30 Epic Fried Chicken Sides
Fried Chicken Sides – What is fried chicken without the perfect sides? So get ready to be amazed by these must-have sides, from casseroles and dips to biscuits and cakes. And this collection takes any cookout from so-so to extraordinary!
Let’s admit it, side dishes complete every meal, putting soul-satisfying goodness on your plate. Digging into a fried chicken is already amazing enough, but serving it with delicious, mouthwatering sides takes it to a whole other level.
So give your already mighty fried chicken new life and turn it into an even fancier lunch or dinner. Oh yes! Let’s fill your table with your choice of these 30 amazing fried chicken sides.
FAQs
You want easy-to-pack sides that are mess-free and easy to eat even without utensils. Coleslaw, mayo-free potato or pasta salad, and a big batch of lemonade make any picnic with fried chicken a classic.
Light veggies that balance hearty fried chicken round out a complete meal. Corn on the cob is a classic, but so are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrot salad, and mashed potatoes.
If you want a traditional Southern fried chicken meal, whip up some biscuits or cornbread, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cole slaw. You could also include collard greens with bacon.
Fantastic Casseroles That Go With Fried Chicken
1. Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
The best breakfast casserole recipe ever! Frozen hash browns, eggs, sausage, and cheese make an incredibly easy recipe for breakfast or brunch. Include it with waffles and fried chicken for a Southern comfort breakfast.
2. Jalapeno Corn Casserole
If you want a touch of heat on the side of your crispy fried chicken wings, this casserole is your go-to! Try a creamy jalapeno corn casserole ramped up with cream cheese and cheddar, bringing you a rich, hearty flavor. And it’s perfect for potlucks too!
3. Yellow Squash Casserole
This casserole hides the yellow squash with a delicious cheese sauce for a kid-friendly way to include more veggies. And the amazing taste and pleasing color make it even better because yellow means happy, right? This outstanding dish will surely awe your family.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Unmatchable, creamy, and so appealing – this fried chicken side is especially popular for holidays. And it’s super easy to make because it uses basic ingredients for a favorite casserole.
5. Southern Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? You’ll love this Southern-style classic more for its extra creaminess and kick of heat. The added crusty crumb toppings are such a delightful experience. Plus, the combination of various types of cheese makes it absolutely delicious.
Fried Chicken Side Salads
6. Southern Potato Salad
When most people think of fried chicken, Southern Potato Salad also comes to mind. It’s a classic, full of creaminess, tanginess, and deliciousness. I can’t imagine a family reunion without this deliciousness next to my fried chicken.
7. Bacon Broccoli Salad
This refreshing salad beats everything with its wonderful taste. Honestly, are you worried about healthy if you’re enjoying fried chicken? Even so, this broccoli salad can ease the guilt with good nutrition, topped with crunchy bacon bits. You’ll surely fall in love with this crunchy-creamy combo in a heartbeat.
8. Avocado Corn Salad
Serve this deliciousness with your fried chicken and watch it disappear. The smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, tomatoes, and perfect dressing make it bright and flavorful. And it’s refreshing, whatever the weather.
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw provides fresh and lively flavors that will make you want to lick your plate clean. Top your fried chicken sandwich with it because it’s a match made in heaven. This sweet and sour veggie combo of cabbage and carrots is irresistible.
Deliciously Carb-Rich Sides for Fried Chicken
10. Trinidad Corn Pie
Since fried chicken is a favorite comfort food, why not make it doubly comforting? This easy-to-make Trinidadian pie is loaded with tons of flavor and a touch of heat. But you can easily customize this fantastic recipe, too.
11. Seasoned Rice
Nothing is as gracious as a table with fried chicken in the center and seasoned rice on the side. This rice dish is bursting with buttery-herby-savory taste, making it the ultimate family-friendly food that’s cheap and effortless. Yum!
12. Creamed Corn
You’ll love this creamy version if you’re a corn lover. The best part is that you can make this recipe with frozen or canned whole-kernel corn. Then mix it with butter, milk, cream, and your favorite spices, and you have an epic side for your fried chicken in less than 20 minutes.
13. Dirty Rice
What??? Ok, it’s not dirty and doesn’t have dirt, just a Cajun classic with a soul-satisfying taste. Rice mixed with ground beef, bacon, and spices, including the ever-delicious Cajun’s holy trinity, is so satisfying.
14. Corn on the Cob
Ultra sensational and classic! Corn on the cob is the first thing that comes to mind when biting into fried chicken legs. Summer is my favorite because it’s the season when the corn tastes the best, with its sweet and juicy gold kernels coated with butter and salt. Agreed?
15. Skillet Cornbread
Enjoy the light, crumbly texture with this golden, fluffy skillet cornbread. It’s a fantastic fried chicken side that will disappear so fast it will make your head spin. Mix dry and wet ingredients, pour, bake, and there you go!
16. Succotash
Level up any feast, weeknight, or family dinner with this delicious veggie side dish made with a corn, bean, and seasoning medley. It’s flavorful because corn, lima beans, red bell peppers, sweet onions, and cherry tomatoes are crazy good together.
Potato Sides Perfect for Fried Chicken
17. Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are great, yes! But roast garlic added to the mix is even better. That added kick of extra savory roasted garlic is what the word delicious is all about. Try this recipe with oven-fried chicken for the win!
18. Baked Crispy Potato Wedges
Another famous potato side dish that makes a fried chicken meal stand out is baked crispy potato wedges. Enjoy biting into its crispy, savory-crusted exterior and tender interior. A cheap family favorite combo you can enjoy anytime.
20. Seasoned Fries
French fries are one of the most famous snacks and sides wherever you go. And it’s even better when seasoned, resulting in various flavor explosions. Make these fries with a homemade seasoning blend for spicy, salty, and savory awesomeness.
Veggie Sides
21. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Fantastic and addictive are the best words to describe sautéed Brussels sprouts. They have that rich caramelized flavor with tenderly satisfying insides coated with a delightfully crispy charred exterior. Try this as your new go-to for that quick and easy veggie side dish.
22. Fried Green Tomatoes
Looking for a crisp-tangy-savory combo fellow appetizer for fried chicken wings? Then try these Southern-style fried green tomatoes for your next shindig. This classic only calls for unripe tomatoes and a seasoned flour and cornmeal coating. Mmmmm!
23. Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Asparagus is naturally yummy, but a cheese twist makes it even yummier. And Parmesan-crusted asparagus means no leftovers because of its tenderness and cheesy-garlicky flavors. Double yum, right?
24. Baked Acorn Squash
Aaaaa, I love filling veggies with a party of flavors like this baked acorn squash. Just halve and hollow the squash, fill it with a sweet-buttery mixture of sugar, butter, and maple syrup, then bake for the win. Feel free to replace it with butternut squash if you prefer!
25. Southern Baked Beans With Bacon
Another baked veggie side dish that complements crispy deep-fried chicken is Southern baked beans with bacon. It’s packed with smoky-sweet-tangy flavors and a rich, creamy texture. You can even serve it on its own!
26. Southern Collard Greens
Do you love having fun in the kitchen? Create quality family time by frying chicken legs as Southern collard greens simmer in a slow cooker!
More Decadent Side Dishes
27. Waffles
Nothing beats the classic breakfast/brunch duo of chicken and waffles. Don’t forget to serve the waffles with butter and honey for the most sensational foodgasm ever. And you only need basic pantry ingredients to make it.
28. Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are not just sidekicks of fried fish or shrimp; they also go fantastically with fried chicken! These air fryer hush puppies are lighter with less oil, but are a little denser. Yum! And a little heat from cayenne pepper goes a long way!
29. Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, airy, and buttery – that is the Southern buttermilk biscuits experience. And they’re even better with a brown gravy recipe. Aah! Such heavenly treats you can make in the comfort of your home. And as a bonus, you can also check my 8 Comforting Biscuit Recipes.
30. Homemade Gravy
Why buy packets of gravy mix when you can easily make gravy from scratch? And with my recipe, you’ll make gravy like a pro because it’s simple and fail-proof. Chicken or beef stock makes a great base, then amp up with spices or cream! Yum!
