15 Delicious Side Dishes That Go Perfectly with Honey Mustard Chicken

Honey mustard chicken is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that most people love. It has a tangy, sweet flavor from the honey mustard sauce paired with juicy, tender chicken. But what should you serve alongside it to make it a complete dinner?

There are so many potential side dishes that pair wonderfully with honey mustard chicken. The possibilities are endless! In this article, I’ll share 15 of my favorite side dish ideas to complement this tasty chicken dish

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs so well with honey mustard chicken. The smooth, rich texture of the potatoes provides a nice contrast to the chicken’s tangy sweetness.

To make them, simply boil some russet or Yukon gold potatoes until fork tender Drain and mash them with butter, milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper I also like to add roasted garlic or chives to amp up the flavor. The butteriness complements the honey mustard chicken perfectly.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized and slightly crispy on the edges are a delicious accompaniment. Their nutty flavor and texture pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory chicken.

Toss halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until browned and tender. For extra flavor, add minced garlic, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan.

Garlic Butter Asparagus

Asparagus cooked until tender-crisp and topped with melted garlic butter is amazing alongside honey mustard chicken. The bright, fresh flavors and texture complement the chicken wonderfully.

Simply sauté or roast asparagus spears until just tender. Top with sliced garlic sautéed in butter. The garlic butter soaks into the asparagus, adding so much flavor. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish.

Quinoa Salad

A protein-packed quinoa salad with lots of fresh veggies is a fantastic healthy side dish with this chicken. It provides a nice crunch and tons of extra nutrients.

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Let cool, then mix with your favorite chopped veggies, like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, etc. Add a tangy dressing, like lemon vinaigrette or apple cider vinegar and oil. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple steamed green beans go really well with honey mustard chicken too. Their fresh, vibrant flavor and crunchy texture offsets the saucy chicken beautifully.

Steam green beans until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. For more flavor, add minced garlic, lemon juice, or slivered almonds.

Sweet Potato Fries

Baked sweet potato fries are delicious alongside honey mustard chicken. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the sweet honey mustard sauce on the chicken.

Cut sweet potatoes into fry shapes, toss with oil, and bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy. Season with salt, cinnamon, chili powder, or cayenne for a kick. Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Coleslaw

A scoop of creamy, tangy coleslaw is an excellent crunchy, cooling accompaniment. The cabbage and carrots paired with a zesty dressing like apple cider vinegar mayo complements the chicken wonderfully.

Shred green and red cabbage and carrots. Mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Let sit at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Baked Mac and Cheese

What better comfort food side for honey mustard chicken than ooey-gooey baked mac and cheese? The cheesy noodles pair perfectly with the saucy chicken.

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Make a cheese sauce with milk, butter, and cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, and parmesan. Add cooked pasta to sauce and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and more cheese and bake until golden.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob, with its sweet, smoky flavor, is fantastic alongside honey mustard chicken. The charred kernels pair so well with the sweet and tangy chicken.

Grill shucked corn over medium heat until lightly charred on all sides, brushing with melted butter as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, lime juice, chili powder, or any other desired seasonings.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, tangy dressing, and shaved Parmesan is a delicious lighter side. It cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.

Chop romaine and toss with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. You can add grilled chicken for extra protein too. The cool, creamy salad balances the warm chicken wonderfully.

Herbed Rice Pilaf

Fluffy herbed rice pilaf is easy to make and rounds out the meal perfectly. Its mild flavor soaks up the honey mustard sauce beautifully.

Sauté onion and garlic in butter. Add rice and broth, bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Roasted Carrots

Honey mustard chicken deserves a vegetable side beyond just a salad. Roasted carrots caramelized with brown sugar and butter are amazing. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Peel and slice carrots on the bias. Toss with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleasing accompaniment. It can help sop up any extra honey mustard sauce beautifully.

Spread baguette slices or rolls with softened butter mixed with minced garlic. Broil or grill until golden brown. The garlic butter enhances the chicken’s flavors deliciously.

Cucumber Salad

A light cucumber salad offers a refreshing, crispy contrast to the saucy chicken. It helps cut through the richness with its bright, cool flavors.

Whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add thinly sliced cucumbers and onions. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop before serving.

Sautéed Spinach

Don’t overlook spinach as a side – quickly sautéed with garlic, it’s delicious with honey mustard chicken. The greens balance the meal perfectly.

Heat olive oil in a pan. Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper. The garlic flavors marry beautifully with the chicken.

The Perfect Complements

As you can see, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to finding a delicious side dish to serve with honey mustard chicken! Whip up a classic like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese, or go for something lighter like a fresh salad or veggie side.

No matter which of these tasty sides you choose, you are sure to have a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will love. So don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new flavor combinations. Happy honey mustard chicken eating!