Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that never seems to go out of style. The crispy, golden crust gives way to tender chicken filled with cool, creamy garlic-herb butter. It’s no wonder this indulgent dish has remained popular for decades.
But choosing the right side dishes to serve alongside chicken Kiev can take this meal from great to spectacular. The key is finding sides that complement rather than compete with the rich flavors of the chicken.
In this article, we’ll explore 28 delicious side dish options to serve with chicken Kiev. From hearty potatoes to bright fresh salads these pairings will have your tastebuds singing.
Creamy, Buttery Sides
1. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural fit with chicken Kiev. For the ultimate rich and decadent pairing, top your mashed potatoes with extra butter, sour cream, cheese, or herbs. The smooth, creamy potatoes balance the crispy exterior of the chicken beautifully.
2. Scalloped Potatoes
For another luxurious potato option, scalloped potatoes intermix thinly sliced spuds with a creamy cheese sauce then bake until bubbly and golden. The tender potatoes and gooey cheese are wonderful alongside chicken Kiev.
3. Potato Gratin
Similar to scalloped potatoes, a potato gratin features sliced potatoes baked in a savory custard of cream, cheese, and garlic. Crispy on top yet creamy within, it’s an indulgent match for chicken Kiev.
4. Creamed Spinach
Buttery creamed spinach makes a flavorful accompaniment to chicken Kiev. Saute fresh spinach, then toss it with a creamy béchamel sauce spiked with nutmeg. The velvety spinach is a nice counterpoint to the crispy chicken.
5. Creamed Corn
For another luxurious veggie side, make creamed corn by simmering corn kernels in cream or half and half until thickened. The sweet corn pairs beautifully with chicken Kiev’s savory flavors.
Roasted Veggies
6. Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli caramelizes it for a deep, nutty flavor. Toss florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast at a high temp until browned and tender. The slight char makes a tasty match for chicken Kiev.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a heartier roasted veggie, go with Brussels sprouts. Toss halved sprouts with oil, balsamic, garlic, and bacon bits, then roast until crispy on the outside and tender within. The sweet-sour flavor complements the chicken.
8. Roasted Carrots
Honey-roasted carrots make a lightly sweet, beautifully burnished side for chicken Kiev. Toss carrot sticks or coins with oil, honey, and seasonings, then roast until caramelized. Their natural sweetness balances the savory chicken beautifully.
9. Roasted Cauliflower
For a low-carb option, roast cauliflower florets until golden and tender, with crispy browned edges. Toss the cauliflower with oil, garlic, cumin, and a squeeze of lemon before roasting. The nutty cauliflower pairs perfectly with chicken Kiev.
10. Roasted Radishes
For an unexpected roasted veggie, try radishes! Their peppery bite mellows and sweetens when roasted. Toss small whole radishes in oil, salt, and pepper and roast until lightly browned and fork-tender. Their crisp texture and tangy flavor complement chicken Kiev wonderfully.
Bright, Fresh Salads
11. Mixed Greens Salad
A simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette provides brightness alongside rich chicken Kiev. Opt for mix of lettuces like romaine, spinach, and arugula for variety of flavors and textures. Top with fresh veggies like tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper.
12. Kale Salad
For a heartier salad, massaged kale provides great flavor and nutrition. Rub the kale with lemon juice, oil, and salt to soften it, then add veggies, nuts, cheese crumbles. The massage tenderizes the kale so it pairs well with chicken Kiev.
13. Greek Salad
A Greek salad packed with cucumbers, olives, feta, and pepperoncini offers a delicious tangy, crunchy contrast to chicken Kiev. Toss with a lemony vinaigrette and sprinkle with oregano. The briny flavors complement the chicken perfectly.
14. Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce coated in creamy Caesar dressing can’t be beat alongside chicken Kiev. Garnish with crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and perhaps some grilled chicken for extra protein. The cool, creamy salad balances chicken Kiev’s warmth beautifully.
15. Pear Salad
For a fruit-based salad, combine mixed greens with sliced pears, toasted walnuts, blue cheese, and a raspberry vinaigrette. The sweet pears, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing pair wonderfully with savory chicken Kiev.
Warm Veggie Sides
16. Sauteed Green Beans
Quick-sauteed green beans retain their crisp-tender bite and bright green color. Saute sliced green beans in olive oil with slivered garlic and toasted almonds. Their fresh flavor and crunch goes nicely with chicken Kiev.
17. Sauteed Asparagus
For an elegant side, saute asparagus spears in butter or oil until bright green and slightly tender. Toss with lemon, parsley, salt and pepper. The crisp-tender asparagus offers a sophisticated pairing for chicken Kiev.
18. Sauteed Broccolini
For a quick-cooking green veggie, saute broccolini with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes until stems are tender. The slender stalks and leafy greens offer texture and freshness alongside the chicken.
19. Braised Fennel
Slow-braised fennel mellows its flavor from crisp and crunchy to soft and sweet. Simmer sliced fennel low and slow in broth with aromatics like garlic, thyme, and lemon zest. The slightly caramelized fennel pairs beautifully with chicken Kiev.
20. Ratatouille
A Provencal veggie stew called ratatouille makes a hearty, robust side for chicken Kiev. Saute eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a chunky, tomato-laced accompaniment. The bold flavors pair nicely with the richness of the chicken.
Savory Starches and Grains
21. Buttered Noodles
Simple buttered noodles soak up all the delicious flavors on your chicken Kiev plate. Boil pasta like egg noodles, farfalle, or orzo, then toss with butter, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Comforting and uncomplicated.
22. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf provides fluffy, aromatic grains along with chicken Kiev. Saute rice with chopped onions and garlic, then simmer in broth until rice is just tender. Mix in fresh herbs, lemon zest, nuts or cheese for extra flavor.
23. Polenta
Creamy, corny polenta is wonderful served alongside chicken Kiev. Simmer polenta in broth and cream until thick and porridge-like, then top with cheese or browned butter. The soft, rich polenta complements the crispy chicken wonderfully.
24. Stuffing
Baked bread stuffing is a hearty, savory side that soaks up flavors. Make stuffing from bread cubes, chicken broth, sauteed celery and onions, herbs, butter, and seasonings. The rich, nostalgic flavors pair perfectly with chicken Kiev.
25. Quinoa
For a high-protein grain, cooked quinoa offers a nice nutty crunch with chicken Kiev. Simply boil quinoa in broth until fluffy and tender, about 15 minutes. Then mix in herbs, lemon, or roasted veggies. Quinoa balances the richness of the chicken.
26. Farro
Nutty farro grains have an appealing chewy-creamy texture. Simmer farro in broth until tender, then toss with olive oil, veggies, cheese, or herbs. Farro makes a hearty and healthy accompaniment for chicken Kiev.
And for Dessert…
27. Bread Pudding
Round out the meal with a comforting bread pudding layered with raisins, nuts, and vanilla custard. The soft, eggy bread soaks up any lingering chicken Kiev flavors. Serve warm with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
28. Fruit Crisp
For a lighter finish, bake a warm fruit crisp or cobbler using apples, pears, peaches, or berries. The sweet, crunchy topping provides nice contrast to the savory dinner flavors. Top with ice cream for pure decadence.
Chicken Kiev is indulgent enough on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can take the meal over the top. Try any of these 28 options for delicious results! From crispy roasted veggies to creamy pasta, fresh salads to warm dessert, these sides offer something for every palate.
1 Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob brings a touch of summer to your meal. Boil or grill the corn until tender, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of chili powder or a squeeze of lime juice. This side is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.
Binging with Babish: Chicken Kiev from Mad Men
FAQ
What can you serve chicken Kiev with?
Serve with mashed potato and green beans, with lemon wedges to garnish.
What sauce compliments chicken Kiev?
Chicken Kiev is an all-time favourite with crisp crumbing to keep it moist and tender. Top it off with a creamy honey mustard sauce, and this dish will prove to be popular with residents.