25 Mouthwatering Sides That Go Perfect With Chicken Sandwiches

Are you staring at your delicious chicken sandwich wondering what else to add to your plate? I’ve been there too many times! There’s nothing worse than a lonely sandwich on a plate with nothing to keep it company. Whether you’re making a crispy fried chicken sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich, or a chicken salad sandwich, finding the perfect sidekick can take your meal from good to absolutely incredible

I’ve spent years experimenting with different sides for my favorite chicken sandwiches, and I’m excited to share my findings with you. From crispy potato options to refreshing salads, these 25 sides will complement your chicken sandwich perfectly and make your meal feel complete.

Classic Potato Sides That Never Disappoint

Let’s face it – potatoes and chicken sandwiches are a match made in heaven, There’s something about that starchy goodness that just works!

1. Crispy Potato Wedges

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these potato wedges are easier to make than you might think:

• Cut potatoes into wedges
• Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings
• Bake at 425°F for about 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy

2. Sweet Potato Fries

For a healthier alternative with a touch of sweetness:

• Slice sweet potatoes into fry shapes
• Season with olive oil, brown sugar, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper
• Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through

3. Classic Potato Salad

This creamy potato salad brings a cooling contrast to spicy chicken sandwiches:

• Boil potatoes until fork-tender
• Mix with mayo, mustard, chopped green onions, dill, and olive oil
• Chill before serving for best flavor

4. KFC-Style Potato Wedges

These air fryer potato wedges taste just like the ones from KFC but without all the deep-frying mess:

• Cut potatoes into thick wedges
• Season generously with KFC-inspired spice mix
• Air fry at 380°F for about 20 minutes

Refreshing Salads and Slaws

When your chicken sandwich is rich and hearty, a fresh salad or slaw can provide the perfect balance.

5. Creamy Coleslaw

This classic never fails:

• Shred cabbage and carrots
• Mix with a dressing of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of mustard
• Let it sit for at least an hour for flavors to develop

6. Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw

For a lighter option without mayo:

• Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers
• Dress with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey
• Season with salt, pepper, and celery seeds

7. Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad

Simple and refreshing:

• Dice tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion
• Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
• Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor

8. Caesar Salad

The garlic and parmesan flavors in a good Caesar salad complement chicken beautifully:

• Chop Romaine lettuce
• Add homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
• Top with parmesan cheese and croutons

9. Fruit Salad

For a sweet contrast, especially with spicy chicken sandwiches:

• Mix seasonal fruits like apples, berries, and melon
• Add a light honey-lime dressing
• Garnish with fresh mint

Hot and Hearty Sides

When you want something substantial alongside your sandwich, these hot sides hit the spot.

10. Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly decadent:

• Prepare your favorite mac and cheese recipe
• Add crispy bacon bits and diced tomatoes
• Bake until golden and bubbly

11. Baked Beans

Sweet and savory baked beans are perfect with BBQ chicken sandwiches:

• Mix canned beans with ketchup and brown sugar
• Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly
• Add bacon for extra flavor if desired

12. Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn is a summer classic:

• Butter corn and wrap in foil
• Grill or roast for about 30 minutes
• Season with butter, salt, and herbs

13. Roasted Vegetables

Healthy and colorful:

• Chop bell peppers, zucchini, and onions
• Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs
• Roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes

Crispy Fried Sides

If you’re already making fried chicken sandwiches, why not continue the theme?

14. Onion Rings

Crispy, golden onion rings are always a hit:

• Slice onions into rings
• Dip in beer batter (flour, baking powder, salt, beer, oil, and egg)
• Fry until golden brown

15. Fried Pickles

Tangy and crunchy:

• Slice pickles and pat dry
• Dredge in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs
• Fry until golden and crispy

16. Southern Fried Okra

A Southern classic:

• Cut okra into pieces
• Coat in cornmeal mixture
• Fry until golden brown and crunchy

Unique and Flavorful Options

When you want something a little different, try these unique sides.

17. Roasted Beetroot with Feta

Earthy and tangy:

• Peel and cube beetroot
• Roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender
• Top with crumbled feta cheese

18. Honey-Glazed Carrots with Jalapeño

Sweet heat:

• Slice carrots into strips
• Glaze with honey, olive oil, and diced jalapeño
• Roast until caramelized and tender

19. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Savory and cheesy:

• Toss broccoli with olive oil and minced garlic
• Roast until slightly charred
• Top with freshly grated parmesan

20. Herb-Roasted Mushrooms

Earthy and rich:

• Slice mushrooms
• Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs
• Roast until caramelized

Dips and Sauces

Sometimes all you need is a good dipping sauce to elevate your chicken sandwich meal.

21. Ranch Dressing

Creamy and herby – perfect for dipping both your sandwich and any side:

• Mix mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs
• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Chill before serving

22. Honey Mustard

Sweet and tangy:

• Combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard
• Add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of cayenne
• Stir until smooth

23. Spicy Sriracha Mayo

For heat lovers:

• Mix equal parts mayo and sriracha
• Add a squeeze of lime juice and a dash of garlic powder
• Adjust heat level to taste

Sweet Treats

Don’t forget something sweet to finish the meal!

24. Fruit Kebabs

Fresh and fun:

• Thread cubes of pineapple, strawberries, and melon onto skewers
• Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon
• Serve chilled

25. Cornbread

Sweet and savory:

• Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, buttermilk, egg, and butter
• Bake until golden and slightly sweet
• Serve warm with honey butter

How to Choose the Perfect Side for Your Chicken Sandwich

Not all chicken sandwiches are created equal, and your choice of side should complement the specific type of sandwich you’re serving:

• For fried chicken sandwiches: Balance the richness with something fresh like coleslaw or cucumber salad
• For grilled chicken sandwiches: Heartier sides like mac and cheese or roasted vegetables work well
• For spicy chicken sandwiches: Cool, creamy sides like potato salad or sweet sides like fruit salad help balance the heat
• For BBQ chicken sandwiches: Classics like baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato wedges complement the smoky flavors

Quick Tips for Making Great Sides

1. Prep ahead: Many salads and slaws taste better after they’ve had time to marinate
2. Consider temperature: Balance hot sandwiches with cool sides or vice versa
3. Think about texture: If your sandwich is soft, add a crunchy side like potato wedges or crisp salad
4. Color matters: Add visual appeal with colorful sides like roasted vegetables or fruit salad
5. Don’t overdo it: One or two well-made sides are better than many mediocre ones

My Personal Favorite Combo

I’m always asked what my personal favorite side dish is for chicken sandwiches. Honestly, it depends on the day and the type of sandwich! But if I had to pick just one combo, I’d go with a crispy fried chicken sandwich paired with a tangy vinegar-based coleslaw and some spicy sweet potato wedges. The cool crunch of the slaw balances the hot sandwich perfectly, while the sweet potatoes add another layer of flavor and texture.

A chicken sandwich doesn’t have to stand alone! With these 25 delicious side options, you can create countless meal combinations that will satisfy any craving. Whether you prefer something light and fresh or hearty and indulgent, there’s a perfect side dish waiting to accompany your next chicken sandwich adventure.

What’s your favorite side to pair with chicken sandwiches? I’d love to hear about your go-to combinations in the comments!

Good toppings for a chicken patty sandwich include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and cheese for a classic sandwich, or you can opt for bacon, avocado, or fried egg for a richer flavor. Condiments like mayonnaise, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce add to the flavor profile.

Great sandwich sides include traditional options like fries, chips, and potato salad, as well as fresh fruit, veggie sticks with dip, soup, pasta salads, and various deli salads like coleslaw and green salads. A good side dish often provides a complementary flavor, textural contrast, or temperature difference to the sandwich itself.

Good sides for chicken include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts, rice or pasta dishes, and salads such as a classic green salad or a refreshing coleslaw.