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What to Serve with Chicken: Top Dinner Side Dishes You’ll Love

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When it comes to planning a satisfying meal, chicken is often the star of the show—but the real magic happens with the perfect sides. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, finding the right side dishes for chicken can elevate your dinner from simple to sensational. In this post, we’ll explore a variety of easy side dishes for chicken that are as flavorful as they are fuss-free. From cozy comfort food classics to fresh and vibrant pairings, these ideas are some of the best side dishes for chicken you can whip up for weeknight dinners or special occasions. If you’re wondering what to serve tonight, these dinner side dishes for chicken are here to round out your plate with style and taste.

10 Side dishes for chicken

Best side dishes for chicken

Ultimate 3-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

mac and cheese on plate

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, mac and cheese is a classic choice when it comes to side dishes for chicken. Its rich texture and bold flavor perfectly balance the lighter taste of grilled or baked chicken, making it one of the best side dishes for chicken—especially for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you go with a quick stovetop version or a baked casserole with a crispy topping, this is one of those easy side dishes for chicken that everyone will love.

Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli

cooked air fryer broccolini on a plate.

Crispy, flavorful, and ready in minutes, air fryer broccoli is a healthy and delicious option among side dishes for chicken. With just a bit of olive oil and seasoning, the florets get perfectly roasted edges and a tender bite—no oven required. It’s one of the best choices if you’re looking for easy side dishes for chicken that add color, texture, and nutrition to your plate. Whether you’re serving grilled, roasted, or fried chicken, this quick dinner side dish for chicken brings freshness and balance to the meal.

Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Plate of accordion potatoes cooked.

Air fryer accordion potatoes are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic potato side, making them a standout among side dishes for chicken. Their crispy edges and soft, seasoned centers make each bite satisfying, while the accordion-style cuts allow for maximum crunch and flavor. As one of the more visually impressive yet easy side dishes for chicken, they’re perfect for when you want something a little extra without much effort. Serve them alongside your favorite chicken dish for a dinner side dish for chicken that’s both crowd-pleasing and Instagram-worthy.

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet

taco rice skillet

Loaded with bold flavors and gooey cheese, a cheesy taco rice skillet is a hearty and satisfying choice among side dishes for chicken. This one-pan wonder combines seasoned rice, melty cheese, and savory spices—bringing a Tex-Mex flair that pairs especially well with grilled or roasted chicken. It’s one of the best side dishes for chicken when you want something a little more filling, and it easily doubles as a comfort-food favorite. Quick to make and big on flavor, it’s also one of those easy side dishes for chicken that turns a simple dinner into something special.

Crispy Air Fried Cauliflower Wings with Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in a bowl.

Crispy air-fried cauliflower wings with teriyaki sauce offer a bold, flavorful bite that makes them an exciting addition to your lineup of side dishes for chicken. Lightly breaded and air-fried to golden perfection, these cauliflower bites are coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze that complements everything from grilled to baked chicken. They’re not just tasty—they’re also a lighter, veggie-forward option among the best side dishes for chicken, adding variety and texture to your plate. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them one of the more unique yet easy side dishes for chicken you’ll want to make again and again.

One Pot Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe

taco spaghetti on a plate.

One Pot Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is a fun, flavor-packed fusion that brings together the comfort of pasta with the bold spices of taco night—making it a standout among side dishes for chicken. With just one pot and simple ingredients, you get a creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy dish that pairs perfectly with any chicken recipe, especially grilled or shredded varieties. It’s one of the best side dishes for chicken when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without a lot of cleanup. Fast, filling, and family-approved, this is also one of the most convenient easy side dishes for chicken to add to your dinner rotation.

Crockpot Lazy Lasagna

Crockpot lasagna cooked on a plate.

Crockpot Lazy Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food made effortless, earning its spot as one of the coziest side dishes for chicken. Layered with rich marinara, melty cheese, and tender pasta, this slow-cooked dish delivers all the flavor of traditional lasagna with none of the hassle. It’s an ideal choice when you want one of the best side dishes for chicken that feels hearty and homey, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. Just set it and forget it—this is one of those easy side dishes for chicken that does all the work while you focus on the main course.

Cheesy Beef and Zucchini Casserole

beef zucchini casserole cooked with melted cheese on top.

Cheesy Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a wholesome, satisfying option that fits perfectly among hearty yet healthy side dishes for chicken. Packed with lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, and plenty of melty cheese, this casserole brings comfort and nutrition together in one easy dish. It’s a great choice when you’re looking for easy side dishes for chicken that can also double as a low-carb complement to your main course. Full of flavor and simple to prep, it’s one of the best side dishes for chicken when you want something filling without feeling heavy.

Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Zucchini

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini on a plate.

Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Zucchini is the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and healthy, making it an irresistible side dish for chicken. Coated in a golden, cheesy crust, these zucchini slices are air-fried to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch without the extra calories. This dish is one of the best side dishes for chicken when you want something light yet flavorful to pair with your main course. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or roasted pieces, it’s an easy side dish for chicken that adds both texture and a savory bite to your meal.

Zucchini Tots

Crispy Zucchini Tots on a white plate

Zucchini Tots are a healthier, veggie-packed twist on the classic tater tot, making them a fun and flavorful side dish for chicken. These crispy, golden tots are made with fresh zucchini and a blend of seasonings, offering a lighter, yet just as satisfying, alternative to traditional potatoes. As one of the best side dishes for chicken, they pair wonderfully with any chicken recipe, adding a crunchy, savory element to your plate. Plus, they’re incredibly easy side dishes for chicken that are perfect for both adults and kids alike, turning any meal into a more nutritious, tasty experience.


If you loved these side dish ideas OR you need more check out these 11 BBQ Side Dishes!

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