What Goes With Chicken and Potatoes: 15 Delicious Side Dish Pairings

Whats for dinner tonight? More than likely its super easy, extra delicious chicken in some form. Chicken, especially at dinnertime, is a beautiful thing. Its a friend to special occasions and side dishes everywhere. There’s no denying the versatility of chicken and how it saves us on the most time-crunched of weeknights. What’s not so stress-free? The bad reputation chicken has for being. sort of a blank canvas. So let’s not even risk it. It’s easy to keep a meal feeling new and interesting by switching up what you serve with it. Easy recipes like sweet potato gratin and Parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts make this easy. Check out our list of 40 extra-tasty sides that go well with our favorite chicken dishes to make sure our chicken dinners always turn out well.

Want more side dish inspiration? Our best side dishes will make any weeknight dinner a thousand times better. And don’t forget dessert!.

Chicken and potatoes are classic dinner staples that pair well together, but the right side dishes can take the meal from basic to spectacular. When cooking this simple yet satisfying combo, it’s important to think about flavors, textures, colors, and nutrition to create a well-rounded plate.

After researching popular recipes and reviews, I’ve compiled 15 of the best side dishes to serve with chicken and potatoes. These options range from hearty and comforting to light and refreshing so that you can tailor your meal to suit any taste.

Complementary Flavor Profiles

When picking side dishes to go with chicken and potatoes, you’ll want to pick ones that go well with the hearty, savory flavors of the main dishes. Here are some excellent pairings to consider .

Roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken and potatoes.
A fresh green salad with vinaigrette provides brightness and acidity to balance the hearty main dish Spinach or kale salads are especially nutritious
Earthy mushrooms or roasted root vegetables like parsnips or turnips provide savory undertones.
Cooked greens like broccoli, green beans, or creamed spinach offer a pop of color and healthy dose of vitamins.
Mac and cheese or cornbread stuffing are classic comfort food sides that enhance the homey flavors.

Contrasting Textures

You’ll also want sides that have a variety of textures and flavors that go well together. The sides that are crispy and crunchy go well with the soft chicken and smooth potatoes.

A tangy coleslaw with crunchy cabbage and carrots is a great option.
Fresh corn on the cob provides a pleasing sweet crunch.
Making croutons or breadcrumbs to top a veggie side adds more texture.
Crunchy nuts or seeds can be used as toppings too.

Vibrant Colors

The colors of the side dishes you select can make for a more visually appealing plate. Bright vegetables provide color contrast to brown chicken and white potatoes:

Carrots, roasted red peppers, or tomatoes add pops of orange and red.
Green beans, broccoli, peas, or avocado provide fresh green hues.
Squashes like acorn or butternut provide yellow/orange tones.

Nutritional Balance

It’s important to round out a chicken and potatoes dinner with nutritious sides to create a balanced meal:

Leafy green salads and steamed broccoli offer an abundance of vitamins and minerals.
Beans or lentils add satisfying protein and fiber.
Fresh fruits like berries make a sweet, antioxidant-rich accompaniment.
Quinoa or brown rice provide healthy whole grains.

15 Side Dish Ideas

Here are 15 great side dishes that go well with chicken and potatoes based on taste, texture, color, and nutrition:

1. Roasted Brussels sprouts – Caramelized and crisp, brussels sprouts offer a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

2. Mixed green salad – Fresh greens with vinaigrette provide brightness. Top with nuts or seeds for crunch.

3. Honey glazed carrots – Roasted carrots with honey are sweet and flavorful.

4. Garlic green beans – A simple classic pairing, green beans offer a pop of color and garlic flavor.

5. Creamed spinach – Rich and creamy, spinach offers vitamins and earthy notes.

6. Corn on the cob – Grilled or boiled corn provides a sweet crunch and color.

7. Coleslaw – Crunchy cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing equals a crisp, refreshing side.

8. Mac and cheese – Cheesy and gooey, mac and cheese is a comforting classic.

9. Quinoa pilaf – Protein-rich quinoa offers a nutty crunch and makes a hearty side.

10. Sauteed mushrooms – Earthy mushrooms enhance savory umami flavors.

11. Roasted acorn squash – Nutty and slightly sweet, roasted squash provides vitamin A.

12. Roasted beets – Beets offer a pop of color and natural sweetness when roasted.

13. Baked beans – Slow-cooked beans provide protein and bold barbecue flavor.

14. Fruit salad – Fresh berries make a sweet, nutrient-dense counterpoint.

15. Garlic bread – Buttery, garlicky bread is a satisfying accompaniment.

With so many delicious options, from colorful vegetables to hearty starches and beyond, you can always find the perfect side dishes to complement chicken and potatoes for a mouthwatering homemade meal. Get creative with flavors, textures, colors and nutrition to take your dinner to the next level.