Fried chicken is a favorite comfort food in the South and around the world. From juicy, crispy chicken wings to soft, bone-in fried chicken thighs, this dish always makes me happy. But what really makes fried chicken great is serving it with tasty sides that go well with it.
To choose the best sides for fried chicken, look for choices that are different from each other. Sour and crispy fried chicken is very rich, so you’ll need sides that add some crunch, creaminess, or brightness. You can’t go wrong with fried chicken and traditional Southern sides that seem to go well with it, even if they have some of the same tastes.
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with fried chicken:
Bright, Fresh Sides
Tangy, refreshing sides are a great way to cut through the richness of fried chicken. Some bright, fresh sides to consider include:
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Coleslaw: A crispy cabbage slaw tossed in a tangy dressing provides the perfect crunchy, tart counterpoint to juicy fried chicken. Try a classic coleslaw with mayonnaise or switch it up with vinegar-based slaws.
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Potato salad: A classic yard party food is creamy potato salad with a kick of vinegar. Cool, soft potatoes dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing are hard to beat.
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Pasta salad: Like potato salad, pasta salad provides a creamy, tangy crunch. Toss pasta with diced veggies and a dressing made with mayo, Greek yogurt, or vinaigrette.
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Cucumber salad: Fresh cucumber salad with a light dressing is delightfully crisp and cooling. Try a simple cuke salad tossed in vinegar and oil or ranch dressing.
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Tomato salad: Sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, balsamic or red wine vinegar, and minced herbs make a simple, flavorful salad.
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Watermelon salad: Cubed watermelon tossed with feta cheese, mint, and balsamic is refreshing.
Creamy Sides
A rich, creamy side dish can complement fried chicken’s crispy coating and juicy meat. Some creamy sides worth considering are:
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When you eat fried chicken, it’s hard to say no to smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. Add bacon, cheese, and scallions to your loaded mashed potatoes to make them even better.
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Mac and cheese: Ooey-gooey macaroni and cheese is a soulful side for fried chicken. Make it from scratch or dress up a boxed version.
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Baked beans: These sweet, smoky beans stewed in sauce are a classic barbecue side. Pair baked beans with fried chicken wings or legs.
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Potato gratin: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce are indulgent but delightful.
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Grits: Buttery grits with cheese have an irresistible creamy texture. Grits spiked with scallions and bacon are especially tasty.
Crunchy, Crispy Sides
The satisfying crunch of fried chicken deserves sides with a similar crispy texture. Great crunchy sides include:
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French fries: You really can’t miss with French fries alongside fried chicken. Fry up classic russets or opt for sweet potato fries.
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Fried okra: Crispy cornmeal-coated fried okra is a quintessential Southern food. The combination of crunchy exterior and tender interior is perfect with fried chicken.
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Hushpuppies: Savory deep-fried cornmeal batter balls offer a bite-sized crispy side.
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Corn fritters: Deep-fried balls of creamy corn batter are irresistible. Try adding minced jalapeños for spice.
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Onion rings: Beer-battered onion rings offer great crispy texture with sweet, savory flavor.
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Fried green tomatoes: For an impressive side, bread and fry green tomato slices until golden brown.
Hearty Vegetables
If you want something hearty and earthy alongside your fried chicken, try these savory veggie sides:
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Collard greens: Slow-cooked collard greens flavored with smoked pork are deeply satisfying.
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Green beans: Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic or cooked with bacon are homey and delicious.
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Squash casserole: A traditional Southern casserole made with yellow squash, cheese, breadcrumbs, and butter is comfort food at its finest.
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Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetable medleys like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes caramelizes their natural sugars.
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Succotash: This mix of lima beans, corn, and bell peppers is a delicious way to get your veggies.
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Black-eyed peas: Simmered black-eyed peas seasoned with smoked ham are a quintessential Southern side.
Classic Southern Sides
You can’t go wrong pairing crispy fried chicken with these tried-and-true Southern side staples:
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Biscuits: Warm, fluffy homemade biscuits or store-bought ones are perfect for soaking up fried chicken pan drippings.
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Cornbread: Crumbly, golden cornbread with a hint of sweetness tastes like it was made for fried chicken.
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Corn on the cob: Grilled, boiled, or roasted corn on the cob tastes amazing with fried chicken. Slather with butter and sprinkle on some spice.
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Macaroni salad: This cool, creamy pasta salad with a tangy dressing is a backyard barbecue standard for good reason.
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Baked beans: Sweet, smoky, saucy beans simmered with bacon or ham are finger-licking good with fried chicken.
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Potato salad: Mustardy or mayo-based potato salad is welcome at any Southern cookout or picnic.
No matter which sides you choose, resist the urge to only make one. Offering a mix of sides and letting guests build their own plates is part of the fun of serving fried chicken! With an array of fresh salads, creamy dishes, crispy veggies, hearty sides, and classic Southern accompaniments, you’re sure to please every palate.
What to Eat With Fried Chicken?
While ones mention fried chicken, smiles come to our faces. Fried chicken is a perfect meal on its own; however, when served with a variety of side dishes, it can please all the family members and make your taste buds blown.
Many dishes may go with fried chicken. From different salads to vegetables prepared in numerous ways, you can enrich your favorite dinner with countless fried chicken side dishes.
Below we have compiled some foods to enhance the crunchy sensation that everyone loves.
Green beans will make a super healthy fried chicken side dish that goes well with any meal. It will perfectly match your fried chicken, too. Smothered green beans will add a sweet and savory taste to your chicken time.
Next time, you have to try sweet potatoes if you are looking for the perfect side dishes that go well with your fried chicken. You will need no more dessert once you put enough delicious candied sweet potatoes as sides.
This creamy classic macaroni salad will improve your delicious fried chicken mixed with yogurt. You may choose to customize it with colorful vegetables or ham to make it more nutritious. Everyone around the table will love this side salad for fried chicken.
Try cornbread if you need something filling with your chicken. Add this soaking taste to your juicy and crunchy menu for a perfect dinner with your family.
Back to salads again; potato salad will be a perfect complement to the fried chicken. You may add some onions or vegetables to have a more delicious side dish that makes you eat twice.
This one will be a super healthy side dish to your favorite dinner. Prepared in many ways, this tangy flavor will make a perfect pair with your crispy fried chicken.
Wondering what to eat as ideal fried chicken side dishes? Now that you have prepared your excellent chicken meal, fried okra is what you need as a perfect veggie. Together, these two crispy tastes will blow your mind.
No one objects to the idea that French fries are the classic side dishes to fried chicken. True, but you should try them with these spices this time; sprinkle it with black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. See how it tastes!.
Green salad goes well with a lot of different foods. It’s the best side dish for any meaty feast. Put whatever mint and leafy vegetables you find in your garden. Green salads will make super healthy fried chicken side dishes.
Made from cornmeal batter, perfectly fried hush puppies make a perfect side dish to your fried chicken. These hush puppies will bring a sweet and salty taste to your mealtime. It is easy to prepare using the same oil after you’re done with your fried chicken.
Your fried chicken will taste great with a summer salad made of cucumbers, tomato, and, if possible, red onions. You may choose to lightly coat your delicious tomato & cucumber salad with olive oil and local tangy vinegar.
Beans are nutritious cookouts; they will also make perfect fried chicken side dishes. This time, try perfectly baked beans with your delicious fried chicken. Besides, you won’t need too much because beans will be enough to fill you up with your main dish.
Potatoes of any type go very well with fried chicken. This time, try boiling them for a healthier side dish. Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes will make a perfect dip for your chicken tenders, as well.
Creamed corn will bring additional taste to your dinner. It can be seasoned with hundreds of different spices, so you can find the right taste to go with your fried chicken. Put black pepper, cayenne, salt, and sugar; add more seasoning to your personal preference.
You can prepare many types of biscuits to go with your crispy fried chicken. A tray of hot buttermilk biscuits is my favorite. You will be thrilled by the amazing smell of this perfect side dish; children will love it.
16 Side Dishes for Fried Chicken
Fried chicken side dishes, from mashed potatoes to fried okra, are the best way of improving your chicken feast. Try at home or eat outside to have a full taste of this delicacy, you will need extra flavor to the perfect crunch.
Fried chicken is the most popular way of enjoying the perfect chicken. The crispy exterior and tender, juicy inner part make it the number one delicacy everyone craves. Whether as a snack or a proper meal, we adore this finger-licking food any time, day or night.
For many households, fried chicken makes a privileged dinner when accompanied by the suitable side dishes. You can pick plenty of different tastes to enrich your chicken menu. Easy-to-prepare, ultimate comfort fried chicken side dishes will turn your mealtime into a true feast.
What Are Good Side Dishes To Serve With Fried Chicken? – Southern Culture Collective
FAQ
What is a good side dish to go with fried chicken?
What to Eat With Fried Chicken?Green Beans. Green beans will make a super healthy fried chicken side dish that goes well with any meal. Sweet Potatoes. Macaroni Salad. Cornbread. Potato Salad. Coleslaw. Fried Okra. French Fries.