Ah chicken soup – that ultimate comfort food that warms the soul and makes everything feel better. Whether you’re fighting a cold dealing with a chilly evening, or just craving something cozy, a bowl of chicken soup hits the spot perfectly. But let’s be honest – sometimes soup alone doesn’t quite fill you up for dinner. That’s where I come in with my favorite sides that transform your humble bowl of chicken broth into a satisfying meal!
I’ve spent years perfecting my chicken soup game and finding the right accompaniments makes all the difference between a light appetizer and a full dinner experience. So let’s dive into the 15 best sides that go perfectly with chicken soup for dinner!
Bread and Baked Sides: Perfect for Dipping
There’s something magical about dunking crusty bread into warm flavorful broth. These carb-loaded companions are classic chicken soup partners
1. Crusty Garlic Bread
Nothing beats the combo of warm, garlicky bread with chicken soup. The crunchy exterior and soft interior create the perfect texture contrast to your soup.
Quick Recipe: Slice a loaf of Italian or French bread, mix softened butter with minced garlic, brush onto the slices, and toast until golden brown. Super simple but absolutely delish!
2. Cornbread
Sweet, slightly gritty cornbread provides an amazing counterpoint to savory chicken soup. The combination feels particularly homey and comforting.
The slightly sweet, crumbly texture complements the savory broth beautifully. Plus, you can jazz it up with add-ins like jalapeños, cheese, or corn kernels for extra flavor.
3. Dinner Rolls
Fresh, warm dinner rolls are simple but effective soup companions. They’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth.
Brush them with melted butter before serving for an extra touch of indulgence. Potato rolls or Hawaiian rolls work particularly well because of their soft, pillowy texture.
4. Cheesy Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits loaded with cheese make chicken soup feel like a feast. The rich cheesiness pairs wonderfully with the lighter soup.
Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan in your biscuits. You can also add herbs or garlic powder to complement the soup’s flavors.
5. Pretzel Bread
Have you ever tried dipping pretzel bread in chicken soup? The mild flavor with a touch of saltiness works surprisingly well with soup! Trust me, it’s worth trying!
Sandwiches: Making Soup a Meal
When you want soup to become a proper dinner, adding a sandwich turns it into a classic combo that’s both filling and satisfying:
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The ultimate soup companion! There’s something about the gooey, melted cheese between crispy buttered bread that makes chicken soup feel complete.
Use good melting cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey jack. For extra flavor, try adding herbs, thin apple slices, or a spread of Dijon mustard before grilling.
7. Vegetable Panini
Since you’ve already got chicken in your soup, a veggie-packed panini makes a nice complement. Load it up with peppers, red onions, cucumbers, and a little hummus or mayo for a balanced meal.
8. Ham and Cheese Rollups
These fun pinwheels are like sandwiches in roll form. Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, add ham and cheese, roll up, and slice into pinwheels. Kids especially love these alongside soup!
Fresh and Crunchy Sides
Balancing the warm, soft nature of soup with something cool and crisp creates a lovely contrast:
9. Caesar Salad
The cool, crunchy romaine paired with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons offers a refreshing contrast to hot soup. The bright flavors wake up your tastebuds!
The classic combination of romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy garlic dressing makes for a perfect side that adds freshness to your meal.
10. Fresh Green Salad
A simple green salad with vinaigrette is light, healthy, and balances the comfort of chicken soup beautifully.
Mix your favorite greens with chopped veggies like tomato and cucumber, add some toasted nuts and crumbled feta or blue cheese, and finish with a light vinaigrette. Easy peasy!
11. Tangy Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw adds great texture and a zingy flavor alongside comforting chicken soup. The contrast between warm soup and cool slaw is chef’s kiss.
Make a zesty dressing with mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it chill before serving for maximum crunch. I like to add carrots, raisins, or apple for extra flavor and color.
Hearty Vegetable Sides
When you want to amp up the nutrition and make your soup dinner more substantial:
12. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower add depth and heartiness to your chicken soup dinner. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness through caramelization.
Toss veggie chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roast at 400°F until they’re browned and tender. The sweet, hearty taste complements soup wonderfully.
13. Baked Zucchini
Crispy baked zucchini makes a healthy side that pairs beautifully with chicken soup. It’s a great way to get more veggies into your meal while adding a satisfying crunch.
14. Air Fryer Asparagus
Quick, easy, and healthy, air fryer asparagus adds a green veggie to your soup dinner without much fuss. The crisp-tender texture contrasts nicely with the soup.
Potato Sides for Ultimate Comfort
When you want your chicken soup dinner to be extra comforting and filling:
15. Mashed Potatoes
For ultimate comfort food vibes, pair your chicken soup with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. The rich creaminess balances the lighter soup and makes for a very hearty meal.
Russets or Yukon Golds work best for that smooth, rich texture. Add plenty of butter and cream or milk for maximum indulgence!
Why These Pairings Work So Well
I’ve noticed that the best chicken soup sides usually fall into one of these categories:
- Dippable items: Bread, biscuits, and crackers that can soak up the flavorful broth
- Contrasting textures: Crispy or crunchy sides that balance the soft, liquid nature of soup
- Complementary flavors: Sides that either enhance or provide contrast to the soup’s savory profile
- Added substance: Heartier sides that help turn the soup into a filling meal
FAQ About Chicken Soup Dinners
What makes chicken soup a complete dinner?
To make chicken soup a complete dinner, ensure it includes protein (chicken), vegetables, and a starch (like noodles or rice). Then add a complementary side dish like crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I make these sides ahead of time?
Most definitely! Many of these sides can be prepped ahead:
- Salads can be assembled earlier in the day (just add dressing right before serving)
- Bread can be baked ahead and warmed before serving
- Roasted veggies can be made earlier and reheated
- Sandwiches and rollups can be prepared a few hours ahead
What’s the quickest side to make with chicken soup?
When I’m in a hurry, I grab some good bakery bread or rolls, or throw together a simple green salad. Both take just minutes to prepare and make the soup feel like a proper dinner.
What side dishes work best for feeding kids with chicken soup?
In my experience, kids love dippable things with soup! Grilled cheese sandwiches cut into “soldiers” for dipping, cheese rollups, or cornbread are usually big hits with the little ones.
Final Thoughts
Chicken soup is already amazing on its own, but with the right side dishes, it transforms from a simple starter into a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, these sides will take your soup game to the next level!
My personal favorite combo is chicken soup with a grilled cheese sandwich and a small side salad – it hits all the right notes of comfort, freshness, and satisfaction. But I’d love to hear what you pair with your chicken soup for dinner!
Next time you’re wondering what goes well with chicken soup, remember this list and experiment with different combinations. Your perfect chicken soup dinner is just a side dish away!
Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil A flavorful Easy Garlic Crostini recipe, featuring crisp bread slices infused with aromatic garlic and rich olive oil and toasted until golden brown.
It is best to eat soup as part of a balanced meal that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
To serve soup as a main course, ensure it’s hearty and substantial by adding large pieces of protein like chicken, beef, or lentils. Pair it with a side like crusty bread, a salad, or grilled cheese.
These sides will take your soup night to the next level! Happy cooking!
Strawberry Pecan Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette This strawberry pecan salad is tossed in delicious balsamic dressing that’s been sweetened naturally with real strawberries!
