Chicken kiev is a classic dish that deserves an equally delicious side to complement its flavors. This breaded, fried cutlet filled with melted garlic herb butter is rich, crispy, and full of flavor. Pairing it with the right sides can take your meal from good to great.
After extensive research and testing out various side dishes, I’ve narrowed down the 15 best options for what to serve with chicken kiev. These sides range from hearty starches to fresh, vibrant salads so you can find the perfect match for any meal.
The Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Kiev
1. Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong pairing chicken kiev with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. The smooth and rich potatoes are the ideal base to soak up all of the garlicky butter oozing out of the crispy chicken breast. Russets make fluffier mashes, but Yukon golds lend a slightly sweet nuttiness. Jazz it up with sour cream, chives, roasted garlic, or your favorite cheeses.
2. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are an excellent accompaniment to chicken kiev. Small potatoes like fingerlings or baby Yukon golds develop a caramelized exterior and tender interior when roasted. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a simple yet delicious side.
3. Rice Pilaf
A rice pilaf makes a satisfying base for chicken kiev. It’s a great way to sop up all the buttery juices. Cook rice in chicken broth with aromatics like onion and garlic. Consider additions like parsley, lemon, toasted nuts, or dried fruit to liven it up.
4. Pasta
Buttery, garlicky pasta like linguine alfredo, macaroni and cheese, or spaghetti aglio e olio pair sensationally with chicken kiev The rich, creamy pasta complements the fried chicken cutlet flawlessly Toss in some fresh herbs or lemon for brightness.
5. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is meant to accompany chicken kiev The garlicky flavor profile perfectly mirrors that of the herb butter filling. Brush sliced bread with garlic butter or olive oil and toast until golden brown
6. Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, soft dinner rolls are great for mopping up leftover butter and juices from chicken kiev. They also make fantastic mini chicken kiev sandwiches! Brush with garlic butter before serving for an extra punch of flavor.
7. Coleslaw
A fresh, creamy coleslaw adds a tasty crunch to balance the richness of chicken kiev. Use a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots dressed lightly in mayo or Greek yogurt tangy dressing. Toss in diced apple or celery for added texture.
8. Green Salad
A simple green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette helps cut through the decadence of fried chicken kiev. Arugula, spinach, and kale salads pair well, as their slight bitterness offsets the dish’s richness.
9. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, zucchini, or asparagus make healthy, flavorful sides for chicken kiev. Toss veggies in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting to caramelized perfection.
10. Grilled Corn
In peak summer seasons, opt for grilled corn on the cob slathered in, you guessed it, garlic butter. The smoky char and sweet corn kernels balance perfectly with the crispy chicken.
11. Beans
Hearty beans like baked beans, green beans, or chickpeas complement chicken kiev’s richness. Slow-cooked baked beans with smoky, sweet flavors are a fun pairing. Simply roasted or sautéed green beans work well too.
12. Roasted Root Vegetables
Hearty roasted root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, or beets provide an earthy, satisfying side for chicken kiev. Toss in olive oil and roast until caramelized and tender.
13. Lentils
Warm, protein-rich lentil salads make excellent counterparts to decadent chicken kiev. French lentils work well, as they hold their shape when cooked. Dress with a bold vinaigrette and mix in fresh herbs.
14. Fried Polenta
For a gluten-free option, make crispy pan-fried polenta cakes using coarse-ground polenta. Fry in olive oil until golden brown and top with marinara sauce for a tasty, carb-loaded base for chicken kiev.
15. Glazed Carrots
Finally, perfectly glazed, tender carrots impart a pop of color and natural sweetness to balance fried chicken kiev. Cook stovetop with butter, brown sugar, and seasonings until glossy and caramelized.
Complementing Flavors is Key
When deciding what to pair with chicken kiev, consider sides that will complement its signature flavors rather than compete with them. Opt for starchy sides to soak up all that garlic butter or bright vegetables and salads to help cut through the richness.
Most importantly, choose dishes you love eating to make chicken kiev an even more enjoyable, memorable meal. With so many delicious options, you can’t pick a bad side as long as you focus on flavor.
1 Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob brings a touch of summer to your meal. Boil or grill the corn until tender, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of chili powder or a squeeze of lime juice. This side is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.
Binging with Babish: Chicken Kiev from Mad Men
FAQ
What is traditionally served with chicken Kiev?
Chicken Kyiv needs to be served with a big leafy salad with only a bit of dressing or just plain steamed beans to offset the richness of the butter. In terms of your carbs, it’s up to you, simply steamed or mashed potatoes work well or if you’re all cooked out there’s nothing wrong with serving with chips.
What sauce to serve with chicken Kiev for dinner?
Chicken Kiev and Honey Mustard Sauce. Chicken Kiev is an all-time favourite with crisp crumbing to keep it moist and tender. Top it off with a creamy honey mustard sauce, and this dish will prove to be popular with residents.
What veggies go with chicken Kievs?
Opt for a medley of colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans. The freshness and crunch of steamed vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken Kiev, creating a well-rounded plate. For those seeking a heartier side dish, crispy roasted potatoes are an ideal choice.