30 Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken, Any Cooking Method

Finding the right side dish can make or break your chicken dinner. These versatile recipes complement every cooking style from grilled to fried.

Each pairing brings out the best flavors while adding variety to your plate. Simple ingredients create memorable meals everyone will love.

01. BBQ Chicken Red Potato Salad

This version uses red potatoes, sour cream, mayo, and fresh herbs for a creamy summer salad. The tangy dressing balances rich barbecue flavors perfectly.

Yogurt can replace some sour cream for a lighter twist. The potatoes hold their shape well and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Perfect for outdoor gatherings and potluck dinners. Takes about thirty minutes to prepare once potatoes are cooked and cooled.

02. Grilled Chicken Corn Salad

Fresh corn kernels get tossed with peppers, onions, and a light vinaigrette dressing. This colorful salad stays crisp even in summer heat.

The sweet corn pairs beautifully with smoky grilled chicken. You can use frozen corn when fresh isn’t available.

This method works great for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. Ready in fifteen minutes with minimal prep work required.

03. Roasted Chicken Simple Broccolini

Tender broccolini gets sautéed with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until perfectly crisp-tender. The stems stay crunchy while florets become soft.

Lemon brightens the earthy flavors and cuts through rich roasted chicken. The garlic adds depth without overpowering the delicate vegetable.

Takes less than ten minutes to cook once your chicken is ready. Great for elegant dinners or simple family meals.

04. Fried Chicken Yellow Squash Casserole

Sliced yellow squash bakes with cheese, eggs, and a buttery cracker topping. The creamy interior contrasts with the crispy golden surface.

This Southern favorite uses simple ingredients that most home cooks have on hand. The crackers create an irresistible crunchy layer.

Perfect comfort food pairing with crispy fried chicken. Bakes in about forty minutes while your chicken stays warm in the oven.

05. Fried Chicken Corn Maque Choux

This Creole side combines corn, bell peppers, celery, onion, and bacon in one colorful dish. The vegetables cook down into a flavorful, slightly spicy mixture.

Pronounced “mock shoe,” this version skips traditional lima beans found in succotash. The bacon adds smokiness that complements fried chicken perfectly.

Takes more time but creates authentic Southern flavors. Great for weekend dinners when you want something extra special.

06. Braised Chicken Leeks and Mustard Greens

Tender leeks and spicy mustard greens braise together in buttery broth until perfectly wilted. The mild onion flavor balances the greens’ peppery bite.

This method transforms tough greens into silky, flavorful vegetables. The braising liquid becomes a delicious sauce for serving.

Perfect for cold weather meals with braised chicken. The earthy flavors complement rich, slow-cooked poultry dishes beautifully.

07. Braised Chicken Egg Noodles with Spinach

Wide egg noodles get tossed with fresh spinach, butter, and garlic for a simple side. The spinach wilts gently from the hot pasta’s heat.

This version uses minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. The noodles soak up braising juices from your chicken dish perfectly.

Ready in under fifteen minutes once water boils. Great for feeding a crowd or making extra for tomorrow’s lunch.

08. Braised Chicken Roasted Root Vegetables

Carrots, parsnips, turnips, and beets roast together until caramelized and sweet. The natural sugars develop deep, complex flavors during cooking.

High heat transforms these humble vegetables into something special. Even beet-haters love how sweet and mild they become when roasted.

This method works great for winter meals with hearty braised chicken. Takes about an hour but requires minimal hands-on time.

09. BBQ Chicken Buttermilk Coleslaw

Crisp cabbage and carrots get dressed in tangy buttermilk dressing instead of heavy mayo. The buttermilk adds pleasant sourness without extra calories.

This version stays creamy while being lighter than traditional coleslaw. The tanginess cuts through rich barbecue sauce and fatty chicken skin.

Perfect for picnics since it holds up well in heat. Takes just minutes to prepare and tastes better after sitting.

10. Braised Chicken Roasted New Red Potatoes

Tiny new potatoes roast with just olive oil, salt, and pepper until golden and crispy outside. The simple seasoning lets natural potato flavor shine through.

This method creates crispy skins while keeping interiors fluffy and light. Using small potatoes means no cutting or prep work needed.

Great for beginners who want foolproof results every time. Roasts alongside braised chicken for a complete one-pan meal.

11. Grilled Chicken Watermelon Salad

Fresh watermelon chunks combine with strawberries, arugula, and basil for a refreshing summer salad. The sweet fruit balances peppery greens perfectly.

This version adds unexpected sweetness to grilled chicken dinners. The herbs keep everything light and bright on hot summer days.

Perfect for outdoor entertaining when you need something cooling. Takes just minutes to assemble with no cooking required.

12. Braised Chicken Perfect Polenta

Coarsely ground cornmeal cooks slowly in chicken broth until creamy and smooth. The ratio is one part polenta to four parts liquid.

This method creates a perfect base for saucy braised chicken dishes. The cornmeal absorbs flavors while adding comforting texture.

Takes about thirty minutes of stirring but results are worth the effort. Great for cold weather comfort food dinners.

13. Roasted Chicken Scalloped Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes layer with cream sauce and cheese before baking until golden. The top gets crispy while layers underneath stay creamy.

This classic side dish uses simple ingredients but delivers impressive results. The cream sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Takes more time but perfect for special occasions with roasted chicken. Can be assembled ahead and baked when needed.

14. BBQ Chicken Roasted Garlic Bread

Crusty bread gets slathered with roasted garlic butter and baked until golden. The garlic becomes sweet and mellow during roasting.

This version elevates regular garlic bread with deeper, richer flavors. The butter soaks into bread while creating a crispy crust.

Perfect for soaking up barbecue sauce and chicken juices. Takes just minutes in the oven while chicken rests.

15. Roasted Chicken Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Steamed cauliflower gets mashed with roasted garlic, butter, and cream until fluffy and light. Steaming keeps the texture from getting watery.

This method creates the fluffiest low-carb mashed potato substitute possible. The garlic adds depth without overwhelming the mild cauliflower.

Great for anyone avoiding carbs but wanting comfort food. Takes about twenty minutes from start to finish.

16. Baked Chicken Garlic Green Beans

Fresh green beans sauté with garlic and butter until crisp-tender and bright green. The garlic gets golden but not burnt for perfect flavor.

This simple method lets the vegetables shine while adding aromatic depth. A little minced onion can be added with the garlic.

Ready in under ten minutes once your chicken finishes baking. Families love this version so much you’ll want to double it.

17. BBQ Chicken Microwave Corn on the Cob

Fresh corn cooks quickly in the microwave while keeping all its natural sweetness intact. This method saves time and stovetop space.

The husks steam the corn perfectly without any added water needed. You get tender kernels without heating up the kitchen.

Perfect for busy summer cookouts when grill space is limited. Takes just minutes per ear with no cleanup required.

18. Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni bakes in creamy cheese sauce topped with crushed potato chips. The chips create an irresistible crunchy contrast to creamy pasta.

This version uses sharp cheddar plus one other melty cheese for complex flavors. The combination prevents the sauce from being too mild.

Takes about forty minutes but feeds a crowd beautifully. Perfect comfort food pairing with crispy fried chicken pieces.

19. Fried Chicken Crispy Fried Okra

Fresh okra gets coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried until golden and crispy. The coating seals in moisture while creating perfect crunch.

This Southern method transforms slimy okra into addictive crispy bites. The cornmeal coating stays light and not greasy when done right.

Quick addition to any fried chicken dinner that’s ready in minutes. Reminds people of their grandmother’s authentic Southern cooking.

20. Baked Chicken Basic Mashed Potatoes

Yukon potatoes mash with warm milk and butter for the fluffiest, creamiest results possible. Heating the dairy prevents gummy texture.

This method works with almost any chicken recipe you can imagine. The warm milk trick makes all the difference in final texture.

Perfect side dish that goes with everything from simple baked chicken to fancy preparations. Everyone needs this reliable recipe.

21. Baked Chicken Mushroom Rice

Long grain rice cooks with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic in chicken broth. The mushrooms add earthy depth to simple rice.

This version uses cremini mushrooms for richer flavor than basic white mushrooms. Extra garlic and onion boost the savory taste.

Easy side dish that cooks while your chicken bakes. Takes about twenty minutes and requires minimal attention once started.

22. Roasted Chicken Roasted Butternut Squash

Cubed butternut squash roasts with olive oil and seasonings until caramelized and tender. The natural sugars concentrate during high-heat cooking.

This method brings out incredible sweetness while keeping prep work minimal. The squash develops beautiful golden edges when properly roasted.

Fast, easy cleanup makes this perfect for busy weeknights. Roasts alongside chicken for a complete one-pan autumn meal.

23. Baked Chicken Lemon Glazed Carrots

Baby carrots cook in butter and sugar until glazed and tender. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness for perfect balance.

The sugar and butter create a beautiful glaze that coats each carrot. Lemon prevents the dish from being too cloying or heavy.

Ready in about fifteen minutes while your chicken finishes baking. Kids love the sweet glaze while adults appreciate the bright lemon.

24. Baked Chicken Creamy Mushroom Peas

Frozen peas cook with mushrooms in a light cream sauce until just tender. The mushrooms add meaty texture to delicate sweet peas.

This version creates a restaurant-quality side dish with simple pantry ingredients. The cream sauce brings everything together without being heavy.

Gets tons of compliments and never has leftovers remaining. Both kids and adults love this comforting vegetable side dish.

25. Grilled Chicken Grilled Romaine Hearts

Romaine hearts get grilled over very hot grates until lightly charred outside but crisp inside. The contrast of textures is amazing.

This method creates caramelized surfaces while keeping centers cool and crunchy. The slight smokiness pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.

Takes just minutes once grill grates are properly heated. Great way to add vegetables to your grilling repertoire easily.

26. Roasted Chicken Brussels Sprouts

Fresh Brussels sprouts roast at high heat until golden and slightly crispy outside. The bitter edge mellows into sweet, nutty flavors.

This method converts even Brussels sprouts haters into believers. High heat caramelizes the outer leaves while keeping centers tender.

Very easy recipe that even beginning cooks can master quickly. Roasts alongside chicken for effortless weeknight dinner preparation.

27. Grilled Chicken Green Quinoa Tabouleh

Cooked quinoa mixes with fresh herbs, vegetables, and lemon dressing for a protein-rich salad. The herbs keep everything bright and fresh.

This version pairs especially well with heavily seasoned grilled chicken dishes. The clean flavors provide a nice contrast to smoky meats.

Perfect for summer entertaining when you want something light but filling. Takes about thirty minutes including quinoa cooking time.

28. BBQ Chicken Perfect Baked Beans

Navy beans bake low and slow with molasses, brown sugar, and spices until thick and sweet. The long cooking develops incredible depth.

This version creates the perfect sweet, filling addition to barbecue plates. The beans absorb all the smoky, savory flavors beautifully.

Takes several hours but mostly hands-off cooking time required. Everyone always loves these beans at summer cookouts and potlucks.

29. Grilled Chicken Mixed Vegetable Grill

Eggplant, asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, and onions marinate before grilling until tender and smoky. The marinade adds Mediterranean flavors throughout.

This method lets you cook vegetables alongside chicken on the same grill. Each vegetable develops beautiful char marks and concentrated flavors.

Great for summer when you want to keep cooking outdoors. Takes about twenty minutes once vegetables are properly marinated.

30. Fried Chicken Slow Cooked Green Beans

Fresh green beans cook low and slow until incredibly tender and flavorful. The long cooking creates amazing depth from simple ingredients.

This method produces some of the most delicious green beans you’ll ever taste. Lots of flavorful juice develops for dipping cornbread.

Takes two hours but transforms ordinary vegetables into something special. Perfect Southern-style side for authentic fried chicken dinners.

Final Thoughts

These thirty side dishes prove that chicken dinners never have to be boring. From quick weeknight options to special occasion sides, there’s something perfect for every cooking style.

Mix and match these recipes to create memorable meals your family will request again and again. Great food starts with great combinations.