When you take a chicken pot pie out of the oven, it’s golden brown. But what do you serve it with?
As someone whos spent years perfecting the art of comfort food pairings, Ive found that the secret lies in the balance – crisp alongside creamy, fresh against rich, light meeting hearty.
From vibrant salads drizzled with honey-citrus vinaigrette to maple-glazed carrots thatll make your mouth water, Im thrilled to share my favorite side dishes thatll turn your chicken pot pie into an unforgettable feast.
Have you ever pulled a golden-brown chicken pot pie out of the oven and thought, “What else should I serve with this?” You’re not alone! I’ve been there too many times, staring at my beautiful pie while drawing a blank on side dishes.
A good chicken pot pie has a flaky crust, a creamy filling, tender chicken, and vegetables. It’s a full meal in one dish. But if you add the right side dishes, this comfort food classic can become a memorable feast that will make your family beg for more.
Today I’m going to talk about my favorite sides that go well with chicken pot pie. It’s all about balance and contrast—putting together different tastes, temperatures, and textures to make the perfect meal.
The Perfect Side Dish Formula for Chicken Pot Pie
Before jumping into specific recipes. Let’s talk about what makes a side dish go with pot pie.
Texture: The Dance of Crisp and Creamy
Your pot pie already brings that heavenly combo of buttery crust and silky filling. What you need are sides that provide contrast:
- Crisp salads with fresh ingredients that “snap” when you bite them
- Roasted vegetables with caramelized edges
- Raw components like fresh cucumber or radishes
Temperature Balance: Hot Meets Cold
A cold side dish can wake up your taste buds while your hot pot pie warms your heart.
- Cool cucumber salads with fresh herbs
- Room-temperature grain salads with dried fruits and nuts
- Chilled pickled vegetables for bright acidity
Creating Lightness: Balancing Rich with Fresh
Since pot pie is definitely on the richer side, consider sides that add brightness:
- Citrus-dressed greens to cut through the richness
- Vinegar-splashed vegetables for acidity
- Fresh herbs to brighten every bite
Now, let’s dive into the actual sides!
Fresh & Crisp Salads That Perfectly Complement Pot Pie
Nothing balances a rich, creamy pot pie like a fresh, crisp salad. Here are some winning combinations:
1. Crisp Apple and Walnut Salad
This salad combines butter lettuce and peppery arugula topped with crisp Honeycrisp apple slices, candied pecans, and tangy goat cheese. A honey-citrus vinaigrette ties it all together – just whisk together fresh orange juice, honey, champagne vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
2. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Simple yet sophisticated, this peppery arugula salad with a bright lemon dressing cuts through the richness of pot pie perfectly. Add some shaved Parmesan for a salty kick.
3. Harvest Pear & Gorgonzola Bowl
Start with baby spinach or mixed greens, then add sliced ripe pears, creamy gorgonzola, maple-glazed walnuts, and dried cranberries. A maple-balsamic vinaigrette brings it all together and makes even salad skeptics reach for seconds.
4. Mediterranean Refresh Salad
When your pot pie is extra rich, this light and bright salad is the answer. Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber half-moons, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and chunks of feta cheese. A red wine vinaigrette with fresh oregano balances your hearty pot pie while keeping the meal feeling light.
5. Winter Citrus & Fennel Plate
Perfect for cozy winter nights, this elegant salad combines butter lettuce with paper-thin fennel slices, juicy orange segments, and toasted pistachios. The fennel and citrus bring a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, savory gravy.
Quick-Roasted Vegetable Sides (15 Minutes or Less!)
These quick-roasted veggies develop amazing flavor in just minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights:
6. Maple-Thyme Glazed Carrots
A quick 12-minute roast transforms everyday carrots into candy-sweet gems with caramelized edges. Toss pre-cut carrots with maple syrup, fresh thyme, and a touch of butter before roasting at 425°F. The high heat creates gorgeous caramelization that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
7. Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These aren’t your grandma’s mushy Brussels sprouts! Halved sprouts get tossed with olive oil, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes before a quick roast. Their caramelized edges offer perfect contrast to your pot pie’s creamy interior.
8. Ginger-Sesame Snap Peas with Mushrooms
Here’s a fresh twist: crisp sugar snap peas and sliced mushrooms flash-roasted with sesame oil and fresh ginger. The snap peas maintain their satisfying crunch while the mushrooms become golden and meaty. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch.
9. Roasted Green Beans with Garlic
Toss fresh green beans with olive oil, sliced garlic, salt and pepper. Roast at 425°F for just 12 minutes and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Simple, yet absolutely delicious!
10. Roasted Asparagus with a Hint of Lemon
This spring favorite pairs beautifully with pot pie. The simple preparation lets the vegetable’s natural flavor shine through, while the lemon adds brightness.
Classic Sides That Never Fail with Chicken Pot Pie
Some side dishes have stood the test of time for good reason:
11. Cloud-Like Buttermilk Biscuits
Imagine breaking open a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit, steam escaping as its pillowy layers separate, revealing a tender, buttery interior just begging to be dragged through your pot pie’s rich gravy. Heaven!
12. Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
I know what you’re thinking – “Isn’t that carb overload?” But trust me, a spoonful of creamy, cloud-like mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs slowly melting into the savory gravy of your pot pie is worth every calorie.
13. Butter-Brushed Dinner Rolls
Nothing compares to tearing into a warm, butter-brushed dinner roll alongside your pot pie. These golden orbs of joy should be light as air inside with a thin, delicately crisp crust. Use them to soak up every last drop of that precious gravy!
14. Homemade Mashed Potatoes
There’s the boxed stuff, but nothing beats freshly made mashed potatoes. They’re creamy, comforting, and the perfect vehicle for sopping up extra pot pie gravy.
No-Cook Gourmet Sides (For When You’re Short on Time)
Want to make your pot pie feel like it came from an upscale bistro? These elegant accompaniments require zero cooking time but deliver maximum impact:
15. Marinated Mediterranean Olive Medley
Create an impressive olive medley by combining Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and Niçoise olives with fresh rosemary sprigs, thinly sliced garlic, orange peel, and a splash of olive oil. The briny, herbaceous notes create a perfect palate-cleansing contrast to your pot pie filling.
16. Artisanal Cheese Board Pairing
Start with a wedge of creamy brie (whose buttery notes echo the pie’s flaky crust), add a sharp aged cheddar (to cut through the richness), and finish with a crumbly blue cheese (for sophisticated contrast). Arrange with fresh fruits and nuts for a board that elevates your pot pie from homey to haute cuisine.
17. Quick-Pickled Vegetable Medley
Bright, crisp, and slightly tangy, quick-pickled vegetables provide the perfect counterpoint to your rich pot pie. Try thinly sliced radishes, cucumber ribbons, carrots, jalapeños, and red onions soaked in a light brine of white wine vinegar and fresh dill.
Seasonal Sides for Every Time of Year
Let the seasons guide your side dish choices for the freshest flavors:
18. Winter: Roasted Root Vegetables
In winter, try pairing your pot pie with roasted root vegetables tossed in maple and thyme. Their caramelized sweetness echoes the pie’s savory notes.
19. Spring: Asparagus with Lemon
Tender asparagus with a hint of lemon brings springtime freshness to your plate.
20. Summer: Tomato and Basil Salad
A bright tomato and basil salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast during summer months.
21. Fall: Butternut Squash with Sage and Brown Butter
Roasted butternut squash with sage and brown butter complements the warm, comforting flavors of autumn.
Perfect Beverage Pairings
Complete your pot pie experience with the perfect drink:
22. Wine Pairings
- Chardonnay: Its buttery notes complement the pie’s creamy filling while its subtle acidity cuts through the richness.
- Pinot Noir: If you prefer red, this light-bodied wine has bright cherry notes and earthy undertones that complement the herbs in your pie.
- Prosecco: For special occasions, those tiny bubbles refresh your palate between bites.
23. Family-Friendly Beverage Options
- Crisp Apple Cider Mocktail: Combine apple cider with ginger beer and a sprig of thyme for a sophisticated non-alcoholic option.
- Ice-Cold Lemon Water with Fresh Mint: Refreshing and simple – the mint adds cooling contrast while the lemon cuts through the pot pie’s richness.
- Herb-Infused Iced Tea: Perfect for warmer months, a glass of herb-infused tea makes the perfect cooling companion.
Quick Yet Impressive Dessert Pairings
After such a hearty main course, you’ll want something sweet but not overwhelming:
24. Honey-Drizzled Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream
Try this crowd-pleaser: warm, honey-drizzled pears with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon. The contrast between warm and cold provides the perfect ending to your meal.
25. Berries and Whipped Cream
For something even simpler yet equally elegant, serve fresh berries tossed in a splash of orange liqueur (or juice for a family-friendly version), topped with whipped cream. The bright, fresh flavors cleanse your palate while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Tips for Serving a Complete Pot Pie Dinner
Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Balance your plate: Aim for 1/4 plate pot pie, 1/4 plate starch (if using), and 1/2 plate vegetables or salad
- Consider the timing: Start quick-cooking sides after your pot pie is already in the oven
- Don’t overdo it: Choose 2-3 sides maximum to avoid overwhelming your table (and yourself!)
- Think about presentation: Serve your pot pie on a large, warm plate with sides arranged thoughtfully around it
The Ultimate Shortcut for Busy Nights
Let’s be honest – on busy weeknights, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always possible. On those nights, I reach for a high-quality pre-made pot pie (I’m obsessed with Aunt Ethel’s pot pies) and pair it with one quick side like a simple salad or roasted veggie. Dinner’s ready in under 15 minutes without sacrificing that made-from-scratch taste!
The perfect side dishes for chicken pot pie create balance through contrasting textures, temperatures, and flavors. Whether you go for a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or classic biscuits, these sides will transform your pot pie from a simple comfort food into a complete, satisfying meal.
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken pot pie? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
The Perfect Side Dish Formula for Chicken Pot Pie
Imagine breaking through that golden, flaky pot pie crust and seeing steamed gravy, full of herbs and tender chicken, spill out onto your plate.
Now picture the perfect bite: a piece of that rich, creamy filling paired with something that makes the whole thing even better.
Thats where our side dish formula comes in, transforming a simple pot pie into a memorable meal.
Classic Side Dishes That Never Fail with Chicken Pot Pie
Lets talk about those timeless side dishes that have been gracing tables alongside chicken pot pie for generations.
12. Cloud-Like Buttermilk Biscuits (View Recipe)
Imagine taking a fresh buttermilk biscuit apart, letting the steam escape as its pillowy layers separate to reveal a soft, buttery inside that begs to be dragged through your pot pie’s rich gravy.
13. Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes (View Recipe)
Picture this: a generous spoon of creamy, cloud-like mashed potatoes, infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs, slowly melting into the savory gravy of your pot pie.
14. Butter-Brushed Dinner Rolls (View Recipe)
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of tearing into a warm, butter-brushed dinner roll alongside your pot pie.
These golden orbs of joy should be light as air inside, with a thin, delicately crisp crust thats been lovingly brushed with melted butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Use them to soak up every last drop of that precious gravy – these rolls are your insurance against leaving any flavor behind.
The secret to serving these classics alongside your pot pie lies in the timing.
Start your rolls or biscuits just as your pot pie goes in to warm.
Your mashed potatoes can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker, while vegetables should be finished just before serving to maintain their perfect texture.
This orchestrated timing ensures everything arrives at the table at its absolute peak of flavor and temperature.
What to Serve With Chicken Pot Pie
FAQ
What can you eat with pot pie?
- Sweet Potatoes
- Whole Grain Rice
- Herb-Roasted Potatoes
- Biscuits
- Garlic Bread
- Quinoa or Rice Pilaf
- Cornbread
What do I serve with a chicken pie?
The Perfect Side Dish Formula for Chicken Pot PieCrisp Apple and Walnut Salad (View Recipe)Crisp Cucumber Salad w/ Fresh Dill (View Recipe)Winter: Roasted Root Vegetables (View Recipe)Spring: Asparagus w/ a Hint of Lemon (View Recipe)Fall: Butternut Squash w/ Sage and Brown Butter (View Recipe).
What is a good side dish for pie?
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers can complement the pie. Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed green vegetables can add freshness to the meal. Tomato Soup: A warm tomato soup can be a comforting starter that pairs well with the pie.