Are you staring at a pot of chicken and rice wondering what else to add to your meal? I’ve been there too! Chicken and rice is one of those classic comfort food combos that shows up on dinner tables worldwide, but sometimes it needs a little something extra to make the meal feel complete.
I’m gonna share my favorite sides that pair beautifully with chicken and rice – from fresh salads to roasted veggies and warm breads These additions will transform your simple chicken and rice into a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Fresh Salads to Brighten Your Plate
When I serve chicken and rice, I love adding something fresh and crisp to balance the heartiness. These salads do just that:
Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad is my go-to when I need something quick and healthy alongside chicken and rice The crisp textures and vibrant colors add life to the plate!
I usually toss together:
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- A sprinkle of croutons
- Your choice of dressing (balsamic vinaigrette works great!)
Caprese Chopped Salad
This Italian-inspired salad brings a burst of freshness to the table. With juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella tossed with crisp greens and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s a match made in heaven for chicken and rice.
Cucumber Salad
On hot summer nights, nothing beats a cool cucumber salad alongside chicken and rice. Try it with a creamy yogurt dressing and some pickled onions for a refreshing contrast that’ll wake up your taste buds!
Tomato Basil Salad
Simple but oh-so-good! Ripe tomatoes and fresh basil create a vibrant side that complements the subtle flavors of chicken and rice. The sweetness of tomatoes balances everything perfectly.
Veggie Sides That Steal the Show
Vegetables are my favorite way to round out a chicken and rice meal – they add nutrition, color, and tons of flavor!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in veggies, making them irresistible! I like to toss seasonal vegetables with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of paprika before roasting until they’re caramelized and tender.
Steamed Broccoli
Sometimes simple is best! Steamed broccoli takes just minutes to prepare and adds a nutritional punch to your chicken and rice. A little salt, lemon juice, and garlic powder makes it taste amazing.
Garlic Sesame Green Beans
These flavorful green beans are a favorite in my house! Tossed with garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds, they bring an Asian-inspired twist that works wonderfully with chicken and rice.
Sautéed Spinach
For a quick and nutritious side, you can’t beat sautéed spinach. I simply cook it with garlic and olive oil for a few minutes until wilted. The earthy flavor is a perfect match for chicken and rice.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
This side dish is a total game-changer! The combo of salty bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage creates a side that’s salty, smoky, tangy, and sweet all at once. It might upstage your chicken and rice!
Hearty Sides for Extra Hungry Nights
When we’re extra hungry or feeding a crowd, these substantial sides help stretch the meal further:
Mashed Potatoes
I know it sounds carb-heavy, but trust me – creamy mashed potatoes alongside chicken and rice is comfort food heaven! The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rice. Try adding garlic or cheese for extra flavor.
Za’atar Potatoes
These roasted potatoes seasoned with za’atar spice are a unique twist that’ll make your chicken and rice meal feel special. The combination of creamy Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet red bell peppers is just perfect.
Corn Soufflé
For something a bit different, try a fluffy corn soufflé! Made with fresh kernels, creamed corn, and corn muffin mix with a kick from jalapeños, it’s sweet, spicy and pairs wonderfully with chicken and rice.
Bread Options That Complete the Meal
Nothing soaks up the delicious juices from chicken and rice better than some warm bread!
Garlic Bread
Is there anything more satisfying than warm garlic bread on the side of your plate? The aromatic blend of garlic and herbs makes chicken and rice feel like a feast. I like to make mine with plenty of butter and fresh parsley.
Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins
These little flavor bombs are ridiculously easy to make using prepared pizza dough, olive oil, garlic, and fresh rosemary. They’re crispy outside, soft inside, and perfect for scooping up any sauce from your chicken and rice.
Those Garlic Cheese Rolls
Warm rolls loaded with garlic and gooey cheese? Yes please! These indulgent rolls turn a simple chicken and rice dinner into something special that the whole family will love.
Quick Tips for Pairing Sides with Chicken and Rice
I’ve learned a few things about serving sides with chicken and rice over the years:
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Think about contrast – If your chicken and rice is mild, choose a bold side dish. If it’s heavily spiced, go with something more neutral.
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Consider texture – Rice is soft, so adding something crisp or crunchy creates a more interesting eating experience.
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Add color – Chicken and rice tends to be beige, so bright veggies make the meal more appetizing!
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Balance the plate – Try to include a veggie side for nutrition and a bread for satisfaction.
My Go-To Weeknight Combo
When I’m making a quick weeknight dinner, my favorite combo is:
- Chicken and rice (usually my one-pot baked lemon version)
- Garlic sesame green beans (takes just 10 minutes!)
- A quick garden salad with whatever veggies are in the fridge
This gives us protein, grains, veggies, and greens – a perfectly balanced meal that comes together fast!
Final Thoughts
Chicken and rice is such a versatile base that you really can’t go wrong with whatever sides you choose. The key is to think about adding different flavors, textures, and colors to make your meal more exciting.
Whether you prefer fresh salads, roasted veggies, or warm breads, there’s something on this list that’ll take your chicken and rice from basic to brilliant! What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken and rice? I’d love to hear your ideas too!
Now I’m getting hungry just thinking about all these delicious combinations. Time to head to the kitchen and start cooking!
One-Skillet Creamy Thai Basil Chicken
Want to shake up your dinner routine, without too much work? This totally delicious mashup of coconut rice and Thai basil chicken gets dinner done in one skillet and brings all the flavors of Thai cuisine you crave into your home with ingredients you can find in most grocery stores.
Get the One-Skillet Creamy Thai Basil Chicken recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Instant Pot Chicken & Rice
If theres one thing we find magical about pressure cookers, its how quickly and perfectly they cook chicken and rice. The rice gets to the perfect texture and the chicken becomes insanely tender, all in less than 15 minutes.
Get the Instant Pot Chicken & Rice recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Dinner: Creamy Chicken and Rice (Plov) – Natasha’s Kitchen
FAQ
What to serve with chicken & rice?
Looking for a quick answer? The best side dishes to serve with chicken and rice are brussels sprouts with bacon, caprese salad, blooming onion, potato wedges, quinoa salad, caramelized carrots, sautéed mushrooms, tater tots, cornbread, apple coleslaw, roasted beets, zucchini fries, cucumber salad, garlic knots, fried okra, and mac and cheese.
What side dishes go with chicken?
And boy are there are ton of options! Here, you’ll find the perfect sides to pair with chicken. Try one of our vegetable side dishes that include roasted carrots, asparagus, or potatoes in every form. Make comforting casserole recipes like the yellow squash casserole or try the sweet potato wedges for a healthy chicken dinner.
What to eat with chicken & rice casserole?
Quinoa might be the perfect side dish for your chicken and rice casserole. This superfood is one of the healthiest foods you can eat yet tastes great with just about anything—especially fruit. It’s also pretty simple to make, so long as you have a few fresh ingredients on hand.
What vegetables go well with chicken & rice?
Green beans are a favorite choice because of their vibrant color and crisp texture. They can be blanched, steamed, or sautéed, adding freshness and a satisfying crunch to the meal. Asparagus, whether roasted or steamed, offers an elegant and flavorful accompaniment to chicken and rice. The tender spears add a touch of sophistication to the meal.
Is chicken and rice casserole healthy?
Chicken and rice casserole can be served alone or with a side of vegetables. For those looking for sweeter dishes, cranberry sauce can make an excellent accompaniment. Although chicken and rice casserole is a healthy dish, it can be unhealthy when prepared with high bad fats and sugars.
What wine goes well with chicken & rice?
It’s great for drizzling over chicken and rice. If you’re serving a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern chicken and rice dish, tahini sauce, made from sesame paste, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, can be a creamy and nutty complement. White wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio work well with chicken and rice dishes.
What is good to eat with chicken and rice?
Salad, asparagus, green beans, brussel sprouts, or carrots.. is what I usually pair it with. Any vegetable, but we have chicken and rice a lot and we usually do a green veggie! Anything! But my fave is rosted buttery mixed veggies!