It’s Chicken Tonight! (Remember that old commercial?) Time to think about what to serve with chicken, and we have the list you’ve been looking for!
Bok bok!
Americans eat more poultry than any other meat, and economical cuts of chicken are on the menu more often than not.
And for a good reason.
The “blank slate” nature, value, and easy cook-ability of chicken that marries well with a slew of flavors.
I love chicken (mostly white meat) and I’m always looking for ideal cooking methods and recipes that are mostly quick and easy!
But chicken often falls flat without any delicious sides.
Except for fried chicken.
I can eat fried chicken all day without having anything with it, but I think I’m alone in that.
And so the journey to search for the best side dishes begins here.
Perhaps the good thing that comes from this is that there’s just about a side dish for everyone.
Whether you’re on the lookout for anything that’s hearty, light, mild or craving a little more zesty-zesty, these knockout side dishes can complete any chicken entrée you dish out.
From a classic salad turned Greek and simple Buttered Noodles, down to Oven-Roasted Radishes (radishes taste nothing like when eaten raw, I SWEAR) and a tasteful Polenta, here are the best side dishes for chicken!
One of the best and easiest side dish recipes to make to go with chicken is buttered noodles.
Simply a fantastic dish, you can also use any noodle that you have on hand to create buttered noodles!
But you just can’t go wrong with the wonders of egg noodles.
Plus, shake on your favorite seasoning blend and you’re done.
And how do you level up your game on making buttered noodles?
Yum, yum, yum!
This flavorful Greek-inspired recipe is to die for!
And we have the carefully sliced lemons to blame for this killer side dish.
The irresistibly wedged and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes are bathed in lemony oil and combined with dried and crumbled oregano.
Consequently, this version is an aromatic dish that is also both fresher and more satisfying.
Another roasted dish that will surely double the excitement in your chicken-backed meal is the Oven-Roasted Radishes.
While uncommon, these Roasted Radishes are sweet and have a peppery bite in them.
Roasted radishes are best when they are almost thinly-sliced, with a bit of salt and lime sprinkled on them!
And let’s face it: Oven-Roasted Radishes are quite a visual spectacle to behold.
Talking about visual highlights, another side dish that’s guaranteed to be mouth-watering is the Light & Tangy Coleslaw!
This coleslaw pairs exceptionally well with a roasted chicken as it adds that much-needed crunch (and brightness!).
In this tangy coleslaw recipe, we’re also ditching the mayonnaise and making use of a zesty vinegar base instead.
If you want a lighter and more delectable way to tackle this classic, this easy-to-make recipe will have your guests speed-dialing some of the snobby food critics!
Just how many times have you seen someone dishing up plain and an almost abandoned, old steamed asparagus?
Likely many times, right?
Well, how about we go above and beyond that and give asparagus a treatment it so richly deserves?
One way to show your asparagus love is through preparing an Asparagus Caesar Salad.
This fairly new Caesar salad doesn’t use a shred of lettuce or kale, or any kind other leafy green.
But, hey, even one tablespoon of Dijon mustard is more than enough for some to get energized with this fresh-looking side dish!
Now, here’s a fact you may have not been introduced to yet: for simplicity and flavor, bell pepper and corn sauté is still among the ones to beat!
This quintessentially favorite recipe of mine could very well be the one you’ve been waiting for to finally make use of that fresh corn!
Apart from chicken, the bell pepper and corn sauté can also be served alongside Pork Medallions with Scallions and Magic Green Sauce.
Is your chicken craving for a shameless takeout?
This easy—whip-up side dish that also happens to be Thai-inspired might very well be the impression you want to make.
The Chickpea & Vegetable Coconut Curry is your new go-to side dish if you want to stir some excitement around the table.
And if you’re just simply wanting curry in your dish, we aren’t stopping you as well!
Best of all, the chickpea and veggie coconut curry is as flexible as it gets.
If the ingredient you’re looking for isn’t available, swapping won’t be an issue.
Do you have an extra 30 minutes?
Get this recipe and try it now.
If you think the lemony roasted potatoes with oregano aren’t enough to pay homage to Greek cuisine, then this Greek Wedge Salad might finally do them good.
The classic dish turned Greek is terrifically simple, barring any bacon or blue cheese, of course!
This special wedge salad boasts homemade vinaigrette dressing and fresh toppings which can only end up in a satisfying side dish.
9. Dinner Rolls
These Dinner Rolls are warm, fluffy, and so soft that they practically melt in your mouth,
Plus, they smell so good that you’ll want to eat them before you even get them on your plate!
They’re also the perfect accompaniment for chicken, which makes them an ideal side dish for any meal.
If you’ve ever been to a picnic, you know that potato salad can be a bit of a game-changer.
It’s made with tender red potatoes mixed with fresh herbs and Greek yogurt for a light and fluffy texture.
The flavors are bold, but the cool creaminess of the yogurt balances them.
You can serve it as a side dish for chicken or grilled meat, but it’s also great as an appetizer or just on its own for lunch or dinner.
Indeed, a dash of balsamic vinegar and thyme can turn a simple side dish into something special.
It’s the perfect way to add sweetness, depth, and a little bit of tartness to your Roasted Carrots.
And it’s great paired with chicken or as a side dish for any meat or fish entrée!
Have you ever been eating something that tastes so good it feels like your mouth is just making all this noise without you telling it to?
That’s what happens when you eat garlic balsamic mushrooms.
A side dish for chicken, this recipe is about as close to a perfect bite as I can imagine.
The mushrooms are covered in a garlicky soy balsamic sauce that’s bursting with umami—the fifth taste sensation.
This elegant side dish will not only make your dinner look fancy, but it will also taste like it took hours!
The secret?
Make the sauce in a blender so it’s smooth and velvety.
And now, you can make it yourself and impress your friends with this incredible recipe.
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s not going to get in the way of your main course but will still be totally delicious, the spinach salad with bacon dressing is your jam.
It’s got tender spinach leaves gently wilted with warm smoky bacon dressing—not too heavy, but just enough to give you all the flavor you could ever want.
Serve it alongside chicken, or just eat it by itself as a snack.
Either way, it’ll taste like summertime!
Parmesan Black Pepper Biscuits are a mile-high delight that will take your chicken to new heights.
You might be wondering, how is this possible?
Well, it’s easy: the parmesan adds a little savory saltiness, and the black pepper adds just enough heat to make your mouth water.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are veggie treats that are crispy and tender yet still have just enough crunch on them.
Plus, the flavor is simply fantastic.
It has that delectable salty and cheesy flavor from the garlic and parmesan.
What’s more, the recipe is incredibly easy to make.
You’ll never believe how simple it is!
17. Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach is one of those sides for chicken that’s hard to pass up.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and made with fresh sauteed spinach, parmesan cheese, and some garlic and onions.
And it’s a tasty side dish that goes well with chicken or any other meat for that matter!
Say hello to the salad that’s got your back.
This grilled corn salad is a smart way to add a burst of vibrant color and sweet-savory-peppery flavor to your weeknight meals.
It’s also great for BBQ chicken, so be sure to make extra (because the taste is so addictive!)
Now, what are you waiting for?
Garlic Cauliflower Mash is a great place to start when you’re looking to add flavor to your chicken entrée
This garlic-loaded, creamy dish is a perfect side for chicken because it’s easy to make, it goes well with chicken, and you can use the leftovers as a topping for pizza or breadsticks.
But what exactly is garlic cauliflower mash?
Well, it’s simply mashed cauliflower mixed with garlic and butter. That’s all!
Maybe you’re feeling more cauliflower ricey than potatoey but still want those lower carbs.
Or roasted cauliflower steaky? Even better.
There are a lot of adjectives to throw at this dish, but they’re all true, and they all apply.
Well, first of all, it’s loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salty bacon bits.
Aside from that, they’re buttery, creamy mashed potatoes that take an average potato casserole to a new level with just a few ingredients.
Serve them with chicken, steak, or even grilled sausage for the lovely side dish on any night of the week!
This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for anyone who wants to spice up their dinner routine.
The natural sweetness of the sugar snap pea shines through in this recipe, but the garlic adds just enough kick to keep things going.
This recipe also pairs perfectly with chicken or fish, but I suggest serving it alongside any meat dish that could use a touch of sweet flavor.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to eat a warm, creamy, cheesy bowl of Broccoli Rice Casserole, the kind that makes your whole family happy, then you’re in luck.
This classic rich, luscious comfort food at its best is one of those meals that just reminds me of home, and I hope it does the same for you.
Pair it with garlic chicken, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a royal.
got just the thing: Cheesy Breadsticks.
Cheesy Breadsticks are basically just dough brushed with a little butter, garlic, and herb seasoning, then topped with lots of mozzarella cheese.
They’re perfect paired with baked chicken wings—and they’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds).
Oh, this is nothing like your typical side dish.
It’s bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, and raisins; this salad is dressed with a lemon vinaigrette full of zesty and earthy flavors that are light on the palate.
It’s also refreshing and colorful, so you’ll want to make it again and again.
Want to eat more veggies?
Creamy Pasta Salad is a great way to jazz up your lunch and break out of your pasta-and-sauce rut.
Its sauce includes sour cream and mayonnaise—two ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge.
The sour cream packs a nice tang to the sauce, which pairs well with the sweetness of the peas and carrots.
And the bacon adds some saltiness to balance out all that sweetness, while the cheese gives you that classic creamy texture when mixed with pasta.
I’m a fan of Roasted Butternut Squash.
It is incredibly versatile, and you can use it in everything from soups to salads to sides.
The best part?
It’s easy to roast at home!
Also, roasted butternut squash has a slightly sweet taste with richness to it.
And it’s similar to mild butterscotch, in a way.
Plus, it’s nutty, slightly sweet, richly textured, and just makes me think about a cooler time of year.
Sweet potatoes are a lovely side dish for almost chicken or almost anything, and they’re even better when you bake them in your air fryer.
Besides, sweet potatoes have a slightly sweet taste and richness.
They are also satisfying and filling, so you’ll be able to enjoy smaller portions of meat with them.
And you’ll have to worry no more about that greasy feeling in your belly!
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Bake is one of the best ways to make zucchini taste amazing.
It’s got all the classic flavors of a garlic parmesan blend but with added texture from juicy cherry tomatoes and tender, roasted zucchini.
Serve it with chicken or steak, or add it to your salad!
You’ll love how the flavors combine to create an incredible culinary experience!
Are you excited to learn how to make this Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Bake?
You’ve seen Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus everywhere, right?
It’s the side dish that keeps coming, and for a good reason.
When you roast asparagus, it becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Then, when you add the garlic parmesan and toss it around, it gets even better!
What’s more, it’s savory, cheesy, and garlicky (obviously).
But it also has that smoky-woodsy roasted vegetable taste that makes it so mouthwatering and satisfying.
Even if you are not a huge fan of asparagus but you’re feeling a little bit desperate to get your greens in, this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus recipe is sure to be a hit!
30. Corn Casserole
I think this recipe sprang up from Thanksgiving recipes of yore, but I will serve this year round.
It goes with all kinds of poultry dishes and it always surprises people who have never had it.
It makes regular old cornbread look like a dry, tasteless chump.
(No offense, cornbread.)
The Jiffy Cornbread boxed mix makes this an easy recipe and you just dump in everything else.
And it has the balanced amount of sweetness that you’d expect in a classic corn casserole.
It’s also made with canned corn, sour cream, and butter, so it’s super easy to make at home!
31. Spinach Gratin
Spinach Gratin might just be the best spinach dish ever.
And even if you hate spinach, casseroles, and cheese, this one will change your mind.
It’s made with bright spinach, aromatic garlic and onion, tons of ooey-gooey cheese, and warm spice.
Basically, it’s a lot of flavor and texture, but it’s also light and refreshing.
If you want something more substantial than an appetizer but less filling than the main course, this recipe will be just what you need.
We all know that yellow squash has thin skin, but did you know that it’s also incredibly crisp and flavorful?
When you bite into it, you’ll feel like you’re eating a juicy fried chicken with crispy chicken skin, except it’s in casserole form!
The real question, though, is: What makes this dish so irresistible?
Yes, it’s that crispy topping combined with a creamy inside that creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Plus, it’s super simple to make—you’ll be able to pick up everything you need for this recipe at your local grocery store!
And it’s so easy that you can even serve yellow squash casserole with chicken for dinner tonight!
I debated showing you this recipe for Mushroom & Peas Risotto!
It is perfect if you want a hearty dish that’s rich but not overwhelming.
Plus, it’s creamy, cheesy, and nicely flavored with golden mushrooms and springtime peas.
I love serving this risotto with chicken, but it would also be a great side dish for beef or pork.
It has that very interesting flavor that simply matches everything.
Fettuccine Alfredo is the pasta dish of your dreams.
The sauce is creamy and rich, and it has some nice heat from the garlic and mustard.
It’s also silky smooth, but not so much that you feel like you’re eating a stick of butter with every bite.
And it’s salty enough to taste like something, but not so much that you’re left feeling like a salt lick at the end of your meal.
You can serve it with chicken or by itself!—and you’ll still be 100% satisfied with your meal.
When you think about pesto, you probably think about it being made with basil.
And when you think about cherry tomatoes, you probably imagine them roasted and drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
But gnocchi?
Yes, you don’t think about that one quite as often, but you should!
Gnocchi is the perfect vehicle for pesto because its ridges are just begging to be filled with all that savory basil-y goodness.
And when you add some charred cherry tomatoes, it’s like all your favorite things in one dish: the sweet and savory taste of the tomatoes pairs beautifully with the tangy flavor of the pesto and the softness of gnocchi.
Plus, it’s easy to make!
Okay, let’s talk about Scalloped Potatoes.
What do you think you’ll get when you mix a little bit of cheese, garlic, and cream?
You’ll get a cheesy, silky, garlicky, always-tasty dish of scalloped potatoes.
And if you’re looking for a flavorful and filling side, this one is it.
Baked Mac & Cheese is a dish you can prepare in various ways, but there’s something about this particular recipe that makes it feel like the perfect comfort food.
It’s rich, oozing with cheese, and has a golden brown and bubbling top, but still heavenly creamy inside.
It’s basically everything you could want, from macaroni and cheese.
Serve it with chicken or other meats like steak or pork chops for a meal that’s sure to please.
Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodles are light, easy, and refreshingly tasty.
You might also be wondering: “Zucchini noodles?
Is that even a thing?”
Well, yes, it is!
They’re called zoodles!
Just toss your “zoodles” into a simple zesty garlic-lemon herb, and you’ll get a pretty effortless dish.
Enjoy them with some chicken on top or eat them as is—either way, they’ll be sure to satisfy!
If you’re meh about zoodles, but love zucchini, I babble incessantly about how good these baked zucchini fritters are.
String Bean Casserole With Candied Bacon is a great side dish for chicken, and it’s every bit as good as it sounds.
It’s creamy, crispy, savory, and wholesome green beans with a crunch of fried onions.
And then there’s the addition of candied bacon—just enough to give it a little extra bite!
It also pairs with chicken so well that it goes with everything from grilled chicken to roasted skinless breasts.
So, next time you’re in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make for dinner, make it a little easier on yourself and just steam green beans in a microwave.
Creamy Polenta With Roasted Mushrooms is a side dish that will make your chicken sing.
The polenta is thick and rich, and creamy.
It has the texture of a silky smoothie but the taste of a warm bowl of oatmeal.
It’s also great on its own, but when you add in some roasted mushrooms with olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and garlic, well, let’s just say I could eat this stuff every day.
This is the Pumpkin, Goat Cheese, & Kale Lasagna, and it will leave your guests (and yourself) wanting more!
The combination of pumpkin, goat cheese, and kale is one that many people might not have thought of before, but once they taste it, they’ll be hooked for life.
It’s creamy and comforting, with the addition of goat cheese packing an unexpected element of richness.
Then the fresh curly kale adds a beautiful crunch to each bite, and the pumpkin puree gives the whole dish a savory tomato flavor without having to use any actual tomatoes!
42. German Spaetzle
German Spaetzle is a simple egg noodle dish that looks and tastes like chewy egg noodles.
What’s more, you can eat it with chicken or turn it into a sweet dessert.
And though the recipe only needs a few simple things, it takes a little work to make.
Still, once you get into it and start making them faster, you’ll find yourself looking forward to making them again because they taste so good!
Ready to add spaetzle to your menu collection?
The bottom line
As you see, chicken can go well with tons of side dishes, whether it’s fresh or savory.
I hope that this epic compilation has been helpful in your search for the perfect side dish to serve with chicken in the future.
So now what do you serve with your chicken?
What To Serve With Chicken
Time to think about what to serve with chicken, and we have the list you’ve been looking for!
Ingredients
- Buttered Noodles
- Lemony Roasted Potatoes
- Oven-Roasted Radishes
- Light & Tangy Coleslaw
- Asparagus Caesar Salad
- Bell Pepper & Corn Sauté
- Chickpea & Vegetable Coconut Curry
- Greek Wedge Salad
- Dinner Rolls
- Creamy Potato Salad
- Oven-Roasted Carrots With Thyme
- Garlic Balsamic Mushrooms
- Asparagus With Hollandaise Sauce
- Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing
- Parmesan Black Pepper Biscuits
- Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
- Creamed Spinach
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Garlic Cauliflower Mash
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Sugar Snap Peas With Garlic
- Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Cheesy Breadsticks
- Quinoa Spinach Power Salad
- Creamy Pasta Salad
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Bake
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Corn Casserole
- Spinach Gratin
- Yellow Squash Casserole
- Mushroom & Peas Risotto
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Gnocchi With Pesto & Charred Cherry Tomatoes
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Baked Mac & Cheese
- Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodles
- String Bean Casserole With Candied Bacon
- Creamy Polenta With Roasted Mushrooms
- Pumpkin, Goat Cheese, & Kale Lasagna
- German Spaetzle
Instructions
- Pick one or more options from our list of Side Dishes For Chicken here!
- Start creating your new favorite dish.
- Share and comment! Did you make any changes to make it even better?