Whats for dinner tonight? More than likely its super easy, extra delicious chicken in some form. Chicken, especially at dinnertime, is a beautiful thing. Its a friend to special occasions and side dishes everywhere. There’s no denying the versatility of chicken and how it saves us on the most time-crunched of weeknights. What’s not so stress-free? The bad reputation chicken has for being. sort of a blank canvas. So let’s not even risk it. It’s easy to keep a meal feeling new and interesting by switching up what you serve with it. Easy recipes like sweet potato gratin and Parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts make this easy. To guarantee our chicken dinners will always be winners, check out our list of 40 extra flavorful sides to pair with our favorite chicken dishes.
Want more side dish inspiration? Our best side dishes will make any weeknight dinner a thousand times better. And don’t forget dessert!.
Chicken breast is a healthy protein that can be cooked in a lot of different ways. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to think of side dishes that go well with chicken breast. Here are 15 side dish ideas that go great with chicken breast to help you make a healthy and tasty chicken dinner.
Vegetables
Vegetables make excellent companions for chicken breast, adding color, flavor, and nutrients
Roasted Vegetables
When you roast vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes, their natural sugars turn into caramel, which brings out their sweet and nutty flavors. The high heat also makes the outside crispy and the inside soft. Roasted veggies pair nicely with simply seasoned chicken breast.
Sauteed or Steamed Vegetables
Snap peas, asparagus, zucchini, spinach, green beans, and snap peas all cook quickly and taste great when sautéed or steamed for a short time. You only need a little olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to make these vegetables taste great as a side dish.
Vegetable Casseroles
Some tasty plant-based sides are casseroles with things like cheesy cauliflower or spinach and artichoke. The mix of textures from the crunchy outside and the creamy inside goes well with chicken.
Grains
Grains provide filling fiber and carbohydrates. From rice to potatoes, here are some grain side dish ideas for chicken.
Rice
Rice is a convenient pantry staple that soaks up any sauce or pan juices from chicken. Plain white rice or flavorful options like cilantro lime rice, curry rice, or coconut rice work beautifully.
Quinoa
This supergrain cooks quickly and boasts more protein than rice or pasta. Toss cooked quinoa with vegetables, nuts, citrus, and herbs for a nutrient-packed side dish.
Potatoes
Buttery mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, zesty ranch potatoes…the possibilities are endless! Potatoes pair seamlessly with chicken.
Salads and Slaws
Fresh, crunchy salads balance chicken’s richness.
Green Salads
A green salad with mixed lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette provides bright, tangy flavors next to chicken. Top with avocados or nuts for a protein boost.
Grain Salads
Whole grains like farro, bulgur, barley, or quinoa provide hearty nutrition and texture in salads. Add herbs, nuts, dried fruit, and a light dressing.
Slaws
Cool, crunchy slaws made with cabbage, carrots, onions, and a zesty dressing offset fried or grilled chicken wonderfully.
Breads
Warm bread rounds out the meal for a satisfying bite.
Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, soft rolls are perfect for soaking up pan sauces or gravy from chicken dishes. Brush rolls with garlic butter or herbs for extra flavor.
Cornbread
The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread goes well with Southern-style fried chicken. Try jalapeno cornbread for a kick.
Garlic Bread
Few things beat warm, garlicky bread alongside chicken. Make it extra indulgent with melty cheese on top.
Creative Pairings
If you want to think outside the box, try these unique sides.
Chicken Soup or Chili
Leftover chicken breast pieces can be repurposed into hearty soups, chilis, or stews to enjoy alongside a fresh chicken breast meal.
Air Fryer Fries
Crispy, crunchy fries are a crowd-pleasing pairing for chicken tenders or nuggets. Air fry rather than deep fry for a healthier option.
Fruit Salad
A fresh, vibrant fruit salad balances lean chicken breast with natural sweetness. The acidity also cuts through rich sauces.
Refried Beans or Hummus
Protein-packed beans and chickpeas blended into dips make savory, satisfying sides for simply prepared chicken.
The possibilities are endless when cooking up sides for chicken breast! Choose recipes based on your menu, taste preferences, and how much time you have. With flavorful vegetables, grains, salads, breads, and creative options, you can round out a delicious and nutritious chicken dinner.
French Onion Cabbage Gratin
Thought vegetables couldn’t be the star of the show? This French onion cabbage gratin is here to blow your mind. Crisp, browned cabbage wedges are smothered in a rich Gruyère sauce full of jammy caramelized onions and topped with buttery breadcrumbs. This side dish is so delicious that you might want to make it the main course. Get the French Onion Cabbage Gratin recipe.
We thought about why we don’t roast carrots more often after reading this recipe. When they roast, their flavor gets stronger and sweeter. Combine that with a lot of umami-rich Parmesan and a little lemon, and you have a dish that you will want to eat over and over again. Try it for yourself—carrots might just become your new favorite go-to side.
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Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish thats perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.
Looking for a new staple fall side? This sweet potato salad will be the answer to your prayers. Filled with the perfect balance of textures and sweet-tangy flavors, this superfood salad has everything we could ever want in a sweet potato dish. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is not only an ideal last-minute side, but makes for great lunch leftovers throughout the week
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If you love creamy risotto, but not the time it takes to make it, this Italian-inspired orzo recipe is for you. It all comes together in one pot, with starch from the miniature pasta helping to thicken the sauce to great effect. The prep here is minimal and cleanup is easy, but the payoff makes this dish totally dinner party-worthy, all year round.
Get the Creamy Tuscan Orzo recipe.
When you’re looking for simple, refreshing, and reliable, you’d be hard pressed to find a dish better than classic Greek salad. Filled with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a simple dressing made of ingredients you might already have in your fridge, this bright salad is one you’ll turn to all spring and summer long.
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The Best Chicken Breast You’ll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101
FAQ
What can I serve with a chicken breast?
Whether you grill, roast, or fry your chicken, these easy sides will make it taste even better. They include tried-and-true favorites like homemade mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus as well as creative new ideas like cheesy zucchini bake and dilled cucumber and tomato salad.
What pairs well with chicken for dinner?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerCrispy Parmesan Potatoes. Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm. Creamy Polenta. Elise Bauer. Stir-Fried Mushrooms with Garlic and Chile Oil. Coconut Lime Rice. Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar. 5-Minute Yamitsuki Cabbage. Garlic Fried Rice. Lyonnaise Potatoes.