It’s easy to see why chicken is a grill staple: it’s lean, full of protein, and can be used in many ways. There are a lot of different ways to season and cook chicken on the grill, whether you like boneless chicken breasts, thighs, wings, or even whole chickens.
While grilled chicken is delicious on its own, the right sides can take your meal from basic to spectacular. The key is finding dishes that complement the simply seasoned chicken without overpowering it. Fresh produce, grains, salads, and easy vegetable sides are all great options.
Here are over 30 sensational recipes for what to serve with grilled chicken:
Veggies and Potatoes
Grilled veggies like zucchini, eggplant peppers, and squash make easy sides. Chop them up toss with olive oil and seasoning, then throw them on the grill alongside the chicken. Roast smaller veggies like Brussels sprouts and fingerling potatoes in the oven or on the cooler part of the grill.
Some tasty recipes to try:
- Grilled Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Parsley Hasselback Potatoes
- Grilled Vegetable Kebabs with Chimichurri Sauce
- Roasted Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo
- Charred Corn with Lime Butter
Fresh Salads
Salads featuring summer produce, herbs nuts and cheese perfectly lighten up a grilled chicken dinner. Whip up a quick vinaigrette and toss greens, veggies and other ingredients for an easy side. Or make pasta and grain salads ahead of time so dinner is ready to throw on the grill.
Delicious salad recipes:
- Kale Apple Salad with Maple Almonds
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad
- Grilled Peach Panzanella Salad
- Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta
- Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini and Artichokes
Slaws and Salsas
Fresh, crunchy slaws go great with grilled meats that are only lightly seasoned. For a lighter version, look for slaw recipes that don’t call for mayo. Don’t forget the salsas! Make some fresh pico de gallo, peach salsa, or mango avocado salsa to spice things up and add some color.
Tasty slaw and salsa recipes:
- Jalapeño Lime Cilantro Slaw
- Jicama Slaw with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Avocado Corn Salsa
- Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Easy Homemade Bread
Warm bread fresh off the grill completes the meal. For a quick side dish, quick breads, flatbreads, rolls, and corn bread can all be cooked right on the grill with the chicken. Prepare the loaves ahead of time and bake them while you grill.
Grilled breads:
- Naan Flatbread
- Parmesan Herb Grilled Biscuits
- Grilled Pesto Flatbread
- Grilled Cornbread with Honey Butter
- Easy Homemade Rolls
Fresh Herbed Potatoes and Beans
Buttery herbs pair flawlessly with grilled chicken. Potatoes and beans tossed with parsley, basil, dill or other fresh herbs make simple but satisfying sides. Try grilled potatoes or beans for a smoky twist.
Herby potato and bean recipes:
- Dill Red Potatoes
- Rosemary Ranch Potatoes
- Parsley Garlic Grilled Potato Packets
- Basil White Beans with Parmesan
- Lemon Oregano Grilled Chickpeas
Easy Pastas and Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, farro, and bulgur lend heft to a chicken dinner. Or opt for crowd-pleasing pastas and couscous tossed with veggies, herbs, and cheese. Cook them on the stovetop or grill up some cheesy stuffed peppers.
Satisfying pasta and grain ideas:
- Caprese Couscous Salad
- Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes
- Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken and Veggies
- Cheesy Grilled Peppers Stuffed with Farro
- Israeli Couscous with Corn, Avocado and Lime
Make-Ahead Sides
Serve potato salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, or baked beans with your grilled chicken. You can make these ahead of time. So all you have to do is throw the chicken on the grill. They can be made ahead of time. Plus they hold up well for cookouts and potlucks.
Make-ahead recipes:
- Corn and Bacon Potato Salad
- Classic Baked Beans
- Homestyle Mac and Cheese
- Tangy BBQ Coleslaw
- Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Platter
Fun Dips and Sauces
Cool and creamy dips complement hot chicken right off the grill. Whip up dips and sauces like guacamole, tzatziki sauce, chimichurri or herb yogurt dip. They add a lot of flavor with little effort. You can also brush sauces on the chicken while it grills.
Tasty dip and sauce ideas:
- 5-Ingredient Greek Yogurt Dip
- Chimichurri Sauce
- Whipped Feta Dip
- 15 Minute Homemade Guacamole
- Jalapeño Popper Cheese Dip
- BBQ Chicken Glaze
Fruity Salads and Sides
The sweetness of summer fruits makes a pleasant contrast to savory grilled chicken. Toss berries, peaches, pineapple and more into green salads, grain bowls, slaws and salsas. Fruit salads in single servings are also handy for packing chicken lunches.
Fruity sides to try:
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Grilled Peach and Tomato Panzanella
- Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad
- Watermelon Arugula Salad with Feta
- Pineapple Coleslaw
- Peach Caprese Couscous Salad
Fun Skewers and Kabobs
Alternating chicken and vegetables on skewers takes grilling to a whole new level. Get creative with combinations of seasonal veggies, fruits and marinated chicken. Serve with a simple salad and dipping sauce for a complete meal.
Fun kabob recipe ideas:
- Chicken and Veggie Kabobs with Chimichurri
- BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs
- Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
- Chicken Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
- Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Easy Batching and Meal Prep
Make your grilling extra efficient by doubling up on chicken and prepping sides in advance. Grill twice as much chicken as needed and use the leftovers for lunches or future meals. Chop veggies and toss salads ahead of time so they are ready to throw on the grill or serve.
Batching and meal prep tips:
- Marinate chicken in a large batch
- Prep kabob and skewer veggies in advance
- Cook 2x as much chicken as needed for leftovers
- Wash and chop salad ingredients and store together
- Make double batches of dips, dressings and sauces
With so many fantastic options, you’ll never be stumped about what to serve with grilled chicken again. Enjoy endless flavorful and fresh sides all grilling season long. What are your favorite sides to pair with chicken on the grill?
Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad
We took inspo from two summer salad staples—caprese salad and watermelon feta salad—to create this best-of-both-worlds creation. Fresh strawberries have been added to juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh basil for an extra-sweet summer treat. Pair with the simple olive oil dressing that ties everything together, and youve got the easiest, freshest side dish ready to devour in just 10 minutes. Get the Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe.
Lemon, Ricotta & Asparagus Pasta Salad
There are other creamy options for pasta salad, like mayo, sour cream, or yogurt. But we want to make a case for ricotta. Mixed with fresh lemon juice and zest, plenty of grated Parmesan, and pasta water, the ricotta melts into a creamy, bright sauce without any additional oil. This salad is a great side dish for spring and summer parties because the fresh dairy flavor is both surprising and classy at the same time. Get the Lemon, Ricotta & Asparagus Pasta Salad recipe.
Frequently served with refried beans at Tex-Mex restaurants, Mexican rice can often be pushed to the side (literally). Here at Delish, we think that’s criminal—when made right, Mexican rice can be a fluffy, flavor-packed side that upgrades everything it’s added to, from grilled chicken burrito bowls to taco dinners and everything in between. Get the Mexican Rice recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
One of the best things about summer is getting fresh green beans from the garden. If your family cookout doesn’t have this salad next to the grilled chicken, you’re really missing out. In a simple red wine vinaigrette, fresh green beans are mixed with cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta for a Greek-style side dish that is both light and fresh. Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Looking for a wildly simple summer side that can still impress? This bruschetta-inspired pasta salad is it. Get the Bruschetta Pasta Salad recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
This tzatziki-inspired version of potato salad is very dill-forward and nicely lemony and bright with yogurt, crunchy cucumber—both fresh and pickled—and creamy boiled baby red potatoes. Add in a bit of zesty red onions and a pinch of MSG, and you’ve got a paradox of refreshing indulgence. Get the Tzatziki Potato Salad recipe.
Panzanella is one of those recipes that truly tastes like summer. Its one that you want to make in peak season—when the tomatoes are extra juicy, the squash slightly sweet, and the basil extra cheap. To give this classic dish more flavor and make it even more summery, we grill the bread, zucchini, and onion until charred, then toss those with the remaining ingredients. Get the Summer Panzanella recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
The Secret to Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken
FAQ
What is a good side for grilled chicken?
Grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, salads, rice or quinoa, mashed potatoes, or corn on the cob.
What can I have grilled chicken with?
Enjoy grilled chicken breasts, marinated kebab skewers, burgers and more with our range of delicious recipes. Serve with fresh salads, rice, flatbreads and much more.
What pairs well with chicken?
Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Popular choices include roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, as well as potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lighter option, consider a fresh salad or quinoa salad.