A perfectly cooked piece of chicken is elevated by a well-paired side dish. Whether your preference leans towards baked, grilled, or fried poultry, our extensive list of 38 easy sides for chicken ensures there’s something for everyone. From classic comfort food to international flair, these accompaniments are not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor and diversity. Dive in to discover a mouth-watering medley of side dishes that will leave you and your loved ones feeling full and content.
38 Delicious and Easy Sides for Chicken
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The harmonious combination of these vegetables with chicken is undeniable. What’s more, they’re simple to prepare, and the roasting process brings out their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, making for a delightful culinary experience.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
When cooking chicken for the next meal, consider complementing it with a rich and indulgent side dish – think creamy garlic mashed potatoes infused with the deep flavor of butter. The velvety texture and savory taste will create a harmonious balance with your protein of choice, elevating the overall dining experience.
Grilled Zucchini
Indulge in the simplicity and wholesomeness of a perfectly grilled zucchini slice, seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper. This flavorful and nutritious accompaniment is an ideal match for any chicken-based meal, elevating its overall taste experience without overpowering the main dish.
Corn Casserole
Savoring the rich flavors of the South, this comforting casserole proves itself to be the ideal accompaniment to succulent baked chicken. The velvety smoothness of its base and the golden, melted cheesiness that crowns it are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Sauteed Spinach
Combining the rich flavor of garlic with the nutrients of spinach creates a harmonious match made in heaven when paired with grilled chicken. This straightforward yet satisfying side dish is not only easy to prepare but also boasts impressive health benefits, making it an ideal accompaniment for your next meal.
Oven-Baked French Fries
The allure of perfectly cooked French fries is undeniable, with their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. It’s only natural then to combine this beloved snack with a savory chicken dish, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
Creamed Corn
The comforting familiarity of this iconic American side dish makes it a natural pairing for crispy fried chicken. Its velvety smoothness and deep, satisfying flavor expertly balance out the bold, savory taste of the fried poultry.
Green Beans Almondine
The harmonious union of fresh green beans, sautéed to perfection with aromatic garlic, and finished with the satisfying crunch of sliced almonds, makes it an ideal accompaniment to either oven-roasted or char-grilled chicken. This delightful combination is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Coleslaw
A staple of American cuisine, this beloved side dish has been delighting diners for generations – particularly when paired with the crispy, finger-lickin’ goodness of fried chicken. Its unassuming nature belies a simplicity and ease of preparation that makes it a crowd-pleaser, suitable accompaniment to an array of dishes.
Mac and Cheese
A staple comfort food, this dish pairs exquisitely with chicken, its rich creaminess and savory saltiness in harmonious balance with both baked and fried poultry.
Roasted Root Vegetables
When it comes to cooking chicken, few ingredients pair as well as a medley of seasonal vegetables. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips are particularly well-suited for roasting alongside their fowl friend. As these vegetables caramelize in the oven, they develop a deep sweetness that beautifully complements the rich flavor of the chicken. The harmonious union of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ratatouille
The timeless French recipe is an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken. This nutritious and authentic side dish is bursting with a medley of colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs, making it a well-rounded and flavorful addition to any meal.
Wild Rice Pilaf
A flavorful and nutritious wild rice pilaf pairs perfectly with grilled or baked chicken, making it an excellent choice as a side dish. To elevate its appeal, consider adding crunchy toasted almonds or sweet dried cranberries for a delightful texture contrast.
Fried Okra
The quintessential Southern comfort food, battered and fried okra, pairs exquisitely with both fried and baked chicken as a delectable side dish. Its addictive crunch and bold flavor profile make it an undeniable favorite, offering a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of its poultry counterparts.
Baked Sweet Potato
When it comes to pairing side dishes with poultry, sweet potatoes are a top contender. Not only do they provide a delicious contrast in texture – think soft and fluffy interior, crispy exterior – but they’re also an excellent source of nutrients. Try baking them until they’re cooked through, then enjoy the delightful combination with your choice of grilled, fried, or baked chicken.
Greek Salad
Elevate your grilled chicken experience by serving it alongside a revitalizing side salad. The perfect combination is achieved when you top it off with crumbled feta cheese, briny olives, and a drizzle of zesty vinaigrette, which harmoniously balances the flavors. The tanginess of the dressing cuts through the richness of the cheese and olives, creating a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds singing.
Baked Beans
Baked beans have long been a quintessential component of American cuisine, and their harmonious pairing with various chicken dishes is no exception. The subtle sweetness of these legumes beautifully counterbalances the deep smokiness of grilled chicken, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
Caprese Salad
The quintessential Italian salad, composed of succulent tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, is elevated by the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This effortless yet elegant side dish complements grilled chicken particularly well, making it a staple for any summer gathering.
Quinoa Salad
When it comes to creating a nutritious and flavorful salad, quinoa is an excellent choice as a base ingredient. Its mild taste pairs well with grilled or roasted chicken, while the addition of fresh vegetables, crunchy nuts, and nutty seeds adds depth and texture.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Savory garlic and buttery flavors meld together in harmony to create a mouthwatering accompaniment to grilled chicken – the perfect combination of earthy mushrooms and tender poultry.
Baked Asparagus
For a quick and nutritious accompaniment to your favorite chicken recipes, this simple side dish is an excellent choice. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the main course, allowing you to customize its taste by adding a drizzle of light vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor.
Roasted Beet Salad
The combination of roasted beets, crumbled feta cheese, and a delicate vinaigrette creates a stunning and nutritious accompaniment to grilled or oven-roasted chicken. This harmonious union of flavors and textures elevates the humble side dish to new heights, making it an excellent choice for a well-rounded meal.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
The combination of roasted broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a match made in heaven when paired with chicken. The crispy, caramelized broccoli florets coated in the savory flavors of garlic and cheese provide a delightful contrast to the rich taste of the poultry.
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Indulge in the comforting combination of thinly sliced potatoes, baked to perfection in a decadent cream-based sauce infused with the savory flavors of melted cheese and aromatic herbs. This sumptuous side dish is the perfect accompaniment to your chicken, offering a rich and satisfying contrast to the main course.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Savoring the perfect blend of sweet and savory, honey-glazed carrots make an exemplary accompaniment to roasted or grilled chicken, elevating the dining experience with each delightful bite.
Mushroom Risotto
A humble yet flavorful accompaniment, creamy and rich mushroom risotto effortlessly pairs with an array of chicken dishes, elevating their overall appeal.
Cucumber Salad
A revitalizing cucumber salad, infused with the bright flavors of dill and elevated by a zesty dressing, makes for an excellent accompaniment to a satisfying serving of chicken. Its lightness and refreshing qualities make it an ideal choice for a well-rounded meal.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
When it comes to pairing sides with chicken, few options can match the brightness and flavor of roasted asparagus seasoned with the perfect blend of lemon and garlic. The citrusy zip from the lemon and the pungency from the garlic bring out the natural sweetness of the asparagus, creating a harmonious combination that complements chicken perfectly.
Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw
Elevate the humble coleslaw by infusing it with both sweet and spicy flavors. This tantalizing twist is perfect for pairing with crispy fried or smoky grilled chicken, adding a delightful contrast to the savory richness of the dish.
Buttered Corn on the Cob
There’s something about biting into a juicy, buttery ear of fresh corn on the cob that perfectly complements the savory flavors of a grilled or roasted chicken. Whether you’re enjoying the summer’s bounty or seeking a seasonal side to accompany your favorite poultry dish, there’s no denying the appeal of this classic combination.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Indulge your taste buds with the rich flavors of creamy cauliflower au gratin, perfectly paired with crispy cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs – an ideal accompaniment to your favorite chicken dishes.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
A delicious and healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes can be found in roasted garlic mashed cauliflower. This recipe is not only a great way to reduce your carbohydrate intake but also a flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Quinoa
Elevate your chicken dinner with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. A quinoa salad featuring roasted red peppers, crumbly feta cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing brings a taste of Greece to your plate, perfectly complementing your main course.
Herbed Roasted Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like the aromatic allure of roasted potatoes infused with the pungent, earthy flavors of fresh rosemary and thyme. This harmonious union creates a savory side dish that perfectly complements the richness of chicken, making it an ideal accompaniment to your next meal.
Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
The sweetness of Brussels sprouts, elevated by the golden nectar of honey, transforms them into a sublime accompaniment when roasted to a caramelized state, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Sesame Ginger Cucumber Noodles
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures as you savor light, refreshing cucumber noodles paired with a savory sesame ginger dressing – a game-changing and nutritious accompaniment to your chicken dishes.
Balsamic Glazed Green Beans
The harmonious union of green beans smothered in a rich, velvety balsamic glaze creates a delightful contrast that beautifully complements a wide range of chicken dishes, adding a sweet and tangy depth to the culinary experience.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Combining a pasta salad featuring basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese with grilled chicken creates a harmonious union of flavors. The ease of cooking chicken is undeniable, and pairing it with the perfect side dish elevates the meal to new heights. With an impressive arsenal of 38 easy sides for chicken at your disposal, you’re poised to wow family and friends with every culinary endeavor.
The options are as diverse as they are delicious, ranging from nutritious grains like quinoa to comforting classics like Mac and Cheese. This array of possibilities allows you to experiment and discover novel flavor combinations that will become instant favorites among all who partake.