What to Eat With Chicken Soup: 20 Delicious Side Dishes and Pairings

Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. A warm bowl of chicken noodle soup just seems to make everything better. Whether you’re feeling under the weather craving something hearty on a cold day or just want a cozy and delicious meal, chicken soup really hits the spot.

But a bowl of soup on its own doesn’t always make for a well-rounded meal That’s why it’s important to think about what to serve alongside your chicken soup The right side dishes and pairings can take your soup from a snack to a satisfying dinner.

This article will talk about 20 tasty things you can eat with chicken soup. These sides, from crunchy garlic bread to fresh green salads, will make your next bowl of soup taste like a meal.

Crunchy, Savory Sides

Side dishes that provide some crunch or a savory flavor boost pair wonderfully with creamy, brothy chicken soup. Here are some tasty crunchy side options:

• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a perfect match for chicken soup. The crunch of the toasted bread combined with the warm, aromatic flavors of the garlic take your soup to the next level. Homemade garlic bread is simple to whip up.

• Cornbread: Warm cornbread straight out of the oven makes an exceptional pairing with chicken soup. The slightly sweet flavor complements the soup beautifully. Jalapeño or cheddar cornbread can add even more flavor. Drizzle your cornbread with honey or maple syrup for an extra touch.

• Crackers: Crunchy crackers like saltine crackers, oyster crackers, or even Cheez-Its go well with chicken soup. They also conveniently soak up some of the broth.

• Croutons: Homemade croutons are delicious on top of chicken soup. Toast small pieces of bread with olive oil, garlic, and spices until they are crispy. The texture they add to your soup is so satisfying.

• Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw pairs surprisingly well with creamy chicken soup. While the broth is rich, the cabbage and carrots add a crisp crunch that cuts through it. You can make your coleslaw taste even better by adding apples or cranberries.

Hearty Breads

Warm, hearty breads like biscuits, rolls, and sandwiches all complement chicken soup wonderfully. Some great bread side options include:

• Biscuits: Fluffy, hot biscuits are pretty much heaven alongside a bowl of chicken soup. Buttermilk biscuits or cheese biscuits both hit the spot. Dip them right into your soup broth.

• Baked Sandwiches: Sandwiches that are baked until toasty warm, like ham and cheese or turkey and swiss, pair excellently with soup for dipping.

• Pretzel Rolls: Soft baked pretzel rolls offer the perfect chewy yet fluffy texture to enjoy with chicken soup.

• Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich with oozing cheese is comfort food at its finest. Pair it with tomato soup for a dynamic duo.

• Garlic Bread: In addition to its crunch factor, warm garlic bread offers a wonderfully hearty texture to enjoy with chicken soup.

Fresh, Crisp Salads

The freshness of salads balances nicely with the comforting warmth of chicken noodle soup. Bright, crisp salads make the meal feel lighter. Consider these salad sides:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing gives your soup a fresh touch.

• Caesar Salad: Creamy Caesar dressing pairs perfectly with creamy chicken soup. Toasted croutons on the salad provide a nice crunch.

• Spinach Salad: Nutrient-packed spinach salads with cranberries, feta, or apples offer a sweet and slightly tangy partner for your soup.

• Cucumber Salad: Quick pickled cucumbers add a refreshing bite to contrast chicken soup’s richness.

• Coleslaw: In addition to its crunchy qualities, the tanginess of coleslaw cuts through and complements the soup’s savory flavors.

Satisfying Starch Sides

Some starchy sides like potatoes, rice, and pasta salads lend even more comforting flavors and textures to chicken soup meals. Give these a try:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are so hearty alongside chicken noodle soup. Top them simply with butter, or go all out with cheese, bacon, and chives.

• Baked Potatoes: Baked russet or sweet potatoes make an incredibly filling addition to chicken soup. Load them up with all your favorite toppings.

• Pasta Salad: Chilled pasta salads with veggies, cheese, and Italian dressing taste amazing next to hot bowls of soup. Rotini or bowtie pasta holds dressing nicely.

• Quinoa Salad: Protein-packed quinoa mixed with fresh vegetables, herbs, nuts or seeds makes for a tasty and nutritious soup accompaniment.

• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides comfort and soaks up soup broth nicely. Infuse it with garlic, vegetables, or spices for extra dimension.

Choose Your own Adventure

The possibilities for sides to serve with chicken soup are truly endless. Get creative with these additional options:

• Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

• Cheesy options like mac and cheese or baked Brie

• Meaty proteins like chicken tenders or sausage links

• Dips and spreads like hummus, baba ghanoush, guacamole

• Something sweet like dinner rolls, fruit salad, or apple pie

The most important tip is to choose sides that complement the flavors and textures of the soup. Crunchy, creamy, fresh, and hearty are all great qualities to look for.

With this wide variety of side dish and pairing ideas, you’re sure to find the perfect match to create a mouthwatering chicken soup meal. From crispy crackers to fresh spinach salad to warm, buttery biscuits, the options are limitless.

So next time you’re whipping up a pot of comforting chicken noodle soup, don’t forget about the sides. Elevate your soup with garlic bread, cornbread, or a grilled cheese sandwich. Your tastebuds will thank you.