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Theres no shortage of chicken dinner recipes around here! After all, some of Ree Drummonds favorite family meals include her chicken spaghetti and chicken quesadillas. Besides that, chicken can be cooked in a lot of different ways, like on a grill, in the oven, or even indoors. But a good chicken dinner is more than just the wings, thighs, or breasts alone. Its also about the side dishes for chicken that help to make the meal complete. And boy are there are ton of options!.
Here, youll find the perfect sides to pair with chicken. Try one of our vegetable side dishes that include roasted carrots, asparagus, or potatoes in every form. Make comforting casserole recipes like the yellow squash casserole or try the sweet potato wedges for a healthy chicken dinner. And speaking of healthy sides, there are tons of salad ideas and crowd-pleasing dishes that are both quick and easy to prepare during the week. You cant go wrong with a fluffy bowl of rice or a simple tray of oven roasted broccoli. And if you love our white chicken chili, pair it with a few of Rees delicious pepper-parmesan biscuits for dipping.
Dont underestimate the wow factor of a fabulous side dish for chicken. What better way to show off your culinary chops than a perfectly balanced meal?.
Cooking potatoes on the grill? Yes, you can. This method makes the baby spuds tender on the inside and lightly charred on the outside. Plus, its brushed with garlic butter for the ultimate flavor.
You only need 15 minutes to make this quick and easy side! The tender asparagus are shiny and flavorful thanks to the combination of butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon.
The three types of corn in this dish are fresh kernels, creamed corn, and corn muffin mix. It’s as light as a cloud. Youll love the addition of jalapeños to bring a sweet and spicy flavor.
There are lots of fun things to add to this colorful salad, like toasted nuts, sweet pomegranate seeds, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs. You can make it ahead for an even easier weeknight dinner.
Whats better than creamed spinach? Creamed spinach in casserole form. Its easy to prep and it has that crispy fried onion and panko breadcrumb topping.
Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile staple that can be prepared in endless ways Their rich, savory flavor and tender texture make them a favorite for many home cooks However, choosing the right side dishes to serve alongside chicken thighs is key to creating a mouthwatering meal. The sides should ideally complement and enhance the flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
Many chicken thigh dishes later, I’ve found some amazing sides that not only taste great with chicken thighs but also look great with them. Here are 15 of my favorite sides that go well with juicy, tender chicken thighs. Good luck!
1. Mashed Potatoes
Chicken thighs always taste great with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. The mild flavor and creamy texture of the potatoes go well with the richness of the chicken thighs. To make the potatoes look fancier, add chives, roasted garlic, or shredded cheese. You could also have baked potatoes with sour cream and melted butter.
2. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash adds freshness, color, and sweetness to complement chicken thighs. Roasting caramelizes the vegetables, intensifying their natural sweetness. They add a satisfying crunch and plenty of fiber.
3. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf or risotto, infused with flavors like saffron or lemon makes a fabulous pairing with chicken thighs. The pleasant aroma and fluffy texture of rice pilaf soaks up the delicious juices from the chicken. Mushroom risotto also complements chicken thighs wonderfully.
4. Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing pasta salad with veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives adds a bright, tangy crunch next to juicy chicken thighs. The pasta absorbs any sauces or marinades used for the chicken, lending even more flavor.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes caramelize and turn deliciously sweet when paired with chicken thighs. Their natural sugars nicely balance the savory flavors of the chicken. Roasted sweet potato wedges or baked sweet potatoes work perfectly.
6. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a quintessential accompaniment for chicken. The garlic and herb flavors marry wonderfully with chicken thighs. For a hearty taste, serve cheesy garlic bread or sliced baguette brushed with garlic butter.
7. Coleslaw
The creamy, sour coleslaw adds crunch and acidity to the rich chicken thighs. It’s also nice that the cool, crisp cabbage goes well with the hot chicken. You can make coleslaw easily at home or buy it already made at the deli of your grocery store.
8. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are great for sopping up any juices from chicken thighs. You can’t go wrong with classics like buttery Parker House rolls, sweet Hawaiian rolls, or rustic Italian bread. Serve them on the side with soft butter.
9. Grilled Corn on the Cob
In summer, chargrilled corn on the cob slathered with butter makes an awesome side for grilled or baked chicken thighs. The corn’s slight smoky char and natural sweetness pair perfectly with savory chicken.
10. Mac and Cheese
Comforting, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a foolproof pairing with chicken thighs. The creaminess of the mac and cheese balances the chicken’s richness. Try fun add-ins like bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
11. Green Beans
Quick sautéed green beans with olive oil, garlic, and herbs offer freshness and crunch next to chicken thighs. Green beans also absorb any sauce from the chicken. Roast them for deeper flavor.
12. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad with hard boiled eggs, celery, onion, and tons of flavorful mayo makes an easy, tasty side for chicken thighs. The creaminess contrasts the chicken while the potatoes soak up extra sauce and juices.
13. Dinner Salad
A fresh dinner salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing adds brightness and acidity to balance chicken’s richness. Top with avocados, nuts, or baked croutons for extra texture.
14. Cornbread
Warm, buttery cornbread is a classic Southern side for chicken. Cornbread’s hint of natural sweetness pairs well with savory chicken thighs. Bake up a skillet of cast iron cornbread studded with corn kernels.
15. Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans lend bold flavor next to chicken thighs. Opt for homemade baked beans cooked low and slow with bacon, onion, brown sugar, and spices. Or heat up a couple cans of Bush’s beans for an effortless side.
Chicken thighs deserve flavorful, complementary side dishes that enhance their succulent flavor. Next time you cook up chicken thighs, try pairing them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, pasta salad, or any of these 15 delicious sides for a mouthwatering meal. With the right sides, chicken thighs shine even brighter.
Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole with Candied Bacon
Brown sugar and crispy bacon take this must-have side to the next level. Its a little crunchy, a little tender, and a lot of flavor.
Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
If you want a sweet and savory side, look no further than these honey-glazed root veggies. Thyme makes this summery side burst with flavor.
Ah, this delightful veggie-packed side: It has colorful broccoli and cauliflower and is packed with Monterey Jack cheese, butter, breadcrumbs, and plenty of seasoning.
These biscuits soak up chicken soup broth for delicious peppery, cheesy bights. Serve them on a platter or atop the bowls of soup, theyll be gone in minutes.
Squash is a mild enough flavor to pair nicely with chicken. This squash casserole is a creamy delight, but its the buttery cracker topping that makes it memorable.
Get the Yellow Squash Casserole recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Pack a few chicken salad sandwiches and bring along this three beans salad as a perfect picnic side. Even though the recipe calls for green beans, kidney beans, and white beans, you can change any of the other ingredients to suit your tastes.
The best southern smothered chicken
FAQ
What pairs well with chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs pair well with a wide variety of sides, offering a versatile base for many cuisines. Popular choices include roasted vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, as well as rice, quinoa, or pasta dishes like orzo. Salads, particularly those with a light vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw, also complement the richness of the chicken.
What is nice with chicken thighs?
We highly recommend serving the skillet chicken thighs with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all of that delicious sauce. You can serve a simple kale salad or easy green salad on the side. This one-skillet chicken meal is the BEST! Make it for dinner tonight.
What are the best sides to serve with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerRoasted Fennel. Butternut Squash Risotto. Crash Hot Potatoes. Easy Sautéed Mushrooms. Twice Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes. Easy Spanish Rice. Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant With Ginger and Miso. Perfect Mashed Potatoes.
What side dishes go with grilled chicken thighs?
32 Side Dishes To Serve With Grilled Chicken01 of 32. Heirloom Tomato Salad. 02 of 32. Watermelon Feta Salad. 03 of 32. Grilled Corn Ribs. 04 of 32. Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad. 05 of 32. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. 06 of 32. Cucumber-Tomato-Avocado Salad. 07 of 32. Three Pickle Potato Salad. 08 of 32. Spicy Pineapple Slaw.