25 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a summertime staple. It’s quick, easy, and goes with just about anything. But coming up with side dishes that properly complement juicy flavorful grilled chicken can be tricky. You want something fresh and light but with enough substance to make it a meal.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of my 25 favorite side dishes to serve with grilled chicken These recipes check all the boxes – easy to make, full of summer flavors, and the perfect pairing for chicken off the grill Keep reading for loads of delicious ideas!

Salads

Salads are a natural fit with grilled chicken. The fresh vegetables and light dressing provide contrast to the hot, smoky chicken. Here are some of my favorite salad recipes:

1. Tomato Cucumber Salad

This simple salad is so quick to throw together, making it perfect for busy summer nights. The sweet juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers taste like summer. Top with feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.

2. Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad

Take this salad up a notch by grilling the corn first. The char from the grill adds smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken.

3. Watermelon Feta Salad

Sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese are a magical combination. Mint and red onion add freshness. Serve the watermelon in chunks rather than balls for easier eating.

4. BLT Pasta Salad

All the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich transformed into pasta salad form. Crunchy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mayo dressing make this hearty and delicious.

5. Greek Salad

No summer cookout is complete without a Greek salad! Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese – what’s not to love? Just leave out the onion if serving with grilled chicken.

Grilled Veggies

If you’re already firing up the grill for chicken, why not throw on some veggies too? These grilled veggie sides take little effort but deliver big flavor.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Corn is a quintessential summer veggie. Grilling brings out its sweetness while adding delicious char. Just coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing on grill.

7. Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus gets nice and crispy when grilled. Toss in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Grill until tender with nice grill marks.

8. Grilled Zucchini

Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4 inch strips, brush with olive oil, and grill 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

9. Grilled Eggplant

Eggplant soaks up flavors beautifully. Grill slices until soft, then top with fresh basil, tomato sauce, and parmesan.

10. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Assemble colorful skewers with veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Brush with oil and grill until charred.

Pasta Salads

Pasta salad is substantial enough to be a meal, not just a side. The pasta absorbs the dressing and provides a nice contrast to the chicken.

11. Italian Pasta Salad

This classic is always a crowd pleaser! Toss together pasta, chopped veggies, Italian dressing, and parmesan cheese for an easy summer pasta salad.

12. Greek Pasta Salad

All the flavors of Greece – olives, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette. Just leave out the onion when serving with grilled chicken.

13. Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy ranch dressing coats pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes and peas. Bacon and cheddar cheese take it over the top.

14. Hawaiian Pasta Salad

A tropical twist, this salad combines pasta with pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and a sweet poppyseed dressing.

15. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Who needs mayo when you can make buffalo chicken pasta salad with Greek yogurt? Spicy buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese dress up pasta.

Slaw and Coleslaw

Crunchy coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to juicy grilled chicken. The vinegar cuts the richness while cabbage adds fiber.

16. Creamy Coleslaw

This classic recipe is a must-have side for your cookout. Shredded cabbage tossed in a creamy mayo dressing – so simple and delicious!

17. Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw

For a lighter take, try this coleslaw made with Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Still creamy but not overloaded with mayo.

18. Broccoli Slaw

This easy version uses packaged broccoli slaw mix tossed with diced apple, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and poppyseed dressing.

19. Pineapple Slaw

Sweet pineapple adds delicious flavor to this crunchy cabbage slaw. Carrots and red bell pepper provide even more color and texture.

20. Jalapeno Lime Slaw

Give your slaw a kick with this recipe featuring sliced jalapenos and the brightness of lime juice. Cilantro adds freshness.

Veggie Sides

If you’re looking for something besides salad or slaw, try one of these tasty vegetable side dishes. Both hearty and healthy!

21. Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Roasting this combo caramelizes the vegetables and intensifies the flavor. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.

22. Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds

Quickly sauté green beans in butter or olive oil with sliced almonds and seasonings for a classic side.

23. Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots are delicious – cooking brings out their natural sweetness. Toss in oil and top with parmesan cheese.

24. Garlic Butter Corn

Melt butter with minced garlic, brush over grilled corn, and squeeze lime juice on top. So simple but crazy good!

25. Creamed Spinach

Steamed spinach blended with heavy cream, parmesan, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Rich and creamy but packed with nutrients.

There you have it – 25 of my go-to sides to serve with grilled chicken! From crisp salads and slaws, to grilled veggies, pasta salads, and more, you’ll find the perfect match for your chicken. Whatever you choose, concentrate on using fresh, in-season ingredients to really make your summer meals shine. Happy grilling!