Fried chicken is a beloved dish that calls for tasty sides to round out the meal. The right sides can take your fried chicken dinner from good to great.
They add balance, flavor, and variety to the plate.
You’ll find many options for side dishes that pair well with fried chicken.
From classic Southern favorites to lighter veggie-based choices, there’s something for every taste.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or having a family dinner, these sides will help create a satisfying meal.
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for fried chicken. They offer a creamy, smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken.
To make great mashed potatoes, use starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold.
Boil them until tender, then mash with butter and milk or cream.
Season your mashed potatoes well with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, try adding garlic, herbs, or cheese.
Serve a generous scoop of mashed potatoes alongside your fried chicken. The potatoes soak up the chicken’s flavors and help balance out the meal.
2. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. It adds a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, crunchy chicken.
You can make coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. The tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
For a twist, try adding some apple or pineapple to your coleslaw. This adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory chicken nicely.
You can prepare coleslaw ahead of time, making it a convenient option for picnics or large gatherings. It’s also easy to customize to suit your tastes.
3. Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are a classic side dish for fried chicken. They’re soft, flaky, and provide a nice contrast to the crispy chicken.
You can make buttermilk biscuits at home with just a few ingredients. All you need is flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and buttermilk.
These biscuits are best served warm, right out of the oven. You can split them open and add a pat of butter for extra richness.
Buttermilk biscuits are great for soaking up gravy or chicken juices on your plate. They also work well for making mini chicken sandwiches with leftover fried chicken.
4. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. It’s easy to make and adds a sweet, crumbly contrast to the savory crunch of the chicken.
You can serve cornbread warm or at room temperature. For extra flavor, try adding cheese, jalapeños, or corn kernels to the batter before baking.
To keep things simple, you can use a boxed mix. Or make it from scratch with cornmeal, flour, and a few other basic ingredients. Either way, you’ll have a tasty accompaniment to your fried chicken meal.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. The creamy, cheesy pasta complements the crispy, savory chicken.
You can make mac and cheese from scratch or use a boxed mix for convenience. For homemade versions, choose cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda for rich flavor.
Add some breadcrumbs on top and bake it for a crunchy crust. For extra indulgence, mix in some crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños.
Serve your mac and cheese hot alongside your fried chicken for a comforting, satisfying meal. Kids and adults alike will love this tasty combo.
6. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a tasty side dish that goes great with fried chicken. You can make it easily at home.
Start by blanching fresh green beans in boiling water. This keeps them crisp and bright green. Drain and pat them dry.
In a pan, toast sliced almonds until golden brown. Set them aside. Sauté the beans in butter with minced garlic.
Add the toasted almonds back to the pan. Toss everything together. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top for extra flavor.
This side dish adds a nice crunch and freshness to your fried chicken meal. The almonds give it a nutty taste that balances the savory chicken well.
7. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a tasty side dish for fried chicken. They bring a sweet and savory flavor to your meal. You can make them at home or buy them ready-made.
Homemade baked beans often include molasses, bacon, and spices. These ingredients give the beans a rich taste. You can cook them in a slow cooker for easy preparation.
Baked beans pair well with fried chicken because of their contrasting textures. The soft beans complement the crispy chicken. Their sweetness also balances out the salty flavor of the chicken.
8. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty alternative to regular fries. They pair well with fried chicken, offering a nice balance of flavors.
You can make them at home by cutting sweet potatoes into thin strips. Toss them with a bit of oil and your favorite spices.
Bake them in the oven for a healthier option. They’ll come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serve your sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce. Ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo work great. The sweet and savory combo will make your meal even more enjoyable.
9. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that goes great with fried chicken. It’s simple to make and adds a sweet, crunchy element to your meal.
You can grill corn on the cob for a smoky flavor. Brush it with butter and sprinkle on some salt for a tasty treat.
For an easy option, you can boil the corn. Cook it for about 5 minutes until tender. Add butter and seasonings to taste.
Corn on the cob brings a fresh, summery feel to your fried chicken dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy.
10. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. You can make it ahead of time, which saves you work on the day you serve your meal.
This creamy and tangy salad offers a cool contrast to hot, crispy chicken. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins like chopped celery, onions, or herbs.
For the best texture, use waxy potatoes that hold their shape when cooked. Red or yellow potatoes work well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces before boiling.
Mix the cooled potatoes with mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar, salt, and pepper. Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
11. Fried Okra
Fried okra is a classic Southern side dish that goes great with fried chicken. Its crispy texture and slightly earthy flavor complement the chicken perfectly.
To make fried okra, slice fresh okra into rounds, coat them in cornmeal, and fry until golden brown. The result is a crunchy, savory treat.
You can serve fried okra as a standalone side or use it as a topping for salads. It adds a nice crunch and Southern flair to your meal.
For extra flavor, try sprinkling your fried okra with salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning right after frying. This simple side dish is sure to be a hit at your next fried chicken dinner.
12. Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are a tasty Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. These small, deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter offer a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken.
The crispy exterior and soft interior of hush puppies complement the texture of fried chicken. Their slightly sweet flavor balances out the savory notes of the main dish.
You can serve hush puppies alongside your fried chicken for a classic Southern meal. They’re easy to make and add a fun, finger-food element to your plate. Try dipping them in honey or a spicy sauce for extra flavor.
13. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a tasty side dish for fried chicken. It adds a smooth, rich flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
You can make creamed spinach easily at home. Start by cooking fresh spinach until wilted. Then mix it with a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
This veggie side brings color and nutrients to your plate. The soft texture contrasts nicely with crunchy fried chicken. For extra flavor, try adding some garlic or nutmeg to your creamed spinach recipe.
Creamed spinach works well for both casual and fancy meals. You can serve it hot or at room temperature alongside your chicken.
14. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon make a tasty side for fried chicken. The sprouts get crispy and golden when roasted or pan-fried.
Bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts. The fat from the bacon also helps crisp up the sprouts.
To make this dish, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove it and cook halved Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat until browned. Add minced garlic for extra flavor.
Toss the crispy bacon back in with the sprouts before serving. The combination of textures and flavors complements fried chicken nicely.
15. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. It’s light, crisp, and helps balance the richness of the main course.
To make a simple cucumber salad, slice cucumbers thinly and mix them with red onion and dill. Add a tangy dressing of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
You can customize your salad by adding tomatoes, bell peppers, or feta cheese. For extra crunch, try using English cucumbers or adding some sliced radishes.
This cool and crunchy side dish is easy to prepare ahead of time. It’s a great choice for summer picnics or backyard barbecues with fried chicken.
16. Ranch Potato Wedges
Ranch potato wedges are a tasty side dish for fried chicken. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. The ranch seasoning adds a zesty flavor that complements the chicken well.
To make them, cut potatoes into wedges and toss with oil and ranch seasoning mix. Bake until golden and crispy. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
Serve these wedges hot alongside your fried chicken. They’re great for dipping in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or extra ranch dressing. Kids and adults alike enjoy this fun, finger-food side dish.
17. Southern Succotash
Southern succotash is a colorful mix of vegetables that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. This classic side dish usually contains corn and lima beans as its main ingredients.
You can add other veggies like tomatoes, okra, or zucchini to make it your own. Some versions even include bacon for extra flavor.
Succotash is easy to make ahead of time. The flavors blend together as it sits, making it ideal for picnics or barbecues. Its freshness balances out the richness of fried chicken.
Try this tasty Southern side to round out your next chicken dinner. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your plate.
The Importance of Side Dishes
Side dishes play a crucial role in making a fried chicken meal complete. They add variety and balance to your plate.
Enhancing the Dining Experience
Side dishes make your fried chicken meal more exciting. They give you different tastes and textures to enjoy. You can mix and match flavors with each bite.
A good side dish can make the meal feel more special. It turns a simple fried chicken dinner into a feast. You’ll look forward to trying all the different foods on your plate.
Side dishes also help fill you up. Fried chicken alone might not be enough for a full meal. With sides, you get a more satisfying and well-rounded dinner.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
Side dishes balance out the rich, crispy taste of fried chicken. Light, fresh salads can cut through the heaviness. Tangy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the salty chicken.
You can also match textures for a fun eating experience. Creamy mashed potatoes go well with crunchy chicken. Crisp vegetable sticks give you even more crunch to enjoy.
Some sides bring extra flavors to the meal. Spicy corn on the cob or herb-roasted potatoes add new taste dimensions. This variety keeps the meal interesting from start to finish.
Popular Ingredients
Fried chicken sides often feature classic Southern flavors and innovative twists. Key ingredients range from staple vegetables to unique seasonings that complement the crispy, savory chicken.
Classic Southern Elements
Corn is a staple in many fried chicken side dishes. You’ll find it in creamy corn puddings, tangy corn relishes, and savory corn fritters.
Green beans are another common veggie, often cooked with bacon for extra flavor.
Potatoes show up in many forms. Mashed potatoes, potato salad, and crispy fries are all popular choices.
For a healthier option, sweet potatoes make tasty fries or mashed sides.
Buttermilk is key in many Southern sides. It adds tang to coleslaw dressings and helps tenderize biscuits.
Speaking of biscuits, they’re a must-have with fried chicken. Fluffy and buttery, they soak up chicken juices perfectly.
Innovative Flavor Additions
Newer fried chicken sides often play with bold flavors.
Garlic and herbs like rosemary or thyme add depth to roasted veggies.
Lemon zest brightens up salads and slaws.
Spices like paprika, cayenne, and black pepper bring heat to dishes.
They work well in mac and cheese or sprinkled on fries.
Honey is great for balance, adding sweetness to spicy or tangy sides.
Some cooks use unexpected veggies.
Roasted Brussels sprouts or grilled zucchini offer lighter options.
Pickled veggies like okra or onions provide a tart contrast to rich chicken.
Cheese isn’t just for mac and cheese.
Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan can elevate simple salads or roasted veggies.