Grilled chicken thighs are a summer staple that works perfectly for quick weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. When seasoned and cooked properly chicken thighs come out juicy tender and full of flavor. The skin gets deliciously crispy and charred from the grill.
And even though the chicken thighs are the main course, you need some tasty sides to round out the meal. What should you serve with your chicken thighs when there are so many tasty summer vegetables and recipes that everyone will love?
We looked at more than 30 popular side dishes to find the best ones to go with chicken. There are salads, veggie skewers, casseroles, and mac and cheese, so you’re sure to find something tasty. Many of them can even be grilled with the chicken for easy one-pan cooking.
What Makes Grilled Chicken Thighs So Tasty
Chicken thighs are naturally flavorful and juicy, thanks to their higher fat content. Unlike dry and bland chicken breasts, thighs come out moist and delicious when cooked properly. The skin gets perfectly crisped over direct grill heat.
Some simple seasoning goes a long way to enhance the flavor. A quick marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices is all you need. Let them soak for 30 minutes while you prep the sides.
Grilling on medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side gets them cooked through without drying them out. If the skin starts to char too quickly, move them to indirect heat to finish.
Aim to cook until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then let them rest for 5 minutes before digging in.
23 Amazing Sides for Grilled Chicken Thighs
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer quite like grilled corn on the cob. The smoky grill flavor pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of fresh corn. Simply peel back the husks, remove the silk, coat with oil or butter, and grill for 10-15 minutes, rotating frequently.
2. Tomato and Watermelon Salad
A fresh tomato salad is a classic grilled chicken pairing. For a fun twist, add cubed watermelon. Its sweet juiciness balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. Add fresh basil, sliced red onion, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These rich, creamy potatoes are irresistible alongside chicken. Cut russet potatoes into thin slices and put them in a baking dish. Cover them with a cheese sauce made of butter, flour, milk, and cheddar. Top with crispy fried onions for the full potato experience.
4. Macaroni and Cheese
You really can’t go wrong with a classic mac and cheese, especially when smoked gouda is involved. Cook the macaroni just shy of al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked. The crisp, cheesy topping pairs perfectly with juicy chicken thighs.
5. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Get your veggie fix by skewering cherry tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, peppers and onions. Brush with olive oil and grill to perfection. The smoky char is a nice contrast to the grilled chicken. Serve with tzatziki or chimichurri sauce.
6. Farm Stand Pasta Salad
Turn all that delicious summer produce into a tasty pasta salad. Toss penne with corn, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and basil in a lemony vinaigrette. The combo of flavors and textures is so fresh and vibrant.
7. Mexican Street Corn Salad
All the flavors of classic elote come together in this fun corn salad. Grill the corn until charred, then cut the kernels off the cob and toss with mayo, lime juice, cilantro, Cotija cheese and chili powder.
8. Chopped Kale Salad
Massage kale with lemon juice to soften it, then toss with avocado, tomato, red onion, Parmesan and crunchy breadcrumbs. The tangy lemon dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken thighs.
9. Baked Beans
These sweet and smoky baked beans are a classic barbecue companion. Slow cook navy beans with bacon, brown sugar, ketchup and spices until thick and saucy. The blend of savory and sweet flavors pair perfectly with grilled chicken.
10. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
The refreshing flavors of cucumber and tomato make a light and tasty side salad. Simply slice and toss the veggies with red onion, fresh dill and a lemony dressing. Letting it sit for 30 minutes allows the flavors to mingle.
11. Grilled Peach Salad
If you can grill the chicken, why not the fruit too? Grilled peaches lend a wonderful sweetness and soft texture to any salad. Toss with fresh greens, blue cheese crumbles, pecans and a balsamic vinaigrette.
12. Creamy Coleslaw
Cool, crisp cabbage pairs so nicely with hot-off-the grill chicken. Shred green and purple cabbage and toss in a creamy dressing of mayo, sour cream, vinegar and celery seed. Let it chill for an hour before serving.
13. Grilled Flatbread
Warm, chewy flatbread is the perfect vehicle for soaking up all those delicious chicken juices. Grill or broil naan or pizza dough brushed with olive oil and garlic. Simple, tasty and fun to tear apart.
14. Corn and Tomato Salad
When sweet corn and juicy tomatoes get together, magic happens. This easy salad comes together in minutes but tastes like summer. Toss together fresh corn cut from the cob, cherry tomatoes, basil and a light vinaigrette.
15. Fried Green Tomatoes
For a Southern classic, bread and fry green tomatoes for the perfect crunch factor with grilled chicken. Drizzle with ranch dressing for dipping to balance the tangy tomato flavor. Make sure to salt and drain the tomatoes to remove excess moisture.
16. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This pasta salad combines summer produce with Mediterranean flavors like kalamata olives, feta, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Toss with penne, olive oil, lemon juice and red wine vinegar for a tangy, bright side.
17. Grilled Asparagus
Simple grilled asparagus spears make an easy, elegant side dish. Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper and grill until lightly charred. The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with juicy chicken thighs.
18. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes develop an amazing caramelized flavor when baked whole in the oven. Rub with oil and seasonings of your choice before baking until fork tender. Fluff the insides and top with butter, herbs, cheese or salsa.
19. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Roast cauliflower florets until caramelized then combine with a rich, cheesy sauce and topping of toasted breadcrumbs. It’s comfort food at its finest and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken thighs.
20. Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
Baby spinach becomes downright craveable when drizzled with a warm bacon vinaigrette. Cook bacon until crispy, reserve some for crumbling, then whisk the drippings into an easy mustard vinaigrette.
21. Grilled Peach Salsa
Make this easy grilled peach salsa to pile on top of chicken thighs or serve on the side with chips. Grill peaches and jalapeños, then dice and mix with red onion, cilantro, lime juice and seasonings.
22. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
All your loaded baked potato favorites come together in this hearty salad. Mix cubed potatoes with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions and ranch dressing for a creamy, indulgent side.
23. Caprese Pasta Salad
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil are a match made in heaven, turning basic pasta salad into a craveable dish. Toss with olive oil, balsamic glaze and cooked pasta shells or rotini for easy summer eating.
So there you have it – 23 of the very best side dishes to serve with juicy, grilled chicken thighs. With options like mac and cheese, burgers, grilled veggies and fresh salads, you’re sure to please any crowd. Fire up that grill and get ready for your new go-to chicken dinner.
Lemon, Ricotta & Asparagus Pasta Salad
While pasta salad can get creaminess from mayo, sour cream, or yogurt, we want to make a case for ricotta. Mixed with fresh lemon juice and zest, plenty of grated Parmesan, and pasta water, the ricotta melts into a creamy, bright sauce without any additional oil. The fresh dairy flavor feels a little unexpected and totally elegant all at once, making this salad a perfect side dish to your spring and summer gatherings. Get the Lemon, Ricotta & Asparagus Pasta Salad recipe.
Frequently served with refried beans at Tex-Mex restaurants, Mexican rice can often be pushed to the side (literally). We think that’s wrong—when it’s done right, Mexican rice can be a fluffy, flavorful side that makes everything better, from taco dinners to grilled chicken burrito bowls and everything in between. Get the Mexican Rice recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
Fresh garden green beans are one of summer’s most perfect gifts, so if your family cookout doesn’t feature a big bowl of this salad beside the platter of grilled chicken, you’re seriously missing out. Fresh green beans are tossed with cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta in a simple red wine vinaigrette for a Greek-inspired side that’s as light and fresh as it is seasonal. Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Looking for a wildly simple summer side that can still impress? This bruschetta-inspired pasta salad is it. Get the Bruschetta Pasta Salad recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
This tzatziki-inspired version of potato salad is very dill-forward and nicely lemony and bright with yogurt, crunchy cucumber—both fresh and pickled—and creamy boiled baby red potatoes. If you add some sour red onions and MSG, you get a strange mix of healthy and rich flavors. Get the Tzatziki Potato Salad recipe.
Panzanella is one of those recipes that truly tastes like summer. Its one that you want to make in peak season—when the tomatoes are extra juicy, the squash slightly sweet, and the basil extra cheap. We grill the bread, zucchini, and onion until they are charred, then mix them with the rest of the ingredients to make this classic dish taste even better and feel even more summery. Get the Summer Panzanella recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
Grilled Zucchini With Ricotta & Walnuts
Grilled zucchini is already plenty delicious on its own, but adding a few dollops of herby whipped ricotta and crunchy toasted walnuts will transform how you look at the humble squash. Instead of leaving the zucchini in their traditional slices, we threaded them onto skewers to lessen the amount of direct contact the zucchini had with the grill and create contrasting textures. The ribboning also creates plenty of nooks and crannies for the creamy ricotta and walnuts to settle. Get the Grilled Zucchini With Ricotta & Walnuts recipe.
Macaroni salad is one of our favorite things to pair with pulled pork or ribs, which is why its such a disappointment when its too dry or soggy. Not to fear—this recipe guarantees perfection ever time. Get the Classic Macaroni Salad recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
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FAQ
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.
What pairs well with chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs pair well with a wide variety of sides, offering a versatile base for many cuisines. Popular choices include roasted vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, as well as rice, quinoa, or pasta dishes like orzo. Salads, particularly those with a light vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw, also complement the richness of the chicken.