The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles is a beloved soul food combo that brings together crispy, fried chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles. This winning flavor pairing has become a classic brunch and dinner dish across America.

When planning your chicken and waffles meal, it’s important not to overlook the sides. Complementary side dishes can take your chicken and waffles from great to exceptional. The key is choosing sides that balance and enhance the flavors of the fried chicken and waffles.

Here are some of the best side dishes to consider serving with your chicken and waffles:

Savory Sides

Mac and Cheese

A scoop of classic mac and cheese is a perfect comfort food side for chicken and waffles The creaminess pairs nicely with the crunch of fried chicken Make it an extra cheesy baked mac and cheese for a more decadent pairing.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a traditional Southern side dish that adds a pleasant bitter note to balance the sweetness of chicken and waffles, Cook them low and slow until tender and top with hot sauce or vinegar for a tangy kick

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural match for fried chicken. Jazz them up by mixing in cheese, garlic, or herbs. Or make them loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar, and sour cream.

Green Beans

Simply sautéed or roasted green beans make a lighter, veggie-packed side for your chicken and waffles meal. Toss them with spices like garlic, red pepper flakes, or thyme to boost the flavor.

Cole Slaw

Cool, crunchy coleslaw complements the hot, crispy textures in this dish. Opt for coleslaw styles with vinegar or mayo-based dressings. Add cabbage, carrots, onions, and even fruit like apples or raisins.

Fried Okra

For another Southern favorite, fry up some fresh okra to serve alongside your chicken and waffles. The combination of fried okra and fried chicken is delish.

Sweet Sides

Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries, melons, and citrus is a bright, sweet complement to chicken and waffles. The tartness balances the fried flavors nicely.

Baked Apples

Warm baked apples are a nice change from syrup if you want something sweet but not overpowering. Bake sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for a comforting side.

Sweet Potato Casserole

This Thanksgiving favorite pairs perfectly with chicken and waffles any time of year. It has a similar sweetness as waffles but the texture contrast is amazing.

Cornbread

A wedge of moist, honey-buttered cornbread is a classic Southern carbo-load. Crumble it over your chicken and waffles or use it to mop up any leftover syrup or sauce.

Honey Butter Biscuits

Flaky, homemade biscuits slathered with honey butter offer a sweet note along with fried chicken. The biscuits also work great for sandwiching any leftover chicken.

Spicy Sides

Hot Sauce

Offering a variety of hot sauces lets guests customize the spice level of their chicken and waffles. Good options include Tabasco, Cholula, Sriracha, and habanero hot sauce.

Spicy Maple Syrup

For those who like heat, add cayenne and black pepper to maple syrup. The spicy sweet glaze over chicken and waffles will tingle your tastebuds.

Pickled Jalapeños

Quick pickled jalapeño slices add a fresh crunch and fiery kick. Scatter them over chicken and waffles or let guests customize their spice.

Creamed Spinach with Chili Powder

Boost canned or fresh creamed spinach with a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper. The subtle heat balances the rich spinach nicely.

Savory Toppings

Sausage Gravy

For the ultimate Southern flavor combo, serve homemade sausage gravy over your chicken and waffles. Spoon it generously over both the fried chicken and waffles.

Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise is another excellent topping for chicken and waffles. The rich, eggy sauce adds moisture and complements the chicken perfectly.

Tomato Jam

Condiment-style tomato jam with bacon or spices smeared on your chicken and waffles adds sweet and tangy flavor to every bite.

Pico de Gallo

Fresh pico de gallo salsa is a quick and easy topping to spice up your chicken and waffles platter. The bright tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime cuts the richness nicely.

Sweet Toppings

Maple Syrup

You can’t go wrong drizzling maple syrup over traditional chicken and waffles. Use real maple syrup and heated to get it nice and runny.

Honey Butter

For a twist on maple syrup, whip up some honey butter. Mix honey into softened butter and dollop it over chicken and waffles while still warm.

Berry Compote

A spoonful of blended berries cooked down with sugar makes a delicious syrup alternative. Blueberry, strawberry, and peach compotes pair wonderfully.

Whipped Cream

A cloud of freshly whipped cream is an easy way to top waffles. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon if you want an extra touch of sweetness.

Chicken and waffles deserve side dishes and toppings just as tasty as the main stars. Try out a variety of savory, spicy, and sweet accompaniments to find your favorite pairings. From mac and cheese to collard greens to maple syrup, the options for sides are endless.