Grilled chicken is pretty much the MVP of summer dining—it’s easy healthy, and everyone loves it. But let’s be real, chicken by itself can get kinda boring. I’ve been there staring at my perfectly grilled chicken breast thinking, “now what?” That’s why I’ve put together this massive collection of side dishes that’ll make your grilled chicken shine like the star it is!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just making a quick weeknight dinner, these sides will elevate your meal from “meh” to “wow, can I have seconds?”
Quick-Fix Veggie Sides
When I’m in a hurry but still want something fresh and nutritious with my grilled chicken these are my go-to options
1. Tomato Salads
Fresh tomato salads are a no-brainer in summer when tomatoes are at their peak. I especially love heirloom tomato salad with just a splash of olive oil, salt, and fresh basil. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some bocconcini or feta cheese.
2. Cucumber Combos
- Cucumber-Tomato-Avocado Salad – Refreshing, colorful, and ready in minutes
- Creamy Cucumber Salad – Sliced cucumbers in a tangy sour cream and dill dressing
- Smashed-Cucumber Salad – Smashing them helps the dressing penetrate better!
3. Zucchini Three Ways
Zucchini is super versatile and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken:
- Oven-Roasted Zucchini – Simple and delicious
- Zucchini Fritters – Like little green pancakes (even kids love these!)
- Zucchini Salad – Thin ribbons dressed with lemon and herbs
Potato Partners
Is there anything more satisfying than potatoes with your grilled chicken? I think not!
4. Classic Potato Salad
A BBQ staple for good reason. The best potato salad recipes include boiled eggs, pickles, and a creamy dressing. Make it ahead so the flavors can meld together.
5. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
OMG these are life-changing! Boil small potatoes, smash ’em flat, then roast until the edges are ridiculously crispy. I like to finish mine with garlic butter and herbs.
6. Sweet Potato Options
- Sweet Potato Fries – Seasoned with Italian herbs and lemon pepper
- Sweet Potato Salad – A Tex-Mex twist with black beans and cilantro
7. Potato Wedges
Oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and parmesan are healthier than fries but just as satisfying.
Corn Creations
Nothing says summer quite like fresh corn! Here are some amazing ways to serve it:
8. Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)
Grilled corn slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It’s messy but SO worth it!
9. Mexican Street Corn Salad
All the flavors of elotes but easier to eat. Perfect for a crowd.
10. Corn on the Cob
Sometimes simple is best! Try the microwave hack for super easy prep.
11. Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
This crazy-good side is part cornbread, part creamed corn. Add jalapeños and bacon bits if you’re feeling adventurous!
Refreshing Salads
When it’s hot outside, these cool salads are perfect companions to hot-off-the-grill chicken:
12. Watermelon Feta Salad
The combo of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint is mind-blowing.
13. Tomato-Watermelon Salad
This unexpected pairing works amazingly well together!
14. BLT Pasta Salad
All the goodness of a BLT sandwich transformed into a hearty pasta salad.
15. Amish Macaroni Salad
Loaded with eggs, peppers, celery, and pickle relish for tons of flavor and crunch.
16. Broccoli Salad
Paula Deen’s version includes raisins, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. I sometimes add bacon and sunflower seeds for extra yum!
Carbs That Complement
Sometimes you need something substantial to round out your meal:
17. Moist Cornbread
The perfect vehicle for sopping up chicken juices. Pro tip: add cheddar and jalapeños to kick it up a notch!
18. Mac and Cheese
Trisha Yearwood’s crockpot mac and cheese is totally hands-off—just dump everything in and let it cook while you grill.
19. Southern Cornbread Salad
This layered salad is a showstopper at any gathering.
Grilled Sides (Since the Grill’s Already Hot)
Why not make the most of your fired-up grill?
20. Grilled Mushrooms
Thread button mushrooms on skewers, grill, then brush with garlic butter. Heaven!
21. Grilled Corn Ribs
Cut corn into quarters lengthwise for these trendy “ribs” that are fun to eat.
22. Grilled Asparagus
Place spears crosswise on the grates so they don’t fall through.
23. Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers
With a Dijon dipping sauce? Yes please!
24. Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad
The heat caramelizes the peaches’ natural sugars. Just keep them away from raw chicken on the grill!
Veggie Medleys
These veggie combos bring color and nutrition to your plate:
25. Best Roasted Vegetables
A rainbow of veggies tossed with Old Bay seasoning.
26. Zesty Corn and Squash Salad
Make this the night before and let it come to room temp while you grill.
27. Sautéed Squash and Zucchini
Simple and perfect for summer.
28. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Trust me, roasting with bacon converts even Brussels sprout haters!
Slaw Variations
Coleslaw and grilled chicken are like best friends:
29. KFC Coleslaw
This copycat recipe is creamy, slightly sweet, and always a crowd-pleaser.
30. Spicy Pineapple Slaw
The tropical twist makes this slaw special.
31. Three-Pickle Potato Salad
Loaded with pickled okra, relish, and diced pickles for tons of tanginess.
Southern Specialties
These Southern sides are guaranteed to impress:
32. Southern Fried Corn
Made with bacon drippings for authentic flavor.
33. Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal
When okra is fresh and tender, this is the way to go.
34. Fried Green Tomatoes
Summer ain’t official until you’ve had fried green tomatoes!
35. Baked Parsnip Fries
These look like regular fries but are actually veggies in disguise!
How to Choose the Perfect Side
When deciding what to serve with your grilled chicken, consider:
-
The chicken seasoning – If you’re doing a spicy jerk chicken, maybe balance with a cooling cucumber salad. BBQ chicken? Go for mac and cheese or cornbread.
-
The weather – Hot day? Stick with refreshing salads. Cooler evening? Roasted veggies or potatoes hit the spot.
-
Your time constraints – Some sides can be made ahead, others are quick to throw together last minute.
-
Your audience – Kids might prefer fries and mac and cheese, while adults might appreciate a creative salad.
I personally love to mix and match these sides depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll do a potato dish + a fresh salad. Other times I’ll go all-in on veggie sides for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts
Grilled chicken doesn’t have to be boring! With these incredible sides, you can create endless combinations that’ll keep your family and friends coming back for more. My absolute favorites are the crispy smashed potatoes and tomato-watermelon salad, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.
What’s your favorite side to serve with grilled chicken? I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my rotation!
Now go fire up that grill and get cooking—your perfect chicken dinner awaits!
Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts transform into a caramelized delight when grilled and tossed with balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey for sweetness. These make for a slightly tangy and earthy side that contrasts beautifully with the smoky flavors of grilled chicken.
Thick cauliflower slices brushed with a flavorful marinade of garlic, herbs, and spices, then grilled until tender and slightly charred, serve as a hearty vegetarian option. Cauliflower steaks offer a substantial texture and complex flavor profile that matches grilled chicken well.
Broccoli florets quickly charred on the grill and then tossed with a dressing of lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes to provide a bright and spicy side dish. The charred bits add a smoky depth, while the lemon and garlic brighten up the dish, making it an ideal companion to chicken.
Read more About Cream Cheese Recipe: How to Make Homemade Spread and Dip
Top 7 Side Dishes For Grilled Chicken
After exploring the basics of pairing sides with grilled chicken, lets dive into seven specific side dishes that will elevate your grilled chicken to a gourmet level. Each side brings a unique flavor and texture, ensuring your meal is memorable and varied.
A light yet nutritious side, quinoa tabbouleh is a twist on the traditional Middle Eastern salad. It combines cooked quinoa with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This dish is delicious and offers a healthy boost of protein and fiber, perfectly complementing the lean protein of grilled chicken.
What To Serve With Chicken (Side Dish Recipe Ideas)
FAQ
What is a good side for grilled chicken?
Good side dishes for grilled chicken include fresh salads, grilled or roasted vegetables, potato-based dishes like potato salad or mashed potatoes, rice, corn on the cob, and various pasta salads. A refreshing, crisp salad can complement the richness of grilled chicken, while a starchy side like potatoes or rice can round out the meal.