Ever made a batch of that crazy-addictive crack chicken and wondered what on earth to serve with it? I’ve been there! This creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded chicken dish is absolutely delicious, but it’s so rich that it practically begs for the right side dishes to balance it out.
After experimenting with countless side dishes (and some epic fails along the way), I’ve put together this collection of my favorite pairings that’ll turn your crack chicken from “yum” to “OH MY GOODNESS WOW.”
Whether you’re making crack chicken in your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or just on the stovetop, these sides will complement those rich flavors perfectly Let’s dig in!
Why Good Side Dishes Matter With Crack Chicken
Crack chicken isn’t just any chicken dish – it’s an incredibly rich combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon that packs a flavor punch. Because it’s so creamy and indulgent, the sides you choose are super important to create a balanced meal.
Good sides for crack chicken should
- Balance the richness
- Add different textures
- Bring complementary flavors
- Add color to your plate (since crack chicken is pretty monochromatic)
- Help make the meal more filling
Best Side Dishes For Crack Chicken
1. Instant Pot Long Grain Rice
Rice is perfect for soaking up all that creamy, cheesy sauce! Making it in the Instant Pot means it’s ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort. All you need is:
- 1 cup long grain rice (rinsed)
- 1½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon olive oil (optional)
The fluffy texture complements the creamy chicken perfectly, and it makes the meal more filling too.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables add color, nutrition and balance to the rich crack chicken. Some great options include:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These get caramelized and slightly crispy in the oven, adding a delightful texture contrast to your meal. The slight bitterness balances the creamy chicken.
Roasted Green Beans: Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper, then roast until tender-crisp. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness!
Air Fryer Cauliflower: Quick, crispy, and so much easier than traditional roasting methods. The air fryer gives cauliflower a “fried” texture without all the oil.
3. Bread Options
Since crack chicken can be served as a sandwich filling or dip, bread makes a natural pairing:
Kaiser Rolls: These sturdy, crusty rolls hold up beautifully to creamy crack chicken when making sandwiches. Their slightly chewy texture is perfection!
Brioche Buns: The buttery, rich flavor of brioche pairs beautifully with crack chicken. These soft yet sturdy buns are ideal for sandwiches.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. The aromatic garlic flavor complements the ranch seasoning in the chicken.
4. Potato Sides
Potatoes and crack chicken are a match made in comfort food heaven:
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes take the comfort factor to the next level. The roasted garlic adds depth that plays well with the ranch flavors.
Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside – these healthier fries are the perfect finger food alongside crack chicken sandwiches.
Cajun Fries: For those who like a kick, these spicy seasoned fries add a pleasant heat that cuts through the richness of crack chicken.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the savory crack chicken. Fill them with savory toppings like bacon and cheese, or go sweet with cinnamon and brown sugar.
5. Fresh & Light Options
To balance all that richness, something fresh is essential:
Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweetness and acidity from fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast. Try a mix of grapes, strawberries, kiwi, mango and pineapple tossed in a light honey-citrus dressing.
Garden Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. The crisp, fresh vegetables and tangy dressing make each bite of crack chicken even better.
Cucumber Salad: Cooling, crisp cucumbers dressed with vinegar and herbs offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken.
Sautéed Broccolini: This slightly bitter, tender green veggie adds color and nutrition. The citrus and Parmesan flavors pair wonderfully with the creamy chicken.
6. Crunchy Snack Sides
Sometimes you want something crispy to go with your crack chicken:
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: Homemade tortilla chips are perfect if you’re serving your crack chicken as a dip. They’re sturdier and tastier than store-bought!
Air Fryer Potato Chips: Crispy, less greasy than store-bought, and so satisfying. Perfect for casual meals when you’re serving crack chicken sandwiches.
7. Grilled Sides
If you’re making crack chicken for a summer meal:
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky corn slathered in butter complements the creamy, savory chicken perfectly. The contrasting textures work wonderfully together.
Tips For Creating The Perfect Meal With Crack Chicken
After trying so many combinations, I’ve picked up some tips for making the best crack chicken meal:
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Balance the richness: Since crack chicken is super creamy and rich, pair it with something acidic or fresh like a vinaigrette salad or pickled veggies.
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Add contrasting textures: Crack chicken is soft and creamy, so add something crispy like chips, fries, or roasted veggies.
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Consider how you’re serving it:
- If making sandwiches: Choose crispy sides like fries or chips
- If serving over rice: Add a vegetable side
- If using as a dip: Provide sturdy tortilla chips or bread
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Add color: Crack chicken isn’t the prettiest dish (let’s be honest!), so colorful sides like roasted vegetables or a bright salad make the plate more appealing.
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Keep it simple: With crack chicken bringing so much flavor, sometimes simple sides work best. Don’t go overboard with competing flavors.
How to Serve Crack Chicken
There are so many ways to serve this versatile dish:
- As a sandwich: On kaiser rolls or brioche buns with lettuce and tomato
- Over rice or mashed potatoes: Let the starchy base soak up all that sauce
- As a dip: Serve with tortilla chips, bread, or veggie sticks
- Stuffed in vegetables: Hollow out bell peppers or zucchini and fill with crack chicken
- In lettuce wraps: For a lower-carb option
My Personal Favorite Combinations
I’ve tried a bunch of different combos, and these are my go-to pairings that never fail:
- Family dinner: Crack chicken over rice with roasted broccoli and a side salad
- Game day spread: Crack chicken dip with homemade tortilla chips and veggie sticks
- Casual lunch: Crack chicken sandwiches on brioche buns with air fryer fries
- Low-carb dinner: Crack chicken with cauliflower rice and roasted green beans
FAQ About Serving Crack Chicken
Q: Why is it called “crack chicken”?
A: Because it’s supposedly as addictive as… well, you know! The combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon creates an irresistible flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
Q: Can I make crack chicken ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Just reheat gently so the cream cheese doesn’t separate.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat crack chicken?
A: Low and slow is the way to go. Use a low heat setting in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Q: Is crack chicken keto-friendly?
A: Yes! The basic recipe with chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon is keto-friendly. Pair it with cauliflower rice or a salad to keep the meal low-carb.
Final Thoughts
The best thing about crack chicken is how versatile it is! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sides based on what your family likes and what you have on hand. The rich, creamy nature of crack chicken means it pairs well with so many different flavors and textures.
I’d love to hear what your favorite sides are for crack chicken! Do you have a special pairing that your family loves? Drop me a comment below!
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or just enjoying it for a quick weeknight meal, these side dishes will help create a balanced, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
1 Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted brussel sprouts are a simple, yet flavorful veggie that will give nutrition and color to your crack chicken main course. You can use frozen or fresh brussel sprouts in this recipe and roast them at different times to fit your familys texture preferences.
The brussel sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven and develop a crispy exterior while the interior remains tender. Its a dish that is suitable for simple weeknight dinners or even special occasions and holiday gatherings!
If youre looking for a side dish that has a kick of spicy flavor, these Cajun fries are just the thing! I use my homemade Cajun spice blend to make them extra special, but you can use any of your favorite brands like Slap Ya Mama.
Simply pick up some russet potatoes, peanut oil, and Cajun seasoning (or make mine) the next you are at the grocery store. Serve alongside crack chicken sandwiches and watch how quickly everyone will clear their plate!
A bright and refreshing fruit salad is the perfect light choice to pair with a more hearty main course like crack chicken! This super easy recipe features grapes, nectarines, mango, kiwi, strawberries, orange, bananas, and pineapple all tossed in a honey citrus sauce!
You can even prepare this salad as an appetizer on a hot summer day. Once you try it, youll never want to make it another way or use any canned versions.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Twice-baked sweet potatoes are a satisfying side dish to pair with your creamy crack chicken dinner. Theyre filled with your favorite savory baked potato toppings like diced bacon, jalapeno, green onions, shredded cheddar, lime juice, and sour cream!
However, you can always make the filling sweet if you like with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and cream cheese! All youll need is a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a skillet to get started.
