27 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve with Chicken Skewers Tonight

Are you staring at those juicy chicken skewers wondering what to pair them with? I’ve been there too! Nothing’s worse than having the main dish ready but drawing a blank on what sides would complement those flavorful kebabs. After years of hosting backyard BBQs and family dinners, I’ve compiled my ultimate list of side dishes that’ll transform your chicken skewers from simple to spectacular.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors or making them in your oven (like I often do during rainy days) these sides will elevate your meal and have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the 27 best sides to serve with chicken skewers that’ll make your dinner complete!

Starchy Sides: The Perfect Foundation

Starches make excellent bases for chicken skewers because they soak up all those delicious marinades and juices. Here are my favorite starchy sides:

Rice Options

Rice is probably the most common pairing with chicken skewers and for good reason!

• White or Brown Rice – Simple but effective, it soaks up chicken juices beautifully
• Coconut Jasmine Rice – The sweet, nutty flavor from coconut milk pairs wonderfully with chicken
• Lebanese Rice – A comfort food that complements any kebab recipe
• Yellow Rice with Vermicelli – Adds a bright golden color and aromatic flavor to your plate
• Lemon Dill Rice – The fresh citrus notes cut through the richness of chicken
• Moroccan Rice Pilaf – With toasted nuts and dried fruit that takes your meal to the next level

Potato Perfection

Potatoes provide that hearty satisfaction that balances the chicken perfectly

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and aromatic
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes – That perfect contrast of textures
• Ranch Roasted Potatoes – Seasoned with homemade ranch for extra flavor
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Indulgent and comforting
• Smoked Hasselback Potatoes – Impressive presentation with incredible flavor
• Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes – Loaded with two kinds of cheese, perfect for smaller gatherings

Pasta & Grains

These lighter grain options offer fantastic texture and flavor:

• Orzo Rice Pilaf – A blend of tender orzo and aromatic rice with herbs
• Couscous – Light, fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully
• Quinoa Salad – Packed with protein and fiber
• Boursin Cheese Sundried Tomato Orzo – Creamy and flavorful one-pot side
• Barley Salad – Offers a satisfying chew alongside tender chicken

Fresh & Vibrant Vegetables

Nothing complements the savory richness of chicken skewers like fresh vegetables that add nutrition, color, and contrasting textures:

Salads That Shine

• Greek Salad – The tangy feta cheese and lemon dressing are perfect with chicken skewers
• Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad – Light, refreshing Mediterranean flavors
• Avocado Kale Salad – With grilled avocado and seasoned chickpeas
• Tabbouleh – Herbaceous and bright with plenty of parsley and lemon
• Greek Cucumber Salad – Crisp, cool, and zesty

Roasted & Grilled Veggies

• Grilled Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant with that lovely char
• Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts – Sweet and tangy with caramelized edges
• Maple Ginger Glazed Carrots – Sweet and spicy with a beautiful pop of color
• Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus – Quick, easy and elegant
• Roasted Cauliflower – Caramelized edges add nutty sweetness

Simple Veggie Sides

• Coleslaw – That perfect crunch and tanginess
• Corn on the Cob – Sweet kernels with various butter toppings
• Mexican-Style Elote Corn Salad – Charred corn with creamy lime dressing
• Green Beans Almondine – Fresh beans with toasted almonds for crunch
• Cucumber Salad – Cool and crisp with yogurt dressing and dill

Breads & Dips

Don’t forget these satisfying carbs and flavorful dips:

Breads to Soak Up Flavors

• Pita Bread – Perfect for making little sandwiches with your skewers
• Garlic Bread – Crispy exterior, soft buttery interior
• White Truffle Garlic Bread with Whipped Ricotta – An elevated option for special occasions
• Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread – Adds a spicy, cheesy kick
• Flatbread – Simple and versatile for scooping up sauces

Dips & Sauces

These creamy, cooling sauces help cut through the richness:

• Tzatziki – Cucumber yogurt dip that’s cooling and tangy
• Hummus – Nutty and satisfying in endless flavor varieties
• Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Simple but effective with almost any savory dish
• Guacamole – Creamy and slightly acidic
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Perfect for dipping chicken

Sweet Touches

Looking for something sweet to balance your meal? These fruit options are refreshing:

• Fresh Fruit Salad – Light and juicy
• Grilled Pineapple – Caramelized sugars add depth
• Fruit Skewers – A fun parallel to your chicken skewers
• Watermelon – Cool and hydrating

My Personal Favorite Combinations

When I serve chicken skewers, I like to create themed meals. Here are some of my go-to combinations:

Mediterranean Night

• Chicken skewers + tzatziki + Greek salad + pita bread + roasted potatoes

Summer BBQ Special

• Chicken skewers + corn on the cob + coleslaw + watermelon slices

Comfort Meal

• Chicken skewers + garlic mashed potatoes + roasted vegetables + garlic bread

Light & Healthy Option

• Chicken skewers + quinoa salad + cucumber salad + grilled vegetables

Quick Tips for Serving Chicken Skewers

1. Consider your marinade when choosing sides – citrusy marinades pair well with rice and lighter sides, while savory ones work with heartier options

2. Balance your textures – soft rice with crunchy vegetables creates an interesting plate

3. Think about colors – vibrant sides make the meal more appetizing

4. Don’t overdo it – 2-3 sides is plenty for a balanced meal

5. Prep ahead – many of these sides can be made while the skewers cook or even earlier in the day

Final Thoughts

Chicken skewers are so versatile that they can be paired with almost anything, but the right sides can truly transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. I find that a combination of a starch, a vegetable, and a sauce or dip creates the perfect balance.

My personal favorite? I absolutely love serving Greek cucumber salad, lemon dill rice, and warm pita bread alongside my chicken skewers. The cool crunch of cucumber, the aromatic rice, and the soft bread for sopping up juices creates the perfect bite every time.

What will you serve with your chicken skewers tonight? Whatever you choose from this list, I’m sure it’ll be a hit with family and friends. Happy cooking!