20+ Best Sides For Fried Chicken You’ll Enjoy

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

There’s nothing like a good ol’ fashioned fried chicken dinner. It’s a classic dish that everyone should experience at least once in their life. But what sides go best with it? That’s a question that we’re here to answer!

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular sides that people serve with fried chicken. We’ll also give you some recipes for side dishes so you can create a complete meal!

Sides For Fried Chicken

  1. Ketchup
  2. Cornbread
  3. Baked Beans
  4. Coleslaw
  5. Biscuits
  6. Mac N’ Cheese
  7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  8. Cucumber Salad
  9. Mashed Potatoes
  10. Hush Puppies

Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. Fried chicken is a popular dish that is often served with ketchup.

The benefits of using ketchup as a side dish for fried chicken include the fact that it is a low-calorie, low-fat option that is high in nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, ketchup can help to enhance the flavor of fried chicken.

Ketchup is also a versatile side dish that can be used with other recipes such as French fries, onion rings, and hamburgers.

When choosing ketchup to pair with your fried chicken, it is important to select a brand that is high in quality and free of artificial flavors and preservatives.

Additionally, be sure to check the ingredient list to make sure that the ketchup does not contain high fructose corn syrup. For a healthier option, look for ketchup with natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar.

Cornbread

When most people think of cornbread, they likely think of it as a simple side dish. While it is true that cornbread can be enjoyed on its own, it can also be used as a delicious side dish for fried chicken.

The tender texture and subtly sweet flavor of cornbread pair perfectly with the crispy golden skin and juicy meat of fried chicken.

Additionally, cornbread can help to soak up any extra grease from the chicken, making it a healthier option than many other traditional side dishes.

When choosing a cornbread recipe be sure to look for one that is not too sweet, as the sweetness of the bread can easily overwhelm the flavor of the chicken. For a truly delicious meal, pair your cornbread with a simple green salad and enjoy.

Baked Beans

Baked beans make a delicious and, surprisingly, healthy side dish to fried chicken. They are packed with fiber and protein, which help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, and their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.

You can use baked beans as a side dish for a variety of recipes, including Southern-style fried chicken, chicken nuggets, and even chicken fingers. For a truly decadent meal, try pairing your baked beans with a honey-thyme glazed chicken breast. The sweet and savory flavors will complement each other perfectly.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with fried chicken. This cabbage-based salad is perfect for summer cookouts and picnics, as it is refreshing and light.

Coleslaw can be made with a variety of different ingredients, including shredded carrots, onions, and green peppers. For a richer flavor, you can add mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing.

If you are looking for a healthy option, coleslaw made with yogurt is just as tasty. No matter how you make it, coleslaw is a great way to add some extra flavor to your fried chicken. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to prepare.

Biscuits

When it comes to fried chicken, biscuits are the perfect side dish. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they provide a delicious contrast to the juicy chicken. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Here are a few reasons why biscuits are the perfect side dish for fried chicken:

  • They’re quick and easy to make.
  • They can be enjoyed hot or cold.
  • They provide a delicious contrast to the juicy chicken.
  • They’re versatile – there are endless ways to enjoy them!
  • They’re a classic Southern dish.

Mac N’ Cheese

Mac N’ Cheese is often thought of as a main dish, but it can also be a delicious side dish for fried chicken. The creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese pairs perfectly with the crispy, crunchy texture of fried chicken.

And because macaroni and cheese are versatile, there are endless ways to prepare it. For example, you could add some chopped bacon or green onions for extra flavor. Or you could mix in some chopped broccoli or other vegetables for a healthier option.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

There are many cases in which Brussels sprouts make for an excellent side dish, but perhaps none more so than when pairing them with fried chicken. The reason for this is twofold.

First, the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts provides a nice contrast to the richness of the fried chicken. Second, the sprouts can help to cut through the heaviness of the fried chicken, making it a more balanced meal.

In terms of recipes, this side dish is particularly well-suited to classic southern-style fried chicken. However, it can also be used with other types of fried chicken, such as Korean-style or Japanese-style.

Cucumber Salad

Roasted Brussels Sprouts make an excellent side dish for Fried Chicken. Here are some reasons why:

  • They can be roasted with a variety of seasonings to complement the flavor of the chicken.
  • They are a healthy vegetable option that can help to balance out the meal.
  • They can be roasted in advance and reheated quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
  • They can be served alongside other classic side dishes like mashed potatoes or green beans, or they can be the star of the show.
  • This is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be used with many different main courses. Fried chicken is one of my favorite dishes to pair with mashed potatoes, as the crispy skin and juicy meat go perfectly with the creamy potatoes.

Another benefit of using mashed potatoes as a side dish for fried chicken is that it can help to absorb some of the excess greases. While some people may prefer to use a more traditional side dish such as coleslaw or green beans, I believe that mashed potatoes are a superior choice due to their flavor and versatility.

With so many different ways to make them, from simple recipes with just butter and milk to more complex versions with sour cream and cheese, there is sure to be a mashed potato recipe to suit everyone’s taste.

Hush Puppies

Many side dishes can be paired with fried chicken, but one of the most popular is hush puppies. Hush puppies are a type of cornbread that is usually deep-fried and served alongside chicken or other fried foods. They are a Southern dish that is thought to have originated in the 1800s.

Hush puppies are a great side dish for fried chicken because they have a similar flavor and texture. The breading on hush puppies is crispy and crunchy, while the inside is fluffy and moist. This pairs well with the crispy skin of the fried chicken.

In addition, hush puppies are usually flavored with onions and spices, which complement the flavors of fried chicken. Finally, hush puppies are very versatile and can be served plain or with dipping sauces.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing Sides For Fried Chicken

What are some other options when choosing sides for fried chicken?

  1. Lemony Green Beans
  2. Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
  3. Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden Salad
  4. Honey Mustard Red Potato Salad
  5. Veggie-Stuffed Tomatoes
  6. Steamed Broccoli
  7. Corn On The Cob
  8. Black-Eyed Peas With Collard Greens
  9. Tomato Salad
  10. Parmesan Potato Wedges
  11. Potato Salad
  12. Orzo Salad
  13. Thyme And Zucchini Saute
  14. Bacon Collard Greens
  15. Barley Corn Salad

What are some tips when choosing sides for fried chicken?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing sides for fried chicken.

First, think about the overall flavor of the dish. If you are making a classic southern-style fried chicken, then sides that have a similar flavor profile will work well. This includes dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and green beans.

For other types of fried chicken, such as Asian-style or Indian-style, sides that contrast the flavors of the chicken can be a good option. For example, sides like steamed broccoli or corn on the cob would pair well with these types of fried chicken.

Finally, consider what you want the overall meal to look like. If you are looking for a more light and healthy meal, then sides like a salad or roasted vegetables would be a good option. However, if you are looking for a heartier meal, then sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese would be better choices.

Conclusion

Many sides can be paired with fried chicken, but some are better than others.

Mashed potatoes, hush puppies, and lemony green beans are all excellent choices that will complement the flavors of your fried chicken.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try some of these sides today!

Andrew

Chef