15+ Mouthwatering Sides That Go Perfect With Chicken Noodles

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodles when you’re craving comfort food. Those tender chicken pieces and slurpy noodles swimming in flavorful broth just hit different! But sometimes chicken noodles alone don’t quite make a complete meal. That’s where awesome side dishes come in to transform your basic chicken noodles into a truly satisfying feast.

As someone who’s experimented with countless side dishes over the years, I’ve compiled my absolute favorite companions for chicken noodles. Whether you’re making a hearty chicken noodle soup or a creamy chicken and noodle dish, these sides will take your meal to the next level!

Why Chicken Noodles Need Good Side Dishes

Before diving into specific recommendations let’s talk about why pairing the right sides with chicken noodles matters

• Balance: The right sides provide texture, color, and flavor contrast
• Nutrition: Adding vegetables introduces important nutrients and brightens your plate
• Satisfaction: Complementary sides turn a simple dish into a complete meal
• Variety: Different accompaniments prevent meal fatigue

Now, let’s explore the best sides to serve with your chicken noodles!

Bread Options That Perfectly Complement Chicken Noodles

There’s something magical about dipping bread into the savory broth of chicken noodles. Here are my favorite bread options:

1. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread offers a savory, aromatic crunch that elevates the chicken noodle experience. The garlic adds a whole new flavor dimension that pairs beautifully with the chicken. I like to bake or grill baguette slices slathered in garlic butter for that perfect texture contrast.

2. Dinner Rolls

Soft, pillowy dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up rich broth from your chicken noodles. Opt for egg rolls, potato rolls, or buttery biscuits for maximum enjoyment. They’re simple but incredibly satisfying!

3. Cornbread

For a hint of sweetness that balances the savory chicken broth, try serving warm cornbread with a pat of melting butter. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture creates an interesting contrast to the soft noodles.

4. Pretzel Bread

Have you tried pairing pretzel bread with chicken noodles? This combo is seriously underrated! The mild flavor with a touch of saltiness works wonderfully with soup. Soft pretzels dipped directly in the broth are also incredibly delicious.

5. Texas Toast

Texas toast takes garlic bread to the next level with its thick, crispy, buttery slices full of garlic flavor. It’s one of the most indulgent sides you can serve with chicken noodles, and I’m not even sorry about it!

Fresh Salads That Balance Chicken Noodles

Salads provide brightness and fresh contrast to complement the richness of chicken noodle dishes:

6. Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan, nutty croutons, and zesty dressing make Caesar salad a perfect foil for chicken noodles. The cool, crunchy texture and bright flavors cleanse the palate between bites of noodles.

7. Cucumber Tomato Salad

For a lighter option, try cucumber tomato salad with red onion and red wine vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken broth while adding refreshing elements to your meal.

8. Strawberry Spinach Salad

For unexpected fruitiness, add a strawberry spinach salad alongside your chicken noodles. The sweet berries provide contrast while the spinach adds color and nutrients. I like tossing in some candied nuts for extra crunch.

Vegetable Sides for Nutrition and Color

Adding vegetables to your chicken noodle meal incorporates important nutrients and brightens up the plate:

9. Glazed Carrots

Carrot sticks or coins tossed in brown sugar, butter, and honey, then roasted until caramelized, add beautiful color and a touch of sweetness. Plus, they’re packed with vitamin A!

10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For an antioxidant boost, try roasted brussels sprouts. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy. Their slightly charred flavor pairs surprisingly well with chicken noodles.

11. Garlic Sautéed Spinach

For easy green veggies, quickly sauté spinach with garlic and a splash of olive oil. It adds freshness and vibrancy with minimal effort – perfect for busy weeknights!

12. Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted vegetables makes chicken noodle soup a complete meal. I love to roast bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings.

Heartier Sides for Extra Satisfaction

Sometimes you want something more substantial alongside your chicken noodles:

13. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You can’t go wrong pairing a grilled cheese sandwich with chicken noodles! This combo is super easy, inexpensive, and incredibly satisfying. The melty cheese and crunchy bread complement the broth perfectly.

14. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make chicken noodles extra comforting. For richness, fold in butter, cream, and cheese like cheddar or Parmesan. Just be aware that this combination is definitely carb-heavy!

15. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries add some easy bulk to a soup meal. Even though chicken noodle is hearty, some people find soup less filling than other meals. Baked sweet potato fries solve this problem deliciously!

16. Smashed Baby Potatoes

Smashed baby potatoes are an ultimate comfort food that sounds good any time! These crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside potatoes are also tasty dipped directly in the soup.

Fun Extras That Elevate Chicken Noodles

Don’t be afraid to get creative with additional ingredients to really make your chicken noodles special:

17. Cheese Rollups (Pinwheels)

Cheese rollups made from tortillas spread with cream cheese and rolled up make a fun accompaniment. You can add other ingredients like ham, vegetables, and sauces for extra flavor. They’re like a sandwich in roll form!

18. Pigs in a Blanket

These little treats provide that extra something to make your meal more filling. The savory sausage wrapped in flaky pastry works surprisingly well with chicken noodle dishes!

FAQs About Serving Chicken Noodles

What side dish is best if I’m short on time?

A simple side salad with pre-made vinaigrette is your best bet. Alternatively, steamed frozen vegetables (like broccoli or green beans) can be quickly seasoned and served.

What’s a good side dish for kids?

Mac and cheese is a kid-friendly option that complements chicken noodles. You can also offer baby carrots with ranch dip or a simple fruit salad.

What beverage pairs well with chicken noodles?

A crisp dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, can cut through the richness of the dish. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or lemonade are refreshing choices.

What about dessert pairings?

After a comforting meal of chicken noodles, try serving:

• Apple crumb cake with sweet, crunchy crumbs
• Cheesecake with graham cracker crust and vanilla drizzle
• A light fruit crumble or lemon sorbet

Can I serve chicken noodles with mashed potatoes?

While both are comfort food staples, serving them together can be overly starchy. If you choose to, opt for a lighter version of mashed potatoes, perhaps with cauliflower mixed in, and focus on adding fresh herbs and garlic for flavor.

Wrapping Up

Chicken noodles are wonderfully comforting on their own, but pairing them with the right sides elevates them to a truly satisfying meal. From crusty breads perfect for dipping to fresh salads that provide contrast, there are countless ways to complement this classic dish.

My personal favorite combo is chicken noodles with garlic bread and a simple cucumber tomato salad – the perfect balance of comfort, crunch, and freshness! But I’d love to hear what sides YOU enjoy with your chicken noodles. Drop a comment below to share your favorites!

Next time you’re planning to make chicken noodles, try adding one or two of these sides to create a more complete and balanced meal. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!