13 Amazing Side Dishes That Go Perfectly with Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a lean, versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From baking and roasting to grilling, sautéing or breading and frying, the possibilities are endless when cooking with chicken breast.

While the chicken breast itself is flavorful and nutritious, it really shines when paired with complementary side dishes. The right sides can take your chicken breast from bland and boring to delicious and dynamic.

Here are 13 amazing side dish ideas that go perfectly with chicken breast:

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables like potatoes carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower or broccoli is an easy way to add flavor and nutrition to your chicken breast dinner. The high heat of the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the veggies bringing out their sweetness. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper and other herbs or spices of your choice before roasting them alongside the chicken breast.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to chicken breast. For best results use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes and heat the milk and butter before mashing. Keep the potatoes fluffy by avoiding over-mixing. For extra flavor stir in roasted garlic, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese or fresh herbs.

3. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf, flavored with sauteed onion, garlic and spices, offers a simple base for chicken breast. Use white or brown rice and chicken or vegetable broth when cooking the rice. Diced carrot, celery, peas or other vegetables can be sauteed with the aromatics or stirred into the finished pilaf.

4. Pasta

Pasta makes a hearty, satisfying side for chicken breast. Pair your chicken with spaghetti, linguine, penne or your favorite pasta shape. Make it a complete meal by tossing the pasta with marinara sauce, pesto or a quick garlic-butter sauce.

5. Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, chard or mustard greens are ideal partners for chicken breast. Saute the greens in olive oil with garlic and season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Or opt for a warm spinach salad dressed with bacon vinaigrette.

6. Green Beans

Fresh green beans require just a quick steaming or saute to complement chicken breast. For added flavor, roast the beans with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic or cook them with diced bacon. Green bean casseroles and green bean almondine are also tasty choices.

7. Squash

Summer squash varieties like zucchini and yellow squash can be sliced, seasoned and sauteed, roasted or grilled as a side for chicken. For winter squash, try roasting cubes of butternut squash or making a cheesy squash casserole.

8. Potatoes

From mashed and fried to roasted, scalloped or au gratin, potatoes are always a winner alongside chicken. Smashed red potatoes, classic baked potatoes and cheesy potatoes are just a few ideas for delicious potato sides.

9. Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made from just macaroni, cheese sauce and often breadcrumbs or potato chips for crunch, macaroni and cheese complements fried, baked or grilled chicken breast wonderfully.

10. Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw adds tang and crunch to balance tender chicken breast, especially fried or grilled chicken. Use shredded green or red cabbage along with shredded carrots. Dress the slaw with mayo, vinegar, sugar and spices like celery seed and mustard.

11. Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side for grilled chicken breast. Leave the cobs unadorned or dress them up with a flavored butter. Grilled corn salad is also an option for using fresh corn off the cob.

12. Salad

Fresh, light salads highlight grilled or baked chicken breast. Spinach salads, green salads, Greek salads, Caesar salads, wedge salads and more make excellent accompaniments. Load up the greens with your favorite veggies and top with a lemony vinaigrette.

13. Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots caramelize in the oven, becoming tender and sweet. Toss carrot sticks or coins in olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary. Roasted carrots pair especially nicely with roasted chicken breast.

With so many tasty sides to choose from, you can serve up chicken breast a new way every night of the week. Vary the cooking method for the chicken and try out different flavor profiles and textures with your sides. Not only will you boost the nutrition of your meals, but you’ll also enjoy delicious, satisfying dinners built around humble chicken breast.