What Goes with Blackened Chicken? 74+ Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal

Are you staring at your delicious blackened chicken wondering what to pair it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! As someone who’s experimented with countless side dishes for this spicy Cajun favorite, I can tell you there’s a whole world of amazing options that’ll take your blackened chicken from good to absolutely mind-blowing

Blackened chicken with its smoky, zingy flavors deserves sides that complement rather than compete with it. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, the right side dish can make all the difference.

What is Blackened Chicken Anyway?

Before diving into all those yummy side dishes, let’s quickly understand what makes blackened chicken so special This Cajun cooking technique was popularized by New Orleans chef Paul Prudhomme The chicken is coated with a spicy seasoning blend (typically containing paprika, cayenne, herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder), then cooked in a super-hot cast iron skillet until it develops a dark, flavorful crust on the outside while staying juicy inside.

The result? A spicy, flavorful chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Now, let’s find out what goes best with it!

Vegetable Side Dishes for Blackened Chicken

Vegetables provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich spiciness of blackened chicken. Here are some fantastic veggie sides to consider:

Green Bean Options

• Smothered Green Beans – Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and garlic for amazing flavor
• Green Bean Amandine – Buttery beans topped with toasted almonds
• Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans – Little bundles of heaven that look as good as they taste
• Cajun Blackened Green Beans – Double down on that blackening seasoning!

Corn-Based Sides

• Blackened Skillet Charred Corn – Smoky corn tossed with blackening seasoning and butter
• Southern Creamed Corn – Creamy, sweet comfort food that balances the spice
• Corn and Tomato Salad – Fresh and light with just 3 simple ingredients
• Succotash – A Southern classic with corn and lima beans

Root Vegetables

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness complements the spicy chicken
• Sautéed Sweet Potatoes – Tender insides with crisp outsides and warm spices
• Potato Wedges – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
• Fried Potatoes – Southern-style crispy goodness

Leafy Greens and Salads

• Collard Greens – A Southern classic that stands up to bold flavors
• Garden Salad – Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette
• Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream – Cool and refreshing against the spicy chicken
• Tomato Avocado Feta Salad – With grilled corn for added sweetness

Starchy Side Dishes

Starches help balance the heat from blackened chicken and make your meal more filling:

Potato Sides

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting against the spicy chicken
• Boursin Mashed Potatoes – Extra creamy with Boursin cheese for added flavor
• Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes – Loaded with bacon, cheese, and green onions
• Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes – Layered with cheddar and parmesan cheeses
• Baked Sweet Potatoes – Natural sweetness that complements the spice

Rice Dishes

• Louisiana “Dirty” Rice – Traditional Cajun side with tons of flavor
• Red Beans and Rice – A classic New Orleans pairing
• Polenta – Creamy cornmeal that soaks up all the flavors

Pasta Options

• Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy pasta that cools down the heat
• Four Cheese Mac & Cheese – Ultimate comfort food with a crispy top
• Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – Extra cheesy and utterly delicious
• Cajun Alfredo Pasta – Double down on those Cajun flavors!

Bread Side Dishes

Bread is perfect for soaking up juices and completing your meal

• Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins – The slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly
• Garlic Breadsticks – Buttery and aromatic
• Texas Toast – Thick and buttery
• Cajun Cornbread – With added spice to complement the chicken
• Buttermilk Biscuits – Flaky Southern goodness
• Hush Puppies – Fried cornmeal fritters that are irresistible
• Skillet Cornbread – Crispy edges and soft center

Cool and Refreshing Sides

Balance the heat with something cool and refreshing:

• Coleslaw – Creamy and tangy with a nice crunch
• Mango Salsa – Sweet, spicy, and totally refreshing
• Tomato Cucumber Salad – Light and fresh with herbs
• Black-eyed Pea Salad – Protein-packed and delicious
• Orzo Pasta Salad with Pesto – Mediterranean flavors that cool things down

Sauces and Dips for Blackened Chicken

The right sauce can elevate your blackened chicken to new heights:

• New Orleans Remoulade Sauce – Classic Cajun condiment
• Chipotle Lime Sauce – Smoky, spicy, and citrusy
• Cajun Ranch Dressing – Cool and creamy with a kick
• Spicy Cajun Garlic Aioli – Rich and flavorful
• Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce – Sweet and smoky perfection

Desserts After Blackened Chicken

After a spicy meal, finish with something sweet:

• Beignets – New Orleans classic fried pastry
• Sweet Potato Pie – Southern classic
• Pecan Pie – Rich and nutty
• King Cake – Festive and colorful
• Bananas Foster – Rum-soaked and caramelized
• Chantilly Cake with Fresh Strawberries – Light and fresh

Best Drinks with Blackened Chicken

Don’t forget about what to drink with your meal:

• Bloody Mary – Spicy cocktail that complements the flavors
• Hurricane Cocktail – Fruity New Orleans classic
• Sazerac Cocktail – Traditional New Orleans drink
• Watermelon Pitcher Margaritas – Refreshing against the heat
• Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio – Wine options that pair well

Tips for Cooking Perfect Blackened Chicken

To make sure your blackened chicken turns out amazing every time:

1. Use a cast-iron skillet for the most authentic flavor
2. Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking
3. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking
4. Make your own blackening seasoning to control the heat level
5. Don’t move the chicken once it’s in the hot pan
6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F)
7. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

Putting It All Together: Complete Meal Ideas

Here are some meal combinations that work particularly well:

Southern Comfort Meal

• Blackened chicken
• Mac and cheese
• Collard greens
• Cornbread
• Sweet tea

Light Summer Dinner

• Blackened chicken
• Mango salsa
• Grilled vegetables
• Cucumber salad
• Watermelon margarita

Cajun Feast

• Blackened chicken
• Dirty rice
• Smothered green beans
• Remoulade sauce
• Hurricane cocktail

Weeknight Easy Dinner

• Blackened chicken
• Roasted potatoes
• Simple garden salad
• Garlic bread

My Personal Favorites

When I make blackened chicken at home, I often pair it with creamy mac and cheese and some roasted Brussels sprouts. The creaminess of the mac and cheese helps balance the spice, while the slightly charred Brussels sprouts complement the smoky flavors in the chicken. Top it off with a cold beer, and I’m in heaven!

FAQ About Serving Blackened Chicken

Q: What’s the best way to tone down the spiciness?
A: Serve with creamy sides like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or a cooling sauce like ranch or remoulade.

Q: Can I prepare sides ahead of time?
A: Many sides like potato salad, pasta salad, and coleslaw actually taste better when made ahead, giving flavors time to meld.

Q: What’s a quick side dish when I’m short on time?
A: A simple garden salad, sautéed vegetables, or garlic bread can be ready in minutes.

Q: What are some keto-friendly sides for blackened chicken?
A: Roasted vegetables, cauliflower “rice,” creamed spinach, or zucchini noodles work great.

Final Thoughts

Blackened chicken is such a versatile main dish that you really can’t go wrong with your side choices. Whether you prefer traditional Southern sides like dirty rice and cornbread or lighter options like fresh salads, there’s something for everyone.

Remember, the best side dishes complement rather than compete with your blackened chicken. Look for flavors that balance the spiciness, textures that contrast with the chicken, and colors that make your plate look amazing.

Now that you’ve got 74+ ideas for what goes with blackened chicken, it’s time to get cooking! Which ones will you try first? I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments below!