What To Serve With Blackened Chicken (10 Amazing Sides to Try)
It can be tough to find good side dishes to serve with blackened chicken. This is because blackening seasoning is a very strong flavor, and it can be overpowering if not paired with the right dish.
That’s why I decided to share a list of sides that I’ve tried over the last few months. These dishes are all delicious, and they pair perfectly with blackened chicken.
You can find links to the recipes on Pinterest, so be sure to check them out. And, if you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
What To Serve With Blackened Chicken:
- Steamed broccoli
- Mashed potato & gravy
- Green bean fries
- Cilantro lime rice
- Rice pilaf
- Tomato &avocado salad
- Coleslaw
- Stir-fried veggies
- Fried okra
- Collard greens
Steamed broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable with a slightly nutty taste. However, it pairs well with the spices in blackened chicken.
You can steam broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave.
If you are using a microwave, ensure you use a microwave-safe dish and add a few tablespoons of water. Make sure you cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and cook on high for three minutes.
Protect your hands with mittens or use a kitchen towel when bringing the steamed broccoli out of the microwave.
Mashed potato & gravy
Mashed potatoes and gravy is classic comfort food. And the creamy potatoes go so well with the spicy chicken. You can make your own mashed potatoes and gravy or buy them pre-made.
For mashed potatoes, use Yukon potatoes or russet potatoes. They are starchy and will make for a fluffy mashed potato.
In addition, the gravy will serve as added moisture for the blackened chicken, which will make it much more succulent.
Green bean fries
Green beans are a healthy alternative to french fries. And they go great with blackened chicken. To make green bean fries, you will need to coat the green beans in a batter.
You can use a store-bought batter or make your own. I like to use a tempura batter because it is light and crispy.
You will also need to season the green beans with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Next, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the green beans and fry for three to five minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Cilantro lime rice
Cilantro lime rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish. The rice is packed with flavors from cilantro, lime, and parmesan, and the chicken is a perfect match for the rice.
The cilantro provides a fresh taste, the lime adds a zesty flavor, and the parmesan adds a rich, creamy taste.
The chicken which is blackened with spices and herbs provides a perfect complement to the rice.
Overall, cilantro lime rice and blackened chicken make a great combination of flavors and textures, and they also make a great side dish for any meal.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is made with rice, vegetables, and spices. For vegetables, you can use any type of onion, celery, and carrot. I also like to add peas and corn.
The rice is cooked in broth, which gives it a lot of flavors. And the spices add a nice touch to the dish. The result is a flavorful and hearty side dish that goes well with blackened chicken.
Tomato & avocado salad
The acidity of the tomato also helps to balance the spices in the chicken. And the avocado provides a smooth and creamy texture that contrasts with the crispy chicken.
When selecting avocados, avoid those that are overripe. They will be too soft and will not hold up well in the salad.
Coleslaw
At first glance, coleslaw and blackened chicken might not seem like they would go well together.
However, coleslaw is a great side dish for blackened chicken. The cool, crunchy ingredients in coleslaw help to balance out the spiciness of the chicken.
Additionally, the creamy dressing provides a rich counterpoint to the intense flavor of the blackened seasoning.
In addition, the cabbage and carrots in coleslaw are packed with nutrients, and for the added measure you can use a dressing that is low in fat.
Stir-fried veggies
This is a versatile side dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences.
I usually include mushrooms and broccoli, but you can add any type of vegetable that you like. If you want some heat, cut up a jalapeno or add a dash of hot sauce.
The key to making stir-fried veggies is to cook them quickly over high heat. This will allow the vegetables to retain their color and texture.
You don’t want them to be overcooked and mushy. When served with blackened chicken, stir-fried veggies make a great side dish.
Fried okra
Okra is a popular vegetable in Africa and the southern United States. It is a member of the mallow family, and it is related to hibiscus and cotton.
It is often used in gumbo. Additionally, apart from being cooked, the vegetable can also be fried, and it makes a great side dish for blackened chicken.
Okra has a slimy texture, but when it is fried, the slime disappears and it becomes crispy. The crispiness of the okra complements the crispy and smoky flavor of the blackened chicken.
If you have never tried okra, this is a great way to start. And if you are not a fan of fried food, you can also bake the okra.
Collard greens
Collard greens are a type of cabbage, and they are common in southern cooking. They are usually cooked with bacon, ham, or smoked turkey.
However, they can also be cooked without meat, and they make a great side dish for blackened chicken.
The bitterness of the greens is balanced by the sweetness of the cornbread. Additionally, greens are a good source of vitamins A and C.
If you are looking for a side dish that is both healthy and delicious, collard greens are a great option.
A list of other options
Vegetable options:
- Cauliflower rice
- Baked sweet potato
- Mushroom soup
- Creamed mushy peas
Starchy options:
- Skillet cornbread
- Mac & cheese
Miscellaneous combinations:
- Black beans & rice
- Arkansas green beans with bacon
- Bacon ranch broccoli salad
FAQ
What does the blackened chicken go well with?
Blackened chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes, including rice, vegetables, cornbread, and mac & cheese.
Is blackened chicken healthy?
Yes, blackened chicken is a healthy option. It is low in fat and calories and high in protein.
What is best served with chicken?
The best side dish for chicken depends on your personal preferences. Some popular options include rice, vegetables, cornbread, and mac & cheese.
What makes blackened chicken black?
The blackened chicken is black because of the spices that are used to season it. The most common spice is cayenne pepper, which gives the chicken its characteristic color.
What goes good with smoked chicken breast?
Smoked chicken breast goes well with a variety of side dishes, including rice, vegetables, cornbread, and mac & cheese.
How do you make blackened chicken?
To make blackened chicken, the chicken is first coated with a mixture of spices. The most common spice is cayenne pepper. The chicken is then cooked in a hot skillet until it is blackened.
What can I use instead of cayenne pepper?
If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can use paprika or chili powder. These spices will give the chicken a similar flavor.
Conclusion
These are some of the best side dish options for blackened chicken. These dishes work for several reasons. They are all easy to prepare, and their various textures and flavors complement the flavor of the chicken.
So, next time you are wondering what to serve with blackened chicken, try one of these side dishes. You won’t be disappointed.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Thank you for reading!