The Perfect Sides to Pair with Blackened Chicken

Blackened chicken is a popular Cajun-inspired dish that packs some serious spice and flavor. It features chicken that is coated in a mixture of spices and blackening seasoning and then seared to create a crispy, charred exterior. While the chicken itself is very flavorful, having the right side dishes to serve alongside it can really take your meal to the next level.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dish options to serve with blackened chicken. Whether you’re looking for classic Southern flavors, lighter sides, or ways to tone down the heat, there are plenty of tasty recipes to choose from.

Blackened chicken originated in Louisiana and gets its name from the blackening seasoning blend used to coat the meat before cooking. This spice mixture usually contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and black pepper. It delivers a bold, smoky flavor with a good amount of heat.

To make blackened chicken, boneless skinless chicken breasts are first pounded to an even thickness. Then they are coated liberally with melted butter and blackening seasoning on both sides. The chicken is then seared in a hot cast iron skillet, just until charred and cooked through.

The end result is chicken with a crispy blackened crust encasing a juicy, well-seasoned interior. The smokiness of the spices pairs excellently with the savory chicken. It’s a quick and easy recipe, but very impressive and packed with Creole flavor.

The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Blackened Chicken

1. Cajun Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a traditional Louisiana rice dish that gets its name from the ground meat and seasonings that give it its distinctive color and flavor. Made with chicken livers ground beef or pork onions, celery, peppers, and plenty of Cajun seasoning, it’s the perfect match for blackened chicken. The spices complement each other well and give you a meal full of robust Creole flavor.

2. Creamed Spinach

For a rich, indulgent side, try creamed spinach with your blackened chicken. Sautéed spinach is cooked down in a creamy béchamel sauce flavored with nutmeg and Parmesan. The cool, velvety spinach helps balance the heat of the chicken. It also adds a pop of green color to your plate.

3. Corn Maque Choux

Corn maque choux is another Louisiana classic. It’s made by sautéing sweet corn, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoning with Cajun spices. Fresh, sweet, and flavorful, it makes a delicious accompaniment to blackened chicken. The vegetables pair well with the charred chicken.

4. Loaded Baked Potato

You can’t go wrong with a hearty baked potato, piled high with all the fixings. Sour cream, butter, bacon, cheese, and chives help cool your mouth from the spicy chicken. The starchiness of the potato also helps temper the heat. Go as loaded as you want!

5. Roasted Broccoli

For a lighter option, try roasting broccoli with just a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper The high heat of the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the broccoli, giving it a slightly charred flavor similar to the chicken Roasted broccoli is a healthy side that won’t weigh your meal down.

6. Cornbread

Warm, buttery cornbread is a quintessential Southern side. When served with blackened chicken, the bread helps sop up any flavorful juices and spice mixture left on the plate. Cornbread also provides a neutral base that lets the seasoning of the chicken shine.

7. Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy sweet potato fries make an indulgent pairing for blackened chicken. Their natural sweetness balances out the heat of the chicken. Fry up shoestring style fries and serve them piping hot alongside your chicken for appetizing texture contrast.

8. Cajun Slaw

Cool, crisp coleslaw gets a flavor kick from Cajun seasoning for the perfect pairing with spicy blackened chicken. The vinegar tang of the slaw helps cut through the richness of the chicken. Shredded cabbage and carrots give you fiber, vitamins, and crunch.

9. Beans and Rice

No Cajun meal is complete without beans and rice! Red beans or kidney beans simmered with aromatics and served over white rice complete the Creole flavor profile. As a high-protein meatless side, beans and rice complement blackened chicken wonderfully.

10. Grilled Vegetables

For a light and healthy accompaniment, grill up a medley of summer veggies like zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Brush with olive oil and season with just salt and pepper to let their natural flavors shine. Grilled veggies add freshness to balance the spice.

Tips for Serving Blackened Chicken and Sides

• Allow the blackened chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute evenly.

• Many of the sides can be made ahead of time and just reheated before serving. This helps minimize last minute cooking.

• Feel free to tweak spice levels in the sides to make them as mild or spicy as you prefer.

• Offer a range of sides with different textures and flavors to please everyone.

• Slice the chicken and serve it over rice dishes like beans and rice or maque choux.

• Keep a starch, veggie, and sauce/salad on the plate for a balanced, colorful meal.

• Offer slices of lime, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes for squeezing over the chicken to help cut the heat.

Satisfying and Simple Meals Made Easy

With so many excellent options, it’s easy to find flavorful sides that pair perfectly with your blackened chicken dinner. From Southern staples like cornbread and creamed spinach to lighter sides like broccoli and grilled veggies, you’re sure to discover a new favorite combination.

The char and spices of well-made blackened chicken already provide so much flavor. With the addition of complementary side dishes, you can round out the meal into a truly satisfying Creole-inspired feast. Next time you’re cooking up this Cajun classic, try out some of these tasty sides for a delicious, well-balanced plate.