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There are a lot of chicken dinner recipes here. In fact, Ree Drummond’s chicken spaghetti and chicken quesadillas are two of her family’s favorite meals. Not to mention, there are so many different ways to cook chicken whether its grilled, roasted, or even air fried. But a good chicken dinner is more than just the wings, thighs, or breasts alone. Its also about the side dishes for chicken that help to make the meal complete. And boy are there are ton of options!.
Here, youll find the perfect sides to pair with chicken. Try one of our vegetable side dishes that include roasted carrots, asparagus, or potatoes in every form. Make comforting casserole recipes like the yellow squash casserole or try the sweet potato wedges for a healthy chicken dinner. And speaking of healthy sides, there are tons of salad ideas and crowd-pleasing dishes that are both quick and easy to prepare during the week. You cant go wrong with a fluffy bowl of rice or a simple tray of oven roasted broccoli. And if you love our white chicken chili, pair it with a few of Rees delicious pepper-parmesan biscuits for dipping.
Dont underestimate the wow factor of a fabulous side dish for chicken. What better way to show off your culinary chops than a perfectly balanced meal?.
Cooking potatoes on the grill? Yes, you can. This method makes the baby spuds tender on the inside and lightly charred on the outside. Plus, its brushed with garlic butter for the ultimate flavor.
This side dish is quick and easy to make and only takes 15 minutes. The butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon make the tender asparagus shine and taste great.
This fluffy dish is light-as-a-cloud and full of three different variations on corn: fresh kernels, creamed corn, and corn muffin mix. Youll love the addition of jalapeños to bring a sweet and spicy flavor.
This colorful salad is chockfull of fun mix-ins like crunchy veggies, sweet pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs. You can make it ahead for an even easier weeknight dinner.
Whats better than creamed spinach? Creamed spinach in casserole form. Its easy to prep and it has that crispy fried onion and panko breadcrumb topping.
You can cook chicken thighs in a lot of different ways and they always taste great. Their rich, savory flavor and tender texture make them a favorite among home cooks. But picking the right side dishes to go with chicken thighs is the key to making a meal that makes your mouth water. The sides should go well with the chicken and bring out its flavor without taking over.
After cooking many chicken thigh dishes I’ve discovered some spectacular sides that not only taste amazing but also pair wonderfully with chicken thighs. Here are 15 of my top recommendations for complementary sides to serve with succulent juicy chicken thighs
1. Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken thighs. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the potatoes perfectly balance the richness of chicken thighs. For extra flair, mix in roasted garlic, chives, or shredded cheese into the potatoes. Baked potatoes with melted butter and sour cream are also an excellent choice.
2. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash adds freshness, color, and sweetness to complement chicken thighs. Roasting caramelizes the vegetables, intensifying their natural sweetness. They add a satisfying crunch and plenty of fiber.
3. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf or risotto, infused with flavors like saffron or lemon makes a fabulous pairing with chicken thighs. The pleasant aroma and fluffy texture of rice pilaf soaks up the delicious juices from the chicken. Mushroom risotto also complements chicken thighs wonderfully.
4. Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing pasta salad with veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives adds a bright, tangy crunch next to juicy chicken thighs. The pasta absorbs any sauces or marinades used for the chicken, lending even more flavor.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes caramelize and turn deliciously sweet when paired with chicken thighs. Their natural sugars nicely balance the savory flavors of the chicken. Roasted sweet potato wedges or baked sweet potatoes work perfectly.
6. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a quintessential accompaniment for chicken. The garlic and herb flavors marry wonderfully with chicken thighs. Serve sliced baguette brushed with garlic butter or pull apart cheesy garlic bread for hearty flavor.
7. Coleslaw
Creamy, tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity to contrast rich chicken thighs. The cool crispness of the cabbage also balances the warmth of freshly cooked chicken. Try easy homemade coleslaw or pick up prepared coleslaw from your grocery store’s deli.
8. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are great for sopping up any juices from chicken thighs. You can’t go wrong with classics like buttery Parker House rolls, sweet Hawaiian rolls, or rustic Italian bread. Serve them on the side with soft butter.
9. Grilled Corn on the Cob
In summer, chargrilled corn on the cob slathered with butter makes an awesome side for grilled or baked chicken thighs. The corn’s slight smoky char and natural sweetness pair perfectly with savory chicken.
10. Mac and Cheese
Comforting, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a foolproof pairing with chicken thighs. The creaminess of the mac and cheese balances the chicken’s richness. Try fun add-ins like bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
11. Green Beans
Quick sautéed green beans with olive oil, garlic, and herbs offer freshness and crunch next to chicken thighs. Green beans also absorb any sauce from the chicken. Roast them for deeper flavor.
12. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad with hard boiled eggs, celery, onion, and tons of flavorful mayo makes an easy, tasty side for chicken thighs. The creaminess contrasts the chicken while the potatoes soak up extra sauce and juices.
13. Dinner Salad
A fresh dinner salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing adds brightness and acidity to balance chicken’s richness. Top with avocados, nuts, or baked croutons for extra texture.
14. Cornbread
Warm, buttery cornbread is a classic Southern side for chicken. The naturally sweet taste of cornbread goes well with salty chicken thighs. Bake a skillet of cornbread made of cast iron that has corn kernels in it.
15. Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans lend bold flavor next to chicken thighs. Opt for homemade baked beans cooked low and slow with bacon, onion, brown sugar, and spices. Or heat up a couple cans of Bush’s beans for an effortless side.
Chicken thighs deserve flavorful, complementary side dishes that enhance their succulent flavor. Next time you cook up chicken thighs, try pairing them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, pasta salad, or any of these 15 delicious sides for a mouthwatering meal. With the right sides, chicken thighs shine even brighter.
Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon
Brown sugar and crispy bacon take this must-have side to the next level. Its a little crunchy, a little tender, and a lot of flavor.
Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
If you want a sweet and savory side, look no further than these honey-glazed root veggies. Thyme makes this summery side burst with flavor.
Ah, this delightful veggie-packed side: It has colorful broccoli and cauliflower and is packed with Monterey Jack cheese, butter, breadcrumbs, and plenty of seasoning.
These biscuits soak up chicken soup broth for delicious peppery, cheesy bights. Serve them on a platter or atop the bowls of soup, theyll be gone in minutes.
Squash is a mild enough flavor to pair nicely with chicken. This squash casserole is a creamy delight, but its the buttery cracker topping that makes it memorable.
Get the Yellow Squash Casserole recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Pack a few chicken salad sandwiches and bring along this three beans salad as a perfect picnic side. Even though the recipe calls for green beans, kidney beans, and white beans, you can change any of the other ingredients to suit your tastes.
The best southern smothered chicken
FAQ
What pairs well with chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs pair well with a wide variety of sides, offering a versatile base for many cuisines. People like roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and asparagus, as well as rice, quinoa, and pasta dishes like orzo. Salads, particularly those with a light vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw, also complement the richness of the chicken.
What is nice with chicken thighs?
We highly recommend serving the skillet chicken thighs with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all of that delicious sauce. You can serve a simple kale salad or easy green salad on the side. This one-skillet chicken meal is the BEST! Make it for dinner tonight.
What are the best sides to serve with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerRoasted Fennel. Butternut Squash Risotto. Crash Hot Potatoes. Easy Sautéed Mushrooms. Twice Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes. Easy Spanish Rice. Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant With Ginger and Miso. Perfect Mashed Potatoes.
What side dishes go with grilled chicken thighs?
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.