Chicken meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. Lean ground chicken creates tasty, juicy meatballs that are full of protein. However, a plate of chicken meatballs on their own does not make for a complete meal. The key is pairing them with the right side dishes to create a satisfying dining experience.
In this article, I will share 18 of my favorite side dishes that complement chicken meatballs wonderfully. From creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads and crunchy fries, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Savory Sides That Pair Perfectly With Chicken Meatballs
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
With their smooth creamy texture and rich buttery flavor, mashed potatoes are an ideal match for chicken meatballs. The comfort and heartiness of the potatoes balances nicely with the juicy, savory meatballs. Drizzle some of the meatball sauce over the potatoes for an extra flavor boost.
2. Pasta
Pairing chicken meatballs with pasta is a no-brainer, whether it’s spaghetti, linguine, penne or your pasta of choice. The tender noodles soak up the flavorful meatball sauce, creating a simple yet delightful Italian-inspired meal. For extra richness, mix in some Parmesan cheese.
3. Rice Pilaf
Nutty rice pilaf adds texture and soaks up the meatball sauce beautifully. Sauté the rice with aromatic ingredients like onions and spices before simmering in broth for the best flavor. The pilaf’s fragrance and fluffiness complement chicken meatballs wonderfully.
4. Polenta
Creamy, smooth polenta is a satisfying base for chicken meatballs and sauce. For extra flair, cook the polenta with Parmesan and herbs, then spread it out and grill or pan-fry it until crispy on the outside. The combination of soft and crispy textures is divine.
5. Baked Ziti
Tender ziti noodles, gooey cheese and rich marinara sauce take chicken meatballs to new levels of comfort and flavor Mix the meatballs right into the ziti casserole for an easy one-pan meal. Just bake until bubbly and enjoy!
Crunchy, Fresh Sides to Contrast the Chicken Meatballs
6. Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunchy element and bright contrast to chicken meatballs Crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, shaved Parmesan and a zesty dressing balance the rich, savory meatballs
7. Coleslaw
For a tangy crunch, try coleslaw alongside your chicken meatballs. The crispy cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy or vinaigrette dressing complement the juicy meatballs wonderfully.
8. Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts air fried with a touch of maple syrup offer a sweet and crunchy side for chicken meatballs. They add nutrition and texture variety to the meal.
Satisfying Roasted Veggies
9. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary make an aromatic, satisfying side. Roast baby potatoes for a good meatball-to-potato size ratio. The earthy herbs and potato richness pair beautifully with chicken meatballs.
10. Roasted Broccoli
For a pop of green, roast broccoli florets until lightly charred and tender. Toss them with olive oil, garlic and seasoning for extra flavor. The caramelized edges and crisp-tender texture complement meatballs wonderfully.
11. Ratatouille
This vibrant vegetable stew with eggplant, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes adds a fresh, Mediterranean twist to chicken meatballs. The contrast of flavors and textures takes the meal to new heights.
Fun Fries and Potato Sides
12. Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries make a naturally sweet, healthy pairing for chicken meatballs. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior balances the juicy meatballs. Season them with cinnamon or paprika for extra flair.
13. Twice Baked Potatoes
Halved potatoes scooped out, mixed with cheese, cream and seasonings, then baked to perfection are doubly delicious alongside chicken meatballs. Choose your favorite cheese and herbs to customize them.
14. Hasselback Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes fanned out, infused with garlic butter and roasted yield crispy edges surrounding fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth centers. They make a show-stopping yet easy side for chicken meatballs.
15. Loaded Baked Potato Bites
For an appetizer-inspired twist, make loaded baked potato bites. Scoop potato flesh into mini potato skins, top with bacon, cheddar, green onion and bake. Serve with chicken meatballs for a fun, tasty combo.
Pasta and Grain Salads
16. Orzo Salad
This Greek orzo salad combines the short pasta with cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, feta and fresh herbs. The zesty vinaigrette ties it all together. It’s a fresh, satisfying side for chicken meatballs any time of year.
17. Israeli Couscous Salad
Nutty Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, makes a hearty base for this salad with corn, black beans, bell pepper and avocado. Toss in a lime dressing for a delicious, protein-packed accompaniment.
18. BLT Pasta Salad
For a fun twist, try BLT pasta salad featuring bacon, lettuce and tomatoes tossed with pasta and a mayo dressing. It combines two classic dishes into one flavor-packed side for chicken meatballs.
Chicken meatballs make a versatile, healthier alternative to beef and pork meatballs. They pair remarkably well with a wide variety of side dishes from creamy potatoes to fresh vegetables and crunchy fries.
Using the flavor and texture contrast between sides and meatballs can take your meals from boring to delicious. Experiment with different grain and pasta salads, roasted veggies, polenta and more.
With all these tasty pairing ideas, you can easily turn basic chicken meatballs into exciting, well-rounded meals the whole family will love.
How to reheat meatballs?
Either microwave for 30 seconds to a minute (depending on how many youre reheating.
Or wrap the balls in tinfoil and bake them at 375 for 10 minutes or until heated through.
What to pair them with
These mediterranean chicken meatballs are perfect for my easy mediterranean rice bowl recipe!
You could even add them to this curried coconut cauliflower soup!
Easy Weeknight Dinner | Smothered Turkey Meatballs Recipe
FAQ
What can you have with chicken meatballs?
The most delicious Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs packed with flavor and easily made in under 30 minutes! Serve with brown rice, homemade tzatziki sauce, sprinkle on some feta cheese, or pair with a tomato and chickpea salad for a complete meal!
What is a good side with meatballs?
- Jen’s Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
- Tasty Spicy Rice Pilaf.
- Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles.
- Peperonata.
- Peanut Butter Noodles.
- Tasty BBQ Corn on the Cob.
- Disney’s Ratatouille.
- 8. ‘ Chinese Buffet’ Green Beans.
What should I eat my meatballs with?
- Side Dish 1: Mashed Potatoes
- Side Dish 2: Rice
- Side Dish 3: Egg Noodles
- Side Dish 4: Regular Pasta
- Side Dish 5: Sliders, Subs, Pita Pockets…
What goes with chicken teriyaki meatballs?
Serving suggestions
I love serving these teriyaki chicken meatballs with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli, but you can also serve them with my edamame crunch salad for extra veggies.
What to eat with chicken meatballs?
The combination of lettuce, croutons, and tangy dressing creates that familiar blend of flavors we all love. Serve this refreshing salad with chicken meatballs for a well-rounded dining experience. 22. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes These rosemary-roasted potatoes are a culinary delight you’ll crave again and again.
Are chicken meatballs healthy?
They’re juicy and tasty, with the added benefit of being leaner and healthier. But as great as chicken meatballs are, they’re not a complete meal on their own. They’re best served with hearty dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, and pasta. And if you’re looking for more ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
Can you eat rice with chicken meatballs?
If you love to eat rice with any meat dish, try rice pilaf with chicken meatballs. It takes the humble white rice to new heights of flavor and texture. Here, the rice is cooked in butter, chicken broth, and spices. This gives it so much more personality. Pairing it with juicy chicken meatballs makes a winning combo.
What to eat with baked ziti & chicken meatballs?
When baked ziti meets chicken meatballs, you get a flavorful Italian extravaganza. This pairing is nothing short of epic! Think spaghetti and meatballs, but more indulgent. Savory and juicy chicken meatballs are the perfect companion to hearty, cheesy, and saucy ziti. Together, they create a crowd-pleasing feast. 5. Rice Pilaf
Do Brussels sprouts go with chicken meatballs?
Tossed in a delectable mixture of maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper, the Brussels sprouts are air-fried to perfection. The result is Irresistibly crispy and caramelized sprouts. They go perfectly with tender and savory chicken meatballs. There are plenty of incredible sides to serve with chicken meatballs!
How long do chicken meatballs last?
They will keep for up to 3 months. When it comes to what to serve with chicken meatballs, the options are endless. You can try serving them with rice pilaf, butter noodles, creamy polenta, or even frozen spinach and broccoli. No matter what you choose, these delicious side dishes will complement the flavor of the chicken meatballs perfectly.