When it comes to chicken dinners, the spotlight may not always be on side dishes. But, they are most certainly the co-stars that make an entire meal shine even more brightly. These side dishes for chicken are amazing sidekicks to a variety of main course ideas. Each chicken side dish recipe here rounds out the menu to create a delicious chicken dinner. We've got easy sides including mashed potatoes, salads, roasted vegetables, and more.
Classic Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to timeless side dish pairings, mashed potatoes instantly come to mind when you think about a chicken dinner. Whether we’re talking fried chicken, roast whole chicken, or baked chicken breasts and thighs, this classic recipe turns out creamy mashed potatoes every time. With just a few ingredients and in less than one hour, you're going to be serving up on of our favorite side dishes for chicken.
Sauteed Mushroom Medley
A variety of mushrooms like meaty button mushrooms and shiitakes are cooked in a searing hot skillet with fresh herbs, shallots, asparagus, and rich olive oil until they reach the most beautiful golden hue. Serve those over roast chicken or coq au vin to add more meaty and umami flavor to the mix.
Fondant Potatoes
If you haven't experienced fondant potatoes, try them tonight. Fondant potatoes, also called melting potatoes, are prepared by first browning the potatoes. Then, they are braised in chicken or vegetable broth with fresh herbs. The result is a creamy interior and a crispy, golden exterior. It's the perfect bite to go with a tender, juicy roast whole chicken or baked chicken breasts.
Broccoli & Cheese Air-Fried Baked Potatoes
Air fryer baked potatoes are a revelation. Layers of earthy broccoli and sharp cheddar are cooked atop smashed potato halves until slightly crisp. The air fryer ensures each bite is crisp on the outside, while the inside becomes decadently warm and melty. This makes an excellent side dish for chicken wings.
Skillet Roasted Vegetables
This recipe cooks in just one skillet, but creates a perfect blend of many different flavors. An array of fresh vegetables, including beets, snap peas, and sweet potatoes, are cooked to crisp perfection with the perfect bit of tang from freshly squeezed lemon. Add fresh herbs to create a bright and healthy side dish for chicken.
Easy Roasted Broccoli with Pecorino and Lemon
Savory, slightly-charred roasted broccoli does not get enough love. With the right seasoning, cook time, and temperature range, roasted broccoli can be as addicting as a plate of French fries. Here, broccoli is roasted with sharp pecorino and citrusy lemon, resulting in truly delicious vegetable side dish for chicken.
Grilled Baby Carrots
Something special happens when carrots are cooked over high heat on the grill. The caramelized exterior brings out the natural sweetness. It's one of the best side dishes for grilled chicken. These carrots are served with a creamy yogurt sauce, adding a velvety texture to the mix.
Grilled Romaine Salad with Tomato and Corn Tumble
If you haven't experienced a grilled romaine salad, consider this the sign you've been waiting for. Sweet hearts of romaine (the inner leaves of this variety of lettuce) are slightly charred on the grill or grill pan and then topped with sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and a tangy garlic-chive vinaigrette. This is a well-paired side dish for chicken Parmesan.
Butter-Braised Corn on the Cob
You can’t go wrong with this side dish for BBQ chicken. Slather sweet corn on the cob with butter, spices, and fresh herbs. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh jalapeno peppers and sliced green onions.
Caesar Salad with Parmesan Croutons
This classic Caesar salad is a go-to for a reason. A creamy, garlicky blender dressing is tossed with fresh romaine leaves and topped with crispy Parmesan croutons for the perfect crunch. This easy side dish for chicken is ready in under 30 minutes.
Cauliflower and Broccoli in Swiss Cheese Sauce
Here, cauliflower and broccoli are cooked in the slow cooker with a combination of rich Alfredo sauce, Swiss cheese, and dried herbs. Serve this with baked chicken breasts, and we can pretty much guarantee there won't be a bite left.
Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Rice
Easy pantry recipes are the name of the game here. This quick casserole is healthy and packed with both flavor and texture. You may even have everything you need in the house already to make this! Throw this chicken side dish together in minutes with frozen broccoli, quick-cooking white rice, and shredded cheese.
Veggie Mac and Cheese
This veggie-filled alternative to traditional mac and cheese is a perfect weeknight dish to serve with roast chicken, fried chicken tenders, or baked chicken breasts. With the addition of carrots, green beans, onion, and broccoli, this variation of mac and cheese still packs a powerful punch when it comes to flavor and texture. It’s gooey, flavorful, and it’s finished with a sprinkle of panko bread crumbs crisped up beneath the broiler.
Potato, Celery Root, and Parsnip Mash
Home cooks, unite! It's time we all give the subtle sweetness of parsnips the recognition they deserve. And what better way to do that than with a creamy, comforting potato and parsnip dish? This dish is an excellent side dish for fried chicken.