Chicken legs are a classic dinner staple that never seems to go out of style. With their juicy meat and crispy skin chicken legs make for a hearty and comforting meal. But what should you serve alongside these flavorful drumsticks? The possibilities are endless!
In this article, we’ll explore 15 delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with chicken legs. From creamy potatoes to vibrant salads and savory roasted veggies, we’ve got you covered for family dinners, backyard barbecues, and everything in between.
Satisfying Starches
1. Mashed Potatoes
Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes are one of the most classic and beloved pairings for chicken legs Their smooth texture and rich flavor complement the savory chicken beautifully Jazz up plain mashed potatoes by folding in cheese, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs. Smother everything in gravy for pure comfort food bliss.
2. Mac and Cheese
Is anything more comforting than ooey-gooey mac and cheese? This cheesy pasta bake is a crowd-pleasing side that feels like a warm hug for your soul. The creamy cheese sauce softens the crispy chicken skin while cut pasta provides a pleasant textural contrast.
3. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a simple yet versatile side dish for chicken legs. Cook up a pot of fluffy rice seasoned with stock, herbs, and spices. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like diced veggies, nuts, or dried fruit. The possibilities are endless with this classic base!
4. Baked Potato
A crispy skin baked potato loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits tastes amazing next to juicy chicken legs. The fluffy interior soaks up all those delicious chicken juices. Wrap it in foil and bake it alongside the chicken for easy cooking.
Crunchy & Fresh Salads
5. Coleslaw
Cool and crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing, lighter pairing for savory chicken legs. The tangy slaw dresses up the plate with color and cracks with each bite. Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw variations both work beautifully.
6. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is the perfect balance for rich and juicy chicken legs. Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, shredded parmesan, and creamy dressing cuts through the chicken’s richness.
7. Greek Salad
A Greek salad offers a fresh medley of flavors and textures to complement chicken legs. Juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese liven up the plate. The lemony dressing brightens up the dish.
8. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salads made with a mayo or sour cream-based dressing pair deliciously with chicken legs. Diced potatoes, hard boiled eggs, celery, onion, and parsley come together in an easy, tasty cold salad.
Savory Veggie Sides
9. Roasted Vegetables
A sheet pan of roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The medley of seasonal veggies adds a pop of color and healthy balance to a chicken leg dinner.
10. Buttered Corn
When corn is in season, it’s one of the best pairings for chicken legs. Boil or grill ears of corn until tender, then slather in butter and sprinkle with salt for simple sweet perfection.
11. Sautéed Green Beans
Fresh green beans sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and seasoning make an easy and nutritious side dish. The crisp-tender beans balance the chicken’s richness. Toss in slivered almonds or bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
12. Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasting carrot sticks or coins with butter, brown sugar, and honey transforms them into a delicious sweet and savory side for chicken legs. The natural sugars in the carrots caramelize into a lovely glaze.
More Satisfying Sides
13. Dinner Rolls
Warm, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up every last drop of juice and sauce left on your plate after devouring chicken legs. Brush rolls with butter or herbs for extra flavor.
14. Garlic Bread
Sliced bread brushed with buttery garlic goodness can make any meal feel like a feast. The aromatic, crusty bread soaks up sauce and complements chicken legs wonderfully.
15. Broccoli Rice
For a healthy low-carb option, try ricing raw broccoli in a food processor until it resembles rice or couscous. Sauté it with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings for a quick and delicious side dish.
Tips for Rounding Out Your Chicken Leg Dinner
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Focus on a mix of textures and flavors. Crispy, creamy, crunchy, and fresh sides provide contrast.
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Vary the colors on the plate for visual appeal by including bright vegetables and herbs.
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Add a small green salad with vinaigrette to balance out any heavier sides.
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Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new flavor combos! Chicken legs pair well with a wide variety of cuisines.
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Cook veggies, potatoes or rice in advance for quicker prep on busy nights. Many side dishes can be made 1-2 days ahead.
Chicken legs deserve a side dish that can stand up to their bold flavor. With so many easy and delicious options, from creamy potatoes to vibrant salads and beyond, you’re sure to find the perfect pairings to complete your chicken dinner. Now grab those drumsticks and get cooking! Your favorite chicken leg combo awaits.
What To Serve With Chicken Drumsticks
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Follow the recipe directions and cook up something delicious to serve with chicken drumsticks.
26 Easy Sides For Chicken Drumsticks
Experience a burst of flavor with roasted beet and watermelon salad with goat cheese, a refreshing and vibrant dish thats perfect for summer.
Sweet roasted beets and juicy watermelon are tossed with creamy goat cheese and fresh mint, then drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze for a salad thats as beautiful as it is delicious.
Quick and easy to make, this salad is sure to impress!
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with pasta with coconut milk, a creamy and indulgent dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Tender pasta is simmered in a rich and velvety coconut milk sauce, then tossed with your favorite veggies or protein for a dish thats comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this pasta is sure to be a hit.
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of creamy mushrooms, a simple yet decadent dish thats perfect for any meal.
Tender mushrooms are sautéed until golden brown, then simmered in a creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, and herbs for a dish thats creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside grilled steak, roast chicken, or your favorite pasta, these creamy mushrooms are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and experience the ultimate comfort food!
Say goodbye to mushy or undercooked rice and hello to perfectly fluffy grains with jasmine rice on the stovetop.
This foolproof method guarantees perfectly cooked rice every time, with minimal effort required. Simply rinse your rice, add it to a pot with water, and let it simmer until tender and fluffy.
In just a few minutes, youll have delicious, fragrant jasmine rice that pairs perfectly with any meal. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Fire up the grill and enjoy the fresh flavors of grilled veggie skewers, a colorful and delicious dish thats perfect for summer cookouts.
Vibrant veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, are skewered and grilled to perfection until tender and charred, then finished with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a dish thats smoky, savory, and utterly delicious.
Whether served as a side dish or a main course, these grilled veggie skewers are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and taste the flavors of summer!
Add a burst of flavor to your meal with cilantro lime rice, a vibrant and refreshing side dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Fragrant jasmine rice is cooked with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice for a dish thats fragrant, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dish, this cilantro lime rice is sure to be a hit.
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with chickpea salad, a refreshing and nutritious dish thats perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.
Tender chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, then dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a salad thats vibrant, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, this chickpea salad is sure to impress. Give it a try and taste the flavors of summer!
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of jollof rice, a classic West African dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Fragrant rice is cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and a blend of spices, creating a dish thats savory, aromatic, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside grilled chicken, fried fish, or your favorite vegetarian protein, this jollof rice is sure to be a hit.
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of maple roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, a delicious and nutritious side dish thats perfect for fall.
Tender sweet potatoes and crisp Brussels sprouts are roasted until caramelized and golden brown, then tossed in a maple glaze for a dish thats sweet, savory, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside roast turkey, grilled chicken, or your favorite vegetarian protein, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Brighten up your meal with Indian lemon rice, a flavorful and aromatic side dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric, then tossed with tangy lemon juice and fresh cilantro for a dish thats bright, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside curry, chicken drumsticks, or your favorite Indian-inspired dish, this lemon rice is sure to be a hit.
Upgrade your fries with parmesan garlic french fries, a gourmet twist on a classic favorite.
Crispy french fries are tossed in garlic-infused olive oil and grated parmesan cheese, then baked until golden brown and delicious for a dish thats savory, cheesy, and utterly addictive.
Whether served as a snack, a side dish, or a late-night indulgence, these parmesan garlic french fries are sure to be a hit.
Sweet carrots are shredded and tossed with fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette for a salad thats vibrant, aromatic, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside grilled meats, tagines, or your favorite Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Satisfy your cravings with frozen peas and carrots, a simple yet satisfying side dish thats perfect for any meal.
Tender peas and carrots are sautéed in butter until heated through and seasoned with salt and pepper for a dish thats savory, sweet, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or your favorite comfort food, these peas and carrots are sure to be a hit.
Indulge in the creamy goodness of asparagus mushroom risotto, a decadent and satisfying dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Arborio rice is simmered in vegetable broth until creamy and tender, then stirred with sautéed asparagus and mushrooms for a dish thats rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this risotto is sure to impress. Give it a try and experience the ultimate comfort food!
Indulge in the creamy goodness of French-style mashed potatoes, a classic side dish thats perfect for any meal.
Potatoes are boiled until tender, then mashed with butter, cream, and garlic until creamy and smooth for a dish thats rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or your favorite comfort food, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit.
Satisfy your cravings with golden cheesy mashed potato puffs, a delicious and indulgent side dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with cheese, garlic, and herbs, then formed into bite-sized puffs and baked until golden brown and crispy for a dish thats savory, cheesy, and utterly addictive.
Whether served as a snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer, these potato puffs are sure to be a hit.
Add a touch of French flair to your dinner table with French onion potatoes, a flavorful and aromatic side dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Tender potatoes are roasted until golden brown and crispy, then tossed with caramelized onions and fragrant herbs for a dish thats savory, sweet, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or your favorite comfort food, these French onion potatoes are sure to be a hit.
Shake up your dishes with caramelized onions, a sweet and savory condiment thats perfect for adding flavor to any meal.
Sweet onions are cooked low and slow until golden brown and tender, then seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a dish thats rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served atop burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats, these caramelized onions are sure to be a hit.
Fire up the grill and enjoy the smoky flavors of grilled Hasselback potatoes with chive butter, a delicious and indulgent side dish thats perfect for summer cookouts.
Tender potatoes are sliced and grilled until crispy and golden brown, then brushed with a savory chive butter for a dish thats rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables, these Hasselback potatoes are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and elevate your grilling game!
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel fried apples, a delicious and nostalgic side dish thats perfect for any meal.
Sweet apples are cooked low and slow in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until tender and caramelized for a dish thats warm, cozy, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside pancakes, pork chops, or biscuits, these fried apples are sure to be a hit.
Add a touch of sweetness to your dinner table with honey glazed carrots, a delicious and nutritious side dish thats perfect for any occasion.
Tender carrots are roasted until caramelized and golden brown, then tossed in a sticky honey glaze for a dish thats sweet, savory, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or your favorite comfort food, these honey glazed carrots are sure to be a hit.
Brighten up your meal with apple slaw, a refreshing and flavorful side dish thats perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.
Crisp apples are shredded and tossed with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette for a salad thats crunchy, sweet, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside barbecue, grilled meats, or sandwiches, this apple slaw is sure to impress.
Upgrade your fries with crispy baked parmesan asparagus fries, a delicious and nutritious side dish thats perfect for any meal.
Tender asparagus spears are coated in a crispy parmesan crust, then baked until golden brown and delicious for a dish thats savory, cheesy, and utterly addictive.
Whether served as a snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer, these asparagus fries are sure to be a hit.
Savor the flaky goodness of buttermilk biscuits, a classic and comforting side dish thats perfect for any meal.
Tender biscuits are made with buttermilk, butter, and flour, then baked until golden brown and flaky for a dish thats buttery, fluffy, and utterly delicious.
Whether served alongside fried chicken, country ham, or sausage gravy, these buttermilk biscuits are sure to be a hit.
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of roasted beetroot paired with creamy goat cheese in this delightful salad.
Tender, earthy beets are oven-roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Combined with tangy goat cheese crumbles and fresh greens, every bite bursts with wholesome goodness.
Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing finish. With its colorful presentation and irresistible taste, this salad is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Satisfy your snack cravings with these irresistible buttery garlic bread chips.
Made from freshly baked bread slices, each chip is infused with aromatic garlic and rich buttery flavor.
Crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully soft on the inside, these chips offer the perfect balance of texture and taste.
Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dips, they are sure to elevate any snacking experience.
Quick and easy to make, these homemade chips are a delicious treat for any occasion.
A refreshing coleslaw or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes for chicken drumsticks. Their contrasting flavors and textures complement the savory taste of the chicken perfectly. A refreshing coleslaw or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes for chicken drumsticks. Their contrasting flavors and textures complement the savory taste of the chicken perfectly.
Classic choices like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad are great sides for chicken. They provide a balance of flavors and nutrients that enhance the meal.
For barbecue chicken legs, consider pairing them with corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad. These sides complement the smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce and add variety to the meal.
Tried one of these recipes? Let us know how it went in the comments below.
Smothered baked chicken hate to see me coming #smotheredchicken #bakedchicken #sundaydinner
FAQ
What goes well with chicken legs?
Depends how they are prepared, but the following are solid options: Biscuits, sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, baked beans, corn on the cob, garlic bread, and mac and cheese.
What do you eat chicken legs with?
On the side, serve some Coleslaw or Potato Salad and Homemade Biscuits. Other side dishes that pair well with chicken drumsticks include Cornbread, Greek Salad, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese and Fruit Salad.
What is a good side dish for chicken?
A great side dish for chicken can be mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans, or even a classic like coleslaw. For a more substantial side, consider pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, or a hearty baked bean.