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This post What Goes with Fried Chicken is related to the Pollo Frito recipe given to all of us by 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.
Listen to Elizabeth's Story
Special needs warrior mother of 4, Elizabeth Coulter, shares her story and how she draws on the strength of her Puerto Rican and German heritage to keep going.
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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.
- Each recipe is formatted as the title of the recipe, followed by a "|" symbol and then the blog or person who it is from.
- 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 & Easy Filling Ideas!) | The Storied Recipe
These fried plantain cups are a delicious, fun Haitian appetizer, perfect for a Caribbean party. Lots of filling options too!
Hush Puppies | Small Town Woman
This Hush Puppies Recipe is the best easy southern side with crispy outer edges and lightly sweetened soft tender centers.
Deviled Eggs | Downshiftology
Deviled eggs are a classic recipe and perfect for the holidays, Easter, potlucks, parties and other gatherings. Here's my best-deviled egg recipe!
Alabama Fire Crackers | Spicy Southern Kitchen
Alabama Fire Crackers- this savory, spicy snack is a long-time Southern party favorite. Made with Saltine crackers, ranch seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheddar and Herb Cheese Straws | Once Upon a Chef
Crisp, flaky cheese straws make a perfect party starter or enjoy them as a delicious nibble alongside a comforting bowl of soup.
Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese (Without Cream Cheese) | The Storied Recipe
Old 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 with Split Peas Powder | We Trini Food
Craving a taste of Trinidad? Try making pholourie, the irresistible split pea fritters that are a staple of Trinidadian street food! This Trinidad pholourie recipe guides you through creating these golden, soft bites packed with aromatic spices.
Sour Cream and Onion Dip (French Onion Dip) | Just a Taste
Take your appetizer game to the next level with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for 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) | Taste of Homemade
This 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 | Healthy Fitness Meals
Fresh berries tossed in a quick and easy honey poppyseed dressing.
Cottage Cheese Jello Salad | House of Nash Eats
This 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!
Easy Grape Salad | Culinary Hill
Sweet and creamy with loads of fresh grapes and crunchy nuts on top
Puerto Rican Fruit Salad | My Stay at Home Adventures
This very tasty 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 | Cookie and Kate
This colorful mango salsa recipe is so easy to make! It's sweet, spicy and absolutely delicious. Fresh mango salsa is great with chips, on tacos and more!
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.
Caribbean Salad with Honey Lime Dressing | Dinner Mom
Put your senses in vacation mode with this Caribbean salad topped with a honey lime dressing made famous by Disney's 'Ohana restaurant.
Simple Tossed Green Salad | Le Creme de la Crumb
Best Simple Tossed Green Salad is the easiest side dish and goes perfectly with just about anything! Comes together in 10 minutes with any easy dressing!
Broccoli Salad | Spend With Pennies
Homemade Broccoli Salad is so easy to make. Fresh broccoli, cranberries, sunflower seeds, & bacon in a quick 3-ingredient dressing!
Creamy Coleslaw | Love and Lemons
This easy coleslaw recipe is a classic summer side dish! Made with crisp cabbage, carrots, and a tangy, creamy dressing, it's healthy and delicious.
Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw | Our Salty Kitchen
Apple cider vinegar coleslaw is tangy with a sweet side. This no mayo coleslaw is light, healthy and fresh - the perfect seasonal side dish!
Marinated Vegetable Salad | Iowa Girl Eats
Marinated Vegetable Salad is a healthy, make-ahead salad recipe highlighting crunchy fresh vegetables. Quick, easy, and fresh!
Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad | A Head of Thyme
Simple tomato cucumber avocado salad with a delicious lemon dressing is a light and refreshing salad that comes together in literally 5 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com
Puerto Rican Green Salad with Red Onion | Familia Kitchen
This classic vinegary green salad with tomatoes and minced red onion is the perfect side for so many traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
Potatoes 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.
Potato Salad | A Spicy Perspective
How To Make The Best Potato Salad Recipe + video! The 5-star reviews don't lie! Mom's secret recipe is hands-down the best ever.
Homemade Fries | Well Plated
How to make the best crispy Homemade French Fries in the oven! The secrets to perfect baked fries, plus how to make French fries crispy again.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes | Food Network
Get Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe from Food Network
Patatas Bravas - Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce | Spanish Sabores
Patatas bravas are one of the simplest and most popular Spanish tapas. Learn how to make them at home with this quick and easy recipe!
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 | Feel Good Foodie
This 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.
Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest-Winning!) | The Chunky Chef
Deliciously rich and gooey, this baked mac and cheese is creamy, comforting, and PERFECT for the holidays, as well as a comforting family dinner!
Orzo Salad with Spinach and Feta | From Valeries Kitchen
This Orzo Salad is a light, fresh pasta salad loaded with flavor from spinach, feta, and roasted red peppers. Perfect for a summer BBQ!
Pasta Salad | Pinch of Yum
Super easy Pasta Salad - with pasta, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, spicy salami, pepperoncini, olives, and easy Italian dressing. DANGEROUSLY GOOD.
Pasta Salad | Bare Feet in the Kitchen
Light and tangy Pasta Salad, with just enough creamy dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables, this is one heck of an awesome creamy pasta salad.
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.
Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans | How Sweet Eats
Our 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 | Sweet Potato Soul
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.
Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice and Pigeon Peas) | The Noshery
Arroz con gandules is a savory rice with pigeon peas. It's traditionally served in Puerto Rico during Christmas but, appreciated year round.
Chickpea Salad | Natasha's Kitchen
This Chickpea Salad is loaded with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, feta, and chickpeas. You'll love the fresh lemon dressing!
Quinoa Salad | Inspired Taste
This is one of the best quinoa salad recipes I've made! It's packed with veggies, texture, and flavor thanks to a simple homemade dressing.
Caribbean 3 Bean Salad | Searching for Spicy
This easy Caribbean mixed bean salad is more substantial than most salads. It makes a great side dish as well as being very healthy.
Caribbean-Style Stewed Beans | SideChef
Who knew a humble bowl of kidney beans could pack such a tropical punch? These Caribbean-style stewed beans are simmered in coconut milk, spiced to perfection, and bursting with bold island flavors.
Vegetable Dishes
Wholesome vegetables flavored and cooked into creamy side dishes to complement crispy fried chicken.
Creamy & Spicy Mexican Street Corn | Let's Dish Recipes
This Mexican street corn (elote) 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.
Sauteed green peppers (Πράσινες πιπεριές τηγανιτές) | Mia Kouppa
Sautéed green peppers is a simple Greek side dish full of green bell peppers, red onion and herbs that are combined to make a delicious and unexpected side dish. This recipe goes super well with all sorts of great Greek mains.
Southern Green Beans | Divas Can Cook
How to cook southern green beans full of flavor using fresh green beans, onions, garlic, red pepper, smoked meat and red pepper. Easy to make.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes | A Couple Cooks
This oven roasted sweet potatoes recipe is the only one you need! Season them to perfection, then bake in a hot oven until caramelized.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Simple, classic, and absolutely delicious. The crunchy golden batter of this fried green tomatoes recipe is the epitome of Southern charm and cuisine.
Southern Collard Greens Recipe | Grandbaby Cakes
These authentic Southern Collard Greens are braised in a savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture.
Summer Sweet Corn Saute | Iowa Girl Eats
Summer Sweet Corn Saute is a mouthwatering, 5 ingredient side dish recipe that pairs perfectly with any summer dinner!
Squash Casserole | Add a Pinch
Squash Casserole is an essential dish for holidays and special events. Topped with a buttery cracker topping, this squash casserole is an all-time favorite!
Fried Red Tomatoes | The Country Cook
Fried Red Tomatoes are a delicious twist to the traditional fried green tomato! Crispy outside and red, ripe tomato on the inside!
Southern Fried Okra | Spicy Southern Kitchen
Fresh okra coated in flour and fried until golden brown. So simple and delicious, you won't be able to stop popping these fried okra nuggets in your mouth.
Breads & Biscuits
Any of these breads will be the perfect complement to your juicy fried chicken. More than one Southern Staple in here!
Buttermilk Biscuits | Live Well Bake Often
These easy buttermilk biscuits are incredibly soft, tall, flaky, and buttery. Serve these with some jam or gravy for an easy breakfast!
Cornbread | Le Creme de la Crumb
This Super Moist Cornbread recipe is the only way to go if you're a cornbread lover and goes great with honey, jalapeno, or buttery add-ins!
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits | Jo Cooks
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits – delicious, tender, flaky and cheesy biscuits. These biscuits are super easy to make.
Fluffy Soft Scones with Buttermilk | The Storied Recipe
If you're looking for dense scones that break cleanly in half (like a British scone), this isn't the recipe for you. BUT! If you're looking for light, springy, homemade scones with a fluffy inside and a slightly sweet sprinkle of sugar on top - this IS the recipe for you!
Mini Bread Rolls (Soft, Adorable Dinner Rolls) | The Storied Recipe
Soft mini bread rolls are enriched with potatoes for a hearty flavor, creamy texture, and subtle sweetness. The most adorable mini dinner rolls!!
Desserts
Sweet and refreshing finishes to your fried chicken meal.
Pristiños & Syrup: Traditional Ecuadorian Christmas Pastries | The Storied Recipe
Thin, crispy, fried Ecuadorian pastries for Christmas along with a Piloncillo (Panela) Syrup spiced with citrus zest and all the Christmas spices - cinnamon, anise, and cloves.
Easy Old-Fashioned Moist Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe | The Storied Recipe
This easy, old-fashioned Kentucky Butter Cake is rich, buttery, and moist. Magical butter-sugar syrup creates an irresistible crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Recipe | The Storied Recipe
Southern Tea Cakes are soft, buttery, and crumbly - much more cookie than cake. This recipe is basic and endlessly adaptable.
Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie (with Condensed Milk) | The Storied Recipe
This old-fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie has a fresh, zesty lemony custard, soft meringue topping, and firm buttery cookie crust.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake | Sally's Baking Addiction
New & improved recipe! This recipe for strawberry shortcake is homemade with fluffy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and sweet biscuits.
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?"
PrintRecipe
What Goes with Fried Chicken? 59 BEST Side Dishes
Description
Recipes by Friends and Guests of The Storied Recipe.
The 59 best side dishes to pair with fried chicken are divided into 9 easy-to-read categories.
Ingredients
Apps
- Plantain Cups from Quiara Pinchina, guest of The Storied Recipe
- Hush Puppies from Small Town Woman
- Deviled Eggs from Downshiftology
- Fire Crackers from Spicy Southern Kitchen
- Cheese Straws from Once Upon A Chef
- Pimento Cheese from Brenda Wyatt, Guest Of The Storied Recipe
- Pholourie from We Trini Food
- Sour Cream And Onion Dip from Just A Taste
Fruit Salads
- Ambrosia Salad from Taste Of Homemade
- Mixed Berry Salad from Healthy Fitness Meals
- Strawberry Cottage Cheese Salad from House Of Nash Eats
- Easy Grape Salad from Culinary Hill
- Puerto Rican Fruit Salad from My Stay At Home Adventures
- Fresh Mango Salsa from Cookie And Kate
Vegetable Salads
- Caribbean Salad With Honey Lime Dressing from Dinner Mom
- Classic Green Salad from Le Creme De La Crumb
- Broccoli Salad from Spend With Pennies
- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe from Love And Lemons
- Coleslaw Apple Cider Vinegar from Our Salty Kitchen
- Marinated Vegetable Salad from Iowa Girl Eats
- Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad from A Head Of Thyme
- Ensalada De Aguacate from Dominican Cooking
- Puerto Rican Green Salad With Red Onion from Familia Kitchen
Potato Dishes
- Classic Potato Salad from A Spicy Perspective
- French Fries from Well Plated
- Mashed Potatoes from Food Network
- Patatas Bravas from Spanish Sabores
Pasta Dishes
- Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes from Feel Good Foodie
- Macaroni And Cheese from The Chunky Chef
- Orzo Salad With Spinach And Feta from From Valerie's Kitchen
- The Best Easy Pasta Salad from Pinch Of Yum
- Creamy Summer Pasta Salad from Bare Feet In The Kitchen
Grains and Beans
- Baked Beans from How Sweet Eats
- Black-Eyed Pea Salad from Sweet Potato Soul
- Arroz Con Gandules: Rice And Pigeon Peas from The Noshery
- Chickpea Salad from Natasha's Kitchen
- Quinoa Salad Recipe from Inspired Taste
- Caribbean Three Bean Salad from Searching For Spicy
- Quick And Tasty Caribbean Stewed Beans from Side Chef
Hot Vegetables
- Mexican Street Corn from Let's Dish Recipes
- Sauteed Green Peppers from Mia Kouppa
- Southern Green Beans from Divas Can Cook
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes from A Couple Cooks
- Fried Green Tomatoes from Grandbaby Cakes
- Southern Collard Greens from Grandbaby Cakes
- Summer Sweet Corn Saute from Iowa Girl Eats
- Squash Casserole from Add A Pinch
- Fried Red Tomatoes from The Country Cook
- Fried Okra from Spicy Southern Kitchen
Breads
- Buttermilk Biscuits from Live Well Bake Often
- Golden Brown Cornbread from Le Creme De La Crumb
- Cheddar Cheese Biscuits from Jo Cooks
- Easy Soft Scones With A Quick Jam from Carilyn Mae, guest of The Storied Recipe
- Mini Yeasted Rolls from Laura Clark, guest of The Storied Recipe
Dessert
- Pristiños And Piloncillo Syrup from Sofia Alarcon, guest of The Storied Recipe
- Kentucky Butter Cake from Cheryl Norris, guest of The Storied Recipe
- Southern Tea Cakes from Stefani Renee, guest of The Storied Recipe
- Lemon Icebox Pie from Adrian Miller, guest of The Storied Recipe
- Strawberry Shortcake from Sally's Baking Addiction
Instructions
Make sure you listen to Elizabeth's episode of The Storied Recipe Podcast, "Chosen For This?" while you make her amazing Pollo Frito as well as your side dishes that go along with this delicious recipe.
Would love to hear from you!