What Goes With Chicken Drumsticks? 36 Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal

Let’s face it – chicken drumsticks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to summer barbecues. But what really makes a chicken drumstick meal shine? The perfect side dishes, of course!

I’ve been cooking chicken drumsticks for my family for years and finding the right sides can transform a simple protein into a memorable meal. Whether you’ve got crispy baked drumsticks, grilled ones with a smoky flavor, or saucy BBQ legs, I’ve got you covered with side dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Potato Side Dishes for Chicken Drumsticks

Potatoes and chicken drumsticks are a match made in culinary heaven. The humble spud can be transformed into so many delicious sides that complement the savory juicy flavor of chicken legs.

Classic Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like creamy, buttery mashed potatoes alongside chicken drumsticks. This comfort food classic provides the perfect base to soak up any delicious sauce or drippings from your chicken. For an extra flavor kick, try adding roasted garlic or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Want something a bit more indulgent? Cheesy scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions bring a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken drumsticks. The golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping is irresistible!

Crispy Parmesan Potato Stacks

These elegant potato stacks offer a delightful texture contrast – crunchy edges with tender centers. They’re perfect for when you want to elevate your chicken drumstick meal to something special.

Seasoned Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes with their accordion-like cuts not only look fancy but absorb seasonings beautifully. They’re surprisingly easy to make and turn an ordinary family dinner into something extraordinary.

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Imagine creamy mashed potatoes loaded with crispy bacon and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. This indulgent side dish is sure to be a hit alongside your chicken drumsticks.

Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions

For a more rustic approach, try southern fried potatoes and onions. This simple family recipe creates a delicious, crispy side that’s ready in minutes and complements the savory chicken perfectly.

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds

Sweet potatoes offer a healthier alternative with their natural sweetness. Roasted sweet potato rounds drizzled with honey and topped with feta cheese create a sweet-savory combination that works wonderfully with chicken drumsticks.

Vegetable Sides for Chicken Drumsticks

Balance out your meal with some delicious veggie sides that add color, nutrition, and flavor to your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli

Roasting brings out the nutty, slightly sweet flavors of brussels sprouts and broccoli. They become caramelized and delicious, making even vegetable skeptics come back for seconds.

Oven Roasted Asparagus

Simple but delicious, oven-roasted asparagus is a healthy side dish that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. A light sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice elevates this elegant vegetable.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

The combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard creates a glaze for carrots that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These vibrant orange sticks roasted to perfection are a colorful addition to your drumstick dinner.

Zucchini Fritters

Got an abundance of zucchini? Turn them into crispy fritters! They’re a satisfying way to enjoy summer’s harvest and provide a nice textural contrast to juicy chicken drumsticks.

Fried Green Beans

For another crispy treat, try restaurant-style fried green beans. Each bean is coated in a light, crispy batter, creating a delightful contrast between the tender inside and the satisfying crunch on the outside.

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Creamy, dreamy spinach is a timeless favorite that adds a touch of luxury to your chicken drumstick meal. It’s rich, velvety, and utterly delicious.

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet glazed carrots with butter and thyme make a delicious side dish that can be made in the oven or on the stovetop. The sweet glaze pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the carrots and complements the savory chicken.

Miso Glazed Cauliflower

For an umami-packed side, try miso glazed cauliflower. This simple preparation makes the most delicious cauliflower “wings” with a complex flavor that stands up well to chicken drumsticks.

Salads That Complement Chicken Drumsticks

A fresh salad provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of chicken drumsticks, adding brightness and crunch to your meal.

Cucumber Onion Salad

This timeless favorite brings back childhood memories of warm afternoons. It’s refreshing, crisp, and pairs beautifully with chicken drumsticks.

Amish Broccoli Salad

The velvety broccoli, comforting cheese, and decadent bacon in this salad create a symphony of flavors that feels like a cherished family tradition.

Lemon Garlic Butter Bean Salad

Imagine a bowl of buttery beans, fresh veggies, and zingy dressing bursting with flavor and texture. Top it off with some crumbled feta for an extra pop of yum!

Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon

This dish is like your favorite pasta salad leveled up – a medley of soft, crunchy, smoky, and herby that’s a true crowd-pleaser alongside chicken drumsticks.

Spicy Roasted Chickpea Salad

If you’re a fan of spicy foods, you’ll absolutely enjoy this salad. It’s like an adventure in a bowl – bold, spicy, and oh-so-crunchy!

Arugula Salad with Lemon Zest

This Mediterranean-inspired salad turns ordinary greens into a delightful treat that’s both simple and luxurious. The peppery arugula stands up well to the rich chicken flavor.

Greek Orzo Salad

Each bite of this classic side is a journey to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and incredibly yummy.

Korean Cucumber Salad

Give yourself a Seoul-inspired treat with this Korean spin on cucumber salad. It’s like teleporting to Korea within the comforts of your own kitchen.

Comfort Food Sides for Chicken Drumsticks

Sometimes, you just want that cozy, comforting meal. These sides will definitely satisfy that craving when paired with chicken drumsticks.

Havarti & Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Why settle for regular mac and cheese when you can take it up a notch with some Havarti? This rich, creamy cheese from Denmark elevates your mac and cheese game to new heights.

Butter Parmesan Noodles

These noodles are an easy and versatile side dish made with tender egg noodles dressed in a delicate and comforting butter parmesan sauce. They’re simple but oh-so-satisfying.

Mushroom and Wild Rice Pilaf

Brown butter and mushrooms are a match made in heaven! Plus, the combo of sweet, plump raisins and satisfyingly crunchy slivered almonds makes this a sophisticated side for chicken drumsticks.

Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Making your own Texas Toast Garlic Bread is super simple. Just grab some thick-sliced bread, slather on garlic butter, and let your toaster oven work its magic!

Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

These little bites of Brazilian deliciousness are chewy and cheesy, making for a seriously irresistible side dish that’ll have your kids coming back for more!

Creamed Corn

Easy homemade creamed corn flavored with butter and cream and lightly seasoned makes for a simple and tasty side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken drumsticks.

Soup Sides for Chicken Drumsticks

For a warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying side dish, you can’t go wrong with soups alongside your chicken drumsticks.

Panera Autumn Squash Soup

This copycat recipe mimics the beloved soup from Panera Bread with its cozy blend of sweet and savory notes. It’s perfect for serving with chicken drumsticks during the colder months.

Cabbage Roll Soup

This tasty twist on classic cabbage rolls keeps it simple by turning it into a nutritious and filling soup that complements chicken drumsticks beautifully.

Velvety Cream of Asparagus Soup

Known for its smooth texture and delicate flavor, this soup can be ready in 30 minutes. It’s a popular choice during spring when asparagus is in season.

Health-Conscious Sides for Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for lighter options to serve with your chicken drumsticks? These sides deliver on flavor without weighing you down.

Cauliflower Rice

This healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional rice is perfect for those watching their carb intake. Sauté the cauliflower rice in olive oil with garlic and your favorite seasonings for a light, flavorful side dish.

Quinoa

This protein-packed, gluten-free grain adds a nutty flavor and satisfying texture to any meal. Cook it in chicken broth for extra flavor, and stir in some sautéed vegetables for added texture and taste.

Zucchini Noodles

For a low-carb alternative to pasta, try zucchini noodles with your chicken drumsticks. Spiralize zucchini into noodles and sauté in olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper for a healthy, delicious side.

Mixed Green Salad

A light and refreshing side dish to balance out the richness of chicken drumsticks. Toss together a variety of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives with a simple vinaigrette.

The Bottom Line on What Goes With Chicken Drumsticks

I’ve shared 36 delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with chicken drumsticks, but don’t be afraid to get creative! The best side dish is ultimately the one that makes you and your family happy.

Whether you’re serving up crispy baked drumsticks for a weeknight dinner or grilling them for a summer barbecue, these sides will help you create a meal that’s satisfying, balanced, and absolutely delicious.

Remember, chicken drumsticks are versatile, so you can mix and match these sides depending on the seasoning and cooking method you choose for your chicken. A BBQ drumstick might pair better with mac and cheese and coleslaw, while a Mediterranean-seasoned drumstick could go perfectly with a Greek salad and garlic bread.

What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken drumsticks? I’d love to hear about your go-to combinations in the comments below!

Happy cooking, and even happier eating!