12 Delicious Sides to Serve with Hot Chicken Salad That Will Wow Your Guests

Hot chicken salad is one of those versatile comfort foods that’s perfect for lunch gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks. But what exactly should you serve alongside this creamy, savory dish to create a complete meal? If you’ve been wondering what pairs best with hot chicken salad, I’ve got you covered with some absolutely delicious options!

After testing countless combinations in my kitchen (and yes, making plenty of mistakes along the way!) I’ve compiled this list of the 12 best side dishes that complement hot chicken salad perfectly. These pairings will transform your meal from a simple main course into a memorable dining experience.

Why Serve Side Dishes with Hot Chicken Salad?

Before diving into our list of perfect pairings, let’s talk about why you should consider serving sides with hot chicken salad in the first place:

• Balance your meal: Hot chicken salad tends to be rich with mayo, cheese, and sometimes bread crumbs. Adding lighter sides helps balance the overall meal.
• Add nutritional value: Including veggie-based sides adds essential nutrients to your meal.
• Create variety: Different textures, flavors, and temperatures make for a more interesting dining experience.
• Make it more filling: Sides help stretch the main dish to feed more people or create a more satisfying meal.
• Enhance presentation: Multiple dishes make your table look more appetizing and festive.

Now let’s get to those perfect pairings!

1. Raw Vegetables with Dip

Fresh, crisp veggies are the perfect contrast to warm, creamy hot chicken salad. The cool crunch of carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, and broccoli florets provides textural contrast that works beautifully.

What I love about this option is how simple it is! Just cut up your favorite vegetables, arrange them on a platter, and serve with a light dressing or dip. Ranch is always popular, but a vinaigrette works well if you want something lighter.

Pro tip Prep these veggies ahead of time and store them in water in the fridge to maintain their crispness

2. Southern Corn Salad

Since hot chicken salad has Southern roots, pairing it with another Southern classic makes perfect sense. This bright, fresh corn salad brings a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the hot chicken salad.

To make Southern corn salad, you’ll need:

• Fresh or frozen corn
• Red onion, finely diced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper

The best thing about this salad is it can be served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for buffet-style serving.

3. Southern Cornbread

Another Southern staple that pairs perfectly with hot chicken salad is cornbread! The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is just begging to soak up all that creamy goodness from your hot chicken salad.

I like to make mine in a cast iron skillet for that authentic touch, but any baking dish will work. The crispy edges and soft center create a wonderful contrast to the creamy chicken salad.

4. Baked Tomatoes with Croutons

This simple yet elegant side brings acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of hot chicken salad. Quarter some fresh tomatoes, top them with toasted bread crumbs or croutons, grated cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or olive oil.

This side dish is especially ideal if you’re serving a lighter version of hot chicken salad, as it adds wonderful Italian-inspired flavors without overwhelming the main dish.

5. Creamed Spinach

For a comforting, indulgent pairing, creamed spinach is hard to beat. The nutmeg-kissed creaminess complements the hot chicken salad while adding a nutritional boost.

To make it, simply:

1. Sauté onions until golden
2. Add spinach and let it wilt
3. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper
4. Add a splash of cream

You can even make this dish ahead of time and reheat it just before serving.

6. Cauliflower Steaks

For a trendy, modern side that’s still simple to prepare, cauliflower steaks are perfect! These thick-cut slices of roasted cauliflower develop a wonderful caramelized exterior while staying tender inside.

Season them simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of garlic powder before roasting at high heat until golden brown. The neutral flavor of cauliflower makes it an excellent canvas for whatever seasonings you prefer.

7. Scalloped Potatoes

Nothing says comfort food quite like creamy scalloped potatoes! This rich, indulgent side pairs wonderfully with hot chicken salad, especially for special occasions or Sunday dinners.

The layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in creamy sauce and topped with cheese create a side dish that could almost steal the show. I usually use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture.

8. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

For a simple yet elegant side, roasted asparagus topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese is hard to beat. The slight bitterness of asparagus balances the richness of hot chicken salad.

Simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic, then roast until tender-crisp. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving.

9. Arugula Peach Salad

For a refreshing contrast, especially during summer months, an arugula peach salad brings peppery greens together with sweet fruit for a balanced flavor profile.

Toss baby arugula (which is milder than mature arugula) with sliced ripe peaches, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress with a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette for a salad that cleanses the palate between bites of rich hot chicken salad.

10. Zucchini Spaghetti

For a lower-carb option that’s still satisfying, zucchini spaghetti (or “zoodles”) sautéed with garlic and olive oil makes a light, fresh side dish. You can make the noodles using a vegetable peeler or spiral slicer.

For extra flavor, try grilling the zucchini first before cutting it into noodles, or toss the finished dish with fresh basil pesto.

11. Butternut Squash Soup

A silky butternut squash soup makes an excellent starter before serving hot chicken salad. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

Make it with:

• Butternut squash
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions
• Chicken stock
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

The soup can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for entertaining.

12. Homemade Applesauce

This might sound surprising, but homemade applesauce is actually a wonderful accompaniment to hot chicken salad! The sweet-tart flavor cuts through the richness of the chicken salad.

To make your own, simply simmer chopped peeled apples with a bit of water, cinnamon, and maybe a touch of sugar (depending on how sweet your apples are) until soft. Mash to your desired consistency.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Hot Chicken Salad Meal

When planning your menu around hot chicken salad, keep these tips in mind:

1. Consider temperature contrast: Pair the hot dish with something cool or room temperature for balance.

2. Think about textures: Add crunchy elements to contrast with the creamy chicken salad.

3. Balance flavors: If your hot chicken salad is heavily seasoned, choose simpler sides. If it’s mild, you can be more adventurous with your side dishes.

4. Consider the occasion: For casual gatherings, raw veggies and cornbread might be perfect. For more formal dinners, scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus elevate the meal.

5. Plan for practicality: Choose sides that can be made ahead or require minimal last-minute preparation.

Final Thoughts

Hot chicken salad is such a versatile dish that there’s really no wrong answer when it comes to side dishes. Whether you prefer light and fresh or rich and indulgent, there’s a perfect pairing for your taste preferences.

My personal fave combo is hot chicken salad with cornbread and a simple green salad – it’s comfort food at its finest! But honestly, you could mix and match any of these sides depending on the season, your mood, or what ingredients you have on hand.

What’s your favorite side to serve with hot chicken salad? Do you have a family recipe that’s been passed down through generations? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Now go forth and create an amazing meal centered around your delicious hot chicken salad. Your family and friends will definitely be impressed with these perfect pairings!

Hot chicken pairs well with sides that balance the heat, such as creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and buttermilk biscuits, as well as sweet or starchy options like cornbread, sweet potato fries, and baked beans.