Ever stared at a beautiful, golden chicken Kiev and wondered, “What on earth should I serve with this?” I’ve been there! That crispy, breaded exterior hiding a pool of herby garlic butter is practically begging for the perfect companion on your plate.
After countless Kiev dinners (and some trial and error), I’ve assembled the ultimate guide to chicken Kiev pairings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to make your weeknight meal extra special, these sides will take your chicken Kiev from great to absolutely unforgettable.
Potato Side Dishes: The Classic Companions
Potatoes and chicken Kiev are like best friends – they just work so well together! The crispy chicken exterior and creamy potato textures complement each other perfectly.
Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate comfort pairing! Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes make an ideal base for your chicken Kiev. When you cut into that Kiev and all that garlic butter oozes out, it mingles with the mash creating flavor heaven.
Pro tip For extra decadence, mix some cheese into your mash or add a little mustard for a flavor kick.
Fingerling Potatoes
If you want something a bit lighter than mash but still potato-based, try fingerling potatoes. They cook quickly (under 20 minutes) and have a naturally buttery taste that pairs wonderfully with Kiev.
For an extra special touch, coat them with parmesan before roasting for a crispy exterior. I like serving these with a creamy aioli dipping sauce – it’s simply divine!
Hasselback Potatoes
These fancy-looking potatoes take a little more effort but will have your dinner guests “cooing with pleasure” (as one of my friends put it), The thin slices get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside
Dauphinoise Potatoes
For a truly indulgent meal, dauphinoise potatoes bring a wonderful combination of creamy texture with hints of garlic and thyme. The rich, meltingly tender slices are excellent with chicken Kiev.
Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
Sometimes the classics are best. Baby potatoes roasted until crispy on the outside and soft inside make a perfect simple side. Their thinner skins keep them lighter than traditional roasties, so they won’t overpower your Kiev.
Celeriac Mash
Want to try something different? Celeriac mash adds a new dimension to traditional mashed potatoes. It has a slightly bitter anise note with a touch of sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with chicken.
For best results, give your celeriac a light olive oil glaze and bake until the edges are slightly charred before mashing.
Vibrant Vegetable Sides
Balance out the richness of chicken Kiev with some colorful veggies that add nutrition and visual appeal to your plate.
Roasted Greek Vegetables
A medley of Mediterranean-seasoned vegetables brings color and flavor to complement your Kiev. The roasting process caramelizes the veggies slightly, bringing out natural sweetness in bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms
This simple side combines earthy mushrooms with crunchy green beans. A bit of garlic and soy sauce keeps things interesting without overwhelming the Kiev. Add a dash of hot sauce if you want a bit of heat!
Buttered & Minted Peas
Sometimes simple is best. Fresh peas with a hint of mint and butter create a sweet, bright side that pairs beautifully with the richness of chicken Kiev.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli brings out a deep, nutty flavor that works wonderfully alongside chicken Kiev. Just toss the florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before roasting at high heat until browned and tender.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a heartier roasted veggie option, Brussels sprouts deliver satisfying flavor. Toss halved sprouts with oil, balsamic, garlic, and bacon bits, then roast until crispy outside and tender inside.
Roasted Carrots
Honey-roasted carrots bring a touch of sweetness that balances the savory chicken beautifully. Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, creating caramelized edges that are irresistible.
Sautéed Green Beans
Quick-sautéed green beans retain their bright color and satisfying crunch. Try them with slivered garlic and toasted almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Creamed Spinach
Buttery creamed spinach makes a rich companion to chicken Kiev. The velvety texture contrasts nicely with the crispy exterior of the chicken.
Creamed Corn
Sweet, creamy corn provides another luxurious veggie option. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken Kiev flavors.
Fresh and Vibrant Salads
Balance the richness of chicken Kiev with a bright, fresh salad. These options add crunch, acidity, and lightness to your meal.
Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of chicken Kiev. It’s perfect for summer meals or when you want something light.
Rocket Pear Salad
This sophisticated salad combines peppery rocket (arugula) with sweet pears, honey-glazed walnuts, and parmesan cheese. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. It’s both savory and sweet – perfect alongside chicken Kiev!
Chopped Kale Salad
For something a bit heartier, try a wintery chopped kale salad with cabbage, shredded Brussels sprouts, dried cherries, toasted pine nuts, and sharp white cheddar. The lemon dressing helps soften any tough bits of kale.
Creamy Coleslaw
A 5-minute creamy coleslaw brings welcome crunch and creaminess. Using pre-shredded coleslaw mix makes this side dish super quick to prepare. Not a mayo fan? Substitute Greek yogurt instead!
Three Bean Salad
This protein-packed salad adds substance without heaviness. For best results, use fresh green beans instead of canned for better texture and flavor. It’s great for making ahead of time too!
Mixed Greens Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides brightness alongside the rich chicken Kiev. Mix romaine, spinach, and arugula for varied flavors and textures, then top with fresh veggies like tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce coated in creamy Caesar dressing is a classic for a reason. The cool, creamy salad balances the warmth of chicken Kiev perfectly.
Grains and Pasta Sides
These hearty sides are perfect for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter.
Butter Parmesan Orzo
Serve your chicken Kiev on a bed of butter parmesan orzo for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s warm, hearty, and the cheesy flavors complement the chicken beautifully. Want it even creamier? Replace the chicken broth with cream.
Rice Pilaf
Fluffy and flavorful rice pilaf is a wonderful upgrade from plain white rice. Cook it in chicken broth and add herbs like parsley for freshness. Mixing in some orzo pasta adds interesting texture variation.
Lemon Wild Rice
Italian lemon basil wild rice brings bright, zesty flavors that cut through the richness of chicken Kiev. It’s bursting with lemon and fresh basil plus Italian dried herbs – and it’s both oil-free and gluten-free!
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This nutritious, flavor-packed salad has wonderful texture contrast – crispiness from veggies and pleasant chewiness from the couscous. The lemon dressing makes it feel summery and light. Need a low-carb option? Swap the couscous for cauliflower rice.
Other Delicious Sides
Some sides don’t fit neatly into categories but are too good not to mention!
Garlic Butter Grilled Corn
If you’re serving a garlic butter Kiev (the best kind!), grilled corn is a match made in heaven. Once that garlic butter spills out of the Kiev and coats the corn – wow! It’s a 15-minute side that’s both fun to make and eat.
Homemade Baked Beans
Saucy baked beans bring sweet, smoky flavors that complement chicken Kiev surprisingly well. Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. They take some time to prepare but are worth the effort!
Pea & Potato Crush
This creamy, fresh take on mashed potatoes adds sweet peas for color, flavor, and nutrition. It’s a classic side that never disappoints.
What Sauce Goes With Chicken Kiev?
While chicken Kiev comes with its own built-in sauce (that amazing garlic butter!), some people like additional sauces. Creamy honey mustard sauce is a popular choice that complements the flavors well. You could also try:
- Lemon garlic aioli
- Herb-infused butter
- Light cream sauce
- Simple lemon wedges for squeezing
Desserts to Follow Chicken Kiev
After enjoying your chicken Kiev with one (or more!) of these sides, consider these dessert options:
Bread Pudding
Round out the meal with comforting bread pudding layered with raisins, nuts, and vanilla custard. Serve warm with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
Fruit Crisp
For a lighter finish, try a warm fruit crisp using apples, pears, peaches, or berries. The sweet, crunchy topping contrasts nicely with the savory dinner. Top with ice cream for pure decadence!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Kiev is already pretty special on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes elevates it to a truly memorable meal. My personal favorites are the butter parmesan orzo (for comfort food nights) and the Greek salad (for lighter meals), but I encourage you to experiment!
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken Kiev? I’d love to hear about your combinations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
1 Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob brings a touch of summer to your meal. Boil or grill the corn until tender, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of chili powder or a squeeze of lime juice. This side is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.
Binging with Babish: Chicken Kiev from Mad Men
FAQ
What sauce compliments chicken Kiev?
Chicken Kiev and Honey Mustard Sauce. Chicken Kiev is an all-time favourite with crisp crumbing to keep it moist and tender. Top it off with a creamy honey mustard sauce, and this dish will prove to be popular with residents.
What potatoes are best with chicken Kiev?
Dauphinoise potatoes are a wonderful combination of creamy potatoes with a touch of garlic and thyme. Rich, meltingly tender and so good.