The Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that combines the delicious flavors of breaded chicken, ham, and cheese. While the chicken is often the star of the show, pairing it with the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. The key is finding sides that complement the crunchy and savory flavors of the chicken. After analyzing numerous recipes and food blogs, I’ve come up with the ultimate list of side dish pairings. Keep reading to learn about 20 sensational sides to serve with chicken cordon bleu.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

When creating the perfect chicken cordon bleu meal, it’s important to balance flavors and textures. The chicken itself offers a crispy, juicy, and rich taste. To contrast the heaviness, you’ll want light and bright side dishes. Crunchy, fresh vegetables are a great option. They add color to the plate and tastes that cut through the richness. Beyond veggies, starchy options like rice, pasta or potatoes help soak up any extra sauce or juices. They also provide a pleasant mouthfeel against the chicken’s crunch.

20 Winning Chicken Cordon Bleu Sides

1. Rice with Veggies

Rice is a basic but always tasty pairing. Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to make it more interesting. The vegetables add color and freshness, and the rice soaks up the flavor. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.

2. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes are an ideal match for crunchy breaded chicken Mixing potatoes with carrots and zucchini provides fun textures Garlic and herbs amp up the flavor,

3. Gruyère Cheese and Bacon Asparagus

Asparagus spears are covered in salty bacon and nutty Gruyère cheese in this elegant side dish. It complements the cheese in the chicken beautifully.

4. Tomato Avocado Salad

A simple salad of juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado and tangy vinaigrette resets the palate after rich chicken The crunch of the vegetables forms a nice contrast as well

5. Creamy Garlic Pasta

Buttery garlicky pasta is pure comfort food. The creaminess helps cut through the chicken’s crisp coating. Garlic shells or linguine work great.

6. Spicy Roasted Veggie Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Cauliflower and broccoli that have been roasted with spices add flavor and nutrition. The breadcrumb topping mirrors the chicken’s crunch.

7. Butter Rice

This rice turns an ordinary side into something irresistible. Sautéing the grains in butter adds indulgent flavor. It’s proof that simple can be amazing.

8. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Fresh green beans roasted with garlic, Parmesan and olive oil make an easy vegetable side. French green beans offer a delicately sweet flavor.

9. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

For ultimate comfort food, baked scalloped potatoes can’t be beat. Layers of creamy potatoes and gooey cheese makes a irresistible pairing.

10. Simple Roasted Veggies

A mix of roasted vegetables like cauliflower, squash, carrots and Brussels sprouts adds a rainbow of colors. Roasted garlic seasoning ties it together.

11. Baked Butternut Squash

Warm baked butternut squash has a subtly sweet flavor that complements the chicken. Switch it up by using sweet potatoes.

12. Steakhouse Style Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, garlic-studded mashed potatoes taste like they came from a steakhouse. No need to go out with this hearty homecooked side.

13. Maple Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted beets, parsnips and carrots caramelize and become irresistibly sweet when tossed in maple syrup. It makes veggies exciting.

14. Parmesan Garlic Noodles

Buttery pasta blended with garlic, Parmesan and herbs is easy yet impressive. It also soaks up any delicious pan sauces from the chicken.

15. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

What’s better than corn on the cob in the summer? Tossing it in the air fryer makes it deliciously charred and caramelized with little effort.

16. Parmesan Zucchini and Corn

This combo highlights summer flavors – juicy corn and sliced zucchini get a boost from nutty Parmesan. It’s fresh and fulfilling.

17. Sautéed Veggie Medley

A quick sauté of crisp-tender vegetables like zucchini, carrots, peppers and onions creates a tasty and healthy side. Simple seasoning lets their flavors shine.

18. Creamy Parmesan Orzo

Tiny orzo pasta turns creamy and decadent when mixed with Parmesan, garlic and olive oil. It’s rich enough to stand up to the chicken.

19. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts become sweet and irresistible when roasted. Toss them with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan for extra oomph.

20. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Earthy mushrooms and creamy Arborio rice create an elegant risotto. It’s totally satisfying yet refined enough for company.

Crafting the Perfect Meal

Chicken cordon bleu offers indulgent flavors on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it a spectacular meal. When choosing sides, consider lighter options like fresh vegetables, crunchy salads and bright citrus flavors. Heartier starches like cheesy potatoes, pasta and rice balance out the richness. With the proper pairings, this comforting classic chicken dish becomes extraordinary. Use this guide to find your new favorite way to serve chicken cordon bleu!