What is a Good Side Dish with Chicken Breast? 12 Delicious Ideas

Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein that can be prepared in endless ways. However, finding the perfect side dish to complement chicken breast can sometimes be a challenge The good news is that chicken goes well with a wide variety of sides Here are 12 delicious side dish ideas to serve with chicken breast.

Vegetables

Vegetables make excellent side dishes for chicken breast since they add color, nutrients, and flavor. Some classic veggie sides include:

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes Toss potato wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F until browned and crisp Sweet potatoes can be seasoned similarly.

• Sautéed greens Sauté spinach, kale, chard, or other greens in olive oil with garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

• Roasted vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables. Toss carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or squash in olive oil and roast at 425°F.

• Grilled vegetables: Slice zucchini, peppers, onions, eggplant, etc. into planks. Toss in oil and grill until charred and tender.

Grains

Grains like rice, quinoa, and pasta add filling fiber and carbohydrates. Try these grain sides with chicken:

• Rice pilaf: Sauté rice in olive oil then cook in broth. Finish with parsley or scallions.

• Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan. Or make a simple pomodoro or pesto sauce.

• Quinoa: Cook quinoa in broth, then toss with vinaigrette and mix in tomatoes, corn, or other veggies.

• Couscous: Prepare couscous per package directions, then add olive oil and seasonings.

Salads

Bright, fresh salads complement chicken breast perfectly. Ideas include:

• Green salad: Toss together lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. Drizzle with a vinaigrette.

• Wedge salad: Top lettuce wedges with blue cheese dressing, tomatoes, and bacon.

• Greek salad: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and oregano dressing.

• Pasta salad: Toss pasta with chopped vegetables and Italian dressing.

Casseroles and Bakes

For heartier meals, try these delicious casserole side dishes:

• Broccoli-rice casserole: Combine cooked rice, broccoli, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and top with fried onions.

• Squash casserole: Layer summer squash, onion, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until tender.

• Potato gratin: Thinly slice potatoes, layer in a baking dish with cream and cheese, and bake.

• Mac and cheese: No explanation needed for this cheesy, gooey classic!

Other Favorite Pairings

And don’t forget these other crowd-pleasing favorites:

• Garlic bread: Rub toasted bread with raw garlic and butter or brush with olive oil and toasted garlic.

• Dinner rolls: Warm bread served alongside chicken breast completes the meal.

• Coleslaw: Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing.

• Fruit salad: Make a refreshing salad with seasonal fruits like berries, melon, etc.

The options are endless when choosing a side for chicken breast! Think about color, texture, flavor, and what ingredients are in season. Not only do these sides complement the chicken, they can help round out a healthy, balanced meal. With endless combinations, you’ll never get bored eating chicken breast for dinner!