Putting together a protein is often the most difficult and time-consuming part of making dinner. This is why getting a rotisserie chicken from the store can save you a lot of time and drive. You dont have to spend time cleaning and prepping the chicken, seasoning and basting it, or waiting for it to cook when your family is begging for dinner. But just because you buy a rotisserie chicken at the store doesn’t mean you shouldn’t cook at all. A simple way to turn a store-bought rotisserie chicken into a complete meal is to make some tasty side dishes.
Weve collected here some of our favorite side dish recipes that pair perfectly with rotisserie chicken. Most are relatively easy to make, so you wont have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. And if you want to make dinner even quicker tomorrow night, just make a bit extra of your sides of choice — then, as long as you have some leftover chicken, you wont have to cook at all.
Rotisserie chicken is a weeknight dinner hero. The juicy flavorful meat is ready to eat right out of the package making it an easy main course option. But a protein alone does not a meal make. You need some delicious side dishes to round out the meal. Luckily, there are lots of tasty, simple sides that pair perfectly with rotisserie chicken.
Why Choose Rotisserie Chicken?
There are several reasons rotisserie chicken has become such a popular dinner choice:
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Convenience – Rotisserie chicken is a ready-to-eat protein. No prep or cooking required. Just open the package and dinner is served.
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Flavors – The seasonings and the cooking method give rotisserie chicken bold, addicting flavors. The spices are absorbed into the meat during the slow roasting process.
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Juicy Meat – Rotisserie cooking keeps the chicken extra moist and tender. The constant rotation allows the juices to baste the meat as it cooks.
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Many Uses—Rotisserie chicken shreds can be put in salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, casseroles, and other foods. Get multiple meals from one chicken.
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Rotisserie chicken is better for you than fried chicken because it has more lean protein and less saturated fat. It packs nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium.
What Makes a Good Side for Rotisserie Chicken?
When choosing side dishes for rotisserie chicken, you want foods that will complement the flavors and textures. Here are some tips
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Pick sides that are high in starch. Potatoes, rice, and pasta go well with juicy chicken meat. They provide an energy boost and help you feel full.
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Pick something colorful – Bright vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and aesthetically balance the meal. They also provide a nice textural contrast.
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Think about flavors – Sides with salty, savory, tangy, or sweet flavors offset the spice rub on the chicken. Acidic options like lemon can brighten the palette.
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Consider easy prep – For weeknight convenience, pick sides you can make quickly with minimal work.
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Offer variety – Vary textures and flavors to keep meals interesting. Try a creamy potato dish one night and a crunchy slaw the next.
10 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken
Here are 10 stellar options for what to serve alongside rotisserie chicken:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes are a classic for good reason. They soak up the chicken juices and offer the perfect bit of comforting starch. For extra flavor, try making them with milk and butter or stir in garlic, cheese, or herbs.
2. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, hands-off side. Toss potato wedges with oil, salt, and whatever herbs and spices you like. Spread on a baking sheet and roast while the chicken finishes.
3. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf adds texture, flavor, and color to the plate. Cook rice in broth with sauteed onions and garlic. Stir in things like peas, carrots, parsley, lemon, or other seasonings.
4. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Boxed versions are quick, or make it from scratch for a creamy baked pasta side. The cheese is a perfect match for juicy rotisserie chicken.
5. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting gives vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots a caramelized flavor. Toss with oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic and roast until slightly charred.
6. Bread Rolls
Warm bread rolls, like Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls, are great for dipping in any juices left on your plate. The bread soaks up the chicken flavor. Serve rolls hot out of the oven.
7. Coleslaw
A vinegar-based coleslaw adds zing next to the savory chicken. Use bagged slaw mix for convenience or shred cabbage and carrots yourself. Dress with a vinaigrette or creamy mayo slaw dressing.
8. Salad
A fresh green salad balances the meal nutritionally. Top greens with sliced fruit, nuts, cheese, and a light dressing like balsamic vinaigrette. Or make it a spinach salad for extra nutrition.
9. Baked Beans
Baked beans offer protein along with their sweet and tangy flavor. Traditional brands like Bush’s are quick to heat and serve warm. Or make homemade beans cooked low and slow.
10. Cornbread
Sweet, crumbly cornbread soaks up any delicious juices left behind on the plate. Serve it warm right out of the oven or skillet for the best texture. Add honey butter for even more flavor.
Tips for Rounding Out Your Rotisserie Chicken Meal
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For more variety, swap starchy sides out occasionally for lower carb options like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Not everything has to be cooked from scratch. Use pre-washed bags of salad greens or frozen roast-ready veggies to save time.
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Leftover chicken and sides can be repurposed into new meals later in the week. Get extra mileage from your grocery shopping.
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Pair your chicken dinner with a crisp green salad and yeast rolls for a classic well-rounded meal.
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For picky eaters, provide at least one favored go-to food, like rice or potatoes, along with something new.
Satisfying and Simple Meals
Rotisserie chicken takes the hassle out of dinner. With flavorful juicy meat ready when you get home from work, all you need to do is quickly prepare one or two simple sides. Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, and other sides complement pre-cooked chicken beautifully. Vary your menu weekly for easy weeknight meals your family will love.
Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
This Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad is an herby dream come true for potato lovers everywhere. The strong flavor of dill, parsley, basil, and garlic in this potato salad makes it feel lighter than most. At the same time, it incorporates bacon, so you have a much-need fatty element to complement the starchiness of the red potatoes as well. Its the ideal side for rotisserie chicken for hot summer nights when the idea of turning on your oven to make a dish is laughable.
Charred Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Love the flavors of elote, or Mexican street corn? Then you have to try this recipe for Charred Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Charring the corn is an especially important step that you wont want to skip, as it gives the dish a smoky complexity that you cant achieve with raw corn alone. Sour cream, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese join forces to add both creaminess and tang to the recipe, and it gets a fresh touch from the cilantro, tomato, and chopped scallions. This standout salad may just change the way you think about pasta forever.
Easy Sides for Rotisserie Chicken | Quick Dinner Ideas
FAQ
What sides go with a rotisserie chicken?
To complete your rotisserie meal, here are some of the best side dishes to indulge in!Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes are one of the most loved side dishes – and for good reason! . Garlic Broccoli. Broccoli is packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Buttery Cornbread. Macaroni and Cheese. Rice Pilaf.
What pairs well with roasted chicken?
Sides for a roast chickenCrispy roast potatoes with rosemary, za’atar and salsa verde. Chaat masala potatoes with yoghurt. Roast potatoes with green sauce and tahini. Grilled carrots and tofu with harissa. Carrots and leeks, Turkish style. Grilled red cabbage with gorgonzola and grapes.
What is a good meal with rotisserie chicken?
10 Ways to Turn Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken Into a Healthy DinnerRotisserie Chicken Salad With Greens and Herbs. Chicken Tortilla Soup. Rotisserie Chicken and Greens Pasta. Crispy Wonton Chicken Salad. White Chicken Chili. Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Chicken and Red Lentil Soup With Lemony Yogurt.
What pairs well with chicken as a side?
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad. PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE. French Onion Cabbage Gratin. Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots. Air Fryer Green Beans. Smashed Brussels Sprouts. Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples. Sweet Potato Salad. Creamy Tuscan Orzo.