What to Have With Chicken Soup: 15 Delicious Pairings

Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. A bowl of hot aromatic chicken soup can warm you up on a cold day soothe a sore throat, and fill your belly.

But chicken soup on its own can be boring, That’s why it’s smart to serve it with a side or two to make it a complete and satisfying meal,

Here are 15 delicious things to have with chicken soup

Bread

Bread is a classic accompaniment to soup. The two just seem made for each other!

Some great bread options to serve with chicken soup include:

• Crusty bread or rolls – Tear off a piece and dunk it right in the broth!

• Crackers – Saltines, oyster crackers, or whole grain crackers all pair nicely.

• Garlic bread – The bold garlic flavor stands up well to the chicken broth.

• Focaccia or flatbread – The chewy texture and herbs are a nice match.

• Challah or brioche – The rich egg bread soaks up broth beautifully.

Salad

Crisp, fresh salad greens contrast nicely with hot soup. An easy green salad, Caesar salad, or Greek salad are all fine choices.

For fun you could also do a composed salad like a taco salad or chef’s salad with chicken, veggies, cheese, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Sandwich

Half a sandwich with a bowl of soup makes a very satisfying lunch or light dinner. Grilled cheese, BLT, tuna melt…take your pick of your favorite sandwich to accompany the soup.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a no-brainer with chicken soup. Mash them, roast them, fry them…potatoes pair wonderfully.

Some tasty spud ideas:

• Mashed potatoes
• Baked potatoes with fixings
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Potato pancakes or hash browns
• French fries or tater tots

Pasta

If your chicken soup doesn’t already contain noodles or pasta, serving some on the side is an easy way to round out the meal.

• Spaghetti or linguine with red sauce or pesto
• Macaroni and cheese
• Penne with vegetables
• Farfalle with creamy alfredo sauce

Rice

Like pasta, rice makes a nice complement to chicken soup. It gives you an extra base that can soak up the tasty broth.

Try these rice side dishes:

• Plain white or brown rice
• Fried rice or rice pilaf
• Risotto
• Dirty rice
• Rice with peas and carrots

Pierogi

Pierogi are filled dumplings that are popular in Eastern European cuisines. They are a bit like ravioli. Pierogi are a traditional accompaniment to soup.

Flavors like potato and cheese, meat, sauerkraut, and mushroom all pair wonderfully with chicken soup.

Vegetables

Don’t forget to round out your soup with veggies! Green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or peas make classic sides.

You could also sauté zucchini, roast Brussels sprouts or cauliflower, make a veggie hash, or stir fry an array of vegetables for delicious flavor and texture contrasts.

Meat

While chicken soup is hearty on its own, sometimes you want to add even more protein. Serving extra meat on the side balances out the meal.

Good meaty additions include:

• Chicken breasts or wings
• Sausages or kielbasa
• Meatballs
• Pork chops or chicken fried steak
• Chili or sloppy Joes

Eggs

Eggs pair surprisingly well with chicken soup. They add extra protein and richness.

Quick and easy egg servings:

• Hard boiled eggs
• Deviled eggs
• Fried eggs
• Poached eggs
• Scrambled eggs

Cheese

A little cheese takes chicken soup up a notch! Cheese enhances flavor and adds satisfying fat and protein.

Some cheesy options:

• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Macaroni and cheese
• Quesadillas or nachos
• Cheese bread or biscuits
• Cheese plate with crackers

Fruit

For a sweet contrast, serve fresh fruit alongside the savory soup. The moisture and acidity of the fruit cut through the richness.

Fruits that pair well include:

• Apple slices
• Grapes
• Orange wedges
• Melon chunks
• Berries
• Kiwi slices
• Pears

Dessert

If you have room for dessert, something simple like cookies or fresh fruit pies complement chicken soup nicely. Or serve something decadent like cheesecake, apple crisp, or chocolate cake for pure enjoyment!

Drinks

Don’t forget beverages! Chicken soup calls for something soothing and refreshing to drink.

Some tasty drink ideas:

• Iced tea, hot tea, or lemonade
• Fresh vegetable or fruit juice
• Smoothies
• Milk, chocolate milk, or buttermilk
• Coffee or espresso drinks

Chicken soup is so versatile. With an array of breads, veggies, starches, proteins, cheeses and more at your side, boring chicken soup becomes a truly satisfying meal.

So next time you’re enjoying a steaming bowl of chicken soup, be sure to round it out with a delicious accompaniment or two! Your belly will thank you.

Many side dishes pair well with soup, ranging from classic grilled cheese sandwiches and crusty bread to salads and roasted vegetables. The best choice depends on the type of soup and personal preference.