What Can I Cook With Fried Chicken? 28 Delicious Side Dishes and Meals

Everyone loves fried chicken. The golden, crispy crust and juicy, tender chicken inside are hard to resist! But when it comes to planning meals, fried chicken by itself can feel a little empty. What should you cook with fried chicken to make a full, healthy meal?

I’ll list 28 of the best meals, sides, and recipes to go with everyone’s favorite fried bird in this article. There are enough recipes here to please everyone at your table, from picky eaters to fans of Southern classics with a fresh, modern twist.

Classic Fried Chicken Side Dishes

Some sides just naturally go hand-in-hand with fried chicken. Here are 6 tried and true accompaniments:

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect contrast to crispy fried chicken. For ultimate comfort food, top them with gravy.

• Mac and Cheese—Quickly bakes up gooey, cheesy macaroni Make it with cheddar mozzarella or a blend.

• Coleslaw – The tangy crunch of coleslaw cuts the rich flavor of fried chicken. Opt for vinegar-based or creamy mayo dressing.

• Biscuits – Warm, fluffy biscuits begging to be slathered in honey or jam are a fried chicken essential. Bonus points for extra buttery or cheesy versions.

• Corn on the Cob – In summer, lightly charred corn on the cob is a must with fried chicken. Slather with compound butter for extra flavor.

• Green Beans – Slow cooked, sautéed, or casseroled, green beans round out the plate with veggies. Bacon and onion are classic additions.

Fresh and Modern Fried Chicken Sides

Looking to shake up your usual fried chicken sides rotation? Here are 6 fresh alternatives:

• Watermelon Salad – Cool watermelon balances the heat of fried chicken. Toss cubed melon with feta, mint, and balsamic for a salad.

• Roasted Broccoli – Nutty, charred broccoli florets provide crunch and nutrition. Toss with lemon and parmesan after roasting.

• Farro Salad – Chewy farro, crunchy veggies, tangy feta, and lemon make a Greek-inspired salad.

• Cornbread Salad – Tear cornbread into bite-size pieces and toss with fresh veggies, cheese, and dressing for a hearty salad.

• Asparagus – Quickly roast or grill asparagus spears to pair with fried chicken. Sprinkle with lemon zest.

• Wheat Berry Pilaf – Nutty wheat berries cooked risotto-style make a protein-packed pilaf or salad base.

Beyond Sides: Fried Chicken Skillet Meals

If you’re looking to build an entire one-pan meal around your fried chicken, a skillet is the way to go. Here are 6 inventive ideas:

• Chicken and Rice – Cook rice right in the skillet after frying your chicken for an easy one-pot dinner. Stir in veggies too.

• Chicken Fajitas – Sauté peppers and onions, then add fried chicken strips, beans, salsa, and cheese to assemble quick fajita skillets.

• Chicken Parmesan – Top crispy fried chicken cutlets with marinara and mozzarella right in the same skillet for an easy take on chicken parm.

• Chicken and Biscuit Pot Pie – Simmer veggies in the skillet, then top with biscuit dough and bake for a homemade pot pie.

• Chicken and Grits – Make cheesy grits right in the skillet after frying chicken. Top with a fried egg for a hearty meal.

• Chicken Stir Fry – Cook stir fry veggies in the skillet after frying chicken. Toss everything in sauce and serve over rice.

Even More Recipe Ideas

If you’re still looking for ways to use up leftover fried chicken, here are 12 more recipe ideas to try:

• Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Chicken Salad Wraps
• Chicken Tacos
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Chicken Pizza
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Chicken Pasta Salad
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Chicken Fried Rice

So next time you’re frying up a batch of chicken, don’t stop there! Use this list to inspire your choice of sides, meals, salads, and more to serve with everyone’s favorite crispy bird. With 28 delicious options, you’ll never get bored cooking with fried chicken.