Welcome to The Storied Recipe! This post What Goes with Fried Chicken is related to the Pollo Frito recipe given to all of us from my podcast guest, Elizabeth Coulter. As you browse these 59 best side dishes for fried chicken, I invite you to listen to her episode, Chosen... For This?
Who doesn't love fried chicken, combining the best qualities of juicy chicken, crunchy chicken, and flavorful chicken?
But when planning a complete menu, one dish isn't enough, no matter how popular the dish. Here are the best fried chicken sides to make a complete meal, no matter how big the feast you're preparing!
While a classic fried chicken meal is often considered a southern meal here in the US, the truth is versions of fried chicken are popular around the globe. Because I wrote this post to pair with Elizabeth's famous Puerto Rican Pollo Frito (Without Flour), I included plenty of Caribbean-themed sides for fried chicken along with the classic Southern sides.
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How to Use This List
Just because your main course is rich doesn't mean the entire meal has to be. I've divided this list of sides to go with fried chicken into 8 categories: Appetizers, Fruit Salads, Vegetable Salads, Potato/Pasta Salads, Grain/Legume Salads, Breads, and Desserts.
When choosing what to serve with fried chicken, think about variety:
Variety in texture (creamy, crunchy, starchy, soft), variety in temperature (warm and cozy vs. cold and refreshing). You'll also want to balance your prep time. Because fried chicken is best served fresh, hot out of the fryer (or skillet), the best sides for fried chicken are prepared ahead of time and either placed in the fridge or oven while you make your main dish.
By choosing just one dish in 2 to 3 of these categories, you'll create a well-balanced, nutritious, and flavorful meal. If you're making a huge feast you'll want to choose from more like 3 to 6 categories of these fried chicken side dishes. Enjoy!!
Appetizers
Begin the meal with these classic Southern or Caribbean starters.
Fried Plantain Cups (Plus Lots of Fun and Easy Filling Ideas!)
Cooks in 70 minutesThese fun fried plantain cups can be filled with lots of easy, delicious fillings including Pikliz (recipe included)! Perfect for a Caribbean party!
Hush Puppies Recipe
These southern Hush Puppies are crispy on the outside and soft and tender in the center. They are easy to prepare and quick to come together. They can be mixed and ready for the fryer in less than ten minutes.
BEST Deviled Eggs Recipe
Cooks in 34 minutesDeviled eggs are hard boiled eggs where the yolk is mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. The little sprinkle of paprika on top is the perfect finishing touch. Watch the video below to see how easy it is to make this recipe!
Alabama Fire Crackers
Alabama Fire Crackers- this savory, spicy snack is a long time southern party favorite. Made with Saltine crackers, ranch seasoning, and lots of crushed red pepper flakes, it's hard to not want to eat cracker after cracker.
Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws
Crisp, flaky cheese straws dotted with herbs and pepper flakes make a perfect party starter, or enjoy them as a delicious nibble alongside a comforting bowl of soup.
Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe (Without Cream Cheese)
Cooks in 10 minutesOld Fashioned Pimento Cheese - a creamy, spicy, cheesy Southern classic from a Southern Grandma, my podcast guest Brenda Wyatt! Uses mayonnaise rather than cream cheese.
Trinidad pholourie
Cooks in 75 minutesLooking for savory, Indian inspired fried dough balls that melt in your mouth, then you have to try pholourie. It is a popular street snack in T&T made with flour, split peas powder, turmeric and Caribbean seasonings.
Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip
Cooks in 40 minutesAll you need is six simple ingredients for the best Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip.
Fruits and Fruits Salads
When pairing sides with crispy fried chicken, it's a great idea to add light, fresh flavors with fruit. For the most refreshing and simple side dish of all - simply cut a watermelon! If you want something a little more intricate - here are a few ideas.
Marshmallow Fruit Salad (Ambrosia Salad)
Cooks in 250 minutesThis Ambrosia salad is bursting with fruit, marshmallows and fluffy cream. It is a marshmallow fruit salad that comes together in minutes and can be served as a side or dessert.
Mixed Berry Fruit Salad
Cooks in 10 minutesFresh berries tossed in a quick and easy honey poppyseed dressing. Easy to make and perfect as a snack or dessert option.
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Cooks in 35 minutesThis creamy, dreamy Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is one of my favorite treats once the weather turns warm in the spring and summer. It's perfect for potlucks, backyard barbecues, and family reunions!
Easy Grape Salad
Cooks in 70 minutesThis easy Grape Salad recipe is loaded with fresh grapes, sweetened cream cheese, and a crunchy, nutty topping. It's ready in just 5 minutes plus chilling time.
Puerto Rican Fruit Salad
Cooks in 40 minutesThis delicious Puerto Rican Fruit Salad is so refreshing. With those fresh fruits, they are so healthy, too, with a lot of amazing health benefits.
Fresh Mango Salsa
Cooks in 15 minutesThis simple and colorful mango salsa is super easy to make! It's sweet, spicy and absolutely delicious. Serve this fresh mango salsa with chips, on tacos or salads, or as a salad itself. It's that good. Recipe yields about 3 cups salsa.
Vegetable Salads
Salads may be your best option for adding nutrients to a celebration meal of fried chicken. Add fresh herbs and these healthy side dishes will be just as tempting as the main dish.
Ensalada de Aguacate Recipe (Avocado Salad)
Cooks in 65 minutesFor us Dominicans, there is no need to dress up an avocado, but you can fancify it a bit in this simple Ensalada de Aguacate (Avocado Salad).
The Best Coleslaw Recipe
Cooks in 80 minutesThis creamy coleslaw is the best salad or sandwich topper. It's the perfect make-ahead dish, ideal for a BBQ or potluck!
Best Simple Tossed Green Salad
Cooks in 15 minutesBest Simple Tossed Green Salad is the easiest side dish and goes perfectly with just about anything! Totally customizable and tossed in the tastiest 6-ingredient homemade dressing!
The Best Broccoli Salad
Cooks in 80 minutesThis potluck favorite gets rave reviews every time! A fresh, crisp broccoli salad is tossed in a simple& creamy homemade dressing.
Tangy Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw
Versatility is the name of the game, and Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw is the MVP. Fresh, crisp shredded veggies in a super simple cider vinegar marinade will have you wondering what you ever saw in creamy coleslaw. No mayo coleslaw is a perfect partner for sandwiches, but can also play the field as a side and a salad.
Marinated Vegetable Salad
Cooks in 30 minutesMarinated Vegetable Salad is a healthy, make-ahead salad recipe highlighting crunchy fresh vegetables. Quick, easy, and fresh!
Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
Cooks in 5 minutesSimple tomato cucumber avocado salad with a delicious lemon dressing is a light and refreshing salad that comes together in literally 5 minutes.
Potatoes (+ Plantain) Sides
The best side dishes are potato dishes. I defy you to prove me wrong 😉 Here are Southern classics and a few Puerto Rican classics as well.
The BEST Mashed Potatoes!
Cooks in 45 minutesThese homemade mashed potatoes are perfectly rich and creamy, full of great flavor, easy to make, andalwaysa crowd fave. See notes above for tips and possible recipe variations. And also, feel free to halve this recipe if you would like to make a smaller batch.
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Cooks in 35 minutesThese oven roasted potatoes are one of our favorite easy side dishes! They're crispy outside, creamy inside, and seasoned to perfection with lemon, garlic, and herbs.
Homemade French Fries
Cooks in 65 minutesLearn the secret to making the best homemade french fries from russet potatoes right at home! These are easy to makeahead of time and fry or bake in the oven for a quick snack or side dish idea!
Crispy Garlic Baked Potato Wedges
Cooks in 50 minutesCrispy Garlic Baked Potato Wedges are soft and pillowy on the inside, and crunchy on the outside with a good kick of garlic and parmesan cheese!
How To Make The Best Potato Salad Recipe
Cooks in 40 minutesHow To Make The Best Potato Salad Recipe. My mom's potato salad recipe is hands-down the best potato salad I, or anyone else who's tried it, has ever eaten!
Scalloped Potatoes
Cooks in 70 minutesThese easy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic dish that you cannot go wrong with. Layers of potatoes, cheese sauce on repeat! The ingredients are simple in these Scalloped Potatoes recipe but they are the perfect side dish to Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving!
Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)
Cooks in 105 minutesRecipe video above. The ultimate potato bake, created by the French!!! Potato + cream + cheese with a hint of garlic and thyme = pure heaven. Based on Julia Child's Potato Dauphinoise recipe. This is THE perfect make ahead potato dish, the most luxurious of all potato casseroles, the better version of Scalloped Potatoes!Authenticity note: traditional Dauphinoise in France does not contain cheese. But I could never imagine making it without..... It makes it better. You know it does!
Patatas Bravas Recipe
Cooks in 20 minutesPatatas bravas are one of the most beloved Spanish tapas, thanks to their simple combination of fried potatoes and flavorful sauce. Make them at home with this easy recipe!
Platanos Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains)
Cooks in 15 minutesThese authentic Platanos Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains) are a staple Puerto Rican side dish. They're perfectly crisp and caramelized along the outside, with deliciously tender and warm insides!
Pasta Dishes
A good old fashioned macaroni salad to something lighter and more modern, these are the side dishes that will work best for your carb loving guests!
Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Cooks in 15 minutesThis Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a quick and easy dish that comes together in 15 minutes. It's an amazing pasta with cherry tomatoes garlic and basil.
Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Cooks in 35 minutesThis baked mac and cheese is a family favorite recipe, loved by children and adults.
Orzo Salad with Spinach and Feta
Cooks in 25 minutesThis Orzo Salad is a light, fresh pasta salad that is perfect for a summer BBQ menu. Loaded with flavor from roasted red peppers, spinach and feta and a delicious lemon honey vinaigrette.
The Best Easy Pasta Salad
Cooks in 30 minutesSuper easy pasta salad - with pasta, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, spicy salami, pepperoncini, olives, and easy Italian dressing. DANGEROUSLY GOOD.
Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
Cooks in 20 minutesThis is a fresh, slightly tangy pasta salad with an abundance of flavors and textures. We make it on repeat all summer long.
Grains, Legumes, and Beans
Beans, legumes, and whole grains are full of fiber and nutrients. These may just well be the healthiest sides on your table - and certainly the most filling, for those who want to limit their fried chicken.
Arroz con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas)
Cooks in 55 minutesArroz con gandules is a flavorful rice dish with pigeon peas. It's traditionally served in Puerto Rico during Christmas but, appreciated year round.
Favorite Baked Beans
Cooks in 70 minutesOur absolute favorite baked beans recipe! They are syrupy and loaded with flavors of BBQ sauce, dijon, smoked paprika and chipotle. Delish!
Black Eyed Pea Salad
This cold black eyed pea salad can ideal for warm-weather meals and meal prep, and can be enjoyed as a side dish or main.
Chickpea Salad Recipe
Cooks in 10 minutesChickpea Salad loaded with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, feta cheese and chickpeas or garbanzo beans. Fresh, healthy and protein packed!
The Best Quinoa Salad
Cooks in 25 minutesThis incredible quinoa salad recipe is packed with superfoods. Its easy to make and makes a great make-ahead salad.
Caribbean Three Bean Salad
Cooks in 5 minutesThis punchy Caribbean three bean salad is quite literally full of beans! It's crammed with fresh onion, coriander and fresh chilli pepper.
Quick and Tasty Caribbean Stewed Beans
Make some traditional style Caribbean stewed red beans but in much less time. Vegetarian and gluten-free, this stewed beans recipe is great for students and busy individuals who simply don't have time to cook beans the traditional way.
Vegetable Dishes
Wholesome vegetables flavored and cooked into creamy side dishes to complement crispy fried chicken.
Mexican Street Corn (Torchy's Copycat)
Cooks in 20 minutesJuicy, charred corn on the cob is slathered in a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice, then sprinkled with chili powder and a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick. Topped off with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro, this authentic street food favorite is bursting with bold flavors. Inspired by Torchy's Tacos street corn, it's the perfect side dish for any Tex-Mex meal.
Southern Collard Greens Recipe
Cooks in 195 minutesThese authentic Soul Food Collard Greens are braised in a savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture.
Fried Red Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes got nothin' on Fried Red Tomatoes!
Fried Okra
Fresh summer okra, sliced and coated with flour and then fried until golden.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cooks in 35 minutesThis oven roasted sweet potatoes recipe is the only one you need! Season them to perfection, then bake in a hot oven until caramelized.
Summer Sweet Corn Saute
Cooks in 10 minutesSummer Sweet Corn Saute is a buttery, 5 ingredient side dish recipe that pairs perfectly with any summer dinner!
Squash Casserole Recipe
Cooks in 50 minutesSquash Casserole is an essential dish for holidays and special events. Topped with a buttery cracker topping, this squash casserole is an all-time favorite!
Breads & Biscuits
Any of these breads will be the perfect complement to your juicy fried chicken. More than one Southern Staple in here!
Easy Soft Scones with Buttermilk {Plus a Quick Jam}
Cooks in 30 minutesA soft, fluffy buttermilk scone with a sprinkle of sweet, crunchy sugar on top.
Mini Bread Rolls (With Yeast and Potatoes)
Cooks in 190 minutesSoft mini bread rolls are enriched with potatoes for a hearty flavor, creamy texture, and subtle sweetness. The most adorable mini dinner rolls!!
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
Cooks in 45 minutesThese Cheddar Cheese Biscuits are simple, delicious, flaky and super cheesy. Loaded with cheddar cheese and made super flaky with buttermilk, these biscuits are incredibly quick to make. They are the perfect addition to any meal, or enjoyed as a snack.
Easy Buttermilk Biscuits
Cooks in 30 minutesThese Easy Buttermilk Biscuits are incredibly soft, tall, flaky, and buttery. Serve these with some jam, gravy, or your topping of choice for an easy and delicious breakfast!
BEST Super Moist Cornbread
Cooks in 45 minutesThisSuper Moist Cornbread recipeis the only way to go if youre a cornbread lover! Great with chili,roast chicken, turkey, pork, soups, stews, or even jams and jellies. Top it with honey or butter for an extra dose of YUM.
Desserts
Sweet and refreshing finishes to your fried chicken meal.
Ecuadorian Pristios with Piloncillo Syrup Recipe
Cooks in 75 minutesThin, crispy, fried Ecuadorian Pristinos pastries for Christmas along with a Piloncillo (Panela) Syrup spiced with citrus zest and all the Christmas spices - cinnamon, anise, and cloves.
Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie
Cooks in 210 minutesThis old-fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie has a fresh, zesty lemony custard, soft meringue topping, and firm buttery cookie crust.
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe
Cooks in 70 minutesSouthern Tea Cakes are soft, buttery, and crumbly much more cookie than cake. This recipe is basic and endlessly adaptable.
Best Ever Old-Fashioned Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe
Cooks in 120 minutesThis easy, old-fashionedKentucky Butter Cakeis rich, buttery, and soft. Magical butter-sugar syrup creates an irresistible crumbly, melt-in-your mouth crust.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Cooks in 1 hourFresh summer strawberries shine in this simple homemade strawberry shortcake recipe. The biscuits don't rise super tall, but you'll enjoy their crisp crumbly texture paired with the soft whipped cream and juicy strawberries.
P.S. For any dish that answers the question, "What to serve with fried chicken" will also answer the question, "What Goes with Chicken Wings?"
59 Best Side Dishes for Fried Chicken
The 59 best side dishes to pair with fried chicken divided into 9 easy-to-read categories.
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Ingredients
- APPETIZERS
- FRUIT SALADS
- VEGETABLE SALADS
- POTATO DISHES
- PASTA DISHES
- BEANS, GRAINS, LEGUMES
- HOT VEGETABLES
- BREADS
- DESSERTS
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