Grilled chicken is a summertime staple. It’s quick, easy, and goes with just about anything. But coming up with side dishes that properly complement juicy flavorful grilled chicken can be tricky. You want something fresh and light but with enough substance to make it a meal.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of my 25 favorite side dishes to serve with grilled chicken These recipes check all the boxes – easy to make, full of summer flavors, and the perfect pairing for chicken off the grill Keep reading for loads of delicious ideas!
Salads
Salads are a natural fit with grilled chicken. The fresh vegetables and light dressing provide contrast to the hot, smoky chicken. Here are some of my favorite salad recipes:
1. Tomato Cucumber Salad
This simple salad is so quick to throw together, making it perfect for busy summer nights. The sweet juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers taste like summer. Top with feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
2. Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
Take this salad up a notch by grilling the corn first. The char from the grill adds smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken.
3. Watermelon Feta Salad
Sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese are a magical combination. Mint and red onion add freshness. Serve the watermelon in chunks rather than balls for easier eating.
4. BLT Pasta Salad
All the tastes of a traditional BLT sandwich turned into a pasta salad This is hearty and tasty thanks to the crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mayo dressing.
5. Greek Salad
No summer cookout is complete without a Greek salad! Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese – what’s not to love? Just leave out the onion if serving with grilled chicken.
Grilled Veggies
While the chicken is cooking on the grill, why not add some vegetables as well? These grilled vegetable sides are easy to make and taste great.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn is a quintessential summer veggie. Grilling brings out its sweetness while adding delicious char. Just coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing on grill.
7. Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus gets nice and crispy when grilled. Toss in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Grill until tender with nice grill marks.
8. Grilled Zucchini
Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4 inch strips, brush with olive oil, and grill 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
9. Grilled Eggplant
Eggplant soaks up flavors beautifully. Grill slices until soft, then top with fresh basil, tomato sauce, and parmesan.
10. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Assemble colorful skewers with veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Brush with oil and grill until charred.
Pasta Salads
Pasta salad can stand alone as a meal, not just as a side dish. The pasta soaks up the dressing and goes well with the chicken.
11. Italian Pasta Salad
This classic is always a crowd pleaser! Toss together pasta, chopped veggies, Italian dressing, and parmesan cheese for an easy summer pasta salad.
12. Greek Pasta Salad
All the flavors of Greece – olives, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette. Just leave out the onion when serving with grilled chicken.
13. Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy ranch dressing coats pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes and peas. Bacon and cheddar cheese take it over the top.
14. Hawaiian Pasta Salad
In this salad with a tropical twist, pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and a sweet poppyseed dressing are mixed with pasta.
15. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Who needs mayo when you can make buffalo chicken pasta salad with Greek yogurt? Spicy buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese dress up pasta.
Slaw and Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to juicy grilled chicken. The vinegar cuts the richness while cabbage adds fiber.
16. Creamy Coleslaw
This classic recipe is a must-have side for your cookout. Shredded cabbage tossed in a creamy mayo dressing – so simple and delicious!
17. Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw
For a lighter take, try this coleslaw made with Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Still creamy but not overloaded with mayo.
18. Broccoli Slaw
This easy version uses packaged broccoli slaw mix tossed with diced apple, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and poppyseed dressing.
19. Pineapple Slaw
Sweet pineapple adds delicious flavor to this crunchy cabbage slaw. Carrots and red bell pepper provide even more color and texture.
20. Jalapeno Lime Slaw
Give your slaw a kick with this recipe featuring sliced jalapenos and the brightness of lime juice. Cilantro adds freshness.
Veggie Sides
If you’re looking for something besides salad or slaw, try one of these tasty vegetable side dishes. Both hearty and healthy!
21. Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
Roasting this combo caramelizes the vegetables and intensifies the flavor. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
22. Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds
Quickly sauté green beans in butter or olive oil with sliced almonds and seasonings for a classic side.
23. Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are delicious – cooking brings out their natural sweetness. Toss in oil and top with parmesan cheese.
24. Garlic Butter Corn
Melt butter with minced garlic, brush over grilled corn, and squeeze lime juice on top. So simple but crazy good!
25. Creamed Spinach
Steamed spinach blended with heavy cream, parmesan, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Rich and creamy but packed with nutrients.
There you have it – 25 of my go-to sides to serve with grilled chicken! From crisp salads and slaws, to grilled veggies, pasta salads, and more, you’ll find the perfect match for your chicken. Whatever you choose, concentrate on using fresh, in-season ingredients to really make your summer meals shine. Happy grilling!
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
This side is perfect for any cookout staple—try it with grilled BBQ chicken or grilled steak—or, at a party, you could set up all of the toppings (adding a few wildcards, like scallions, crumbled bacon and sriracha) and create a Build Your Own Elote Bar. Get the Mexican Street Corn (Elote) recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
Although we love a classic mayo-based (or vinegar-!) coleslaw, we also cant sing the praises enough of a peanut butter, lime, soy-based version. This is the perfect slaw! You’ll want to drink this sweet, sour, umami, salty dressing. Get the Thai-Style Slaw recipe.
Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad
This colorful dish, which is also called “Texas caviar,” is made with fresh vegetables, beans, and corn. It can be eaten with chips or on its own. But once you add some pearl couscous? It becomes the star of any picnic or potluck. Get the Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
Creamy yet light with a punch of umami, the flavors of a Caesar salad are altogether distinct and signature. We love adding it to other foods (hello, chicken Caesar wraps), but this classic recipe is always our first choice when we want to serve grilled chicken or a quick and easy side dish. Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Creamy, just-ripe avocados are tossed with chopped tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion, sweet corn, and tons of chopped fresh cilantro to create this refreshing hybrid dip. Now you’ll never have to decide between salsa and guac ever again! Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
What To Serve With BBQ Chicken – Sides Dish Ideas #shorts
FAQ
What’s a good side for grilled chicken?
Grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some excellent options include roasted vegetables, fresh salads, rice or quinoa, and potato-based dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
What food goes best with grilled chicken?
32 Side Dishes To Serve With Grilled Chicken01 of 32. Heirloom Tomato Salad. 02 of 32. Watermelon Feta Salad. 03 of 32. Grilled Corn Ribs. 04 of 32. Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad. 05 of 32. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. 06 of 32. Cucumber-Tomato-Avocado Salad. 07 of 32. Three Pickle Potato Salad. 08 of 32. Spicy Pineapple Slaw.
What side dishes pair well with grilled chicken?
Get the Grilled Zucchini With Ricotta & Walnuts recipe. Classic Macaroni Salad. PHOTO: NICO SCHINCO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad. Mexican Street Corn (Elote) . Thai-Style Slaw. Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad. Caesar Salad. Avocado Salsa. Lemon, Ricotta & Asparagus Pasta Salad.
What sides to serve with grilled chicken breast?
Ready in 30 minutes or less. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges | Ready in 30 minutes. Jamie’s Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob | Ready in 15 minutes. Italian Peas | Ready in 15 minutes. Parmesan Garlic Orzo | Ready in 25 minutes. Buttery Garlic Green Beans | Ready in 20 minutes. Balsamic Glazed Carrots | Ready in 15 minutes.