What to Serve with Grilled Chicken: Delicious Side Dishes

Grilled chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re preparing a casual backyard barbecue or a more refined dinner, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal. From hearty starches to refreshing salads and vibrant vegetables, this guide covers the best side dishes to serve with grilled chicken.

Starches and Grains

Rice Dishes

Rice is a classic side dish that complements the smoky flavor of grilled chicken. Depending on the seasoning of your chicken, you can choose from different variations of rice:

• Garlic Butter Rice – Infused with butter, minced garlic, and a hint of parsley, this rice is rich and savory.
• Lemon Herb Rice – The bright citrus flavor of lemon zest combined with fresh herbs creates a refreshing contrast to grilled chicken.
• Cilantro Lime Rice – This zesty and slightly tangy rice pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, especially if the chicken has a Tex-Mex seasoning.
• Wild Rice Pilaf – A nutty and chewy rice option, wild rice adds depth and texture to your meal.

Potatoes

Potatoes provide a comforting and filling side dish with a variety of preparations:

• Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes – These crispy potatoes are tossed in garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, making them a crowd-pleaser.
• Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of this potato balances the smoky, charred flavor of grilled chicken.
• Classic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes are a perfect side, especially when paired with a rich gravy.
• Grilled Potato Wedges – Lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection, potato wedges are an excellent choice for a barbecue-style meal.

Pasta and Noodles

Pasta adds variety to your plate and pairs well with different grilled chicken marinades:

• Creamy Alfredo Pasta – A rich and indulgent option, this pasta balances the lean protein of chicken with a velvety sauce.
• Garlic Butter Spaghetti – A simple yet flavorful dish, garlic butter spaghetti is light enough to complement grilled chicken without overpowering it.
• Cold Pasta Salad – A refreshing mix of pasta, vegetables, and vinaigrette makes for a delicious summer side dish.

Bread and Rolls

Bread can add an extra dimension to your meal:

• Garlic Bread – Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter is a perfect companion to grilled chicken.
• Cornbread – The subtle sweetness of cornbread pairs well with smoky, grilled flavors.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft and fluffy rolls make a great addition to your meal, especially when served with butter.

Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables

If you’re already grilling chicken, why not throw some vegetables on the grill, too? Grilled vegetables enhance the smoky flavors of your meal:

• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest – Lightly charred asparagus with a squeeze of lemon brings out a fresh taste.
• Charred Corn on the Cob – Brushed with butter and sprinkled with spices, corn is a sweet and smoky side dish.
• Bell Peppers and Zucchini Medley – These vegetables add color and crunch to your meal.
• Portobello Mushrooms – Their meaty texture makes them a hearty vegetable side for grilled chicken.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – The caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts paired with a tangy glaze make for an irresistible side dish.
• Honey-Glazed Carrots – The slight sweetness of honey and the tenderness of roasted carrots make them a delightful pairing.
• Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan – A crispy and cheesy cauliflower dish is a great alternative to traditional sides.

Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables

For a lighter option, steamed or sautéed vegetables are excellent choices:

• Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds – Crunchy almonds and tender green beans make a great duo.
• Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter – Simple yet flavorful, steamed broccoli enhances any meal.
• Stir-Fried Mixed Veggies – A combination of bell peppers, carrots, and onions sautéed in olive oil is a quick and nutritious side.

Salads

Leafy Green Salads

A fresh salad adds balance to grilled chicken:

• Classic Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing make a simple yet tasty salad.
• Greek Salad with Feta and Olives – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
• Spinach and Strawberry Salad – Sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and tangy balsamic dressing create a unique flavor profile.

Cold Salads

Cold salads are great for warm weather and outdoor meals:

• Coleslaw (Creamy or Vinegar-Based) – A crunchy and tangy slaw adds freshness to grilled chicken.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad – Light and refreshing, this salad provides a cool contrast to smoky grilled chicken.
• Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A protein-packed grain salad with a bright citrusy flavor.

Sauces and Dips

Adding a flavorful sauce can enhance your grilled chicken experience:

• Garlic Herb Butter – A rich and aromatic sauce that melts perfectly over grilled chicken.
• Chimichurri Sauce – A tangy, herby sauce that complements grilled meats beautifully.
• Honey Mustard Sauce – Sweet and tangy, honey mustard is a great dipping sauce.
• BBQ Sauce (Classic, Spicy, or Honey) – A must-have for barbecue lovers.
• Tzatziki Sauce – A creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic, ideal for Mediterranean-style grilled chicken.

Refreshing Drinks

Pair your grilled chicken meal with a refreshing beverage:

• Fresh Lemonade – A classic summer drink that adds a citrusy kick.
• Iced Tea (Sweet or Unsweetened) – A cooling and thirst-quenching option.
• Cucumber Mint Water – Infused water that keeps the meal light and fresh.
• Fruity Sangria – A wine-based drink with fresh fruit, perfect for a special occasion.

Desserts

End your meal on a sweet note:

• Grilled Pineapple with Honey – Caramelized pineapple slices with honey make a tropical treat.
• Classic Apple Pie – A warm, comforting dessert that pairs well with grilled chicken.
• Berry Parfait with Whipped Cream – A light and refreshing option with fresh berries.
• Chocolate Lava Cake – A rich, indulgent chocolate dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Final Thoughts

Grilled chicken is a fantastic main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you opt for hearty starches, colorful vegetables, refreshing salads, or indulgent desserts, there are endless ways to create a balanced and flavorful meal. Try mixing and matching these sides to find the perfect combination for your next grilled chicken feast.