What Sides Go with Grilled Chicken

There are countless varieties of Grilled Chicken. It's a wonderfully versatile preparation, whether fresh from the barbecue or your stovetop griddle. However, that same versatility means that it can be a little tricky to pin down the best sides - and when it comes to grilled chicken, the sides are especially important. The right pairing turns a simple weeknight grilled chicken dinner into a delicious meal, whereas the wrong sides can leave the meal feeling flat.

Quick Answer

Balance is key. The best sides for grilled chicken work to balance the preparation's smoky, savory character with something fresh, starchy, or bright. Classic pairings include grilled or roasted vegetables, pasta salads, corn on the cob, crisp green salads, rice pilaf, potato salad, and crusty bread. The right choice depends on how the chicken is seasoned, the method of preparation (grill vs griddle) and the season you're cooking in.

Match the Side to the Seasoning

1. Lemon and Herb Chicken: Pairs deliciously with Mediterranean sides such as orzo salad, Greek-style cucumber salad, roasted potatoes with rosemary, or a simple tomato and feta salad.
2. BBQ or Smoky Chicken: Classic American cookout sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, or cornbread.
3. Italian-seasoned Chicken: Tends to pair nicely with pasta salad, caprese salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables tossed with olive oil and parmesan.
4. Spicy Chicken or Jerk Chicken: Pairs nicely with cooling, slightly sweet sides such as rice and beans, mango salsa, grilled pineapple, or a cucumber-yogurt salad.

Reliable Vegetable Sides

1. Grilled Vegetables: Since the grill or griddle is already hot, throw on some zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or eggplant slices alongside the chicken. Brush the veggies with olive oil, and then season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Minimal effort with maximum payoff.
2. Corn on the Cob: Quintessential summer pairing for barbecued chicken. Grilled, boiled, or wrapped in foil with butter and herbs, it all works great.
3. Roasted Vegetables: When grilling isn't an option, pop the veggies in the oven. Go-to options are roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
4. Crisp Green Salad: Any bright, leafy greens topped with a light vinaigrette and tossed with crumbled feta are a great option.

Starches that Work

1. Rice Pilaf: Rice flavored with lemons, herbs, and saffron. A great, and fairly simple, alternative to plain rice. Great for soaking up the chicken juices as well.
2. Pasta Salad: Simple and reliable, and always delicious. Pasta salad is always an excellent make-ahead option.
3. Potato Salad: Whether mayo-based or vinegar-based, potato salad is a perennial favorite as a grilled chicken side.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Crisped exterior, tender center, herbs and garlic - a generally foolproof side that's always welcome.
5. Crusty Bread: Sometimes the simplest answer is the best. A simple bakery loaf will get the job done.

Fresh and Bright Options

1. Cucumber Tomato Salad: Light and refreshing, this is a perfect option for warm-weather cookouts. It can be made a day ahead of time and takes just five minutes to prepare.
2. Watermelon and Feta Salad: Pairs perfectly with grilled or barbecued chicken and is a welcome addition to any warm-weather cookout.
3. Coleslaw: A classic side for almost any grilled chicken preparation.
4. Fruit Salad: Simple, light, and refreshing. Great for warm-weather meal prep.

How Many Sides to Serve with Grilled Chicken?

Generally, you really only need one or two, especially if it's for a quick weeknight dinner. If you're prepping a weekend cookout, I'd aim for three or four, with a mix of make-ahead salads and hot sides.

The Bottom Line

The best sides for grilled chicken are those that complement the seasonings, balance the texture, and match the occasion. When in doubt, opt for the tried-and-true favorites like grilled vegetables, seasoned rice, or potatoes, which is a combo that works almost every time with grilled chicken.