Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food that many people enjoy. Its crispy exterior and juicy interior make it a popular choice for meals and gatherings.
But what you serve alongside your fried chicken can take the meal to the next level.
The right side dishes can balance out the richness of fried chicken and add variety to your plate.
From classic Southern favorites to lighter options, there are many tasty choices to pair with this main course.
Let’s explore some delicious side dishes that will complement your fried chicken perfectly.
1. Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are a perfect side for fried chicken. They’re light, fluffy, and have a slight tangy flavor that pairs well with the crispy chicken.
You can make these biscuits from scratch with just a few basic ingredients. They’re quick to prepare and bake in about 15 minutes.
Serve your biscuits warm, straight from the oven. You can split them open and add a pat of butter for extra richness.
They’re great for soaking up gravy or chicken juices on your plate.
2. Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. You’ll love the cool, crunchy texture that balances out the hot, crispy chicken.
To make it, shred cabbage and carrots, then mix with a creamy dressing. The dressing usually contains mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings.
You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or onions for more flavor and crunch. Some recipes include pineapple for a sweet twist.
Serve your coleslaw chilled. It tastes even better when made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins are a perfect match for fried chicken. These golden, slightly sweet treats offer a nice contrast to the savory chicken.
You can make them easily at home. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake.
For extra flavor, try adding cheese, jalapenos, or creamed corn to your muffins. Serve them warm with a pat of butter for the best taste.
Cornbread muffins stay fresh for a few days. Store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep them moist.
4. Garlic Butter Green Beans
Garlic butter green beans make a tasty side dish for fried chicken. You can easily prepare this veggie option in just a few minutes.
Start by trimming fresh green beans and blanching them in boiling water. Then sauté them in a pan with melted butter and minced garlic.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. The result is crisp-tender beans with a rich, garlicky flavor that pairs well with crispy chicken.
This side adds color and nutrition to your plate. It’s a simple way to include some greens with your meal.
5. Classic Potato Salad
Classic potato salad is a perfect match for fried chicken. You’ll love the creamy texture and tangy flavor.
To make it, boil cubed potatoes until tender.
Mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped celery for crunch. Add diced onions and hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill your potato salad before serving. This cold side dish balances the hot, crispy chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser at picnics and barbecues.
6. Honey Butter Corn on the Cob
Honey butter corn on the cob is a tasty side dish for fried chicken. You can make it easily in a skillet.
Start by melting butter and honey in a large pan over medium heat. Add corn kernels and cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring now and then.
Once the corn is hot, mix in some cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is creamy.
For extra flavor, you can add chives or scallions at the end. This sweet and savory corn goes great with crispy fried chicken.
7. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. You’ll love the creamy, cheesy goodness next to crispy chicken.
This comfort food favorite features tender pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce. It’s then baked until golden and bubbly on top.
You can customize your mac and cheese with different cheeses or add-ins. Try sharp cheddar for extra flavor or mix in some bacon bits for a savory twist.
The gooey texture of mac and cheese complements the crunchy exterior of fried chicken. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven that your taste buds will thank you for.
8. Southern Collard Greens
Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. You can cook these leafy greens with bacon or ham for extra flavor.
Simmer the collards in a pot with onions, garlic, and chicken broth until tender. Add a splash of vinegar at the end for a tangy kick.
Collard greens offer a nice balance to crispy fried chicken. Their slightly bitter taste and soft texture contrast well with the crunchy, savory chicken.
9. Jalapeño Cornbread
Jalapeño cornbread adds a spicy kick to your fried chicken meal. This side dish combines the sweetness of corn with the heat of jalapeños.
To make it, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in chopped jalapeños and corn kernels.
Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake until golden brown. The result is a moist, slightly crumbly bread with a nice spicy flavor.
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños. Serve warm slices alongside your crispy fried chicken for a tasty contrast.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on classic french fries. They pair well with fried chicken, offering a sweet and savory contrast.
You can make them at home by cutting sweet potatoes into thin strips. Toss them with a little oil and your favorite spices.
Bake the fries in a hot oven until they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Sweet potato fries are healthier than regular fries. They have more vitamins and fiber. This makes them a smart choice to go with your fried chicken meal.
11. Herb-Roasted Potatoes
Herb-roasted potatoes make a tasty side dish for fried chicken. Start by cutting potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Rosemary, thyme, and parsley work well. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in a hot oven until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
The inside should be soft and fluffy. The herbs add flavor that pairs nicely with fried chicken. You can serve these potatoes hot from the oven for the best texture and taste.
12. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with fried chicken. You can make it easily with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing.
For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cool, fresh salad contrasts nicely with the warm, crispy chicken.
You can also add grilled chicken to the salad for a heartier meal. This turns it into a complete dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
13. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Brussels sprouts make a great side dish for fried chicken. To make them, cut the sprouts in half and toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast them in a hot oven until the edges turn golden and crispy. For extra flavor, try adding garlic or Parmesan cheese before cooking.
You can also fry Brussels sprouts in a skillet for a crunchier texture. Cook them cut-side down in hot oil until browned.
The crispy exterior and tender inside of these sprouts pair well with juicy fried chicken. Their slightly bitter taste balances the rich chicken nicely.
14. Ranch Pasta Salad
Ranch pasta salad is a tasty and refreshing side dish for fried chicken. You can make it with cooked pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing.
Mix in chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers for crunch and color. Add some cooked bacon bits for extra flavor. You can also include diced chicken if you want a heartier salad.
The ranch dressing gives this pasta salad a tangy, herby taste that pairs well with crispy fried chicken.
Chill the salad before serving to let the flavors blend. This cool side dish balances out the warm, crunchy chicken nicely.
15. Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Loaded mashed potatoes take your fried chicken meal to the next level. Start with creamy mashed potatoes as your base.
Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions on top. A dollop of sour cream adds extra richness.
Mix everything together for a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The smooth potatoes contrast nicely with the crunchy bacon.
This hearty side dish complements the crispy fried chicken perfectly. You’ll love the combination of savory and creamy tastes in every bite.
16. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber tomato salad is a light and refreshing side dish for fried chicken. It’s quick to make and adds a crisp contrast to the rich main course.
To prepare, slice cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add thinly sliced red onions for extra flavor. Mix these ingredients in a bowl.
For dressing, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Add a touch of Dijon mustard and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently. Let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
Complementary Flavors
Fried chicken pairs well with a variety of flavors. Sweet and spicy sides can enhance the savory taste, while citrus options cut through the richness.
Pairing With Sweet and Spicy
Sweet and spicy flavors work great with fried chicken.
Try honey-glazed carrots for a touch of sweetness. The natural sugars in the carrots caramelize during cooking, creating a delicious contrast to the salty chicken.
For a spicy kick, serve pickled jalapeños on the side. Their tangy heat balances out the rich, fatty flavors of the chicken.
Another option is sweet chili sauce. This Thai-inspired condiment combines sugar, vinegar, and chili peppers. It’s perfect for dipping your chicken pieces.
Balancing Richness With Citrus
Citrus fruits can help cut through the heaviness of fried chicken.
Lemon wedges are a classic choice. Squeeze them over your chicken for a bright, zesty flavor.
You can also make a quick lemon-herb sauce. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped herbs like parsley or dill. Drizzle this over your chicken just before serving.
For a unique twist, try a grapefruit salad. Toss grapefruit segments with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. The bitter-sweet citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
Nutritional Considerations
Choosing the right side dishes can improve the nutritional value of your fried chicken meal. You can add balance and nutrients while still enjoying tasty flavors.
Healthier Side Options
Look for sides that are lower in calories and fat.
Grilled or roasted vegetables are great choices. They add vitamins and fiber without extra grease.
Baked sweet potato fries are a lighter option than regular fries. They’re full of vitamin A and taste delicious.
Try a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients.
Whole grain sides like brown rice or quinoa provide fiber and B vitamins. They’ll help you feel full longer.
Incorporating Fresh Vegetables
Adding veggies to your plate boosts nutrition and color.
Steamed broccoli or green beans are quick and easy sides. They’re packed with vitamins C and K.
A crisp coleslaw made with Greek yogurt dressing cuts calories. It still gives you that creamy crunch.
Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus add earthy flavors. They’re rich in antioxidants and fiber.
For a fresh twist, try a corn and tomato salad. It’s light, sweet, and full of vitamin C.