Alright, so we’ve got chicken and broccoli. Classic combo, right? But sometimes we need to jazz things up. We’ve all been there, staring at those plain plates, thinking, “What else can we add?”.
We’re here to save the day with some side dish magic. Let’s get right to it. We’ll mix things up with a few favorites and some you might not have tried yet.
Simple, quick, and no-fuss ideas that’ll make dinner way more interesting. Ready to get those taste buds excited? Let’s get to it!.
Chicken and broccoli is a classic combo that makes for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. But while chicken and broccoli on their own are tasty, pairing them with the right side dishes can take the meal to the next level. The key is picking sides that complement the flavors and textures of the chicken and broccoli. After making this pairing numerous times, I’ve discovered 15 of the best side dishes that truly make this meal sing.
Complementary Flavors and Textures
When searching for the perfect sides for chicken and broccoli I looked for options that would provide contrasting flavors and textures to the dish. Chicken tends to be neutral in flavor while broccoli is fresh and green-tasting. This allows you to get creative with side pairings – embracing sweet savory, crunchy, creamy, and more. Sides that incorporate garlic, cheese, rice, potatoes, or breads make excellent complements. They soak up sauces and provide a satisfying mouthfeel.
15 Winning Chicken and Broccoli Sides
Here are the 15 best side dishes I found to go with chicken and broccoli, after a lot of research.
1. Buttery Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, with its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors, is a no-brainer pairing. Infusing the rice with butter adds rich flavor that contrasts nicely with the lighter chicken and broccoli. Opt for long grain rice varieties like basmati or jasmine. Cook in chicken broth for extra flavor.
2. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For an indulgent, creamy side, cheesy scalloped potatoes can’t be beat. Thinly sliced russet potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce offer irresistible comfort food appeal. The potatoes provide a hearty base for the chicken and broccoli.
3. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread straight from the oven is a great side dish that everyone loves. The crunch of the bread with the gooey garlic butter is so good. Garlic complements chicken and broccoli beautifully. Serve slices or pull-apart rolls.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
As a vegetable side dish, roasted Brussels sprouts turn sweet and nutty when they’re done. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to the sprout halves, and then roast them. They add a pop of green and lovely texture contrast.
5. Quinoa Salad
Protein-packed quinoa salad provides a light, fresh-tasting side. Quinoa, chopped vegetables, and a lemony dressing go well with the chicken and broccoli. It’s also easy to make ahead.
6. Parmesan Polenta
Creamy, cheesy polenta is an easy and delicious pairing for chicken and broccoli. For extra richness, stir Parmesan cheese into the cooked polenta. Roasted veggies also pair nicely.
7. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are a fast and foolproof side dish. They’re perfect for soaking up any delicious pan sauces and juices from the chicken and broccoli. Butter or brush rolls with olive oil or garlic butter.
8. Lemon Orzo
Beyond rice, orzo pasta makes for a fun, lighter side. Cook orzo until al dente then toss with fresh lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. The bright, citrusy flavors complement the chicken and broccoli perfectly.
9. Sauteed Green Beans
For bonus veggies, quickly sauté green beans in olive oil and garlic. They add color and texture. Serve green beans crispy-tender with a light seasoning of salt and pepper. A healthy side dish.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries offer flavorful variation from regular fries. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, and bake until crispy. Sweet potato fries pair especially well with any sweet and savory chicken glazes or sauces.
11. Seasoned Rice Medley
For more interest, make a seasoned rice medley. Cook a combo of white and brown rices, wild rice, etc. Toss with fresh herbs like parsley or dill and lemon juice for bright flavor. The medley complements chicken and broccoli wonderfully.
12. Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad is a go-to green side. Crisp romaine, Parmesan cheese, and an easy homemade dressing make this salad sing. It provides texture contrast and balances the chicken and broccoli plate.
13. Rosemary Focaccia
Warm, fluffy focaccia bread can be baked ahead then warmed before serving. Top with extra virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary. Focaccia is fabulous for dipping in any pan sauces or juices. So hearty and delicious.
14. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Big baked russet potatoes are perfect for stuffing with all your favorite toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, broccoli, and more. Enjoy your chicken and broccoli atop these loaded spuds for an easy one-plate meal.
15. Sauteed Zucchini
Lastly, quickly sautéed zucchini is an easy veggie side. Slice zucchini into half-moons then sauté in olive oil with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon. The zucchini adds freshness and beautiful green color to fill out the plate.
Balanced, Satisfying Meals
Chicken and broccoli need the right supporting sides to really make them shine. I recommend rounding out the plate with a starchy carb like rice, bread, or potatoes plus a bright vegetable or salad. The options are endless, so get creative and have fun pairing! Aim for a mix of flavors, textures, and colors on the plate. With tasty sides like these, chicken and broccoli transforms into a fabulous, well-rounded meal.
Top 14 Side Dishes for Chicken and Broccoli
If you want to take your chicken and broccoli dinner to the next level, try these tasty and easy side dishes:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Time |
| Lemon Herb Quinoa | Quinoa, lemon, parsley | Fresh, citrusy | Easy | 20 min |
| Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, savory | Easy | 25 min |
| Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower | Cauliflower, garlic, Parmesan cheese | Savory, garlicky | Medium | 30 min |
| Tomato Basil Salad | Tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinaigrette | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 min |
| Roasted Red Potatoes | Red potatoes, rosemary, olive oil | Savory, herby | Easy | 40 min |
| Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers | Bell peppers, spinach, feta cheese | Savory, tangy | Medium | 35 min |
| Orzo with Lemon and Dill | Orzo, lemon, dill | Light, zesty | Medium | 20 min |
| Grilled Zucchini | Zucchini, olive oil, garlic | Smoky, garlicky | Easy | 15 min |
| Buttered Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, salt | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 15 min |
| Avocado and Mango Salad | Avocado, mango, lime | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 10 min |
| Parmesan Crusted Asparagus | Asparagus, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs | Savory, crunchy | Medium | 20 min |
| Couscous with Dried Fruits | Couscous, dried apricots, almonds | Sweet, nutty | Easy | 15 min |
| Pesto Pasta Salad | Pasta, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes | Fresh, herby | Medium | 25 min |
| Sautéed Swiss Chard | Swiss chard, garlic, olive oil | Earthy, garlicky | Easy | 15 min |
2 – Honey Glazed Carrots
They’re sweet and savory at the same time, making them a perfect side dish. Carrots, honey, butter, and a pinch of salt.
We love how the honey caramelizes, giving a crispy edge.
The butter adds richness that’s hard to beat.
These carrots are not just tasty, they’re super easy to whip up.
The Quickest Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe!
FAQ
What is a good side dish for chicken and broccoli?
Top 14 Side Dishes for Chicken and BroccoliSide DishMain IngredientsTimeRoasted Red PotatoesRed potatoes, rosemary, olive oil40 minSpinach and Feta Stuffed PeppersBell peppers, spinach, feta cheese35 minOrzo with Lemon and DillOrzo, lemon, dill20 minGrilled ZucchiniZucchini, olive oil, garlic15 min.
What do you eat with chicken and broccoli bake?
Serving suggestions Serve your chicken and broccoli bake with freshly steamed carrots or baby potatoes. Be sure to read up on how to cook vegetables safely. Nutritional Information: All our recipes are nutritionally analysed by our team of experts.
What can I put with chicken and broccoli?
I make it in a frying pan; you can use a skillet or a wok. You can serve chicken and broccoli stir-fry as is or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto meal. Or, you can make a side of regular rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles – whatever your family desires. I often do both to suit my whole household.
What side dishes go well with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerCrispy Parmesan Potatoes. Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm. Creamy Polenta. Elise Bauer. Stir-Fried Mushrooms with Garlic and Chile Oil. Coconut Lime Rice. Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar. 5-Minute Yamitsuki Cabbage. Garlic Fried Rice. Lyonnaise Potatoes.