Wondering what to make for dinner tonight? Chances are, it’s some form of delicious chicken – a go-to option for many. Chicken, particularly at evening meals, is quite versatile and complements various occasions and side dishes. Its flexibility often saves us on those hectic weeknights. However, chicken’s reputation as a somewhat plain canvas can be a challenge. To keep meals interesting, simply switch up the accompanying dishes. Easy recipes like sweet potato gratin and Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts can elevate any chicken dish. Check out our list of 40 flavorful sides to pair with your favorite chicken meals.
Regardless of how you prepare your chicken – be it a roasted whole chicken, BBQ grilled chicken, or a chicken teriyaki stir-fry – there are quick and easy sides to serve alongside. Craving something comforting for fall? Orzo al limone and copycat Olive Garden fettuccine Alfredo are reliable choices (cheese lovers, rejoice). Additionally, we offer cold weather comforts such as roasted fennel with delicata squash and apples, and French onion baked potatoes, as well as summertime favorites like Greek salad or summer couscous salad. Mashed potatoes are always a safe bet, too!
Looking for more side dish ideas? Our top picks will elevate any weeknight dinner. And don’t forget about dessert!
Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts:
Whether you adore or despise Brussels sprouts, you’ll find it hard to resist these crispy, cheesy bites. Coated in a cheesy, garlicky mixture and baked to perfection, these sprouts are ideal for dipping in homemade Caesar dressing.
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad:
This salad breaks the mold with crunchy apples and tangy cranberries. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing adds a refreshing touch that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
French Onion Cabbage Gratin:
This dish proves that veggies can steal the show. Crisp browned cabbage wedges are smothered in a rich Gruyère sauce, complete with caramelized onions and buttery breadcrumbs – a side that’s so decadent, it might just become the star of the meal.
Orzo Al Limone:
For those who prefer creamy risotto over rice, this orzo recipe is a must-try. Slowly cooked in chicken broth, it releases starch to create a creamy, saucy delight.
Air Fryer Green Beans:
These green beans come with a delightful twist – 8 cloves of creamy, buttery garlic roasted alongside for a flavorful bite.
Enjoy experimenting with these delightful side dishes to enhance your chicken dinners year-round!
Air Fryer Green Beans are a convenient side dish option that doesn’t require using your oven. These beans can be enjoyed alongside other dishes or saved for later use, such as spreading them with butter and flaky sea salt on a slice of toasted sourdough bread. Find the recipe for Air Fryer Green Beans in the link provided.
A delightful combination of Roasted Fennel with Delicata Squash and Apples brings together the flavors of anise-y fennel, sweet delicata squash, and tart apples. This healthy side dish is suitable for various occasions, whether it’s an elegant dinner party, a simple weeknight meal, or a complement to holiday spreads. Discover the recipe for Roasted Fennel with Delicata Squash and Apples through the link provided.
Craving the iconic Fettuccine Alfredo from Olive Garden? You can now recreate it at home with this Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo recipe. Indulge in the creamy richness of this classic comfort food using the simple tricks outlined in the recipe.
For a flavorful fall side dish, try the Sweet Potato Salad recipe. This superfood salad offers a perfect blend of textures and sweet-tangy flavors, making it a versatile option for quick meals or lunch leftovers during the week.
When simplicity and freshness are what you seek, turn to the classic Greek Salad recipe. Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a straightforward dressing, this salad is a go-to option for spring and summer meals.
Transform your carrots into a delectable side dish with the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe. Roasting intensifies the carrots’ flavor, enhanced by umami-rich Parmesan and a hint of lemon, creating an irresistible dish that will become a favorite on your menu.
Explore the earthy and nutty flavors of Wild Rice with this recipe that highlights slowly cooked onions and chicken stock. The unique taste and chewy texture of wild rice shine through, making it a standout side dish.
Indulge in the savory goodness of French Onion Baked Potatoes, whether as a meal with large russet potatoes or as hors d’oeuvres with smaller varieties. For a twist, consider pairing them with classic French onion soup.
For a quick and creamy Italian-inspired dish, try Creamy Tuscan Orzo, a one-pot recipe that captures the essence of risotto without the lengthy preparation time. Enjoy the rich flavors and convenience of this orzo dish perfect for any occasion.
Miniature pasta contributes to thickening the sauce effectively in this simple dish, making it suitable for a dinner party any time of year. Creamy Tuscan Orzo recipe here. Your standard sweet potatoes get a makeover in this Sweet Potato Gratin, layered with cheese and herby cream sauce, resulting in a golden brown and bubbly delight. Get the recipe here. Stir-Fried Snow Peas retain their crunch and brightness when cooked briskly over high heat, making them a perfect side dish when combined with mushrooms and a simple sauce. Try it with cauliflower rice and teriyaki chicken. Here’s the recipe. Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts offer a saucy and delicious twist on the classic dish, inspired by Chinese takeout. For an extra kick, consider adding red chiles. Check out the recipe here. Spanish Rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a garlicky and well-seasoned side dish that complements any feast with its rich flavors and ideal texture. Get the recipe here. Grilled Romaine Caesar Wedge salad adds a charred flavor to the romaine hearts, enhancing the taste of the Caesar dressing. Enjoy it whole or chopped for convenience. Here’s the recipe. Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes combine creamy feta with crispy potatoes, creating a satisfying texture contrast that is complemented by lemon zest and fresh herbs. Try the recipe here. Fried Rice is a classic favorite that can be personalized to suit your taste preferences. Get the recipe here. Black Bean And Corn Salad is a versatile dish that can serve as a side, a taco topping, or an appetizer with tortilla chips. Enjoy the medley of flavors reminiscent of a vegetarian burrito bowl with a honey-lime twist. Here’s the recipe. Miso Roasted Carrots feature sweet-savory carrots topped with a delightful mix of crunchy nuts and spices. This dish is easy to prepare and offers a burst of flavors.
Crush coriander seeds using the back of a knife, or pulse them in a food processor, or grind them with a mortar and pestle. Check out the recipe for Miso Roasted Carrots by Erik Bernstein. Say goodbye to pumpkins and acorn squash, as it’s time for butternut squash to shine in this delicious casserole loaded with bacon, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and a hint of kale. Find the recipe for Butternut Squash Casserole by Lucy Schaeffer. Elevate mushrooms at your barbecue with Grilled Balsamic Mushrooms, tossed in a balsamic-soy glaze that will steal the spotlight. Don’t miss the recipe by Parker Feierbach. Enjoy the fresh flavors of bruschetta in a pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings. This Bruschetta Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful side dish for any potluck. Prepare a delightful Broccoli Slaw with crunchy broccoli, cabbage, carrots, walnuts, and craisins tossed in a maple and lemon dressing that’s perfect for your next summer cookout. Try the recipe by Erik Bernstein and Brooke Caison. Indulge in Cheesy Baked Asparagus topped with garlic, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a bubbly and golden cheesy side dish that might disappear before your main course. Get the recipe by John Komar. Create a colorful Summer Couscous Salad featuring cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, and chickpeas in a creamy lemon Dijon dressing. Find the recipe by Andrew Bui and Barrett Washburne. Dive into a Cheesy Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole filled with veggies for an easy weeknight meal or a potluck side. Try the recipe by Erik Bernstein. Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Perfect Mashed Potatoes, creamy, buttery, and steamy, made with your favorite spuds. Follow the recipe by Parker Feierbach. Enjoy crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts, roasted to perfection with plenty of cheese for a tasty side dish that complements any meal. Try the recipe by Joseph De Leo and Barrett Washburne.
Creamed spinach is a timeless side dish found in steakhouses that also serves as a fantastic way to utilize an excess of wilting spinach in your kitchen. Its creamy texture has the ability to make you momentarily forget that you are indulging in leafy greens! If you’re intrigued, you can acquire the Creamed Spinach recipe authored by Emily Hvalac Green.
One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta, a creation by an individual named Andrew Bui, presents a delightful twist on the classic mac & cheese dish. This easy and creamy pasta, cooked in just one pot, caters to those who appreciate simplicity in dinner preparation and minimal cleanup. Featuring prominently visible broccoli, this dish cleverly conceals an extra portion of greens, ensuring even the most selective eaters will consume their vegetables when blanketed in a layer of cheese. Delve into the flavors by getting your hands on the One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Pasta recipe.
In the realm of quick and straightforward side dishes, the Garlic-Parm Zucchini Sauté, brought to you by Parker Feierbach, stands out as an ideal choice for busy days. This zucchini dish, swiftly sautéed to perfection, emanates rich flavors as the vegetable gently caramelizes in a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. Treat your taste buds to this culinary delight by discovering the Garlic-Parm Zucchini Sauté recipe.
Erik Bernstein’s Garlic-Rosemary Marinated White Beans offer a versatile option, whether served as a wholesome side dish or a delectable appetizer atop toast. These marinated beans are sure to captivate a crowd with their delightful blend of flavors. Embark on a culinary adventure by exploring the Garlic-Rosemary Marinated White Beans recipe.
When it comes to creating roasted potatoes that strike the perfect balance between a crisp exterior and a tender interior, credit must be given where it is due. Delish has incorporated a brilliant hack from America’s Test Kitchen to bring you the Roasted Fingerling Potatoes recipe, which promises to become everyone’s preferred potato side dish. With a slight modification to the oven fry technique, these roasted fingerling potatoes are destined to be a hit at your dining table. Bon appétit!
Erik Bernstein has contributed a plethora of delightfully easy weeknight dinner recipes for you to experiment with this week. Additionally, explore 29 tantalizing vodka cocktail recipes that are sure to elevate your mixology game.
