheesy cabbage gratin. Caramelized onions and crisp, tender cabbage wedges are layered in a Gruyère sauce, crowned with buttery breadcrumbs, and baked until bubbly perfection. This side could even steal the spotlight from your chicken.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts become addictive when tossed with minced garlic and grated Parmesan. The high heat caramelizes the sprouts, delivering crispy edges and a tender center.
Classic Creamed Spinach
This creamy spinach side brings a comforting, velvety texture that pairs especially well with baked or grilled chicken. A touch of nutmeg and Parmesan elevates this classic to dinner-worthy status.
Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots
Sweet carrots are coated in a maple-Dijon glaze and roasted until caramelized and tender. This festive, colorful side is simple enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining.
Buttery Cornbread Muffins
Soft, warm cornbread muffins are a staple with fried or BBQ chicken. Serve slathered with butter and drizzle with honey for a savory-meets-sweet experience.
Herby Lemon Rice Pilaf
This fragrant rice pilaf incorporates lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs (like parsley and dill), and sautéed onions. The result is light, fluffy grains that soak up saucy chicken dishes effortlessly.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and creamy, these mashed potatoes are infused with the sweetness of roasted garlic. A generous pat of butter and splash of cream makes them especially rich and satisfying.
Parmesan Asparagus Bundles
Tender asparagus stalks get wrapped in prosciutto and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, then roasted until just crisp. These elegant bundles offer a salty, savory crunch that pairs marvelously with any style of chicken.
Honey Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
Mix any combination of root vegetables (like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes) and toss with olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar before roasting. The glaze creates a sweet, tangy caramelization you’ll want to make on repeat.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ultra-comforting and impressively decadent, these scalloped potatoes combine thin potato slices, lots of cheese, and a luscious cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Boil small potatoes until tender, smash gently, and roast with olive oil until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh herbs for irresistible crunchy bites that complement juicy chicken perfectly.
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Lemon-Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli florets tossed with lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and a hint of chili flakes are roasted until their edges are crisp and flavorful. A simple yet gorgeous green side for any chicken feast.
Pasta Primavera Salad
This vibrant pasta salad bursts with seasonal vegetables, tossed in a light Italian vinaigrette. It’s bright, crunchy, and can be served cold or at room temperature for easy entertaining.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is roasted with chili powder and smoked paprika until deeply caramelized. Pair this zesty, slightly spicy side with sweet or creamy chicken main dishes for perfect balance.
Crispy Garlic Bread
An essential with saucy chicken entrees, classic garlic bread gets its kick from fresh garlic, melted butter, and a sprinkle of herbs. Serve warm, sliced, and ready for dunking.
Summer Tomato & Mozzarella Salad
Plump tomatoes and creamy mozzarella slices are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic, then showered with torn basil. This Italian-inspired salad is a fresh, juicy treat that’s perfect in summer.
Creamy Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. A must-have with crispy fried chicken or grilled chicken sandwiches for a cool, crunchy contrast.
Green Bean Almondine
French green beans are sautéed and topped with toasted almonds for a simple, nutty bite. This quick side is as effortless as it is elegant alongside chicken.
Wild Rice Pilaf With Cranberries & Pecans
Nutty wild rice gets studded with sweet cranberries and toasted pecans, offering an earthy, festive complement to roasted or baked chicken dishes.
Caprese Orzo Salad
This orzo pasta salad blends mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic dressing for a summery, bite-sized delight.
Baked Mac and Cheese
No side dish list is complete without creamy baked mac and cheese. A golden, crunchy cheese crust gives way to silky noodles beneath—a family favorite that never fails with chicken.
Lemon Dill Potato Salad
Potato salad gets a refresh with lemon juice, fresh dill, chopped red onion, and a light vinaigrette. Skip the mayo for a brighter, more aromatic option.
Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms
Mushrooms sauteed with balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil create a meaty, umami side that stands up to boldly seasoned or grilled chicken dishes.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes roasted until crispy around the edges, tossed with smoky paprika and sea salt. Serve with a creamy dip for a playful, colorful chicken accompaniment.
Classic Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons tossed in a tangy Caesar dressing—that’s all it takes for this perennially popular pairing, especially with grilled chicken.
Three Cheese Bread
This deeply savory quick bread incorporates cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, baked to a golden-brown loaf. Slice and serve alongside baked or roasted chicken for a comforting meal.
Garlic Herb Roasted Tomatoes
Cherry or plum tomatoes are slow-roasted with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs until jammy and intensely flavored—perfect for spooning on top of chicken or mopping up with bread.
Sweet Corn Pudding
Golden, creamy corn pudding bakes up soft and custardy. Its gentle sweetness and comforting texture balance savory or spicy chicken recipes with ease.
Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Deeply roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts over greens create a hearty, earthy salad that sings with baked or grilled chicken.
Scallion Drop Biscuits
These warm, flaky drop biscuits are studded with fresh scallions. Quick to whip up and perfect for sopping up chicken pan juices or sauces.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Assorted vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and more—lightly oiled and charred on the grill for a smoky, nutrient-packed side.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Egg noodles tossed with melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley form a fast, kid-friendly companion for any style of chicken.
Southern-Style Collard Greens
Simmered with garlic, onion, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and (optionally) smoky bacon, these collard greens are a soul food classic bursting with flavor.
Herbed Couscous With Pine Nuts
Pearl couscous is cooked until tender, then tossed with lemon, parsley, and toasted pine nuts for a fluffy, nutty, quick-cooking grain dish.
Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons
Delicate zucchini ribbons are sautéed briefly with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then finished with lemon zest for a simple, vibrant side.
Rosemary Focaccia
Bake up a soft, olive oil-rich focaccia infused with rosemary for a side that’s perfect for soaking up chicken juices or serving with Italian-inspired mains.
Spicy Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Grilled corn is slathered in mayo, lime juice, and chili powder, then dusted with cotija cheese. A must-try, bold-flavored favorite with grilled chicken or tacos al carbon.
Tabbouleh Salad
This Middle Eastern salad features bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomato, cucumber, and a bright lemony dressing. It’s refreshing and loaded with texture, ideal for Mediterranean-style chicken.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Green beans tossed with olive oil, Parmesan, and cracked pepper, roasted until crisp-tender and lightly cheesy. A green side that’s both easy and irresistible.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A lively blend of chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, red onion, and olives in a lemon-herb vinaigrette. This salad is protein-rich and exceptionally flavorful, playing well with grilled and roasted chicken dishes alike.
Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
Cheesy, comforting, and satisfying, this casserole transforms humble broccoli into a creamy baked delight. Great with classic roasted chicken or as a potluck favorite.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Bite-sized cauliflower florets are roasted, then tossed in Buffalo sauce for a spicy, crispy side that echoes the flavors of Buffalo chicken—without the chicken!
Serving Table: Favorite Chicken & Side Pairings
| Chicken Main | Recommended Side Dish | Flavor Match |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Chicken | Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes | Comfort/Earthy |
| Grilled Chicken | Tabbouleh Salad | Fresh/Bright |
| Fried Chicken | Creamy Coleslaw | Tangy/Cool |
| Baked Chicken | Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad | Earthy/Savory |
| BBQ Chicken | Crispy Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet/Smoky |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What side dishes are always a hit for a weeknight chicken dinner?
A: Roasted vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, or carrots are quick, nutritious, and universally loved. Salads such as quinoa salad or a fresh Caesar also work well for variety and balance.
Q: How do I choose a side if my chicken dish has a strong or spicy flavor?
A: Opt for something cooling or creamy, such as coleslaw, creamed spinach, or cornbread. These provide a palate-soothing counterpoint to heat and bold spices.
Q: What is the best side for fried chicken?
A: Creamy coleslaw, honey cornbread muffins, and classic mashed potatoes are all tried-and-true favorites that balance the crunch and richness of fried chicken.
Q: Are there healthy sides to pair with chicken?
A: Absolutely. Consider quinoa salads, roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables, tabbouleh, and Mediterranean chickpea salad for options high in nutrients and fiber.
Q: Can I prepare any of these sides in advance?
A: Many sides, such as pasta salad, quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, and even mashed potatoes, hold up well to advance prep and reheat beautifully—ideal for meal prep or gatherings.
References
- https://food52.com/story/26133-best-side-dishes-for-chicken
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/menus/g60268173/grilled-chicken-sides/
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/g4573/side-dishes-for-chicken/
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g2972/chicken-weeknight-dinners/
- https://www.delish.com/side-dishes/
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