Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. A warm, nourishing bowlful instantly makes you feel better on a cold day or when you’re under the weather. But let’s be honest – sometimes soup alone doesn’t quite cut it as a full meal. So what should you serve alongside chicken soup to make it more satisfying and complete?
In this article, we’ll explore 15 delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with chicken soup adding flavors, textures and nutrition to round out the meal. With choices like cheesy garlic bread, roasted vegetables, fresh green salads, and fluffy biscuits, you’ll discover easy yet creative recipes to transform your soup into a mouthwatering dinner.
Crunchy Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic accompaniment for chicken soup The toasted bread provides a satisfying crunch and soaks up the savory broth nicely Meanwhile, the aromatic garlic butter or olive oil infuses it with rich flavor.
For homemade garlic bread slice a loaf of Italian or French bread. Mix softened butter with minced garlic brush it onto the slices, and toast until golden. Quick yet delicious!
Tangy Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad is a fantastic contrast to hot chicken soup. The cool, fresh lettuce pairs nicely with the warm soup. And the bright, tangy dressing and crunchy croutons add a burst of flavor.
Make a classic Caesar with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a creamy garlic dressing. Or add chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Comforting Grilled Cheese
Is anything better with tomato soup than a gooey grilled cheese sandwich? This classic combo works just as well with chicken noodle soup too.
Use sliced bread, butter, and your favorite melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey jack, or Swiss. Cook in a skillet until the bread is crispy and golden and the cheese is melted. Add ham or bacon for extra heartiness.
Colorful Roasted Veggies
Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower make a delicious and healthy side for chicken soup. Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars and intensifies the flavors.
Toss vegetable chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until browned and tender. Their sweet, hearty taste complements the soup wonderfully.
Comforting Mashed Potatoes
For ultimate comfort food, pair chicken soup with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Russets or Yukon Golds work best to achieve that smooth, rich texture.
Boil potatoes until very tender, then drain and mash them with butter, milk or cream, and seasonings. Their indulgent creaminess balances the lighter soup and makes a very hearty meal.
Zesty Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw adds great texture and tangy flavor next to comforting chicken soup. Packaged coleslaw mix works nicely, or you can julienne your own cabbage.
Make a zesty dressing with mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the dressed coleslaw chill before serving for maximum crunch. Garnish with carrots, raisins, or apple for extra flavor and color.
Cheesy Cornbread
Warm cornbread is a beloved accompaniment for chicken soups and stews. The slightly sweet, gritty taste complements the savory broth beautifully.
Jazz up a basic cornbread recipe by adding shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, minced jalapeños, or fresh corn kernels. Serve cornbread warm right out of the oven or skillet for the best texture.
Fresh Green Salad
A simple green salad with vinaigrette is a lighter and healthier option alongside chicken soup. The cool crispness balances the hot, comforting soup.
Make a basic salad with mixed greens, chopped veggies like tomato and cucumber, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta or blue cheese. Whisk together a vinaigrette dressing to drizzle on top.
Hearty Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile. Load them up with your favorite toppings to complement the flavors of the soup. Think bacon, cheddar, sour cream, broccoli, etc.
Rub Russet potatoes with oil and bake until tender. Halve and top with your desired ingredients. The potatoes make the soup a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli or green beans add nutrition and color to balance chicken soup’s indulgence. The bright green veggies also provide a nice crunch.
Steam broccoli florets just until tender-crisp, then toss with lemon juice and seasonings. Or sauté green beans with minced garlic and olive oil. Either vegetable makes a healthy, tasty soup accompaniment.
Spinach Salad
A spinach salad is another fantastic healthy side for chicken soup. Spinach offers vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants to boost the soup’s nutrition.
Make a simple spinach salad with spinach leaves, sliced mushrooms, red onion, hardboiled egg, and a hot bacon vinaigrette. The slightly bitter spinach contrasts the soup’s richness.
Cucumber Salad
Cool cucumber salad complements hot chicken soup wonderfully. It offers refreshing crunch and hydration to balance the hearty soup.
Simply toss sliced cucumbers with red onion, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving. Quick pickles also pair nicely if you want extra tang.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Fresh, hot dinner rolls are perfect for dipping in chicken soup broth. Choose soft, fluffy rolls like potato rolls or Hawaiian rolls.
Brush rolls with melted butter before serving. Or go savory with Parmesan, garlic, or herb-infused butter. The bread soaks up the broth deliciously.
Cheesy Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are another great side for soaking up chicken soup. Make them extra savory with the addition of cheese.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan all work well. You can also add herbs, garlic powder, or jalapeños. Serve the biscuits warm right out of the oven.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf provides warmth and heartiness alongside chicken soup. Build in diverse flavors through mix-ins like peas, carrots, mushrooms, or nuts.
Cook the rice in broth rather than water for extra richness. Sautéing the rice before simmering enhances the texture and flavor too. Rice pilaf perfectly complements the soup.
Savory Stuffed Peppers
For a hearty meal, stuffed bell peppers pair wonderfully with chicken soup. Fill them with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, cheese, etc.
Roast or bake the stuffed peppers until tender. The combination of the savory filling with the sweet pepper is delicious with the soup.
So there you have it – 15 tasty, easy side dishes to take your chicken soup dinner to the next level. With options from hearty potatoes and biscuits to fresh green salads and roasted veggies, you can create a mouthwatering meal for any taste or craving. Pair thoughtfully and transform a humble bowl of soup into a truly satisfying dinner.
Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil A flavorful Easy Garlic Crostini recipe, featuring crisp bread slices infused with aromatic garlic and rich olive oil and toasted until golden brown.
It is best to eat soup as part of a balanced meal that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
To serve soup as a main course, ensure it’s hearty and substantial by adding large pieces of protein like chicken, beef, or lentils. Pair it with a side like crusty bread, a salad, or grilled cheese.
These sides will take your soup night to the next level! Happy cooking!
Strawberry Pecan Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette This strawberry pecan salad is tossed in delicious balsamic dressing that’s been sweetened naturally with real strawberries!
WHAT’S FOR DINNER * EASY & DELICIOUS MEALS * ROAST & SIDES * HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
FAQ
What does chicken soup go well with?
Whether you choose to have pierogi, beef stroganoff, kielbasa, chicken paprikash, meat stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, challah bread or a sweet treat with chicken noodle soup, the choice is yours.
What else to have with soup for dinner?
A good, crusty bread (optional herby or garlicky olive oil for varied dipping), homemade crunchy croutons made from that same bread, cheese, fruit, pickles, crispy salad with a nice vinaigrette, or heavier, root vegetable side dishes that are either tangy, creamy (if the soup isn’t), and/or herby. Never fails us.