The BEST chicken salad sides! Here are the best options for what to serve with chicken salad for lunch or dinner.
In the warmer months, it’s a great main dish. It’s also great for a luncheon, baby shower, or light dinner.
You can quickly bake or boil some chicken breasts, use rotisserie chicken, or roast chicken that you already have left over.
Combine that with a creamy dressing like sour cream, greek yogurt, Miracle Whip, or mayo. The addition of mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper, or curry powder and other seasonings make it super flavorful!.
You can keep the recipe really simple, or add in some other fresh ingredients and mix-ins to create a new twist.
(Or make the whole meal really easy and buy your chicken salad premade at the grocery store!)
Are you wondering what to serve with hot chicken salad? You’re in the right place! Hot chicken salad is a comforting creamy casserole that deserves the perfect side dishes to complete your meal. Whether you’re planning a family dinner a casual lunch, or a special gathering, I’ve got you covered with these amazing side dish ideas that’ll elevate your hot chicken salad to the next level.
I’ve tried a lot of different combinations, and I can tell you that the right side dish can take your hot chicken salad from just good to unforgettable. Here are some of the best sides that will go with this creamy, savory dish!
Classic Sides That Pair Perfectly with Hot Chicken Salad
1. Mashed Potatoes
Hot chicken salad always goes well with creamy mashed potatoes. Along with the crunchier parts of your chicken salad, the smooth buttery texture is a great contrast. For an extra special touch try adding .
- Garlic for a flavor boost
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley
- A sprinkle of quality cheese
Any extra chicken salad sauce is soaked up by the mashed potatoes, making every bite taste great.
2. Green Beans
Green beans offer a vibrant and nutritious accompaniment that enhances your meal with their crisp texture and fresh flavor. You can prepare them in several ways:
- Steamed with a bit of salt and pepper
- Roasted with garlic and almonds
- Sautéed with a touch of butter
These vibrant veggies are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making them not just tasty but good for you too!
3. Dinner Rolls
Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness of hot chicken salad. There’s something incredibly satisfying about tearing into a warm roll alongside your casserole!
Dinner rolls can be:
- Served plain
- Slathered with butter
- Used to make mini sandwiches with your chicken salad
The warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked rolls enhances the entire dining experience.
4. Caesar Salad
Hot chicken salad has a lot of rich flavors that go well with a crisp Caesar salad. A side dish that makes you feel good is made with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and that tangy dressing.
What I love about adding Caesar salad is how the cool, crisp texture complements the warm, creamy chicken salad. It’s super easy to throw together too, which is always a bonus when you’re focused on making your main dish perfect!
Vegetable Sides That Complement Hot Chicken Salad
5. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables bring color, nutrition, and natural sweetness to your meal. Common choices like carrots, asparagus, broccoli, and zucchini become even more delicious when roasted.
The roasting process caramelizes their natural sugars, creating depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with hot chicken salad. Simply toss with:
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Your favorite herbs and spices
Roasted veggies not only taste amazing but also look gorgeous on the plate alongside your hot chicken salad!
6. Brussel Sprout Slaw
For something a bit different, try a Brussel sprout slaw. It’s refreshing yet creamy, with a fantastic crunchy texture. The citrusy dressing made with mustard, lime juice, orange juice, and honey perfectly balances the richness of hot chicken salad.
A great benefit of using Brussel sprouts is that they don’t wilt easily, so you can prepare this slaw ahead of time without worrying about it turning soggy. This makes it perfect for entertaining!
7. Steamed Asparagus
For a fresh and vibrant side, steamed asparagus pairs excellently with hot chicken salad. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, asparagus brings nutrition along with its elegant appearance.
To prepare:
- Simply trim the ends
- Steam for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp
- Season with salt, olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice
The clean, green flavor of asparagus provides a beautiful contrast to the creamy casserole.
8. Collard Greens with Bacon
Collard greens with bacon may not win any beauty contests, but they’re a flavor powerhouse! This classic Southern side brings together:
- Smokiness from the bacon
- Slight bitterness from the greens
- Heat from red pepper flakes
- Sweetness from a touch of sugar
Collard greens take time to cook but are totally worth the wait. For an authentic touch, finish with a sprinkle of pepper vinegar!
Bread and Starchy Sides for Hot Chicken Salad
9. No-Knead Bread
A crusty slice of homemade bread is the perfect vehicle for enjoying hot chicken salad. The contrasting textures – crispy bread exterior and soft inside – are ideal for mopping up extra sauce.
You can keep it simple or add flavors to your bread dough:
- Orange zest for something unique
- Minced garlic for a savory kick
- Herbs like rosemary or thyme
Making no-knead bread is surprisingly easy and will impress your dinner guests!
10. Southern Cornbread
Hot chicken salad is a classic Southern dish, so why not pair it with another Southern staple – cornbread? The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread complements the creamy chicken salad beautifully.
You can make cornbread with or without sugar depending on your preference. Some people even add jalapeños for a spicy kick! Bake it in a cast iron skillet for that authentic touch.
11. Garlic Bread
Enhancing your meal with a classic touch, garlic bread serves as a flavorful side for hot chicken salad. Made by spreading garlic-infused butter and herbs on sliced bread and toasting until golden brown, it adds a wonderful savory element.
The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken salad, creating a satisfying and comforting dining experience. Plus, who doesn’t love garlic bread?!
12. Potato Wedges
Potato wedges, with their crispy exterior and soft interior, make an ideal accompaniment to hot chicken salad. They’re easy to prepare – just season and bake or fry until golden brown.
The seasoning can be as simple as salt and pepper or more complex with herbs like rosemary. Their satisfying crunch and compatibility with various dipping sauces make them a comforting addition to your meal.
13. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, with its aromatic blend of spices and vegetables, offers a flavorful side dish that complements hot chicken salad wonderfully. The fluffy rice absorbs the rich flavors of the casserole, creating a delightful contrast in each bite.
The varied textures and savory seasonings in rice pilaf enhance the overall dining experience, making your meal more satisfying and enjoyable. It’s also great for soaking up any extra sauce!
Fresh and Light Options
14. Southern Corn Salad
Bright and colorful, Southern corn salad is one of my go-to sides for hot chicken salad because of how light and fresh it is. With just three main ingredients (corn, red onion, and basil), it’s simple but full of flavor!
This salad actually tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers. The sweet corn provides a nice contrast to the savory chicken salad.
15. Peach Arugula Salad
Balance the savoriness of your hot chicken salad with a peach arugula salad. It’s leafy, healthy, and loaded with sweetness from juicy peaches – perfect for summer meals!
The best part? It takes just 10 minutes to make, so it’s ideal when you’re in a rush. The peppery arugula and sweet peaches create a delicious contrast that complements the rich chicken salad.
Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions
For Casual Family Dinners
- Pair hot chicken salad with potato wedges and a simple green salad
- Serve with dinner rolls and steamed vegetables
- Try it with cornbread and collard greens for a Southern-themed meal
For Entertaining Guests
- Create an elegant spread with hot chicken salad, roasted vegetables, and no-knead bread
- Offer a variety of sides like Caesar salad, rice pilaf, and garlic bread
- Include a light dessert to follow the meal
For Brunch
- Serve smaller portions of hot chicken salad with croissants
- Include a fruit salad or peach arugula salad for freshness
- Add a simple soup like tomato or cucumber for a complete meal
Tips for Creating a Balanced Meal
When serving hot chicken salad, think about balancing flavors and textures:
- Include something crisp or fresh to contrast with the creamy casserole
- Add a starchy side to make the meal more filling
- Consider color – bright vegetables make the plate more appealing
- Think about temperature contrasts – cool salads with the warm casserole
Final Thoughts
Hot chicken salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with so many different sides! Whether you prefer classic combinations like mashed potatoes and green beans or want to try something different like Brussels sprout slaw or peach arugula salad, there’s something for everyone.
My personal favorite combination is hot chicken salad with cornbread and roasted vegetables – the flavors and textures just work so perfectly together! But I encourage you to experiment with these suggestions to find your own perfect pairing.
What’s your favorite side to serve with hot chicken salad? I’d love to hear about your combinations in the comments below!
Remember, the best meals are about creating balance and harmony between dishes. With these 15 delicious side options, your hot chicken salad will never be lonely on the plate again!
1 Sweet potato fries
A healthier alternative to french fries are sweet potato fries.
You can make them from scratch, or take a supermarket shortcut and buy them frozen.
They can be seasoned with savory spices, or made sweet with cinnamon and sugar.
The colorful nature of asian slaw makes it a very aesthetically-pleasing side dish.
But don’t let it’s lovely appearance fool you – it’s really delicious!
You can make it easier by purchasing a pre-shredded slaw mix at the store.
Wild rice salad
This side dish is full of color, texture, and flavor!
Wild rice salad usually contains feta, cranberries or pomegranate seeds, arugula, and a delicious dressing.
It’ll be a super flavorful compliment to chicken salad, and could quickly become everyone’s favorite new side.
Potato salad goes well with chicken salad sandwiches because it’s cool and comforting on hot days.
If you don’t want two dishes with creamy dressings, you can use a vinagairette-based potato salad recipe.
If you’d like not need to set out utensils, consider serving potato wedges.
Simply cut some Russet potatoes into wedges, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and paprika, and bake in the oven or air fryer.
If you’ve ever had chicken salad at a restaurant, chances are they also served you some coleslaw.
Crunchy coleslaw makes a great side because of its tangy, crunchy nature.
It can be bought already made at your local store or favorite deli, or you can make it yourself.
While traditional pasta salad tends to have an oil-based dressing, macaroni salad is usually prepared with a creamy dressing.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and pairs well with chicken salad sandwiches.
Hot Chicken Salad
FAQ
What is a good side for chicken salad?
A great side for chicken salad is one that complements its creamy texture and savory flavor. Popular options include fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or a crunchy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, consider potato salad, pasta salad, or a warm soup like tomato or butternut squash.
What pairs well with hot chicken?
Hot chicken, especially the Nashville style, is typically paired with sides that offer a cooling contrast to its spiciness. Classic choices include coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Other options include French fries, hush puppies, and corn on the cob.
What is chicken salad eaten with?
Serving Suggestions This chicken salad sandwich recipe can be served on any type of bread, including a croissant. I love to lightly toast the bread. Serve it with crackers for snacking.