25+ Best Sides for Grilled Chicken

Are you looking for some tasty sides for grilled chicken?

In the summer, it’s great to grill chicken outside so that you can avoid heating up the house. However, with an indoor grill, you can also enjoy grilled foods indoors year-round. Grilled chicken is excellent for eating hot, and you can use the leftovers to cut up for soups and salads.

While smelling the aroma of juicy, seasoned bbq chicken on the grill can be intoxicating, this delicious entrée still needs a solid supporting cast.

Grilled chicken has always been a versatile and delicious main course, perfect for family gatherings, neighborhood barbeques, or casual weeknight dinners. However, the sides that accompany this protein can truly take the meal to new heights. Elevating the dish with well-chosen accompaniments not only adds variety and flavor but also creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Selecting sides for grilled chicken can be an exciting culinary adventure, as there are countless options to choose from. For instance, a vibrant salad filled with seasonal produce can add a fresh burst of flavor, while a hearty grain-based dish can provide energy and comfort. It’s crucial to consider not only taste preferences but also the nutritional needs of those enjoying the meal to ensure a substantial dining experience.

While many of us love to stick with the go-to classics like BBQ baked beans or macaroni, there are so many more delicious side dish options out there to choose from!

So, what goes with grilled chicken? How about sweet potatoes, fries, or some creamy homemade KFC coleslaw? Or, if you have extra space on your grill, you can go with some grilled mushrooms or veggies.

And that’s just for starters, because we’ll show you what to serve with grilled chicken that will have your friends and family cheering!

As you plan your grill, we’ve found 25 of the best sides for grilled chicken guaranteed to help your delicious poultry shine even more!

Source: tipbuzz.com

1. Trisha Yearwood Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe

When trying to figure out what to eat with grilled chicken, you don’t always need to experiment with a new dish. Sometimes going with a new recipe for a tried-and-true classic is the way to go.

And when it comes to grilled chicken sides, it doesn’t get much more classic than mac and cheese! And, country music superstar Trisha Yearwood knows a thing or two about this dish with her famous down-home recipe.

Ingredients include macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, cheddar cheese, butter, and paprika (optional).

You want to use a standard-sized elbow for the macaroni and avoid jumbo and spiral.

Source: thecozycook.com

2. Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

One of our favorite new roast chicken sides is Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe. This super-easy recipe has about six ingredients, and you can prepare it up to two days ahead of time before throwing it in your crockpot or oven.

This dump-and-go recipe from Paula Deen makes your life much easier, allowing you to focus on the grill and your savory chicken.

Ingredients include creamed corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, whole kernel sweet corn (drained), sour cream, cheddar cheese, and butter.

For your cheddar cheese, we recommend buying a block and shredding it at home. You get a better flavor, and it’s creamier.

Source: crunchycreamysweet.com

3. KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Another one of our favorite sides of chicken breast is KFC coleslaw. But, instead of running out to the restaurant, you can make your own at home for a fraction of the cost!

This creamy, crunchy, cool, delicious slaw recipe tastes just like Colonel Sander’s and is the perfect compliment to those tender, juicy birds on your grill.

Ingredients include mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, granulated sugar, salt, ground black pepper, apple cider or white vinegar, lemon juice, shredded and diced cabbage, carrot, and yellow onion.

Now, this is how you get a party started!

Source: thestayathomechef.com

4. Cucumber Tomato Salad

This cucumber salad recipe is one of the best healthy sides for chicken breast on the planet.

It’s a simple and healthy dish that’s cool with crunchy textures and loaded with mind-blowing flavor!

The dill dressing really takes this recipe over the top. And it’s perfect for a hot summer bbq or a nice spring salad.

Ingredients for this dish include diced English cucumbers, quartered cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and minced fresh dill.

Source: meatwave.com

5. Grilled Mushrooms

While you have the grill fired up, you can throw on one of the best healthy sides for grilled chicken – grilled mushrooms.

And this recipe for herb-crusted mushrooms takes grilled mushrooms to a whole new level!

In my humble opinion, mushrooms are one of those universal side dishes that go great with anything. And this recipe offers some of the most flavorful fungi you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients for this side dish include cremini mushrooms, extra-virgin olive oil, minced herbs like thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, minced garlic, butter, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Source: izzycooking.com

6. Popeye’s French Fries Recipe

When it comes to the best side dishes for grilled chicken, it’s hard to beat Popeye’s addictive Cajun fries. Like their world-famous fried chicken, these fries are loaded with incredible flavor, with a crispy crust and fluffy insides.

The irresistible mix of cajun seasonings makes these fries a fantastic choice to serve with your grilled chicken.

Ingredients for this recipe include potatoes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.

It’s hard to believe such flavorful french fries have only a few ingredients, but it’s true!

Source: cookthink.com

7. Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad

Another amazing Paula Deen recipe is this broccoli salad dish that is as delicious as beautiful. Plus, this broccoli salad has a creamy and tangy sauce that will have your guests coming back for more!

It’s the perfect crowd pleaser for your bbq, potluck, or picnic, and it’s super simple to make.

The ingredients you’ll need include a head of broccoli, raisins, red onion, white vinegar, cherry tomatoes, sugar, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and mayonnaise.

The cool and creamy contrast to your hot and juicy grilled chicken makes this side dish a real winner!

Source: thecozycook.com

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

One dish that people really don’t appreciate nearly enough is roasted Brussels sprouts. Despite what some may tell you, Brussel sprouts can be very delicious when prepared properly. And if you’re not a fan, this recipe is sure to change your mind!

They have just a touch of honey, and you can also add ingredients like bacon and garlic for even more flavor.

Ingredients include Brussels sprouts, salt, olive oil, white pepper, and honey.

Trust us, before you know it, you and your guests will be eating these roasted green delights like popcorn!

Source: jessicagavin.com

9. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are among some of the best side dishes you can make for grilled chicken. These crispy fries blend just the right mix of sweet and savory that really compliments your grilled chicken.

They can serve as a side dish and as a savory appetizer to keep hungry tummies from rumbling while you finish grilling your birds.

Ingredients for this dish include sweet potatoes, potato starch, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil.

Just be careful while baking your fries. Sweet potatoes brown quicker than regular spuds under high heat.

Source: bakingmischief.com

10. Microwave Corn on the Cob

There’s nothing like the taste of grilled corn on the cob. However, sometimes you might not have enough space for your corn, or maybe you’re bringing over a side dish?

In this case, you can make delicious microwave corn on the cob in minutes. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about your corn getting dried out by using a simple trick to keep it moist.

You only need un-husked corn on the cob, salt, and butter. But, you can also add additional seasonings like mayonnaise and parmesan (or cotija), cheese, honey, and herbs.

Source: sallysbakingaddiction.com

11. Moist Cornbread Recipe

When in doubt, go with cornbread!

This advice will never let you down when it comes to making a fantastic bbq side dish.

And one of our favorite cornbread recipes produces the softest, most moist, flavorful cornbread with crispy edges.

The ingredients you’ll need include fine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey, egg, and buttermilk.

It’s vital to have your egg and buttermilk at room temperature, or else it will throw off your texture.

You can also freeze your cornbread for up to three months!

Source: krazykitchenmom.com

12. Amish Macaroni Salad

Another underrated side dish for grilled chicken is macaroni salad. But, we promise, once you try this recipe for Amish macaroni salad, it will become one of your staple side dishes!

This creamy, sweet, and tangy dish has everything you could want in a pasta salad.

Ingredients include cooked elbow macaroni, yellow, red, and green bell peppers, hard-boiled eggs, Miracle Whip salad dressing, white vinegar, sugar, yellow mustard, and ground black pepper.

Other great additions include white and red onions, cheddar cheese cubes, peas, bacon, and fresh herbs like dill.

Source: bowlofdelicious.com

13. Oven-Baked Potato Wedges

Another great potato side dish for grilled chicken is baked potato wedges. This recipe tells you about a soaking technique hack that draws out the starch in the potatoes to give your wedges that extra crispy golden-brown texture we all know and love!

These fries are also great with burgers or just by themselves dipped in BBQ sauce or ketchup.

The ingredients you’ll need include russet potatoes, seasoning mix, extra-virgin olive oil, parsley (optional), dipping sauce such as BBQ sauce or ketchup (optional).

My personal favorite seasoning is Za’atar.

Source: wonkywonderful.com

14. Mexican Street Corn Salad

Perhaps you have the extra space on the grill to make Mexican street corn, but not enough corn to go around? One solution is making this recipe for Mexican street corn salad.

This savory dish is perfect for grilled chicken, combining the flavors of grilled corn with Mexican seasonings and other delicious ingredients for a side dish masterpiece!

Ingredients include lime, fresh corn, jalapeno, oil, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, chili powder, and queso fresco.

The blissful combination of grilled corn, cilantro, jalapeno, and tomatoes, along with the queso fresco and chili powder, will delight and excite your taste buds!

Source: spendwithpennies.com

15. Fresh Tomato Salad

Another fresh and healthy side dish for grilled chicken is this recipe for tomato salad. This bright and flavorful salad features several types of tomatoes and herbs and other ingredients that join together to create one fantastic bbq side dish!

The ingredients you’ll need include halved grape tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, fresh herbs like fresh oregano and basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, and bocconcini (diced or sliced),

You can also use other seasonings like oregano, parsley, dill, and balsamic vinegar.

Source: twopeasandtheirpod.com

16. Best Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies are another great dish to compliment your grilled chicken. Plus, making a pan of savory roasted vegetables couldn’t be easier!

For this recipe, the ingredients you’ll need include avocado or olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, salt, and your favorite veggies.

Some great veggie options include green beans, asparagus, bell peppers, sliced yellow or red onion, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, eggplant, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beets, rutabaga, and spaghetti squash.

Best of all, you can mix and match many of your favorites to create unique combinations.

Source: wholesomeyum.com

17. Oven Roasted Zucchini

Maybe I’m being biased, but roasted zucchini is probably one of the best side dishes of all time!

Okay, I am biased, but if you’ve ever had roasted zucchini, you’re likely to agree. And what we love most about this recipe is that it only needs six simple ingredients, which include zucchini, Italian seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt.

This simple and delicious dish can be ready to eat in 25 minutes and is a delightful way to include some healthy veggies in your BBQ.

Source: mygorgeousrecipes.com

18. Baked Parsnip Fries

Another fantastic alternative side dish for grilled chicken is baked parsnip fries (also known as parsnip chips). If you’re a bit burned out on potatoes and wish to try something a little different, this is a fantastic recipe to give a go!

Best of all, they don’t require a ton of ingredients. All you need are parsnips, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.

It’s crucial that you lay them in a single layer on your baking tray with some space between them. This way, you’ll get an even bake with perfect crispness!

Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com

19. Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

This recipe for sweet potato salad is a fun way to shake things up. While traditional potato salad is excellent, sometimes you want to try something new, and this recipe delivers a bold and flavorful experience like nothing you’ve ever tasted!

Plus, it’s super simple to make, with only a couple of essential ingredients, including sweet potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, garlic, oil, lime juice, red bell pepper, black beans, corn (optional), and fresh cilantro.

The combination of savory flavors mixed in with your sweet potatoes is beyond amazing!

Source: lilvienna.com

20. Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes

For potato lovers out there who want a different way to enjoy their favorite spuds, this recipe for crispy smashed potatoes is right up your alley!

Best of all, you don’t need a culinary school degree to make this dish. It’s just boil, smash and bake – super simple.

You need yellow or red potatoes, olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, fine salt, and unsalted butter.

Optional seasonings include minced parsley, garlic, and Fleur de Sel.

For your sour cream dip, you’ll need sour cream, pepper, salt, fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or dill, and fresh lemon juice.

Source: completelydelicious.com

21. The Best Potato Salad Recipe

While it’s always good to try something new, there’s nothing wrong with falling back on familiar foods that bring back fond memories, like potato salad.

This incredible side dish for grilled chicken and other meats has been an essential part of millions of family gatherings for generations.

The ingredients for this recipe include gold potatoes, large eggs, scallions, shredded Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, fresh dill, coarse salt, and ground black pepper.

Your guests will absolutely love this new twist on an old classic!

Source: wholesomeyum.com

22. Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Another excellent and creamy salad perfect with grilled chicken is cucumber salad. And this recipe brings together a few simple ingredients that are easy to throw together in minutes and store very well for future serving.

The ingredients for this recipe include sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cucumber, fresh dill, and red onion.

Another great thing about this recipe is that cucumbers are a low-carb food for those trying to watch what they eat. Since they are mostly water, there are only about 2 grams of carbs per 1/2 cup of cucumbers.

One tip is to allow your salad to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to give all your flavors time to come together.

Source: cooktoria.com

23. Zucchini Salad

Roasted zucchini is so nice we had to include it twice!

However, in this savory recipe, we prepare our zucchini a bit differently, in thin slices instead of wedges and with a flavorful seasoning that will have your guests doing double-takes left and right!

The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe include zucchini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and salt.

The trick to picking the best zucchini is finding small ones about 6-9 inches long that are relatively thin. They should also feel a bit heavy for their size, and the skin will have a dark green color and not have any blemishes.

Source: recipetineats.com

24. Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are another fun zucchini recipe. This recipe gives you super crunchy fritters that are nice and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

The ingredients you’ll need are zucchini, salt, egg, green onions, parmesan, garlic clove, flour, baking powder, pepper, and olive oil.

You can serve these with yogurt or sour cream and some chopped green onions.

The parmesan cheese is the secret to giving your fritters their additive flavor and extra crunchiness!

Source: thekitchn.com

25. Orzo Salad with Spinach, Olives, Pesto, and Feta

If you’re really looking for a grilled chicken side dish that knocks it out of the park, then our final recipe for orzo salad will definitely do the trick!

This recipe includes baby spinach, walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon, kosher salt, olive oil, orzo pasta, feta cheese, kalamata olives, shallot, and freshly ground black pepper.

And this is one of those salads that becomes more flavorful the more time it sits, so we recommend preparing it a day before your event and letting it cool in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Below we have a video featuring ten sensational sides to go with grilled chicken.

YouTube video

sides for grilled chicken

25+ Best Sides for Grilled Chicken (+Cucumber and Tomato Salad)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
5 from 10 votes
Total Time 24 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 195 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 diced cucumbers
  • 2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 1 diced red onion
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. minced fresh dill

Instructions
 

  • Toss all ingredients together.
  • Refrigerate one hour.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal
Keyword cucumber and tomato salad, sides for grilled chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!