Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. With its flaky, golden crust and steaming hot filling of tender chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce, it’s a delicious meal that warms you from the inside out. But as tempting as it is to just dig into a hearty slice of pot pie, the right side dishes can take this classic comfort food to the next level.
In this article, I’ll share my top tips for choosing sides that perfectly complement chicken pot pie’s rich, savory flavors From bright, crisp salads to warm roasted veggies and quick breads, these sides provide the ideal balance of flavors, textures, and colors With a little creativity, you can turn pot pie night into a fun, memorable meal.
Pick Sides That Provide Contrast
The key to pairing sides with chicken pot pie is all about contrast. The flaky crust and rich filling already have indulgent textures and bold flavors. You want light, bright sides that cut through the richness.
Go for Crunch
Pick sides with some crunch like salads topped with crunchy nuts or roasted veggies with crispy, caramelized edges. The crisp texture will contrast beautifully with the creamy pot pie filling.
Some crunchy sides I recommend:
- Chopped kale salad with toasted almonds
- Roasted broccoli with garlic and lemon
- Coleslaw with chopped apples and celery
- Quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta cheese
Add Acidity
Fresh, acidic components like citrus and vinegar help cut through fats and creaminess. Sides with a bright tangy vinaigrette or a splash of lemon juice are perfect for balancing the pot pie.
Some bright, acidic sides that pair well:
- Greek salad with feta, olives, and red wine vinaigrette
- Cucumber salad with dill and white wine vinegar
- Roasted beets with orange segments and sherry vinaigrette
- Kale salad with cranberries, pecans, and apple cider dressing
Keep it Light
In general, balance out the heft of the pie with lighter vegetable sides and salads versus extra carbs like breads or potatoes. Stay away from heavy casseroles or mac and cheese that compete with the pie’s richness. Keep your sides fresh and vibrant.
Complement the Flavors
You also want sides that build on the pie’s core ingredients rather than compete with them. Pick sides with complementary flavors.
Echo the Herbs
Chicken pot pies are often seasoned with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Choose sides that incorporate those same herbs to unify the meal.
Some herb-infused sides that match nicely:
- Honey glazed carrots with fresh thyme
- Roasted parsnips and shallots with rosemary
- Sauteed green beans with garlic and sage
Feature Complementary Veggies
Since chicken pot pie showcases veggies like peas, carrots, corn and potatoes, sides that highlight those same vegetables and flavors will tie together.
Some examples:
- Roasted fingerling potatoes with garlic and parsley
- Sweet peas with pearl onions and lettuce
- Creamed corn
- Glazed heirloom carrots
Think Warm and Toasty
Warm, comforting sides feel right at home next to chicken pot pie. Consider a side that provides both texture contrast and flavor harmony, like warm biscuits or rolls for dipping into the pie’s gravy.
Some perfect warm companions:
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Skillet cornbread
- Whole wheat rolls with honey butter
- Popovers
Follow Seasonal Inspiration
Let the seasons guide you to fresh, lively sides that highlight what’s ripe and delicious.
Spring
In spring, take advantage of tender greens and crunchy veggies like asparagus, peas, and radishes.
Delightful spring sides:
- Pea shoot salad with shaved radish and lemon dressing
- Roasted asparagus with hazelnuts and pecorino
- Fresh pea and feta salad topped with mint
Summer
When summer produce is at its peak, create bright, acidic salads and grilled veggies.
Tasty summer pairings:
- Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
- Grilled zucchini and summer squash with chimichurri sauce
- Watermelon, cucumber, and feta salad
Fall
Warm up with autumnal veggies and seasonal fruit like squash, sweet potatoes, pears, and apples.
Some perfect fall sides:
- Roasted delicata squash salad with pears, spinach and apple cider vinaigrette
- Sweet potato hash with apples and sage
- Brussels sprouts slaw with sliced apples, fennel, and cider dressing
Winter
In cold months, lean into roasted veggies and citrus fruits to brighten up the table.
Hearty winter sides:
- Roasted carrots and parsnips with clementines and fresh thyme
- Sauteed Brussels sprouts with bacon and orange zest
- Kale and shaved fennel salad with orange segments
Quick Breads Offer Homey Harmony
For a comforting side that complements pot pie’s soul-warming flavors, quick breads are perfect. Baked right alongside the pie, warm cornbread, biscuits or muffins make the kitchen smell amazing.
Some delightful options:
- Skillet honey cornbread
- Rosemary and black pepper biscuits
- Corn muffins with fresh chives
- Irish soda bread with caraway seeds
- Pumpkin maple muffins with streusel topping
Satisfying Starch and Veggie Sides
If you’re looking for heartier sides to satisfy big appetites, starch and vegetable combos provide the perfect balance of nutrition, comfort, and flavors.
Think Beyond Mashed Potatoes
Of course buttery mashed potatoes are a decadent classic, but branch out to other tasty spuds and starches like:
- Loaded baked potatoes with cheese, bacon and scallions
- Crispy roasted rosemary potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole with pecans
- Polenta with parmesan and fresh herbs
Roast, Don’t Steam
Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots adds delicious caramelized edges that pair perfectly with chicken pot pie.
Some easy roasted veggie ideas:
- Honey thyme glazed carrots
- Parmesan cauliflower roasted with lemon
- Roasted broccoli and cauliflower with garlic and red pepper flakes
Final Plating Touches
A few final garnishes and components can really elevate your chicken pot pie and sides into a restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, chives or dill add color and aroma.
- Toasted nuts or seeds lend crunch and richness.
- Grated cheese like parmesan, cheddar or feta offer a tasty finishing touch.
- A drizzle of good olive oil or an aged balsamic reduction contribute flavor and elegance.
- Lemon or lime wedges provide brightness.
With the right balance of contrasting textures, complementary flavors, colors and aromas, your chicken pot pie sides can be as delicious as the main event. Use seasonal inspiration to keep your meals fresh and vibrant. From crisp salads to warm roasted vegetables and savory quick breads, the possibilities are endless for making pot pie night feel special.
What To Eat With Your Pot Pie
If youre wondering what to eat with your chicken pot pie, the perfect pairing relies on balance and contrast.
The contrast of temperatures (warm pie, cool sides), textures (flaky crust, crisp vegetables, creamy cheese), and flavors (rich pie, bright pickles, salty olives) creates a dining experience that feels special without hours of extra work.
Think fresh, crisp salads dressed with a citrus vinaigrette.
Roasted vegetables with caramelized edges.
Quick-pickled vegetable medleys that add bright acidity.
Crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of gravy.
Or a thoughtfully arranged cheese board that adds sophistication to your plate.
The key is choosing sides that complement rather than compete with your pot pies rich, savory flavors.
Quick-Roasted Vegetable Sides: 15-Minutes or Less
15. Maple-Thyme Glazed Carrots (View Recipe)
A quick 12-minute roast at high heat transforms these everyday vegetables into candy-sweet gems, their edges caramelized to a deep golden brown while their centers remain delicately tender.
Fresh thyme leaves scattered over top provide an earthy aroma that perfectly complements your pot pies savory herbs.
Toss your pre-cut carrots with maple syrup, fresh thyme, and a touch of butter before roasting at 425°F.
The high heat creates a gorgeous caramelization that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
16. Ginger-Sesame Snap Peas with Mushrooms (View Recipe)
Heres a fresh twist: crisp sugar snap peas and sliced mushrooms flash-roasted with sesame oil and fresh ginger.
The snap peas maintain their satisfying crunch while soaking up the aromatic sesame-ginger flavor, and the mushrooms become golden and meaty.
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Want to know the secret to making your chicken pot pie feel like it came from an upscale bistro?
Its all about the sophisticated yet simple no-cook sides.
These elegant accompaniments require zero cooking time but deliver maximum impact, creating a stunning contrast to your warm pie.
17. Marinated Mediterranean Olive Medley (View Recipe)
Create an impressive olive medley by combining Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and Niçoise olives with fresh rosemary sprigs, thinly sliced garlic, orange peel, and a splash of olive oil.
The briny, herbaceous notes create a perfect palate-cleansing contrast to the rich, creamy pot pie filling.
Prepare this a day ahead to let the flavors develop – it only gets better with time!
18. Artisanal Cheese Board Pairing (View Recipe)
Start with a wedge of creamy brie or camembert (whose buttery notes echo the pies flaky crust), add a sharp aged cheddar (to cut through the richness), and finish with a crumbly blue cheese (for sophisticated contrast).
Arrange with fresh and dried fruits, organic honey, and almonds for a board thats both beautiful and purposeful.
The varying textures and temperatures create an exciting dining experience that elevates your pot pie from homey to haute cuisine.
19. Quick-Pickled Vegetable Medley (View Recipe)
Bright, crisp, and slightly tangy, quick-pickled vegetables provide the perfect counterpoint to your rich pot pie.
Imagine paper-thin radishes, crisp cucumber ribbons, and sliced carrots, spicy jalapeños, and fresh onions soaked in a light brine of white wine vinegar and fresh dill.
These vegetables maintain their crunch while adding a bright, acidic note that cuts through the pot pies richness.
Transform your dining table into a restaurant experience with these simple plating techniques:
- Serve your pot pie on a large, warm plate with plenty of negative space
- Arrange your pickled vegetables in small, artistic clusters rather than in one pile
- Place your olive medley in a small, white ceramic bowl for contrast
- Position your cheese board slightly away from the hot pie to maintain proper temperatures
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a professional touch
What to Serve With Chicken Pot Pie
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