Generally speaking, when it comes to pairing a delicious main course like grilled chicken with complementary side dishes, there are numerous options to consider. Grilled chicken is a versatile dish that can be served at various occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal dinner parties. Given its smoky flavor and tender texture, it’s essential to have a range of sides that complement its rich taste. But what makes for the perfect pairing?
Below, we’ve curated our top 27 side dishes that pair exceptionally well with grilled chicken, ensuring you can mix and match to keep your meals interesting and varied.
Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with a classic – garlic bread is a staple at any dinner party or meal. By serving some kind of bread as a side, everyone can enjoy their fair share of carbs for energy. Garlic bread stands out from the rest due to its bold flavor and undeniable deliciousness. To make your very own garlic bread, check out the recipe above, which pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
Combine it with another vegetable side dish – we have plenty of options available below – for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to choosing the perfect side dish for any meal, mashed potatoes are a clear winner. Not only do they provide a boost of energy, but their light and creamy texture also makes them an easy choice for those who want a balanced meal without feeling weighed down. With numerous delicious herb options available, it’s no wonder why mashed potatoes remain a popular choice among home cooks.
It’s worth noting that serving this versatile dish alongside a variety of vegetable side dishes is essential to ensure your guests and family receive the necessary nutrients during dinner. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply want to add some variety to your mealtime routine, consider incorporating mashed potatoes into your menu.
Honey Glazed Spiced Carrots
Understandably, honey glazed spiced carrots are often met with skepticism by kids who typically turn up their noses at regular carrots. However, this sweet and crispy side dish is sure to win them over. The addition of cayenne pepper gives the carrots a subtle kick that enhances the flavor without being overpowering, making it an excellent accompaniment to a grilled chicken main.
Roasted Potatoes
Keenly aware that achieving the perfect texture can be a challenge, many people struggle to get their roasted potatoes just right. The ideal combination is a crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy interior, and of course, an abundance of flavor doesn’t hurt either! Fortunately, this tried-and-true recipe for roasted potatoes delivers on all fronts, consistently yielding dishes with the perfect balance of texture and taste.
With the subtle earthiness of rosemary and the pungency of garlic complementing each other beautifully, these potatoes are sure to become a staple in your household – especially when paired with a delicious grilled chicken main course.
Caramelized Garlic Broccoli
Savory broccoli is a staple when it comes to pairing it with grilled chicken, but the classic steamed version can fall flat. Sticking to the same principle of adding bold flavors, this recipe for caramelized garlic broccoli takes traditional broccoli and elevates it to new heights. The natural sweetness of the broccoli is perfectly balanced by the pungency of caramelized garlic, creating a depth of flavor that’s both rich and refreshing.
By incorporating just the right amount of seasoning and a squeeze of lemon zest, these flavors meld together in perfect harmony, resulting in an incredibly delicious side dish that complements grilled chicken beautifully.
Honey Mustard Coleslaw
Unlock the full flavor potential of your barbecue or summer meal with this unique twist on classic coleslaw – a honey mustard coleslaw recipe that’s sure to delight. Unlike traditional coleslaw, this version boasts an added depth from the Dijon mustard, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the honey. With only a handful of basic ingredients required, you can easily whip up this side dish in no time, without needing to fire up the stove or oven.
Grilled Mushrooms
Understanding the humble side dish, many of us overlook portabella mushrooms in favor of other accompaniments. However, these versatile fungi are not only packed with flavor but also boast a unique texture that can elevate an entire meal and make it far more memorable to our taste buds.
This recipe for grilled mushrooms provides a simple yet effective solution by combining the perfect marinade made from garlic powder, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also bursting with a little extra kick once cooked.
Chinese-Styled Fried Rice
Often overlooked in favor of more exotic options, carbs play a vital role in providing energy for our daily activities. One of the best ways to incorporate carbs into your dinner menu is by serving a classic dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken: fried rice. This versatile side dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to include a variety of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and green onions.
By adding these mini versions of your favorite veggies, you can not only satisfy your carb cravings but also increase the nutritional value of your meal. If you’re looking for a tasty and filling accompaniment to grilled chicken, this recipe for authentic Chinese-style fried rice is an excellent choice to try.
Lemon And Herb Roasted Asparagus
Pairing citrus flavors with grilled chicken is a match made in heaven, as it elevates the flavor profile. While lemon juice or zest might not be a part of your grilling routine, you can definitely incorporate them into your side dishes – such as when roasting asparagus. Asparagus is a classic choice to serve alongside chicken, but this recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating the right ingredients that complement each other perfectly.
Fresh and tangy, this version of roasted asparagus adds a delightful burst of flavor to your meal, making it an excellent accompaniment to your grilled chicken.
Mini Mac And Cheese Bites
Sometimes, it’s hard to resist serving up a classic dish like mac and cheese, but why settle for the ordinary when you can try something new? Take our mini mac and cheese bites, for instance – they’re a fun twist on the traditional comfort food that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
While portion control can be a challenge when serving mac and cheese straight from the bowl, this recipe breaks it down into bite-sized portions that are easy to manage, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions. So why not give it a try and add some excitement to your next meal? Go To Recipe
Sweet Potato Fries
Flavoured with the sweetness of sweet potatoes, these fries take classic fries to the next level. Unlike regular fries, which can be heavy on the palate, sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste. They are crispy, golden, and bursting with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavour of pepper and paprika.
With this simple recipe, you’ll be able to create your own perfect batch of sweet potato fries that balance salty and sweet notes to perfection, making them an ideal side dish for any meal.
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Fortunately, there’s a way to elevate your grilled chicken dinner without overpowering it with heavy sauces. The bruschetta pasta salad is an excellent solution as it’s light and flavorful, allowing the natural taste of the grilled chicken to shine through. This recipe combines the freshness of mozzarella, basil, onion, and tomatoes, making it an ideal accompaniment for any dinner.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian-inspired dish or something new, this bruschetta pasta salad has all the ingredients you need to create the perfect pasta side dish.
Corn On The Cob
Planning a barbecue or grilling session? Don’t forget to serve up some delicious corn on the cob! This classic American side dish is incredibly versatile, with a range of flavors from creamy to smoky, and even enhanced with additional notes of barbecue or parmesan. When grilled to perfection, the natural sweetness of the corn brings out the best in your meal, especially when paired with savory chicken. To make the perfect grilled corn on the cob, check out our easy-to-follow recipe below!
Spinach Salad
Gather around the table for a refreshing side dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious, thanks to this amazing spinach salad recipe. Packed with an assortment of vibrant green ingredients and mouth-watering flavors, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any summer meal. The sweetness of honey crisp apples pairs perfectly with the creaminess of avocado and the crunch of red onion, making for a truly unforgettable taste experience. And the best part?
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Understanding that stuffed peppers are stunning in their own right, it’s undeniable that mini sweet peppers offer a delightful alternative. Using these mini sweet peppers, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect batch of mini stuffed peppers, bursting with flavors from goats cheese, parmesan, and jalapenos.
The end result is a deliciously spicy yet cheesy side dish, suitable for serving as either an appetizer or accompanying grilled chicken, with two to three servings providing a satisfying side portion.
Corn Salad
Taking center stage alongside grilled chicken is the refreshing corn salad, a quintessential blend of summer’s finest ingredients. Tailored to beat the heat, this dish combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the crunch of yellow corn, the tanginess of fresh feta cheese, and the pungency of sharp red onion, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken on a warm late summer evening.
Tomato Salad
Delight your taste buds with a classic tomato salad recipe that’s perfect for grilled chicken meals during the summer. Not only does it help use up an abundance of juicy tomatoes that often appear during this season, but it also makes for a refreshing side dish at any summer barbecue or meal. With its vibrant combination of sharp red onion, fragrant fresh basil, and rich balsamic vinegar, this salad is sure to be a hit when the temperatures start to soar.
Honey Roasted Parsnips
While honey roasted carrots are an undeniable crowd-pleaser, they have some close relatives that deserve just as much attention – namely, honey roasted parsnips. These delightful root vegetables offer a sweet and crispy contrast to the juicy texture of grilled chicken, making them an ideal accompaniment to this popular main course.
What’s more, cooking honey roasted parsnips is remarkably straightforward, and they can even be prepared in the same pan as their carrot counterparts – allowing you to enjoy two mouth-watering side dishes in one convenient step! To give this recipe a try, simply refer back to our list for the accompanying recipe on honey roasted carrots.
Potato Salad
Sophisticated barbecues and picnics alike can’t be complete without a side dish that’s synonymous with American cuisine – the humble yet delectable potato salad. Its enduring popularity stems from its harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or any other main course, this versatile side dish is sure to impress.
Follow our simple recipe to whip up the perfect traditional potato salad in no time, perfectly blending creamy, light, filling, and delicious elements.
Zucchini Fritters
Making something truly unique and adventurous in the kitchen is always a great way to mix things up, and zucchini fritters are an excellent choice for just that! This simple recipe requires only five ingredients, making it an ideal option for those looking to whip up a tasty side dish without breaking a sweat.
Best served hot and crispy, these delicious fritters pair perfectly with a dollop of sour cream as a dipping sauce – the bold flavors work wonderfully together, especially when paired with grilled chicken. So, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and give them a try! Not only are they fun to make, but everyone can easily portion out how many fritters they want to enjoy, making it a great option for any gathering or meal. Just remember to make enough to go around!
Curried Cauliflower
Learning how to make vegetables appealing to kids can be a challenge, especially when serving them alongside grilled chicken. Another great option is cauliflower, but like broccoli, it can be tricky to get children to eat their veggies. One solution is to try out this recipe for curried cauliflower, which adds a blend of classic Indian flavors that are both mild and engaging.
Cauliflower on its own can be quite plain, but this recipe helps elevate the dish with the warm, aromatic spices of curry. The result is a flavor combination that not only complements grilled chicken perfectly but also transforms a potentially bland side dish into something truly delicious. This makes it an ideal addition to your next grilled chicken dinner, and kids are likely to devour it without hesitation.
Baked Potatoes
Giving baked potatoes a twist is always a good idea, especially when you want to add some extra moisture and flavor to them. By using cashew sour cream as an alternative to traditional sour cream, you can avoid the dryness that often comes with baked potatoes, even when paired with grilled chicken. The addition of chives and bacon bits takes it up a notch, ensuring your baked potatoes have plenty of flavor on their own without relying on external accompaniments like sauces or seasonings.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to elevate their classic baked potato dish without overpowering the taste of their grilled chicken dinner.
Brussel Sprouts And Croutons
Delving into the world of unconventional vegetable side dishes, this recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts and croutons stands out as a true original. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking a dish that is not only crunchy but also packed with the rich flavors of garlic, cheese, and herbs. If you’re looking to shake up your usual routine and try something new, this recipe is certainly worth considering – its unique combination of ingredients may just surprise you with how well it works!
Go To Recipe
Sweet Potato Salad
Generally, when it comes to adding sweet potatoes to a dish, the possibilities are endless. Grilled chicken dinners are no exception, as you can incorporate them in a multitude of ways, one of which is by making sweet potato fries. However, our top pick for a unique sweet potato recipe has to be this refreshing salad that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with tangy ingredients like baby spinach, red onion, and avocado, all balanced by the subtle sweetness of dried cranberries.
Corn Fritters
Pondering a delicious side dish to serve alongside your grilled chicken dinner? Consider making corn fritters – they’re an excellent way to incorporate sweet corn into your meal. These tasty treats are not only mouth-watering but also offer a fun and unique twist on traditional sides.
