What to Have With Chicken: 32 Side Dish Ideas for the Perfect Meal

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways From oven-baked to grilled, fried, or even slow-cooked in a crockpot, chicken works for any meal However, a great chicken dish isn’t complete without equally delicious side dishes. The sides you choose can take your meal from boring to bold.

When planning sides for chicken aim for a mix of flavors, textures, colors and cooking methods. For example balance a crispy breaded chicken cutlet with tender roasted veggies or bright citrus-dressed greens. Or, serve juicy grilled chicken thighs with cool, creamy potato salad. Playing around with different side dish combinations will keep your chicken dinners feeling fresh and exciting.

Here are 32 sensational side dish ideas to serve with chicken:

Potatoes

Potatoes are classic accompaniments for chicken. They are hearty and filling, and the perfect neutral base for soaking up rich gravies or pan sauces.

• Baked Potatoes: Russet potatoes baked until fluffy and soft inside make an easy side. Top with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon and green onions.

• Mashed Potatoes: Boil russet or Yukon Gold potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, or cream until they are smooth and creamy. Season with garlic, cheese, herbs or horseradish.

• Hasselback Potatoes: Slice russets partway through into thin fans. Roast with olive oil, salt and rosemary for crispy edges and tender interiors.

• Potato salad: Mix diced boiled potatoes with a sour mayo dressing and extras like celery, onion, mustard, dill, and hard-boiled eggs. Chill before serving.

• Scalloped potatoes are made by putting cream or cheese sauce between layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

• Oven Fries: Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and roast at high heat for crispy exteriors and fluffy middles. Season with salt, pepper and herbs.

Grains

Grains like rice, quinoa, couscous and bread make satisfying sides for chicken. They soak up juices and flavors and add carbohydrates to balance the protein.

• Rice Pilaf: Sauté rice like Arborio or jasmine in butter or oil before cooking in broth. Mix in toasted nuts, veggies or herbs.

• Quinoa: This protein-packed grain cooks up light and fluffy. Toss with veggies, nuts, lemon juice and olive oil.

• Couscous: Prepare instant couscous according to package directions. Stir in diced bell pepper, carrots, scallions and dressing. Chill before serving.

• Polenta: For creamy, rich polenta, simmer cornmeal in broth or milk. Top with cheese or stir in spinach, mushrooms or sausage.

• Bread: Warm rolls, biscuits, cornbread or garlic bread soak up pan drippings deliciously.

Veggies

Veggie sides provide color, nutrients and flavor. Quick-cooking veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and asparagus can roast alongside chicken for easy one-pan meals.

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss veggies like carrots, cauliflower, squash, Brussels sprouts or broccoli in olive oil and roast at high heat until caramelized.

• Green Beans: Sauté green beans in olive oil with garlic, lemon, nuts and Parmesan. Or, roast with olive oil and smoked paprika.

• Asparagus: Blanch or roast spears until crisp-tender. Drizzle with lemon-infused olive oil or top with hollandaise sauce.

• Creamed Spinach: Sauté spinach, then make a creamy sauce with milk, butter, and Parmesan or cream cheese.

• Glazed Carrots: Simmer peeled baby carrots in butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup for candied carrots.

Salads

Fresh, colorful salads brighten up chicken dinner plates. The crunch and acidity forms a nice contrast to juicy, savory chicken.

• Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrot and vinaigrette dressing.

• Wedge Salad: Top crisp iceberg wedges with blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles.

• Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce tossed with garlicky Caesar dressing, Parmesan and croutons.

• Greek Salad: Mix romaine with olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and Greek dressing.

• Arugula Salad: Toss peppery baby arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, shaved Parmesan and toasted walnuts.

Beans, Legumes and Lentils

These plant-based proteins deliver fiber, minerals and hearty texture. Beans work nicely alongside chicken for a nutritious, balanced meal.

• Baked Beans: Simmer navy beans in tomato sauce punched up with mustard, brown sugar and spices.

• Lentils: French green lentils hold their shape when cooked. Toss with vinaigrette, parsley, shallot and Dijon mustard.

• White Beans: Sauté canned cannellini beans with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest and Parmesan.

• Chickpeas: Roast or sauté chickpeas with spices like cumin, paprika and curry powder for extra flavor.

• Refried Beans: Mash pinto or black beans with onion, garlic and spices. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Casseroles and Egg Dishes

Bubbling hot casseroles and egg bakes make comforting, filling sides for chicken. They’re also great for using up leftovers!

• Squash Casserole: Sauté summer squash and onions, mix with eggs, cream and cheese, then bake.

• Broccoli-Cheddar Casserole: Combine chopped broccoli, cheese sauce and rice or breadcrumbs. Top with fried onions.

• Macaroni and Cheese: Toss cooked macaroni with cheese sauce made of melted butter, milk and cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack and Parmesan.

• Quiche: Fill a pie crust with egg custard and mix-ins like cheese, veggies, meats or seafood. Bake until set.

• Hashbrown Casserole: Layer shredded potatoes, cream soup, cheese and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage. Bake until browned.

Chicken deserves sidekicks as delicious as it is. With so many options for flavors, colors, textures and cooking methods, the possibilities for side dishes are endless. Whether you prefer hot casseroles or cool, fresh salads, grains, legumes or veggies, these 32 side dish ideas will take your chicken dinners to the next level. Get creative mixing and matching different sides to find new favorite pairings your family will request time and time again.