Chicken soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul. The broth is soothing and filling while pieces of chicken and veggies add substance. But sometimes chicken soup alone doesn’t make a complete meal. That’s where side dishes come in!
Complementing your chicken soup with delicious sides adds extra flavors textures and nutrition. The options are endless, from crispy appetizers to hearty breads to fresh salads. I’ve rounded up 23 of the best side dishes to take your chicken soup from great to spectacular. Keep reading for mouthwatering recipe ideas!
Crunchy Starters
Crackers are a no-brainer pairing for chicken soup. But why stop with plain saltines when you can liven things up with tasty appetizers?
Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls filled with chicken and veggies are a fun contrast to the hot broth. The crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, savory interior. Dip these in your soup for a flavor explosion!
Fried Pickles
For a kick of tangy flavor, fried pickles are just the thing. The crispy batter and sour pickle chips play perfectly against the soothing soup. Make them spicy for extra zing.
Corn Fritters
Sweet corn fritters are irresistible alongside chicken soup. Studded with corn kernels and flecked with red bell pepper, they offer bursts of summery flavors. The crispy exterior yields a soft, cake-like interior.
Breads and Rolls
Warm, freshly-baked bread adds comfort and satisfaction to any bowl of chicken soup. Here are some tasty options:
Cornbread
This Southern classic is made for chicken soup. The yellow cornmeal loaf offers a hint of sweetness and substantial texture for dunking.
Challah Rolls
Fluffy, eggy challah rolls are perfect for sopping up every last drop of your chicken broth. Opt for mini knot rolls for built-in handle.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits
These tender, flakey biscuits are seasoned with cheddar, garlic, and herbs. Their savory flavor profile pairs wonderfully with chicken soup.
Garlic Cheese Bread
Ooey-gooey garlic cheese bread satisfies cravings for comfort food. The hit of roasted garlic and melty cheese enhances the experience of eating chicken soup.
Hearty Salads
Fresh, vegetable-packed salads provide color and crunch alongside chicken soup. They also add an extra serving of nutrients.
Greek Salad
This Mediterranean classic includes crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny olives. Toss in crunchy pita chips for added texture.
Apple Walnut Salad
Tart apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles adorn a bed of crisp greens. It’s sweet, savory, and refreshing.
Kale Caesar Salad
Massaged kale gives this healthy Caesar loads of texture. Top it off with shaved parmesan and crunchy croutons.
Spring Pea Salad
This lovely composed salad combines fresh peas, radish slices, hard-boiled egg, and creamy goat cheese. It’s packed with contrasting flavors and textures.
Satisfying Sides
From potatoes to pasta, grains to grilled veggies, these plant-based sides provide filling accompaniments for chicken soup.
Buttered Noodles
Buttery egg noodles are comfort food at its simplest. Their slippery texture complements the brothy soup.
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes infused with fragrant rosemary are simple but delicious. They soak up the chicken flavors beautifully.
Creamed Spinach
This luscious spinach side gets a creaminess boost from pureed beans. It’s healthy, hearty, and full of flavor.
Rice Pilaf
A simple rice pilaf flavored with sauteed onions and carrots makes an easy-to-prepare pairing. Fluff just before serving.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Skewered veggies like zucchini, peppers, and eggplant taste amazing with a brushing of herbed oil. Charred and smoky flavors pair wonderfully with soup.
Indulgent Treats
Bring on the cheese, carbs and chocolate! Rich desserts and baked goods complement lighter chicken soups.
Fresh Breadsticks
Warm, crusty breadsticks beg to be dipped into piping hot soup. Make cheesy and garlic versions for ultimate deliciousness.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
This piping hot, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookie is served straight from the skillet. A few bites satisfy any sweet craving.
Pilsbury Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Is anything more comforting than ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls? Warm from the oven, they’re cinnamon-y perfection alongside chicken soup.
Cheesecake Bites
Individual cheesecake bites provide the perfect sweet ending to a savory soup meal. Make them chocolate or salted caramel for variety.
Chicken soup is endlessly versatile. With so many delicious sides to choose from, you can create a different flavor experience every time. Breads, salads, indulgent treats – the options are unlimited! Use this list as inspiration for unique soup-and-sides pairings your whole family will love.
Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil A flavorful Easy Garlic Crostini recipe, featuring crisp bread slices infused with aromatic garlic and rich olive oil and toasted until golden brown.
It is best to eat soup as part of a balanced meal that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
To serve soup as a main course, ensure it’s hearty and substantial by adding large pieces of protein like chicken, beef, or lentils. Pair it with a side like crusty bread, a salad, or grilled cheese.
These sides will take your soup night to the next level! Happy cooking!
Strawberry Pecan Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette This strawberry pecan salad is tossed in delicious balsamic dressing that’s been sweetened naturally with real strawberries!
Ina Garten’s Chicken Noodle Soup | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
FAQ
What is best to eat with chicken soup?
Potatoes – pick from classic roasted potatoes, mash, wedges or sweet potatoes to eat alongside your chicken soup. Salads – for a refreshing cold side dish for your soup, a quick and easy salad, vegetable slaw or vegetable panzanella adds flavor and is so healthy too! Sandwiches – feeling extra hungry?
What to serve with soup as a main course?
To turn soup into a meal, serve it with hearty sides like sandwiches or pasta. Mushroom soup tastes fantastic with roast beef sandwiches, and dense beer bread pairs perfectly with creamy potato soups. For a casual lunch, look to fresh salads like Caesar salad or other healthy salad recipes.
What to have with soup instead of bread?
- Grilled cheese sandwich. Cheese and tomato are a match made in heaven. …
- Spinach salad with bacon. …
- Stuffed baked potatoes. …
- Vegan sweet potato fries. …
- Cheese and vegetable quesadillas. …
- Garlic bread. …
- Air fryer cauliflower. …
- Roasted green beans with harissa.