15 Delicious Sides to Serve with Smothered Chicken (Spice Up Your Meal!)

Are you tired of eating the same old smothered chicken without anything exciting on the side? I totally get it! Nothing’s worse than a delicious main dish with boring accompaniments. Smothered chicken, with its rich gravy and tender meat, deserves sides that complement its amazing flavor.

As a Southern cooking enthusiast I’ve experimented with countless side dishes to pair with this classic comfort food. Today, I’m sharing my favorite sides that’ll take your smothered chicken from good to absolutely mind-blowing!

Classic Starchy Sides for Smothered Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are possibly THE perfect partner for smothered chicken. The buttery rich potatoes soak up all that delicious gravy, creating a match made in heaven. For an extra kick I like adding cream cheese to my mashed potatoes – it adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Pro tip Add garlic, cheese, or fresh herbs like chives to your mashed potatoes for even more flavor My family goes crazy when I add a little roasted garlic!

Rice Options

Rice is fantastic with smothered chicken because it soaks up all those wonderful juices. You have several options:

• Jasmine rice: Its fragrant aroma and soft texture works beautifully with smothered chicken. The delicate flavor absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Rice pilaf: Cooked in chicken broth with aromatic vegetables like onions and carrots, rice pilaf brings a savory note that complements the chicken and gravy wonderfully.

Roasted Potatoes

If you prefer something with more texture than mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes are an excellent choice. Cut into cubes or wedges, they soak up the sauce and chicken juices while maintaining their crispy exterior.

I like to season mine with paprika or Cajun seasoning for an extra flavor boost that complements the smothered chicken perfectly.

Bread Options That Soak Up the Sauce

Biscuits

Fresh baked biscuits are absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious gravy! Flaky, warm biscuits complement the juicy tenderness of the chicken. Buttermilk biscuits offer a nice tang that counters the richness of the gravy.

You can keep it simple with plain biscuits or jazz them up with cheese, herbs, or even jalapeños baked right in.

Cornbread

Cornbread is another Southern classic that pairs beautifully with smothered chicken. Its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture create a perfect contrast to the savory, tender chicken.

My auntie always said cornbread with smothered chicken is “food that feeds the soul,” and I couldn’t agree more! For extra flavor, try making your cornbread with creamed corn or jalapeños.

Garlic Bread

The zesty edge of garlic bread works surprisingly well with smothered chicken. It’s super simple to make – just create a mixture of butter and garlic, spread it on bread, and pop it in the oven for about five minutes.

I love to dunk pieces of garlic bread right into the smothered chicken sauce. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread, with its crunchy exterior and soft interior, makes another excellent pairing. It’s slightly greasy and herby, so it stands up well to the flavors of smothered chicken.

While you can certainly make your own focaccia, store-bought works fine if you’re short on time or baking skills.

Vegetable Sides to Balance the Meal

Green Beans

Green beans provide a lighter side that balances the richness of smothered chicken. Whether they’re steamed, sautéed, or seasoned with garlic and almonds, green beans add freshness and color to your plate.

I prefer mine sautéed with a bit of oil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper just before removing from heat, and sometimes I’ll even grate some cheese over them and let it melt. Delicious!

Sautéed Peas

Similar to green beans, sautéed peas offer a nice contrast to smothered chicken. Heat some oil, add the peas, and let them sizzle. For extra richness, add a splash of cooking cream to make them softer and more flavorful.

Season simply with salt and pepper, and serve either on the side or mixed into the chicken.

Grilled Vegetables

Smothered chicken and grilled vegetables are “one of the best love stories since the beginning of time,” as my grandma used to say! Sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions work particularly well.

For extra flavor, make small cuts in the veggies and insert small pieces of butter so it melts throughout during cooking.

Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant

Lightly seasoned and roasted to tender perfection, zucchini offers a simple and tasty vegetable option that works well with smothered chicken. Eggplant works wonderfully too!

Grill them nicely, butter them up, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Another serving option is to smear them with sour cream or dip them in a mixture of oil, vinegar, garlic, and parsley.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted to golden perfection, crispy Brussels sprouts provide a crunchy and satisfying side for smothered chicken. Season them with olive oil, salt, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken.

Fresh and Crunchy Salad Options

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese brings freshness and crunch to balance the richness of smothered chicken. The bright flavors cut through the creamy sauce perfectly.

Fresh Lettuce and Arugula Salad

How better to pair smothered chicken than with something fresh, crunchy, and zesty? A simple salad of fresh lettuce and peppery arugula dressed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic cream creates a perfect contrast.

I like to add cherry tomatoes for color and a light tang. The texture contrast and opposing tastes create a perfect unity of flavors, complementing each other in a truly unique way.

Coleslaw

Cool, crisp coleslaw provides color and a crunchy texture that balances the soft, tender chicken and sauce. The vinegary tang of coleslaw also helps cut through the richness of the dish.

You can go with a creamier coleslaw or a vinegar-based style – both pair well with smothered chicken. Adding shredded carrots or red cabbage to the classic cabbage slaw can brighten up your plate.

Creative Sides for Something Different

Cauliflower Patties

Cauliflower patties are a delicacy that pairs wonderfully with smothered chicken. Their creamy and slightly grainy texture contrasts nicely with the smothered chicken’s smooth creaminess.

To make them, grate or blend cauliflower into a soft mush, let it release excess liquid for about an hour, then mix with eggs and grated mozzarella cheese. Season well (cauliflower needs it!), form into patties, and pan-fry until golden.

Spinach Purée

Spinach purée offers a unique pairing with smothered chicken. Soft, creamy, and full of flavor, it counters the existing flavors while adding its own character.

Sauté spinach in a hot oiled pan, then mash it like potatoes. Add butter and milk while stirring until creamy, and season simply with salt and pepper.

Quinoa

Quinoa, with its subtle nutty flavor, offers a healthful and versatile side for smothered chicken. Mix it with herbs, lemon zest, or roasted vegetables for added flavor. It’s a creative option that complements the creamy, savory chicken beautifully.

Putting It All Together

When serving smothered chicken, I usually pick 2-3 sides from different categories to create a balanced meal:

1. One starchy side (like mashed potatoes or rice)
2. One vegetable side (like green beans or roasted zucchini)
3. Either bread or a fresh salad, depending on how heavy the meal feels

This combination ensures you get different textures, flavors, and nutritional balance while complementing the star of the show – that delicious smothered chicken!

Final Thoughts

Smothered chicken deserves stellar side dishes that enhance its rich flavors. Whether you prefer classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes and cornbread or lighter options like fresh salads and roasted vegetables, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize your sides with herbs, cheeses, or other mix-ins to perfectly suit your tastes. With flavorful smothered chicken and two to three tasty sides, you’ll have an amazing dinner ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

What’s your favorite side to serve with smothered chicken? Do you have any special twists on these classics? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!