Roasted (or grilled) chicken is a classic dinner staple, but sometimes we need a little inspiration for what to serve it with. So here are 12 of my favorite side dishes for chicken!
One of the best things about chicken is that it’s so versatile. It can be served with so many things: salads, pasta, quinoa, roasted veggies, etc. The possibilities are endless.
But sometimes, all those possibilities can be overwhelming. So I wanted to share some of my tried-and-true sides for chicken, all of which are healthy and delicious!
Healthy Sides for Chicken
I’ve broken this list of side dishes for chicken into three categories: roasted veggies, salads, and pasta. So get out your chicken (hot tip: here’s how to cook chicken breasts from frozen in the Instant Pot) and get ready to eat!
Side Dish Ideas for Chicken: Vegetables
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Veggies
The warm maple and cinnamon flavor makes this roasted veggie dish perfect for fall. Slightly sweet and deliciously caramelized!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These baked sweet potato fries are super flavorful with a hint of spice. One of my all-time favorites!
Herb & Garlic Roasted Vegetables
Classic roasted veggies with a tasty herb and garlic seasoning. You really can’t go wrong!
Miso & Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The combination of miso and honey takes these roasted Brussels sprouts up a notch. They’re ultra crispy and super easy to make.
p.s. Here’s how to roast frozen vegetables (including instructions for asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts).
Side Dishes for Chicken: Salads
Strawberry and Fennel Barley Salad
This strawberry salad with fennel makes a lovely side salad. I especially love the chewy texture that the barley adds. (It’s one of my favorite grains!)
White Bean & Cabbage Slaw with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This refreshing, bright, and tangy twist on traditional slaw makes a great side dish for chicken! It’s crunchy and full of flavor. Plus, the apple cider vinaigrette makes it perfect for fall.
Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, Avocado & Arugula
If you haven’t tried quinoa salad, you’re totally missing out! This quinoa salad takes it to the next level with orange-infused quinoa and an orange vinaigrette for maximum fresh flavor.
Spiced Raisin and Pine Nut Barley Salad
This spiced barley salad is nutritious, delicious, and simple to make. Packed with fiber and protein! An old favorite from my packed lunch cubicle days.
Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
This vegan kale caesar salad recipe tastes just like classic caesar salad, despite being vegan! The creamy, savory dressing and the hearty chew of the kale mesh together perfectly.
Mediterranean Green Tea Quinoa Salad
This quinoa salad has a unique and fresh green tea flavor. Plus, it’s vegetarian and packed with protein and fiber!
Side Dish Ideas for Chicken: Pasta & More
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This mac & cheese is comfort food at its finest. But it’s also got a sneaky nutritious punch, thanks to the fiber-filled butternut squash, kale, whole wheat pasta, and the protein-packed white beans!
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Serve this zesty pasta salad on a bed of arugula for a delicious cross between pasta salad and green salad. It’s veggie-packed and super flavorful, with a creamy homemade Italian dressing.
“Cheesy” Mushroom Quinoa (Vegan)
This side dish packs a ton of savory flavor thanks to nutritional yeast, mushrooms, and coriander. It’s hearty enough to satisfy meat-eaters, but totally vegan and veggie-packed!
And that’s my list of tasty and healthy side dishes for chicken! Some of these are a staple in my household, and I hope you’ll enjoy them just as much as we do.
