30 Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Legs

Ever stared at a pack of chicken legs in your fridge and thought “What the heck should I serve with these?” I’ve been there! Chicken legs are one of my absolute favorite budget-friendly proteins – they’re juicy, flavorful and super versatile. But what really makes a chicken leg dinner shine is pairing it with the perfect sides.

As someone who cooks chicken legs at least twice a month for my family, I’ve experimented with countless side dishes. Today, I’m sharing my top 30 sides that’ll transform your humble chicken legs into a memorable meal!

Potato Sides: The Classic Companions

Potatoes and chicken legs are like best friends – they just work together! Here are some potato-based sides that’ll make your chicken dinner complete

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes

Nothing beats the comfort of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes alongside crispy chicken legs. The contrast between the crispy skin and the smooth potatoes is chef’s kiss.

2. Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon

Talk about indulgence! This casserole combines the best elements of mashed and baked potatoes, loaded with crispy bacon and melty cheese. My kids literally fight over the last serving.

3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese and creamy sauce – these scalloped potatoes will steal the show! The addition of caramelized onions takes it to the next level.

4. Potato Salad

A classic cold side that’s perfect for summer BBQs with grilled chicken legs. Try Ina Garten’s version with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs for an upscale twist.

5. Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds

Sweet potatoes bring a lovely contrast to savory chicken. I like to roast rounds and top them with honey and feta for a sweet-salty combo that’s irresistible.

6. Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks

These elegant stacks of thinly sliced potatoes with Parmesan cheese bake up crispy on the outside and tender inside. They look fancy but are surprisingly easy!

7. Hasselback Potatoes

These accordion-cut potatoes not only look impressive but also taste amazing with chicken legs. The cuts allow for more seasoning to penetrate the potato.

Vegetable Sides: For a Balanced Meal

Balance out your protein with these vegetable sides that complement chicken legs perfectly:

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli

Simple roasting brings out the natural sweetness in these vegetables. The slight char pairs wonderfully with chicken legs.

9. Oven Roasted Asparagus

A quick and elegant side – just toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and some Parmesan for extra flavor.

10. Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

The natural sweetness of carrots gets enhanced with maple syrup, while Dijon adds a spicy kick. These glazed carrots are always a hit!

11. Zucchini Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these fritters make a great alternative to heavier sides. The secret is squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini.

12. Creamed Spinach

Rich and creamy spinach provides a luxurious side for chicken legs. It’s like steakhouse quality, but at home!

13. Roasted Fennel with Delicata Squash & Apples

This unique combo brings together crisp fennel, sweet squash, and tart apples for a side dish that’s perfect for fall chicken dinners.

14. French Onion Cabbage Gratin

This mind-blowing side turns humble cabbage into something spectacular with caramelized onions, Gruyère sauce, and buttery breadcrumbs.

15. Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Why don’t we roast carrots more often? These umami-packed carrots with Parmesan and lemon might become your new favorite go-to side.

Fresh Salads: For a Lighter Touch

When you want something refreshing alongside your chicken legs, these salads are perfect:

16. Cucumber Onion Salad

This retro classic combines crunchy cucumbers and onions in a sweet-sour dressing. It cuts through the richness of chicken legs beautifully.

17. Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Creamy broccoli salad with bacon, raisins, and cheddar is an old-school favorite that never disappoints at a chicken dinner.

18. Butter Bean Salad

Buttery beans with lemon garlic dressing create a protein-packed side that complements chicken legs wonderfully.

19. Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon

This hearty salad with corn, pasta, and bacon in creamy pesto dressing is practically a meal itself!

20. Greek Salad

Sometimes simple is best – fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a simple dressing make this bright salad a perfect match for chicken legs.

21. Korean Cucumber Salad

Cool cucumbers meet a sweet, spicy, and tangy Korean-inspired dressing for a vibrant side that balances rich chicken legs.

22. Sweet Potato Salad

A superfood salad with the perfect balance of textures and sweet-tangy flavors. Makes great leftovers too!

Grains & Pasta: For Heartier Appetites

If you’ve got hungry mouths to feed, these sides will help fill them up:

23. Havarti & Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese gets a gourmet upgrade with creamy Havarti cheese. This comfort food classic is always a crowd-pleaser with chicken legs.

24. Butter Parmesan Noodles

Sometimes the simplest sides are the best. Buttery egg noodles tossed with Parmesan are strangely addictive!

25. Mushroom and Wild Rice Pilaf

Earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice with toasted nuts and raisins create a satisfying pilaf that pairs beautifully with chicken legs.

26. Creamy Tuscan Orzo

This Italian-inspired one-pot orzo is creamy, hearty, and totally dinner-party worthy. The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce beautifully.

27. Black Beans and Rice

Whether you’re serving BBQ chicken legs or something with Tex-Mex flavors, black beans and rice make the perfect accompaniment.

28. Spinach Mushroom Quinoa Skillet

This healthy one-pan side brings together quinoa, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach for a nutritious addition to your chicken leg dinner.

29. Egg Fried Rice

Quick and satisfying, proper fried rice with that authentic “fried” texture makes a great base for flavorful chicken legs.

30. Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Sometimes you just need some carbs to soak up all that chicken goodness. Buttery, garlicky Texas toast is perfect for the job!

Sample Chicken Leg Dinner Menu

Need some inspiration? Here’s a complete menu featuring chicken legs:

Main:

Oven Baked Chicken Legs (seasoned with herbs and spices)

Sides:

Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Roasted Broccoli
Cucumber Onion Salad

Dessert:

Skillet Cookie topped with Vanilla Ice Cream

Tips for Pairing Sides with Chicken Legs

When choosing sides for chicken legs, consider these factors:

Cooking method – If you’re already using the oven for chicken legs, choose sides that can cook at the same temperature to make your life easier.
Flavor profile – If your chicken has bold flavors like BBQ or buffalo, balance with milder sides. For simply seasoned chicken, you can go bolder with the sides.
Season – Use seasonal produce for the freshest, most affordable sides. Summer calls for fresh salads, while winter is perfect for roasted veggies.
Texture – Create contrast between crispy chicken skin and creamy sides like mashed potatoes, or complement with other crunchy elements.

The beauty of chicken legs is their versatility – they can be dressed up or down depending on what you serve alongside them. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, these side dishes will help you create a satisfying and balanced plate.

So next time you pick up a pack of chicken legs, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for what to serve with them. From classic potato sides to fresh salads and everything in between, these accompaniments will help you create memorable meals your family and friends will love!

What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken legs? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!