30+ Mouthwatering Sides for Chicken Thighs That Will Complete Your Meal

Are you staring at those juicy chicken thighs in your fridge and wondering “what should I serve with chicken thighs?” You’re not alone! I’ve been there countless times, scratching my head while those delicious thighs wait to be paired with the perfect sidekick.

Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of weeknight dinners – they’re cheap, flavorful, and practically impossible to mess up But a chicken thigh without a good side dish? That’s like peanut butter without jelly or cookies without milk!

After years of experimenting (and some memorable kitchen fails) I’ve compiled this ultimate guide to the BEST sides for chicken thighs that’ll transform your meal from basic to breathtaking. Whether you’re roasting grilling, or pan-searing those thighs, I’ve got you covered with options that’ll make your tastebuds dance!

Veggie Sides That Shine Next to Chicken Thighs

Vegetables are my go-to when serving chicken thighs – they add color, nutrition, and can be prepped while your chicken cooks!

Roasted Vegetables

Nothing beats the caramelized goodness of properly roasted veggies:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Especially delicious with crispy pancetta breadcrumbs
• Roasted Butternut Squash – The sweetness pairs beautifully with savory chicken
• Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan – Turns ordinary green beans into something extraordinary
• Roasted Beets and Potatoes – The earthy flavors complement chicken thighs perfectly
• Whole Roasted Carrots – Simple yet impressive

I personally love making a big sheet pan of mixed roasted veggies. My favorite combo is butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and beets – the colors look amazing on the plate! Just toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then roast at 400°F for about 35 minutes.

Fresh and Crispy Veggie Options

When you want something lighter:

• Bruschetta Salad – Fresh tomatoes bring brightness to rich chicken thighs
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad – A crunchy alternative to lettuce
• Everyday Side Salad – Quick, easy, and always a winner
• Greek Wedge Salad – A lighter version of the classic with homemade vinaigrette
• Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Farro Salad – Perfect for summer meals

Potato Sides (Because Potatoes Are Life)

Is there anything more satisfying than potatoes alongside chicken thighs? I think not!

• Southern Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery heaven that tastes like Grandma’s
• Smashed Potatoes – The best of both worlds: fluffy centers with crispy skins
• Sweet Potato Wedges – A healthier alternative to regular fries
• Grilled Baby Potatoes – Tender inside, lightly charred outside, and brushed with garlic butter (yum!)
• Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks – Elegant and simple with cheese, butter, garlic, and sage

Pro tip: When making mashed potatoes, warm your milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes. This little trick makes them extra creamy!

Rice and Grain Sides for Chicken Thighs

Rice and grains soak up all those delicious chicken juices and make the meal more satisfying:

• Cilantro Lime Rice – Fresh and zesty, perfect with Mexican-style chicken thighs
• Cheesy Cauliflower Rice – Tastes like loaded baked potato but low-carb
• Couscous – Ready in just 5 minutes for those busy weeknights
• Baked Risotto – All the creamy goodness without constant stirring
• Quinoa – Try it in a Southwest Salad with avocado and black beans

My family goes crazy for cilantro lime rice with chicken thighs. The secret is rinsing the rice before cooking and adding a bay leaf to the water. Then mix in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro right before serving. It’s almost too easy!

Pasta and Bean Sides That Satisfy

When you want something hearty and filling:

• Ditalini Pasta with Olives – Ready in just 15 minutes
• Garlic Butter Spaghetti Squash – Lower-carb “pasta” option
• Mac and Cheese – The ultimate comfort food pairing
• Spiralized Zucchini & Tomatoes – Looks like pasta but adds more veggies
• Italian Baked Beans – Epic combination of bacon, beans, and veggies

Bread and Cornbread Sides

Don’t forget the bread to soak up all those tasty juices:

• Easy Popovers – Soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with no yeast or kneading
• Garlic Bread – Classic and always delicious
• Cornbread – Sweet and savory Southern classic
• Pepper-Parmesan Biscuits – Perfect for dipping into sauces

Unexpected Sides That Will Wow Your Guests

Looking to impress? Try these unique options:

• Avocado Deviled Eggs with Bacon – The perfect protein-packed side
• Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – Restaurant-quality deliciousness
• Parmesan Broccoli Tots – Even picky eaters will devour these
• Healthy Zucchini Au Gratin – All the flavor without the guilt
• Three Bean Salad – Perfect for picnics or make-ahead meals

Quick Sides When You’re Short on Time

We all have those nights when we need something FAST:

• Simple Sautéed Cabbage – Ready in minutes and surprisingly delicious
• Easy Peas & Carrots – Classic, comforting, and quick
• Sautéed Swiss Chard – Healthy greens in a flash
• Minty-fresh Zucchini Salad – No cooking required!
• Cold Lemon Zoodles – Perfect for summer dinners

Sides Based on Chicken Thigh Preparation

Different cooking methods call for different sides:

For Grilled Chicken Thighs

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber salad

For Roasted Chicken Thighs

• Roasted root vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Dinner rolls
• Creamed spinach casserole

For Saucy Chicken Thighs

• Rice or couscous to absorb the sauce
• Crusty bread for dipping
• Simple green salad for freshness

My Personal Favorite Combinations

After years of chicken thigh dinners, these are my top combos:

1. Mediterranean Night: Lemon-garlic chicken thighs + tabbouleh + hummus
2. Comfort Food Classic: BBQ chicken thighs + mac and cheese + roasted broccoli
3. Summer Feast: Grilled chicken thighs + watermelon feta salad + grilled corn
4. Low-Carb Dinner: Crispy chicken thighs + cheesy cauliflower rice + roasted green beans
5. Sunday Dinner: Braised chicken thighs + southern mashed potatoes + caramelized Brussels sprouts

Why These Sides Work So Well with Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile, but they do have a richer flavor than chicken breasts. This means they pair wonderfully with:

1. Acidic sides that cut through the richness (like citrusy salads)
2. Starchy sides that soak up the delicious juices (like potatoes and rice)
3. Vegetable sides that add color and nutrition to balance the meal

The key is balancing flavors and textures. If your chicken thighs are crispy, add something creamy. If they’re saucy, add something to soak it up!

Tips for Planning Your Chicken Thigh Dinner

1. Consider cooking method – Use your oven efficiently by roasting veggies alongside your chicken thighs
2. Think about timing – Choose quick-cooking sides if your chicken thighs won’t take long
3. Balance nutrition – Add colorful veggies to complement your protein
4. Prep ahead – Many sides can be prepped in advance while chicken marinates

The Bottom Line on Chicken Thigh Sides

With these 30+ side dishes in your recipe arsenal, you’ll never wonder “what should I serve with chicken thighs?” again! From simple veggie sides to indulgent carbs, there’s something for every taste, occasion, and cooking skill level.

My personal philosophy is: when in doubt, roast some veggies and make a starch. It’s hard to go wrong with that combo alongside juicy chicken thighs!

What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken thighs? I’m always looking to expand my recipe collection and would love to hear your go-to sides in the comments!

Now excuse me while I go marinate some chicken thighs for dinner tonight. I’m thinking cilantro lime rice and roasted carrots might be on the menu…