What Should I Serve with Roast Chicken? 15 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Roast chicken is a beloved dinner staple in many households. With its savory flavor and tender meat, it makes for a satisfying main course. However, figuring out what to serve alongside roast chicken can be a challenge. You want side dishes that will perfectly complement the chicken without overpowering it.

After cooking many roast chickens over the years, I’ve discovered some fantastic side dish pairings that never disappoint Here are my top 15 recommendations for what to serve with roast chicken

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes are a classic partner for roast chicken. Potatoes soak up the delicious juices from the chicken, while the butter and cream add a touch of richness that contrasts nicely with the savory meat. For ultimate creaminess, use a mix of Yukon Gold and russet potatoes. Jazz up basic mashed potatoes by folding in roasted garlic or crispy bacon bits.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasting root veggies like carrots parsnips and sweet potatoes caramelizes their natural sugars and Concentrates their flavors. They add bright colors and a satisfying crunch to complement tender roast chicken. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs before roasting. I love this honey balsamic roasted carrot recipe.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

For a heartier, more indulgent potato dish scalloped potatoes baked with cream, cheese and garlic are ideal. As the creamy potatoes bake, they form a delightful crust on top. The potatoes marry well with the chicken’s richness. Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese work great.

Garlicky Green Beans

Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and olive oil make for a quick, easy veggie side. The bright green color looks fantastic next to golden roast chicken. Add toasted almonds or lemon zest to brighten the beans’ flavor. Green beans offer some vitamin C, fiber and potassium to round out the meal.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots add natural sweetness and color to balance savory roast chicken. Peeling and cutting carrots into sticks allows them to soak up the glaze evenly. Simmer the carrots in a skillet with butter, honey or maple syrup, salt and pepper until tender. The brown sugar glazed carrot recipe is amazing.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy risotto makes a nice change of pace from potatoes or rice. The addition of cubed butternut squash gives the risotto a lively color and sweetness to pair well with chicken. Spooning the risotto onto dinner plates lets you artfully arrange the roast chicken on top.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

While some may see Brussels sprouts as boring, roasting transforms them into an irresistible side dish. Roasted sprouts caramelize and develop a deep, nutty flavor. Toss halved sprouts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese before roasting. They hold up well against the richness of the chicken.

Stuffing or Dressing

No roast chicken dinner feels complete without a scoop of savory stuffing or dressing on the side. Rustic bread cubes soaked in chicken broth and baked with onion, celery, herbs, and spices complement the chicken perfectly. Get creative with ingredients like apples, sausage, cranberries, pecans or mushrooms.

Spinach Salad with Cranberries and Feta

A spinach salad provides color contrast and cuts the richness of roast chicken. Toasted walnuts add crunch, tangy cranberries offer sweetness, and feta lends its signature briny bite. Whisk together a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and maple syrup. Massage into the spinach just before serving.

Hasselback Potatoes

Slicing potatoes into thin, accordion-like slices maximizes their crispy edges and creaminess when baked. Dotting hasselback potatoes with butter and herbs adds flavor. The potatoes bake up with eye-catching ridges and make an impressive presentation alongside roast chicken.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Nutty, chewy wild rice teams up perfectly with tender roast chicken. Toast the rice in butter before simmering in chicken broth seasoned with garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir in toasted pecans or dried cranberries once cooked. The herbed wild rice pilaf recipe is excellent.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli transforms it from boring to beautiful. Chopped broccoli florets roast up crisp-tender with caramelized edges. Toss with olive oil, salt, and grated Parmesan before roasting. The melty cheese gives a savory depth that pairs nicely with chicken.

Dinner Rolls

Warm, fluffy dinner rolls are great for sopping up the pan juices and gravy left from roast chicken. Brush rolls with butter or garlic herb butter before serving. Parker House rolls, potato rolls, or popovers work well. Or go classic with homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Coleslaw

Crunchy coleslaw adds great texture contrast and brightness next to juicy roast chicken. Use bagged coleslaw mix for convenience or thinly slice cabbage yourself. Toss with a tangy dressing of mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Customize with carrots, bell peppers, pineapple, or peanuts.

Gravy

A flavorful gravy ties everything together when serving roast chicken. Simmer pan drippings with chicken stock, flour or cornstarch, and seasonings to form a smooth gravy. Let it reduce to concentrate the chicken essence. Drizzle the gravy over chicken, potatoes, rice, or biscuits for added moisture and savoriness.

When planning dinner around roast chicken, you have lots of delicious side dish options. Complementary sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, and coleslaw will round out your meal beautifully. With flavorful accompaniments like these, roast chicken dinner is sure to satisfy.