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These healthy and easy side dishes for chicken make protein into dinner, from crispy roasted vegetables to creamy pastas and fresh salads. Find the perfect pairing for every season!
When I’m planning dinner, I think of chicken as a blank canvas and the side dishes as the colors that bring the meal to life. The right pairing really can make a basic weeknight dinner into something fabulous!
After recipe testing loads of combinations on my actual family, I’ve created a master list of my best side dishes for chicken! There are colorful roasted and sauteed vegetables, fluffy rice and quinoa, creamy mashed potatoes, savory focaccia bread, and lots of crisp salad recipes. There’s something for just about every season and occasion, from simple baked chicken to fancy chicken paillard!
My top side dishes for chicken
My top side dish for chicken is these simple green beans with butter, garlic, and toasted almonds! Ready in just 15 minutes, it's my go-to when I want to impress. It pairs well with everything from chicken piccata to simple air fryer chicken breast.
This isn't your average salad: it's a flavor explosion with crisp vegetables, tangy homemade Italian dressing, and generous Parmesan shavings. It's the ideal fresh contrast for chicken dishes - I love it with my one pot chicken and rice recipe.
Sauteed broccolini It is one of the fastest, tastiest side dishes for chicken. The tender stalks get a quick sauté with garlic and lemon, creating a side dish that's both simple and sophisticated. This is one of my personal favorites because it looks so beautiful on the plate.
When I need a fluffy side in minutes, this lemony couscous saves the day every time. The tiny pasta pearls soak up flavors well, making them an ideal base for soaking up any pan sauces from your chicken dishes (like this Creamy Lemon Chicken).
These aren't your grandma's mushy Brussels sprouts—I roast them until they're deeply caramelized and crispy, then toss with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. They're great with my easy chicken thighs recipe.
This from-scratch creamed corn brings richness to your dinner table with a creamy texture and sweet corn pops. It's particularly great alongside Tuscan chicken or any herb-roasted chicken.
These 20-minute garlic butter noodles are a great side dish for chicken if you're in the mood for pasta! The silky pasta tossed with fragrant garlic butter creates the ultimate comfort food side.
These crispy-outside, fluffy-inside potato wedges with crunchy Parmesan bits have become legendary in our house. They make even basic baked chicken thighs feel special.
This crisp romaine salad is simple and stunning! It pairs the refreshing lettuce with creamy Green Goddess dressing and crunchy breadcrumbs, a refreshing contrast to any chicken dinner.
Bright, citrusy, and fluffy, this lemon rice adds instant sunshine to any plate. It's an ideal side dish for chicken that feels fancy without much extra effort.
These perfectly sautéed mushrooms bring umami depth to any chicken dish. The key is getting that golden-brown sear and finishing with lemon and fresh herbs.
This stunning dish combines crisp apples with mixed greens, cheese crumbles, and a zingy maple vinaigrette. It's my secret weapon for fall dinners, adding freshness and crunch that complements everything from pan seared chicken breast to sheet pan chicken and veggies.
Caramelized edges make these oven-roasted sweet potatoes irresistible. I season them simply to let their natural sweetness shine, creating a side dish for chicken that's healthy and tastes indulgent.
Here’s how to cook orzo as a simple side dish for chicken! This rice-shaped pasta comes together in minutes, flavored simply with butter and lemon.
Here's our go-to side dish for when we don't know what to make! Simply dress baby arugula with lemon juice and olive oil, then add Parmesan shavings and sliced shallot. It's so delicious and ideal for pairing with chicken!
These honey glazed carrots are crisp-tender and covered in a silky sweet sauce! This easy side dish will wow everyone.
Want a cozy side dish for chicken? These cozy vegetables make a healthy side dish that tastes like it’s been roasting all day!
This simple and vibrant kale salad will become your go-to side dish! Juicy lemon, salty Parmesan, and a touch of garlic cover the tender leaves for a refreshing, flavor-packed bite.
This is the best mashed potatoes recipe, hands down! Here’s how to make creamy, perfectly seasoned potatoes that everyone will love. Also try our favorite Horseradish Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
This skillet cornbread recipe will become your go-to! Bake it up in an oven-safe or cast iron skillet and prepare to be amazed.
This endive salad recipe is a mix of refreshing, tangy and sweet! Combine this bitter green with orange, Parmesan and red wine vinaigrette to make an elegant side to pair with just about anything.
Cornmeal, water and butter make a polenta that’s creamy, thick, and savory. Top this creamy polenta recipe with roasted veggies, shrimp or ragout.
This pesto tortellini recipe makes a quick weeknight meal or side dish! Drape the tender pasta in this creamy, herby sauce.
This frisee salad is refreshing and sophisticated, ideal for pairing with chicken. This frilly leafy green is accentuated with orange, almonds and a zingy vinaigrette.
Roasted broccoli and cauliflower is an irresistibly easy side dish! Here’s how to roast the two vegetables to perfection. Or, make them separately as Roasted Broccoli or Roasted Cauliflower.
There’s something about the wedge salad that satisfies every time! This cabbage wedge with creamy dressing is an ideal side dish for chicken.
Focaccia bread is a tasty side dish that works with almost any meal! It’s tall and fluffy, crispy on the outside with pillowy air pockets on the inside.
Quite possibly the easiest side dish for chicken? Peas with lemon, ready in just 5 minutes! Cooking frozen peas with garlic and lemon makes an easy side dish everyone will love.
Farro is a whole grain that can be used as an alternative to rice, barley or other grains. There’s nothing better than tossing this grain with butter, garlic and fresh herbs as a simple side dish!
Whip up a pot of this flavorful pinto beans recipe, simmered with aromatic veggies and smoky spices. It’s perfect as a satisfying side dish for chicken.
This versatile quinoa salad recipe pairs crunchy veggies with a zingy dressing! It’s ideal as a side dish, and leftovers work for lunches, picnics, and more.
Here’s how to make the best sauteed vegetables: colorful, flavor-packed and crisp tender! They comes together quickly for an healthy side.
Looking for a sophisticated side dish? This shaved fennel salad is light and refreshing, pairing the raw vegetable with apple, lemon, and Parmesan cheese.
The delicate noodles of angel hair pasta pair with light sauces and fresh flavors! Here’s how to flavor this pasta as an easy side dish.
Have you tried smashed Brussels sprouts? This recipe is truly special: they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
This colorful couscous salad recipe tastes irresistibly fresh with herbs, garlic, and lemon! It makes a colorful side dish for chicken.
Here’s the very best sauteed spinach recipe, guaranteed to make eating your greens taste amazing! Even better, it takes just 10 minutes to whip up.
This crisp butter lettuce salad is simple and fresh! Dress this delicate lettuce with Parmesan dressing, chives and breadcrumbs.
Haricot verts, aka French green beans, are thin and deliciously tender sautéed with herbs and lemon. A fast and easy side dish!
Here’s how to season quinoa so it tastes irresistible! Add herbs and garlic for a fluffy, irresistible side dish.
This chewy, herb crusted French version of focaccia bread is a fun side for chicken! Make it when you're looking to impress, like for a dinner party.
This roasted fingerling potatoes recipe makes a stellar side dish for chicken! The spuds come out crispy on the outside and buttery tender on the inside.
This tangy apple slaw recipe pairs cabbage with carrots, apples, and a creamy poppyseed dressing. The perfect fresh, easy side dish!
This wild rice salad recipe is simple and bursting with flavor, with crunchy veggies, pecans, cranberries, a zingy dressing, and feta cheese!
Sauteed kale is the best way to eat this healthy leafy green! Scented with garlic and cooked in olive oil until tender, you’ll want to eat it every day.
This green bean salad recipe is packed with flavor, starring tomatoes, feta and a zingy dressing. Ideal as a side or for summer potlucks!
Make your broccoli taste amazing in just 10 minutes! This easy sauteed broccoli highlights its fresh flavor and comes out perfectly crisp tender. See also: Boiled Broccoli and Steamed Broccoli in the Microwave.
What's a better side dish for chicken than a great Caesar salad? This stunner has the perfect balance of creamy homemade dressing, crunchy croutons, and crisp lettuce.
Here’s how to make the best sauteed cabbage! Tender and flavored with garlic and lemon, it’s the perfect easy side dish to accent any meal.
When it's the season, delicata squash to the rescue! This easy roasted delicata squash comes out sweet and tender every time.
Last up in our side dishes for chicken, this go-to lentil salad! It's everyone’s favorite side dish, bursting with flavor and texture contrasts.
Meal prep and make-ahead tips
One thing I’ve learned from juggling family dinners with a busy schedule is that many of these sides actually improve with time. The quinoa salad, lentil salad, and couscous salad can be made 1 to 2 days ahead (and are great for lunches!).
For parties, I prep vegetables for roasting earlier in the day, tossing them with oil and seasonings right on the sheet pan, then covering with foil until ready to roast.
My favorite trick? Double whatever grain or pasta side you’re making and transform the leftovers into tomorrow’s lunch by adding leftover chicken and fresh veggies.
Special dietary considerations
Gluten-free options
Nearly half of these sides are naturally gluten-free, including my vegetables, rice dishes, quinoa dishes, and most salads.
For pasta lovers following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the noodles, couscous, or orzo for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Remember that
Vegetarian and vegan friendly
Most of these sides are already vegetarian, and many can easily become vegan with simple swaps. Replace butter with olive oil in the sautéed vegetables, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan in salads, and use plant-based butter for the garlic noodles.
Low-carb
For those watching carbohydrates, focus on my vegetable-forward sides like sautéed spinach, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sauteed green beans, as well as all the fresh salad recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Roasted vegetables or grilled vegetables are a classic choice. Try asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or a mix of your favorites.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always refreshing.
Quinoa or brown rice are nutritious grain options that pair well with chicken.
Roasted sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes or sweet potato fries make a flavorful side.
Fruit salsas, like mango salsa or pineapple salsa, add a sweet and tangy twist.
Polenta or grits offer a creamy, comforting side dish.
Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and herbs provide an umami-rich option.
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are a delicious and sophisticated choice.
Macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
Baked French fries offer a fun and crispy option.
Corn on the cob is a summer favorite.
Fruit salad provides a healthy and refreshing side.
My favorite chicken recipes
What chicken recipe are you planning to cook up? Here are some of my top chicken dinner ideas:
Let us know if you have any questions!