What to Serve With Chicken
The right side dish transforms a good chicken dinner into a complete meal. Here's everything that pairs well with chicken — organized by category with specific pairing suggestions.
Starches & Grains
Mashed Potatoes
The classic Canadian side. Yukon Gold potatoes mashed with butter and cream are the default pairing for roast chicken, chicken pot pie, and any recipe with gravy.
Rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
The most versatile side for chicken. Jasmine with Asian dishes, basmati with Indian and Middle Eastern. Rice absorbs sauces and makes every meal more filling.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. Toss with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt. Roast at 425°F on a separate sheet pan alongside the chicken.
Pasta
Penne with chicken parmesan, fettuccine with alfredo, spaghetti with chicken meatballs. Pasta turns any chicken dish into a complete, filling meal.
Vegetables
Roasted Broccoli
Toss with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes until the edges are charred and crispy. Way better than steamed.
Caesar Salad
Romaine, real Parmesan, croutons, and a garlicky dressing. The standard restaurant side for grilled chicken and the best salad for chicken in general.
Coleslaw
The essential side for fried chicken, BBQ pulled chicken, and chicken sandwiches. The crunchy, creamy contrast cuts through rich, fatty chicken.
Corn on the Cob
A summer BBQ essential in Canada. Grill alongside chicken, slather with butter and salt. Available fresh at every Canadian grocery store from July to September.
Breads
Garlic Bread
Butter, garlic, parsley, and a French baguette. Toast until golden. The ideal side for Italian chicken dishes and anything with a sauce worth sopping up.
Naan Bread
Essential with butter chicken, tikka masala, and any Indian-inspired chicken curry. Store-bought naan from the bakery section works well when warmed in a dry skillet.
Cornbread
Sweet, crumbly, and buttery. The traditional Southern pairing for fried chicken and chicken stew. Best made in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges.