What Goes Well With Roasted Chicken: 15 Delicious Side Dish Pairings

Roasted chicken is a beloved staple that makes for a comforting and versatile meal However, choosing the perfect side dishes to serve alongside the juicy, flavorful bird can sometimes be a challenge The good news is that roasted chicken pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides that can take your meal from basic to gourmet.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 delicious side dish options to complement roasted chicken From hearty potatoes and roasted vegetables to fresh, crisp salads and fluffy grains, you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire your next chicken dinner

Hearty Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic pairing with roast chicken. They provide a comforting, starchy base that soaks up the delicious pan juices and complements the chicken’s richness. Some great potato side dishes include:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are hard to beat. For extra flavor, use broth or pan drippings from the chicken to boil the potatoes. Then mash them with butter, cream, and fresh herbs.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Cubes of potato tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy provide texture contrast to juicy chicken. Season them with garlic, rosemary or other herbs.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce make for an indulgent and satisfying side. Sharp cheddar or gruyere work well.

Hasselback Potatoes

These accordion-cut spuds are browned and crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside. Rub with olive oil and seasonings before roasting.

Colorful Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies add both nutrition and vibrant color to complete a chicken dinner. Some easy options include:

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet carrots roasted with a balsamic glaze provide a pop of orange. They also balance the chicken’s richness.

Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli florets drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with minced garlic then roasted is a quick and healthy side.

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Halved brussel sprouts roasted with crispy bacon bits adds a sweet, nutty flavor and crunch.

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Cubed butternut squash roasted with maple syrup, cinnamon and thyme is a seasonal fall favorite.

Fresh Salad Sides

A crisp, fresh salad lightens up a chicken meal. Try these flavorful salad combinations:

Kale Caesar Salad

Tender kale, crunchy croutons, parmesan and a zesty dressing give this salad a nutritional boost.

Greek Salad

Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and red onion tossed in a red wine vinaigrette screams Mediterranean flavor.

Apple Walnut Salad

Sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries and mixed greens with a apple cider vinaigrette is a fall favorite.

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Baby spinach, fresh strawberries, feta and candied pecans taste amazing with a poppyseed dressing.

Hearty Grains and Legumes

Grains and beans add fiber, protein and hearty texture to complement roast chicken. Consider these satisfying sides:

Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa tossed with sauteed veggies like corn, peas, carrots or peppers makes a protein-packed side.

Brown Rice with Lentils

Steamed brown rice mixed with French lentils provides an earthy, nutty base for the chicken.

Farro with Mushrooms

Nutty farro simmered with earthy sauteed mushrooms and finished with parsley is simple but delicious.

Baked Beans

Sweet maple baked beans offer contrasting flavor and tender bean texture next to the chicken.

Pasta and Bread Sides

Carbs like pasta and bread can round out a chicken dinner by soaking up extra sauce and flavors. Some options include:

Buttery Egg Noodles

Wide egg noodles boiled then tossed in butter or cream make a comforting bed for chicken.

Garlic Bread

Slices of crusty bread brushed with garlicky butter or oil and toasted are easy to make and tasty.

Mac and Cheese

Elbow pasta baked in an ultra-cheesy sauce is a family favorite chicken accompaniment.

Popovers

These light, airy rolls are a nice alternative to biscuits or cornbread with chicken.

The possibilities are endless when pairing sides with roasted chicken. From mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables to fresh salads, you can’t go wrong. Experiment with different flavor and texture combinations to find your favorites. With the perfect accompaniments, roasted chicken can be transformed into a fabulous home cooked meal.