Grilled chicken is a staple in many households, and when paired with the right sides, it can be truly elevated. But what are some tasty options that can complement this delicious protein?
The answer lies in the variety of sides that can accompany grilled chicken. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, there’s a side dish to suit every taste.
Trisha Yearwood Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
When it comes to pairing with grilled chicken, you don’t always need to venture into uncharted culinary territory. Sometimes, reimagining a timeless classic is the way to go. For instance, macaroni and cheese – a staple of comfort food – is an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken. Country music star Trisha Yearwood’s down-home recipe for this classic dish is a testament to its enduring appeal.The ingredients are simple yet effective: macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, cheddar cheese, butter, and paprika (for added depth of flavor). To get the best results, use standard-sized elbow macaroni and avoid jumbo or spiral shapes. This classic recipe has been perfected by many cooks, including the experts at thecozycook.com.
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
One of our favorite side dishes to serve with roast chicken is Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe, which has become a staple in our household. What we love most about this dish is its simplicity – with just six ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days. Simply combine creamed corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, whole kernel sweet corn (drained), sour cream, cheddar cheese, and butter in a casserole dish, and you’re ready to go! For the best flavor, we recommend shredding your own cheddar cheese at home, as it yields a richer, creamier taste. This dump-and-go recipe from Paula Deen has become a trusted favorite for many, allowing us to focus on the main event – the delicious roast chicken. And with its versatility, you can cook it in either a crockpot or oven, making it a convenient option for any occasion.
KFC Coleslaw Recipe
There’s no need to rush out to KFC when you can create your own mouthwatering coleslaw at home for a fraction of the cost. This recipe brings back memories of the Colonel’s secret formula, with its perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. To make it, you’ll need mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, granulated sugar, salt, ground black pepper, apple cider or white vinegar, lemon juice, shredded cabbage, carrot, and yellow onion. It’s an unbeatable accompaniment to grilled chicken breasts, just like the original.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This refreshing cucumber salad recipe is a standout healthy side dish that pairs exceptionally well with chicken breast. Its simplicity belies its impressive combination of crunchy textures and bold flavors, elevated by the tangy dill dressing. Perfect for warm weather gatherings like summer BBQs or springtime salads, this recipe is sure to impress. The key ingredients include diced English cucumbers, quartered cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and minced fresh dill, as noted on the trusted source meatwave.com.
Grilled Mushrooms
As you fire up the grill for that mouth-watering grilled chicken, why not elevate your sides game with a deliciously simple yet flavorful option – herb-crusted mushrooms? In my opinion, mushrooms have an uncanny ability to complement any dish, and this recipe takes them to new heights. The combination of cremini mushrooms, extra-virgin olive oil, thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, garlic, butter, Kosher salt, and black pepper creates a rich, savory flavor profile that will leave your taste buds singing. This easy-to-make side dish is sure to become a staple in your household.
Popeye’s French Fries Recipe
Grilled chicken’s best sidekicks? Look no further than Popeye’s legendary Cajun fries! These mouth-watering morsels boast an unparalleled flavor profile, courtesy of their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The unmistakable blend of cajun seasonings makes them the perfect accompaniment to your grilled chicken masterpiece.The simplicity of this recipe is truly astonishing – potatoes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a dash of vegetable oil are all that’s required to conjure up these tantalizing treats. It’s little wonder they’ve captured the hearts (and taste buds) of so many; the proof is in the pudding!
Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad
This mouthwatering broccoli salad from Paula Deen is a true showstopper, boasting not only an irresistible flavor profile but also a stunning visual appeal. The tangy and creamy sauce serves as the perfect accompaniment to the star of the dish – the succulent broccoli. This delectable side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next BBQ, potluck, or picnic, requiring minimal effort to prepare yet yielding maximum results. A mere head of broccoli, complemented by raisins, red onion, white vinegar, cherry tomatoes, sugar, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and mayonnaise, forms the foundation of this delightful concoction. The harmonious marriage between the cool and creamy sauce and the hot and juicy grilled chicken elevates this dish to new heights, solidifying its status as a true winner.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are often underappreciated, but with the right preparation, they can be a true delight. In fact, this recipe is designed to convert even the most skeptical of eaters into believers. The key to success lies in balancing flavors, and that’s exactly what this dish achieves with its subtle sweetness from honey and depth from added ingredients like crispy bacon and pungent garlic. To make it, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: Brussels sprouts, salt, olive oil, white pepper, and honey. The result is a snackable treat that’s sure to impress your guests – and have them reaching for seconds, thirds, and fourths.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a game-changer when it comes to pairing with grilled chicken. The sweet and savory flavors of these crispy treats perfectly complement the smoky goodness of your grilled birds, making them an excellent side dish or appetizer. To make this delightful combination, you’ll need sweet potatoes, potato starch, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil. When baking the fries, be mindful that sweet potatoes tend to brown more quickly than regular potatoes under high heat, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. With these simple ingredients and a bit of care, you’ll have a mouthwatering accompaniment to your grilled chicken.
Microwave Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple, but what about when you’re short on space or want to bring a side dish to a gathering? The good news is that you can easily make delicious microwave corn on the cob in just minutes. And, with a simple trick, you won’t have to worry about it drying out. To start, all you need is un-husked corn on the cob, salt, and butter – but feel free to get creative with additional seasonings like mayonnaise and parmesan (or cotija), cheese, honey, and herbs.
Moist Cornbread Recipe
For BBQ enthusiasts, a reliable side dish is essential. When uncertainty strikes, cornbread remains a tried-and-true option. Our go-to recipe yields a delectable, moist cornbread with a satisfying crunch on the edges. To achieve this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need fine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey, an egg, and buttermilk. Crucial to the success of your cornbread is ensuring your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature; any deviation will impact texture. And the best part? You can store leftovers in the freezer for up to three months, making it a convenient option for future gatherings.
Amish Macaroni Salad
The humble macaroni salad often takes a backseat to more show-stopping sides, but this Amish-inspired recipe is sure to steal the spotlight. With its harmonious balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple in many households.
At the heart of this mouthwatering salad are cooked elbow macaroni, bell peppers (yellow, red, and green), hard-boiled eggs, and an array of savory additions. Miracle Whip salad dressing and white vinegar lend their distinct flavors, while sugar, yellow mustard, and ground black pepper add a touch of sweetness and depth.
But that’s not all – this recipe also welcomes the likes of diced white and red onions, cheddar cheese cubes, peas, crispy bacon, and fresh dill to create a rich tapestry of textures and tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a new go-to side dish, this Amish macaroni salad is sure to become an old favorite.
Oven-Baked Potato Wedges
When it comes to pairing with grilled chicken, baked potato wedges are a match made in heaven. But what really sets this recipe apart is the simple yet effective technique for soaking the potatoes that yields an extra crispy texture without sacrificing flavor. This hack not only produces golden-brown wedges but also makes them perfect for snacking on their own or dipping into your favorite sauces, whether it’s BBQ sauce, ketchup, or something entirely different.To make this potato side dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients: russet potatoes, a seasoning mix of your choice (I personally love using Za’atar), some extra-virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of parsley for added freshness (optional). Don’t forget to have your favorite dipping sauce on hand, whether it’s a classic combo like BBQ sauce or ketchup or something more adventurous. With this recipe, you’ll be all set to enjoy perfectly crispy potato wedges with your grilled chicken or as a standalone snack.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
If you’re looking for a solution to the age-old problem of not having enough corn to go around during grilling season, consider making this Mexican street corn salad instead. This flavorful dish is perfect for pairing with grilled chicken and combines the best of both worlds – the sweetness of fresh corn with the bold flavors of Mexico’s culinary traditions. To make it, you’ll need a few simple ingredients like lime juice, fresh corn kernels, jalapeño peppers, olive oil, cilantro leaves, cherry tomatoes, chili powder, and crumbled queso fresco. The harmonious blend of grilled corn, cilantro, spicy jalapeño, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Fresh Tomato Salad
When it comes to BBQ side dishes that complement grilled chicken nicely, this tomato salad recipe is a great option. The vibrant and flavorful mix of ingredients creates a fantastic accompaniment to your summer barbecue. For this dish, you’ll need halved grape tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, fresh oregano and basil, as well as olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. You can also customize the recipe by adding other seasonings such as parsley, dill, or balsamic vinegar to suit your taste. With its versatility and delicious flavor profile, this tomato salad is sure to become a new favorite.
Best Roasted Vegetables
When it comes to complementing your grilled chicken, roasted veggies are a fantastic option that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The ingredients needed for this simple recipe include avocado or olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, salt, and your choice of veggies. While there are countless options to choose from, some popular favorites include green beans, asparagus, bell peppers, sliced yellow or red onion, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, eggplant, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beets, rutabaga, and spaghetti squash. One of the best things about roasted veggies is that you can combine many of your favorite options to create unique flavor profiles. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different vegetable combinations!
Oven Roasted Zucchini
Roasted zucchini has the power to bring people together – I mean, who doesn’t love a perfectly roasted vegetable? As someone with a clear bias towards this dish, I’m convinced that its simplicity and flavor make it one of the best side dishes out there! And what sets this recipe apart is the minimal number of ingredients required: just zucchini, Italian seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. With only six components to juggle, you can easily prepare a mouthwatering batch in under 25 minutes. The result? A delightful way to sneak some nutritious veggies into your BBQ routine.
Baked Parsnip Fries
For those looking to mix things up from traditional potato sides, baked parsnip fries (also known as parsnip chips) offer a delicious and unexpected alternative. This recipe requires minimal ingredients, including parsnips, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
What’s more, they don’t demand a multitude of steps or elaborate preparation. Simply arrange the parsnip slices in a single layer on your baking tray, leaving some space between each piece to ensure an even bake and crispy texture.
Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com
Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
When it comes to potato salad, why settle for the usual when you can try something new and exciting? This sweet potato salad recipe offers a bold and flavorful twist that will leave you wanting more. With just a handful of essential ingredients, including sweet potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, garlic, oil, lime juice, red bell pepper, black beans, corn (optional), and fresh cilantro, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. The harmonious blend of savory flavors mixed with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes results in an unparalleled culinary experience.
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Indulge in a new way to savor the flavor of potatoes with this effortless recipe for crispy smashed potatoes. No culinary expertise is required, just boil, smash, and bake – a straightforward process that’s sure to please. The essential ingredients include yellow or red potatoes, olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, fine salt, and unsalted butter. Feel free to elevate the dish with optional seasonings like minced parsley, garlic, and Fleur de Sel. For an added layer of indulgence, whip up a creamy sour cream dip using sour cream, pepper, salt, fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or dill, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
The Best Potato Salad Recipe
There’s something to be said for revisiting the familiar and nostalgic when it comes to food. Potato salad is a timeless classic that never goes out of style, evoking memories of family gatherings and summertime celebrations. This beloved side dish has been a staple at countless barbecues and cookouts for generations, and its enduring popularity is well-deserved. With its simple yet satisfying flavor profile, potato salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken and steak. The ingredients are straightforward – think gold potatoes, eggs, scallions, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, fresh dill, coarse salt, and black pepper. And the best part? Your guests will be won over by this fresh take on a classic recipe, ensuring that your next gathering is one to remember.
Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy cucumber salad that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken is a delightful addition to any meal. This effortless recipe combines simple ingredients, requiring mere minutes to prepare and storing well for future indulgence. The key components include sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cucumber, fresh dill, and red onion.
This recipe is particularly appealing as it caters to those monitoring their carb intake. Cucumbers being a low-carb food, with approximately 2 grams of carbs per half cup serving, make this salad an excellent option for health-conscious individuals. Additionally, the dish benefits from allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, permitting all the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Zucchini Salad
We’re big fans of roasted zucchini, but this savory recipe takes it to the next level! Instead of using wedges, we slice our zucchinis thin and add a medley of flavors that will leave your guests wondering what’s behind the magic. The star players in this dish are zucchini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and salt. To get the best results, select small to medium-sized zucchinis that measure around 6-9 inches in length, with a dark green skin and no imperfections. When you take these simple steps, your roasted zucchini will be so divine that it’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters, a delightful treat, offer a satisfying texture with a perfect balance of crispy outside layers and tender inner sections. This recipe requires a medley of ingredients, including zucchini, salt, egg, green onions, parmesan, garlic, flour, baking powder, pepper, and olive oil. To elevate the flavor profile and crunchy exterior, don’t forget to add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve these tasty fritters with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream and some chopped green onions for added zest.
Orzo Salad with Spinach, Olives, Pesto, and Feta
Looking for a show-stopping side dish to pair with your grilled chicken? Look no further! Our orzo salad recipe is a game-changer, and it’s all about the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. This mouthwatering concoction combines baby spinach, toasted walnuts, shaved Parmesan cheese, pungent garlic cloves, zesty lemon juice, flaky feta cheese, briny kalamata olives, sweet shallot, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, all tossed with orzo pasta and a drizzle of olive oil. The best part? This salad only gets better with time, so feel free to prepare it the day before your gathering and let it chill in the fridge until serving. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our accompanying video featuring ten delectable sides that pair perfectly with grilled chicken.
Final Words
These recipes are a surefire way to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual dinner party, these dishes are sure to impress. The best part? They’re easy to make and require minimal effort. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones around the table and get cooking! We’d love to hear about your experiences with these recipes.