Ever stared at a beautifully grilled chicken breast and thought, “What the heck do I serve with this?” You’re not alone! I’ve been there too many times to count, standing in my kitchen with that same blank expression
Grilled chicken is like that reliable friend who’s always there for you – versatile, healthy, and delicious. But sometimes, even the best friendships need a little spicing up, right? That’s why I’ve compiled this mega-list of sides that’ll transform your grilled chicken from “meh” to “MAGNIFICENT!”
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just making a quick weeknight dinner, these sides will elevate your grilled chicken game to chef-level status. I promise!
Fresh and Vibrant Salads
Salads are a natural pairing with grilled chicken. They’re light, refreshing, and add beautiful color to your plate.
Tomato-Based Salads
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: Quick and simple! Juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers dressed with a bit of olive oil and vinegar. Add some feta or goat cheese to take it up a notch.
- Fresh Tomato Salad: Use different varieties of tomatoes for a rainbow of colors and flavors. The crunch of red onion and creaminess of bocconcini or mozzarella make this salad special.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Skip the boring lettuce and go straight for the good stuff! This bright, juicy combo delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Fruit-Forward Salads
- Watermelon Feta Salad: Sweet watermelon and salty feta are seriously a match made in heaven. Add mint and a touch of red onion for extra freshness.
- Avocado Peach Tomato Salad: This summery combo with dilly tahini dressing is refreshing and satisfying.
- Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado: Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tender spinach create a perfect balance of flavors.
Hearty Salads
- BLT Pasta Salad: All the goodness of a BLT sandwich transformed into a pasta salad! The crispy bacon and creamy dressing make this irresistible.
- Greek Salad: A classic for a reason! Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese create a Mediterranean masterpiece.
- Spicy Ranch Chopped Chicken Cabbage Salad: This hearty salad can double as a main dish if you add some of your grilled chicken on top!
Grilled Veggies (Since You Already Have the Grill Fired Up!)
Why dirty another pan when your grill is already hot? These veggies can cook alongside your chicken for a complete meal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer like corn on the cob! Coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. Or try Mexican Street Corn (elote) with mayo, lime, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
- Grilled Asparagus: Toss with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before grilling until tender with beautiful grill marks.
- Grilled Zucchini: Slice lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill 2-3 minutes per side. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end is chef’s kiss.
- Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers: These cook up quickly and are amazing with goat cheese and herb pesto.
- Tony’s Melt-In-Your-Mouth Grilled Brussels Sprouts: Yes, you can grill Brussels sprouts! And they’re absolutely delicious with a smoky char.
- Grilled Mushrooms: Button mushrooms threaded onto skewers and brushed with garlic butter? YES PLEASE!
Pasta Salads That’ll Steal the Show
Pasta salads are substantial enough to make your meal feel complete and are perfect for make-ahead situations.
- Italian Pasta Salad: A crowd-pleaser with pasta, chopped veggies, Italian dressing, and parmesan cheese.
- Greek Pasta Salad: Olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese with a tangy red wine vinaigrette.
- Herby Olive Italian Orzo Salad: Tiny orzo pasta soaks up all the Mediterranean flavors in this delightful side.
- Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto + Goat Cheese: This pasta salad combines the flavors of street corn with creamy goat cheese – amazing!
- Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Jalapeño Cashew Dressing: The name says it all – it’s damn good!
Slaws and Coleslaws (No Mayo Necessary!)
Crunchy slaws provide the perfect textural contrast to juicy grilled chicken.
- Best Healthy Coleslaw Ever (no mayo!): Yes, you can have delicious coleslaw without drowning it in mayo!
- Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw: Made with Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey – still creamy but lighter.
- KFC Coleslaw Recipe: If you love that classic KFC slaw, this copycat recipe is for you!
- Pineapple Slaw: Sweet pineapple adds a tropical twist to crunchy cabbage slaw.
- Jalapeño Lime Slaw: Give your slaw a kick with jalapeños and brightness of lime juice.
- Thai-Style Slaw: A peanut butter, lime, and soy-based dressing makes this unlike any slaw you’ve had before!
Potato Sides (Because Potatoes Make Everything Better)
Potatoes in all forms are always a welcome addition to any meal,
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Ultra-crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these potatoes are dangerously addictive!
- Oven-Baked Potato Wedges: Seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, these wedges are way more exciting than basic fries.
- Garlic Fingerling Potatoes: These can be roasted or grilled – either way, they’re buttery and delicious.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Savory-sweet and colorful – these are hard to resist!
- Vegan Potato Salad with Herbed Tahini Sauce: A modern twist on potato salad without the mayo.
Grains and Corn-Based Sides
These hearty sides will round out your meal and keep everyone satisfied.
- The Best Fluffy Moist Cornbread Recipe Ever: Cornbread is ALWAYS a good idea with grilled chicken!
- Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins: Individual muffins make serving easier at BBQs and gatherings.
- Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole: A cross between creamed corn and cornbread – it’s creamy, sweet, and delicious.
- Avocado Blueberry Quinoa Salad: Quinoa provides protein and staying power while the fruits add sweetness.
- Famous Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad: This quinoa salad has a cult following for good reason!
Simple Veggie Sides for Busy Weeknights
When you need something quick and easy but still want to get your veggies in
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roast them with bacon and onion for maximum flavor.
- Caramelized Garlic Carrots with Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce: Ordinary carrots become extraordinary with this treatment.
- Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds: A classic side that comes together in minutes.
- Parmesan Roasted Carrots: Roasting brings out carrots’ natural sweetness, and parmesan adds savory flavor.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy but packed with nutrients.
My Personal Favorites
After trying about a bazillion side dishes with grilled chicken over the years, I’ve narrowed down my absolute favorites:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad with Avocado – the combination of grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime, and avocado is UNBEATABLE
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes – I literally can’t stop eating these once they’re in front of me
- No-Mayo Coleslaw – lighter than traditional slaw but still has that perfect crunch
- Grilled Asparagus – simple but perfect, especially when asparagus is in season
- BLT Pasta Salad – because everything is better with bacon!
Tips for Creating the Perfect Grilled Chicken Meal
- Think about balance: Pair a rich, marinated chicken with something light and acidic like a vinegar-based slaw
- Consider the season: Use fresh, in-season produce for the best flavor
- Prep ahead when possible: Many salads and slaws actually taste better after the flavors have had time to meld
- Don’t overcomplicate: Sometimes the simplest sides (like grilled corn) are the most delicious
- Vary your textures: Combine something crunchy (like slaw) with something creamy (like potato salad)
Final Thoughts
Grilled chicken doesn’t have to be boring! With these amazing side dishes, your chicken will never be lonely on the plate again. From fresh salads to hearty potato dishes, there’s something here for every taste preference and occasion.
My go-to summer dinner? Marinated grilled chicken thighs with Mexican street corn salad and a simple cucumber tomato salad. It’s fresh, colorful, and everyone always asks for seconds!
What’s your favorite side to serve with grilled chicken? Drop a comment below – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Now go fire up that grill and get cooking! Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you.
Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts transform into a caramelized delight when grilled and tossed with balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey for sweetness. These make for a slightly tangy and earthy side that contrasts beautifully with the smoky flavors of grilled chicken.
Thick cauliflower slices brushed with a flavorful marinade of garlic, herbs, and spices, then grilled until tender and slightly charred, serve as a hearty vegetarian option. Cauliflower steaks offer a substantial texture and complex flavor profile that matches grilled chicken well.
Broccoli florets quickly charred on the grill and then tossed with a dressing of lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes to provide a bright and spicy side dish. The charred bits add a smoky depth, while the lemon and garlic brighten up the dish, making it an ideal companion to chicken.
Read more About Cream Cheese Recipe: How to Make Homemade Spread and Dip
Top 7 Side Dishes For Grilled Chicken
After exploring the basics of pairing sides with grilled chicken, lets dive into seven specific side dishes that will elevate your grilled chicken to a gourmet level. Each side brings a unique flavor and texture, ensuring your meal is memorable and varied.
A light yet nutritious side, quinoa tabbouleh is a twist on the traditional Middle Eastern salad. It combines cooked quinoa with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This dish is delicious and offers a healthy boost of protein and fiber, perfectly complementing the lean protein of grilled chicken.
What To Serve With BBQ Chicken – Sides Dish Ideas #shorts
FAQ
What is a good side for grilled chicken?
Good side dishes for grilled chicken include fresh salads, grilled or roasted vegetables, potato-based dishes like potato salad or mashed potatoes, rice, corn on the cob, and various pasta salads. A refreshing, crisp salad can complement the richness of grilled chicken, while a starchy side like potatoes or rice can round out the meal.