Serving shish kabobs for dinner? These are the best side dishes for the perfect summer meal.
Chicken kebabs are a classic grilled dish that are perfect for warm weather meals. The juicy, flavorful chicken paired with crisp vegetables on a skewer offers a tasty and fun way to enjoy dinner. But what sides go best with chicken kebabs to make it a complete meal? Here are 25 delicious ideas for side dishes that perfectly complement chicken kebabs
Salads for Chicken Kebabs
Grilled chicken kebabs go well with salads because they are light and fresh. The cool, crunchy textures go well with the hot, juicy kebabs.
Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese is a fantastic choice. The bright, Mediterranean flavors of this vegetable-packed salad balance out the savory chicken kebabs.
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomato, and lemon It’s a great complement to chicken kebabs, offering herbaceous flavors and crunch. The lemon dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken
Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula with cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette makes a delightful salad pairing. The peppery greens stand up well to the grilled chicken skewers.
Watermelon Feta Salad
There is a unique sweet and savory salad made with watermelon, feta cheese, and fresh mint. It is a lighter option that goes well with chicken kebabs without making them taste too strong.
Dips and Spreads for Chicken Kebabs
Cool, creamy spreads and dips are also great with chicken kebabs because they add flavor and moisture.
Tzatziki
This classic yogurt and cucumber dip goes well with grilled chicken because it is creamy and cool. Its tangy flavor complements the kebabs beautifully. Serve tzatziki with fresh veggies or pita chips.
Hummus
The creamy chickpea goodness of hummus is a perfect match for chicken kebabs. It adds protein and keeps things moist. Roasted red pepper hummus adds even more flavor.
Baba Ghanoush
Smoky eggplant dip provides a delicious pairing, with its rich flavors and velvety texture playing off the chicken nicely. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with pita.
Guacamole
Fresh, homemade guacamole with lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño is an easyupgrade over chips and salsa. The cool, creamy avocado dip balances the chicken skewers.
Grains and Starches for Chicken Kebabs
Hearty grains and starches make satisfying sides for chicken kebabs, soaking up any delicious juices and rounding out the meal.
Couscous
Fluffy couscous tossed with lemon, herbs, and olive oil makes a quick and tasty side dish for chicken kebabs. Pine nuts or chopped almonds add extra crunch and flavor.
Rice Pilaf
Aromatic rice pilaf infused with spices and veggies like peas makes the perfect bed for chicken kebabs. The nutty grains soak up juices from the chicken.
Quinoa
Protein-packed quinoa tossed with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil complements kebabs. Toasted nuts or dried fruit add sweetness and crunch.
Pita or Naan
Warm pita bread or naan are great for making wraps with the kebab ingredients or just dipping in any juices on the plate. The soft bread soaks up flavors.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil are an easy, delicious side. They add a tasty starch and texture contrast to chicken kebabs.
Grilled Veggies for Chicken Kebabs
Grilling vegetables along with the chicken skewers adds color and nutrients. Charred veggies pair perfectly with kebabs hot off the grill.
Grilled Corn
Sweet corn on the cob slathered in butter and charred on the grill is a classic. The natural sweetness balances the savory chicken kebabs.
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini planks or spears make an easy veggie side. Toss them in Italian dressing beforehand for extra flavor.
Grilled Eggplant
Meaty eggplant slices grilled until tender have a lovely smoky flavor. They make a more unique veggie pairing for chicken kebabs.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Hearty portobello mushroom caps brushed with olive oil and balsamic are delicious after grilling. Their earthy flavor complements the chicken.
Grilled Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers charred on the grill turn soft and smoky. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper beforehand.
Simple Sides for Chicken Kebabs
If you want something unfussy to serve alongside chicken kebabs, these no-fuss options get the job done deliciously.
Garlic Bread
Chewy garlic bread mopping up any juices on the plate is an easy, tasty addition. Brush bread slices with garlic butter before grilling.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for serving kebabs on or sopping up extra sauce. Butter or olive oil for dipping adds flavor.
Coleslaw
Creamy cabbage coleslaw offers crunch and tanginess to balance out the kebabs. Jazz it up with fruits, nuts, or different dressings.
Fries
Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries make it feel a bit like you’re eating chicken kebabs from a fun restaurant or fair.
Chips and Dip
Crunchy tortilla chips with salsa or another dip provide textural contrast and help cut any richness.
Desserts for Chicken Kebabs
End your kebab dinner on a sweet note with one of these delicious desserts that complement the savory main dish.
Baklava
Flaky, honey-soaked baklava is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that pairs wonderfully with chicken kebabs. The nutty sweetness is a great finish.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh berries, sliced peaches, pineapple, or melon are refreshing options after the heaviness of chicken kebabs. The natural sugars make a pleasant dessert.
Ice Cream
A scoop of ice cream (maybe coconut or mango sorbet) on top of a warm brownie makes an easy sweet treat after kebabs.
Chocolate Mousse
Light and airy chocolate mousse is both decadent and refreshing. It’s a satisfying dessert but won’t overshadow the chicken skewers.
Rice Pudding
Creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and raisins provides a comforting, not-too-heavy dessert option to satisfy cravings after dinner.
Chicken kebabs have such great flavor on their own that they don’t require complicated sides. These 25 options, from fresh salads and dips to simple starches and grilled veggies, all make excellent additions to complete your chicken kebab dinner. With a variety of flavors and textures, you’re sure to find the perfect match!
How to make kabobs
Cut your choice of meat into 1-inch cubes and season them with your favorite rub, marinade or spices.
Allow the kabob meat to absorb the seasoning in the fridge for at least a half hour.
The more time the better the flavor.
Next, thread onto metal skewers.
Alternatively, soak wooden skewers in water for about a half hour so the bamboo skewers don’t burn on the grill.
You can thread just the meat or interchangeably with your favorite fresh vegetables or fruit.
You can add things like zucchini and squash, grape tomatoes, bell peppers and onions, mushrooms, and even mini potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Fresh fruit is also delicious on the grill. Stone fruits like peaches and nectarines caramelize deliciously.
Also try watermelon, strawberries, pineapple and bananas. The possibilities are endless.
The grill is your friend this summer.
It’s the best way to keep the heat out of the kitchen and an excellent excuse to spend time outdoors.
Once you choose your choice of grilled meat, choose a kabob side that complements the main dish.
Make one of these delicious kabob sides for dinner. There is a simple side dish for everyone.
What meats make up your kabob recipe favorites
For any kind of shish kebab we want, I like to use lean top sirloin, fresh shrimp, or chicken breasts that have been marinated.
My steak kabobs are a delicious option if you want grilled meat.
My grilled chicken kebabs are infused with soy sauce, garlic and honey. It’s the best marinade for all kinds of meat.
Or try my basil pesto chicken kebabs.
My Hawaiian shrimp kebabs and spicy grilled shrimp skewers are a great option. If shrimp isn’t your thing simply swap out the shrimp for Hawaiian chicken kabobs.
Other grilled meats include pork tenderloin, lamb and ground beef as well as meaty fish like salmon or swordfish.
Kebabs are a great way to keep the main course simple.
How to Grill Kabobs | Beginner-Friendly Tips & Tricks for Beef, Chicken & Veggie Skewers
FAQ
What goes well with chicken kabobs?
For instance, Greek chicken kebabs would be delicious with a side of Greek lemon potatoes and herby tabbouleh. Or, try placing a couple of shrimp kebabs over the Southwestern salad for a light and heathy family meal. You can even put your favorite beef kebabs on top of an orzo salad or a big bowl of fluffy rice and beans.
What do I serve kebabs with?
When serving shish kebabs, consider including sides like French fries or roast potatoes and salads to help complete a meal. Batata Harra (spicy Lebanese potatoes are a must). Also try my garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes. I’ve also included some salad recipes that will pair well with homemade kebabs.
What is traditionally served with kebabs?
It is typically served as a sandwich rolled in pita bread, or on a plate, with french fries and various salads and sauces such as tzatziki. Later in the 1960s, vendors also began selling dishes in the same style made with souvlaki, which resembles Turkish shish kebab, but is usually made with pork.