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. The easiest way to keep a meal feeling fresh and exciting is to simply change up what you’re serving with it, and thats not hard to do with easy recipes like sweet potato gratin and Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts. 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 drumsticks are a classic dinner staple loved by kids and adults alike, Their juicy meat and crispy skin make them a hit at any meal, But coming up with creative sides to serve alongside drumsticks can be tricky You want options that complement the savory drumsticks instead of competing with them
In this article, I’ll share 15 delicious side dish ideas that pair perfectly with chicken drumsticks. From hearty potatoes to fresh salads, these sides will round out your drumstick dinner and have everyone going back for seconds!
Classic Pairings That Never Disappoint
Some side dishes have been around for a long time because they’re good. If you’re not sure what to make, these are always good options.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy buttery mashed potatoes are an ideal match for juicy drumsticks. They provide a comforting base to soak up any gravy or drippings from the chicken. For extra flavor try loaded mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and scallions stirred in.
Coleslaw
The crunchy texture and sour taste of coleslaw go well with the richness of chicken drumsticks. It adds a refreshing lift to the meal. If you want to eat coleslaw, choose a dressing made with vinegar instead of heavy mayo.
Mac and Cheese
You really can’t go wrong with mac and cheese, especially the ooey-gooey baked kind. The cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with chicken. Mix in veggies like broccoli or spinach for a more balanced meal.
Corn on the Cob
What screams summer more than grilled drumsticks and corn on the cob? The natural sweetness of corn complements the savory chicken. Just be sure to slather everything in butter for maximum enjoyment!
Lighter Sides for Fresh Flavor
While heavy comfort foods are great, sometimes you want something lighter alongside drumsticks. Here are some fresh options:
Garden Salad
For sure, a simple green salad with vinaigrette is a good choice. Put your favorite vegetables and cheese on it to make it filling. Top with crunchy croutons or nuts for extra texture.
Fruit Salad
Berries, melons, and stone fruits go well with savory drumsticks because they are sweet and refreshing. Make a colorful medley and enjoy the different tastes and textures.
Cucumber Salad
Chilled cucumber salad with a bit of dill and vinegar provides a bright, palate-cleansing side for rich chicken. Bonus points for using crisp English cucumbers.
Cold Bean Salad
Protein-packed bean salads made with chickpeas, black beans or edamame make a hearty veggie side. Toss with a bold vinaigrette and let the flavors marinate before serving.
More Substantial Filler-Upper Sides
If you’re looking for sides with even more heft to fill up hungry appetites, go for one of these satisfying recipes:
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf adds bulk alongside drumsticks for a hearty, complete meal. Build in even more flavor by sautéing the rice with aromatics before cooking. Stir in peas, carrots or other veggies too.
Baked Potatoes
Baked russet or sweet potatoes are a comforting, rib-sticking accompaniment for chicken. Top with butter, cheese, bacon and green onions for a fully loaded spud.
Pasta Salad
Chill out with a pasta salad! Fun shapes like rotini or bowties work well. Toss with shredded chicken, veggies and Italian dressing for a filling choice the whole family will love.
Quinoa Salad
Get your grains on with a protein-rich quinoa salad. Quinoa holds its shape and offers a nice chew. Mix in corn, black beans, peppers and dressing for Southwestern flavor.
Globally-Inspired Sides
Add an international twist to your drumstick dinner with globally inspired sides:
Cilantro Lime Rice
Fresh lime juice and cilantro give this Mexican rice huge flavor. It’s the perfect pairing for spicy drumsticks with a chipotle rub. Add black beans for a complete meal.
Roasted Vegetables
A Mediterranean mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, peppers and onions adds big flavor as well as nutrition. Toss them with olive oil, garlic and herbs.
Saag Paneer
Cut the richness of your drumsticks with Indian-spiced saag paneer. The creamy spinach and soft cheese provide a cooling complement. Serve over rice or with naan.
Mujaddara
This Middle Eastern dish of lentils, rice and caramelized onions is protein-packed and full of deep flavor. It stands up well next to boldly-spiced drumsticks.
Ideas for Sides in a Snap
Some nights call for easy drumstick pairings you can make in a flash. Keep things simple with these fast sides:
Garlic Bread
Whip up quick garlic bread to soak up any tasty drippings from the drumsticks. Brush bread with garlic butter or olive oil and broil until crisp.
Roasted Veggies
Toss veggie chunks with oil, salt, and pepper and roast them in a hot oven while the chicken cooks. Squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli all work well.
Instant Rice or Couscous
Look to heat-and-eat sides like instant rice, couscous or quinoa to round out the meal with little effort. Season them with olive oil or garlic powder.
Green Beans
Quick-cooking green beans needing nothing more than a drizzle of olive oil and pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. Roast or sauté until crisp-tender for an easy veggie.
Satisfying Starch and Veggie Combos
For a satisfying meal, pair your drumsticks with a combo of starchy and vegetable sides:
- Mashed potatoes and roasted green beans
- Rice and steamed broccoli
- Pasta and sautéed zucchini
- Baked sweet potato and roasted carrots
- Quinoa and grilled asparagus
- Corn bread and coleslaw
Mix and match your favorite starches and veggies for a well-rounded drumstick dinner.
Complementary Sauces and Dips
Don’t forget sauces and dips! They add extra flavor and moisture to balance out the chicken:
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Hummus
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Gravy
- Cranberry sauce
With so many options for amazing sides to serve with chicken drumsticks, you’ll never have a boring dinner again. From tried and true classics to fresh new flavor combinations, you’re sure to find the perfect match. So go forth and whip up some delicious accompaniments for those yummy drumsticks tonight!
Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
At the farmer’s market, you may have seen anise-flavored, crisp fennel bulbs tucked in with sweet delicata squash and sour apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish thats perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.
Looking for a new staple fall side? This sweet potato salad will be the answer to your prayers. Filled with the perfect balance of textures and sweet-tangy flavors, this superfood salad has everything we could ever want in a sweet potato dish. This recipe is easy to make and only takes an hour. It’s great for a last-minute side dish or as lunch leftovers all week.
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
If you love creamy risotto, but not the time it takes to make it, this Italian-inspired orzo recipe is for you. It all comes together in one pot, with starch from the miniature pasta helping to thicken the sauce to great effect. This dish is easy to make and clean up after, but the result is so good that you can serve it at any dinner party, any time of the year.
Get the Creamy Tuscan Orzo recipe.
When you’re looking for simple, refreshing, and reliable, you’d be hard pressed to find a dish better than classic Greek salad. Filled with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a simple dressing made of ingredients you might already have in your fridge, this bright salad is one you’ll turn to all spring and summer long.
Get the Greek Salad recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes
Think about when something creamy hits your mouth at the same time as something crispy—YUM! This recipe is the perfect example of that satisfying texture combo: Hot, crispy potatoes are spooned onto a billowy cloud of whipped feta, then showered with lemon zest and fresh herbs. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Get the Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Wild rice is one of our favorite rice varieties for its nutty flavor and its chewy bite. This recipe uses slowly cooked onions and chicken stock to add a punch of savoriness, but the vegetal, toasty flavor of the rice itself is definitely the star.
Get the Wild Rice recipe.
Your sweet potatoes are tired of being baked. Give them the chance to become something much more exciting and turn them into sweet potato gratin. Just like the OG potatoes au gratin, these sweet potatoes are layered with plenty of cheese and herby cream sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbly.
Get the Sweet Potato Gratin recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
When summer rolls around, we can’t get enough of the fresh flavors of bruschetta. With sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, this classic snack has inspired many of our favorite summer recipes, from our bruschetta pasta to grilled bruschetta chicken. To create an easy side dish worthy of any summer potluck, we returned to the flavors of the tried-and-tried dish.
Get the Bruschetta Pasta Salad recipe.
Baked chicken drumsticks
FAQ
What is a good side dish for chicken drumsticks?
There are many sides that go well with chicken drumsticks, such as potato salad, creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese. For a lighter touch, consider grilled corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
What can I put with chicken drumsticks?
What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks. I made some roasted broccoli and mashed potatoes to serve with these drumsticks, but they’d go great with any classic side, like Parmesan roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, rice, a simple side salad, or coleslaw. I think a dipping sauce would also be delicious!.
What is a good side dish for chicken?
You can serve mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts, or even a classic like coleslaw with chicken. For a more substantial side, consider pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, or a hearty baked bean.
What to have with fried chicken drumsticks?
What to Eat With Fried Chicken?Green Beans. Green beans will make a super healthy fried chicken side dish that goes well with any meal. Sweet Potatoes. Macaroni Salad. Cornbread. Potato Salad. Coleslaw. Fried Okra. French Fries.