50+ BEST Sides for Chicken

Wondering what to serve with the chicken recipe you’re making tonight? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.

I’m sharing 50+ of the most popular and best sides for chicken. Creamy mashed potatoes, salads, and the most delicious roasted vegetables.

These dishes pair with all your favorite chicken recipes, from Roasted Chicken, to Chicken Piccata and even Chicken Tenders.

You’re guaranteed to find a new favorite side dish here!

PS – Don’t forget about these 25+ simple sauces for chicken and these chicken wine pairings too!

Side Dishes for Chicken

Vegetables

Wondering what veggies go with chicken? Here are some of the best options:

Sauteed spinach in white bowl.
Add a healthy boost of nutrients to your dinner with this easy Sauteed Spinach. Baby spinach is added to a skillet along with garlic and olive oil, then sauteed gently to create a simple side dish that pairs with any meal!
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These are the BEST Glazed Carrots! Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned & perfectly glazed. They make an amazing side dish that both kids & adults love. | platingsandpairings.com
These are the BEST Glazed Carrots – Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned, and perfectly glazed. These carrots make an amazing side dish that both kids and adults can’t get enough of!
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These copycat Din Tai Fung Green Beans are deliciously crispy and coated with lots of savory garlic and a spicy chili crisp. It’s the best umami-forward side dish to pair with all of your takeout-inspired favorites!
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Close up of roasted cabbage steaks topped with bacon and drizzled with cream sauce.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks with bacon and a garlicky, creamy mustard sauce. Perfection! This delicious side dish is always a hit.
Cabbage Steaks
Spears of asparagus cooked sous vide topped with parmesan shavings.
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
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Close up of roasted delicata squash on baking sheet.
Roasted Delicata Squash is a winter side dish that’s really easy to prepare. There’s no peeling required and the maple flavors and warm spices taste divine!
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Roasted carrots in bowl with spoon.
I’m serving up these Oven Roasted Mexican Carrots elote style. Similar to how you’d dress grilled street corn, these delicious tender carrots are topped with lime, crumbled cheese, jalapenos and cilantro. So crazy good! 
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Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
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Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
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Over head shot of cooked brussels sprouts in grey bowl with spoon.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic cook up crispy and delicious with minimal oil with the help of your air fryer! Dressed simply with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt. You'll love these!
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Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
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Overhead close up of miso cauliflower in serving bowl with lime wedges and cilantro.
Roasted Miso Cauliflower is a buttery, umami-filled delicious and healthy side dish. Cauliflower is tossed in a glaze of miso, soy and red pepper flakes and roasted until perfectly browned and crisp. {Vegan + Gluten Free}
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Bowl of Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts with chopsticks.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and covered in a sweet and spicy kung pao sauce. Toss with roasted peanuts and red chilis for a crazy delicious spin on a classic roasted vegetable.
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Platter of grilled broccolini
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch. It’s a perfect side dish for autumnal menus or Thanksgiving. 
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Overhead shot of bowl of mashed cauliflower in grey bowl with swirls of butter.
Mashed Cauliflower is a delicious, low carb & keto friendly side dish. With 5 flavor variations and instructions for making Stovetop Mashed Cauliflower or Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower.
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Artichokes in instant pot liner.
Instant Pot Artichokes are quick and easy to make with the help of your electric pressure cooker. Plus, this recipe gives them SO much flavor!
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Overhead shot of cooked sunchokes in bowl.
Sunchokes are a knobby root vegetable that can be prepared in more ways than you can imagine! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to roast them with olive oil, garlic, and thyme. It’s an easy side dish you can pair with anything.
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Overhead shot of smashed brussel sprouts drizzled with lemon tahini dressing.
These Smashed Brussel Sprouts are flattened so that they become extra crispy when roasted in the oven. Drizzled with the most amazing Lemon Tahini Sauce. 
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Salads

Crunchy slaws and salads to serve with chicken.

Arugula Salad ready to be served.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
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Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
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Overhead close up of bowl of kale caesar salad in white bowl with serving spoon.
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
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Overhead shot of farro salad in large black bowl with spoon.
This Farro Salad with Basil & Lemon Tahini Dressing is a delicious salad that can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy workday lunches or potlucks.
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Overhead shot of Thai Cucumber Salad in green bowl with spoon next to bunch of cilantro.
This Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts is crunchy, sweet & tangy. It's a refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for the warm summer months.
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Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
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Overhead shot of din tai fung cucumber salad on grey plate with chopsticks.
This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!
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Pasta salad in bowl on wooden cutting board next to bowl of pepper flakes.
This Zucchini Pasta Salad recipe may be the best I've tried to date! Packed with sauteed zucchini, loads of parmesan cheese, fresh dill and crunchy walnuts.
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Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
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Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
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Close up of apple slaw in serving bowl.
Apple Celery Root Slaw is an exciting twist on your basic coleslaw. Crisp apples and celery root combine with jalapeno, cilantro & pickled onions. It's sure to be a stand out side dish!
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Overhead shot of peach caprese salad on grey plate next to wooden cutting board.
This fresh and tangy Peach Caprese Salad features sweet peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and juicy tomatoes. A perfect blend of summery flavors, this simple yet delicious salad is the ideal late summer side dish!
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Overhead shot of shaved fennel salad in green serving bowl on pink table.
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Overhead shot of Mexican street corn salad in serving bowl.
This Couscous Corn Salad puts a salad twist on Mexican Street Corn. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
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Fennel salad with chickpeas in white bowl.
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
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This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
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Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
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Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are especially great with chicken & gravy. But there are lots of great options!

Overhead shot of bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, next to bowl of sour cream.
These Easy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream are the most delicious mashed potatoes you will ever have. They're light, creamy, buttery and tangy and easy to make with the help of your stand mixer – No hand mashing required!
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Hasselback potatoes on grey plate dolloped with sour cream.
These easy air fryer Hasselback potatoes are drenched in garlic herb butter, giving you an almost addictive crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-inside snack or side dish in no time.
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CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
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COOKED DUCHESS POTATOES ON BAKING SHEET NEXT TO SPATULA.
Duchess Potatoes are a fancy piped potato side dish that must make an appearance at your next dinner party. Rich, creamy, and cheesy with just a subtle crisp, these elegant baked mashed potatoes are unlike anything else!
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Overhead shot of baked goat cheese mashed potatoes in white casserole dish with serving spoon.
Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes with garlic take a classic comfort food dish to a new level! Made with tangy goat cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese, these potatoes are perfectly creamy and flavorful every time.
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Crispy smashed potatoes on black plate next to bowl of mojo sauce.
These Easy Smashed Potatoes with Mojo Sauce are the most delicious side dish! Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
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Split open sweet potato on grey plate with pats of butter and fork.
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes cook up quicker than in the oven and they’re deliciously fluffy and creamy every time! Learn how to make the BEST sweet potatoes in the pressure cooker in just about 30 minutes! 
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Overhead close up of bowl of grilled potato salad.
Say bye bye to basic potato salad. This Grilled Potato Salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a delicious tangy mustard dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It’s delicious! 
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Hands holding bowl of mashed sweet potatoes.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Ultra creamy, flavorful and delicious and made with only 3-ingredients! No hand mashing required. Let your stand mixer do all the work for you! 
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Pasta & Risotto

When you want a comfort food side dish to pair with your chicken dinner.

Risotto in grey bowl next to shards of parmesan cheese.
Instant Pot Risotto is hands-down the best way to make risotto! It has the signature creamy, rich goodness you expect without all the stirring and fuss of making it on the stove. Plus there are 6 add-in options to make your risotto extra flavorful.
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Overhead shot of lemon pasta in bowl next to charred lemon halves.
This easy Lemon Pasta is deliciously tangy and creamy, plus it comes together in under 15 minutes!
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Risotto in large dutch oven.
Indulge in this luxurious Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone. Rich, creamy, and tangy – Its bright flavor makes a perfect vegetarian entrée or a delicious side dish.
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Overhead shot of mac and cheese in speckled bowl with spoon and grated cheddar scattered about.
This is the BEST Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Made extra creamy with a secret ingredient plus delicious cheddar & parmesan cheese. It can be made in just 4 minutes with your electric pressure cooker.
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Overhead shot of hand holding bowl of butternut squash risotto.
This always rich and warming Butternut Squash Risotto is the perfect meal for fall. Roasted squash, creamy and tender rice, and fresh sage come together to form dreamy and heavenly flavors in every bite.
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Beans

Beans are a great side, especially with BBQ chicken or chicken tacos!

Bowl of cooked pinto beans flecked with cilantro.
Instant Pot pinto beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these beans can be ready in under an hour with no soaking required.
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Close up of Italian White Beans with sage.
These Italian White Beans are cooked low and slow with a bit of sage and garlic, resulting in plump, yet firm beans that are delicious dressed with a bit of olive oil or served on top of crostini.
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Top shot of black beans in large white bowl with spoon
These no soak Instant Pot Black Beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these black beans can be ready in under an hour.
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How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these chicken side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Chicken Side Dish Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Chicken Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for chicken. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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COLLAGE OF EASY SIDES FOR CHICKEN WITH TEXT OVERLAY.

50+ BEST Sides for Chicken

Wondering what to serve with the chicken you’re making tonight? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.
5 from 3 votes
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Instructions

  • Choose your favorite side dish recipe(s).
  • Gather the necessary ingredients.
  • Enjoy an amazing chicken dinner!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

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