What Goes With Grilled Chicken? The Ultimate Guide to Sides

Grilled chicken is a culinary favorite worldwide, celebrated for its versatility, simplicity, and ability to pair with a multitude of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight meal, the right accompaniments can elevate your grilled chicken from good to exceptional. In this article, we’ll explore a range of complementary dishes and sides that will turn your grilled chicken into a well-rounded feast.

Fresh Salads

One of the best ways to complement grilled chicken is with a fresh salad. The lightness and crunch of salads balance the smoky, savory flavors of grilled chicken, adding a refreshing dimension to your meal.

• Green Salads: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing is always a crowd-pleaser. For a sweeter touch, try a spinach salad with fresh strawberries, candied pecans, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. Arugula with goat cheese, toasted almonds, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery and tangy twist.
• Pasta Salads: Creamy or tangy pasta salads work wonderfully with grilled chicken. A Greek pasta salad with olives, feta, and cucumbers brings Mediterranean flair, while a pesto pasta salad offers a fragrant, herbaceous option.
• Fruit Salads: Mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, and cilantro provides a sweet and spicy kick. For a cooler option, a watermelon and feta salad with mint is a refreshing treat on a warm day.

Starchy Sides

Grilled chicken pairs beautifully with starchy sides that add heartiness to the meal. These dishes provide a satisfying base while absorbing the flavors of the chicken and any sauces.

• Rice Dishes: Fluffy lemon herb rice infused with parsley and dill is a zesty choice. Cilantro lime rice adds a Mexican-inspired touch, and wild rice pilaf with cranberries and pecans offers a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
• Potatoes: Garlic mashed potatoes are a creamy and comforting option, while roasted baby potatoes seasoned with rosemary and sea salt deliver a crispy texture. For a healthier twist, baked sweet potatoes topped with cinnamon and honey make a delicious side.
• Pasta: Creamy Alfredo pasta or a simple olive oil and garlic spaghetti provides a rich, comforting pairing that complements grilled chicken’s smokiness.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilling vegetables alongside your chicken creates a harmonious meal, as the smoky flavors of the grill bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their taste.

• Try grilling zucchini slices, bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms. These vegetables are easy to prepare and pair excellently with chicken.
• For a summery side, grill corn on the cob and slather it with a mixture of butter, lime, and chili powder.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon butter over the vegetables adds a finishing touch of flavor.

Bread and Rolls

Adding bread to your grilled chicken meal provides a satisfying contrast in texture and taste. Bread can also be a great vehicle for mopping up sauces and juices.

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is an easy and flavorful option.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls can be served with a pat of butter or honey for a sweet and savory combination.
• Flatbreads: Naan or pita bread pairs well with Mediterranean-style grilled chicken, especially when served with dips like hummus or tzatziki.

Sauces and Dips

Sauces and dips can dramatically transform the flavor profile of grilled chicken, offering variety and richness.

• BBQ Sauces: Classic choices include sweet, spicy, or tangy BBQ sauces that enhance the smoky flavor of the chicken.
• Creamy Sauces: Ranch dressing, tzatziki, or garlic aioli provide a creamy contrast to the grilled chicken’s texture.
• Exotic Sauces: Chimichurri, with its blend of fresh parsley, garlic, and vinegar, adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor. Mango chutney offers a sweet and spicy alternative.

Light Soups

Soups might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of grilled chicken pairings, but a light soup can serve as a wonderful appetizer or side.

• Tomato Bisque: Creamy and tangy, this soup complements grilled chicken beautifully.
• Gazpacho: A chilled soup made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, gazpacho is a refreshing option for summer meals.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food, chicken noodle soup pairs well with grilled chicken, especially on cooler days.

Healthy Sides

For those looking to keep their meals on the lighter side, healthy sides can provide nutrition and flavor without adding too many calories.

• Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and a lemon-tahini dressing is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: These vegetables can be enhanced with a sprinkle of sea salt, a squeeze of lemon, or slivered almonds for texture.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is a versatile side that absorbs flavors beautifully.

Drinks

No meal is complete without the right drink to accompany it. Beverages can cleanse your palate and enhance the flavors of the dish.

• Refreshing Beverages: Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime are classic choices.
• Wine Pairings: A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements grilled chicken’s light, smoky flavors.
• Mocktails and Cocktails: For something more festive, try a mojito, a margarita, or a non-alcoholic spritzer made with fruit juice and soda water.

Desserts

Ending the meal on a sweet note is always a great idea. Desserts can be light or indulgent, depending on your mood.

• Light Options: Sorbet, fruit parfaits, or lemon bars offer a refreshing end to the meal.
• Decadent Choices: For a richer finish, serve chocolate mousse, cheesecake, or a warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken is a versatile centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sides and accompaniments. Whether you’re craving fresh salads, hearty starches, smoky vegetables, or indulgent desserts, there’s no shortage of options to complement your meal. By balancing flavors and textures, you can create a dining experience that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. The next time you fire up the grill, use these ideas to turn your grilled chicken into a feast to remember.