15 Mouthwatering Sides That Will Make Your Roast Chicken Shine

Have you ever pulled a perfectly golden roast chicken from the oven and then thought “What the heck should I serve with this?” Yeah, me too. Like ALL the time. It’s such a common kitchen dilemma! You’ve nailed the main attraction, but now you need supporting actors that’ll make your dinner truly memorable.

Well, worry no more! I’ve done all the heavy lifting and research to bring you the absolute best sides that pair beautifully with your roast chicken. And trust me, these aren’t just random suggestions – these are tried-and-true companions that’ll elevate your chicken dinner from “meh” to “AMAZING!”

Why Sides Matter for Roast Chicken

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s talk about why sides are so crucial for roast chicken dinners. A good roast chicken is juicy and flavorful on its own, but the right sides can:

• Balance the meal with different textures and flavors
• Add nutritional value with veggies and grains
• Turn a simple chicken into a feast-worthy meal
• Complement the savory notes of the chicken

So let’s get to it – here are my top picks for sides that’ll make your roast chicken the star of a truly spectacular meal!

Potato Sides (Because Potatoes and Chicken are BFFs)

1. Garlic-and-Herb Mashed Potatoes

Nothing says comfort food like creamy mashed potatoes alongside roast chicken. The Food & Wine version uses a genius shortcut – garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (like Boursin) – to add instant flavor without tons of prep work. For a fun twist, try using purple Peruvian potatoes instead of Yukon Golds for a dramatic presentation!

2. Parmesan-Crusted Smashed Potatoes

These aren’t your average potatoes! The Taste of Home recipe involves boiling new potatoes until tender, smashing them with a measuring cup, then coating them with a mixture of roasted garlic, Parmesan, and rosemary. The extra time in the oven lets the coating crisp up beautifully. I made these last weekend and my husband literally ate half the batch before dinner was even served!

3. Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Rosemary

The Pioneer Woman’s hasselback potatoes are a showstopper! These fancy-looking spuds have crisp fans of skin on the outside but stay soft and herby on the inside. They’re easier to make than they look, and the presentation is so impressive your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen (when it’s actually pretty simple!).

4. Ranch Potatoes

For all you ranch lovers out there (and who isn’t?), The Pioneer Woman’s ranch potatoes are a must-try. The crispy potatoes are seasoned with ranch mix and can be served with homemade ranch dressing. They’re seriously addictive!

Vegetable Sides That’ll Make You Actually Want to Eat Your Veggies

5. Brussels Sprouts Two Ways

Brussels sprouts have made a HUGE comeback in recent years, and these two preparations from our sources are amazing with roast chicken:

• Shredded Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: Food & Wine suggests coarsely shredding the sprouts, roasting them until lightly charred, and finishing with Parmesan cheese. The shredding transforms them into feathery bits with just the right amount of cruciferous bite.

• Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Rosemary and Garlic: The Taste of Home recipe uses the air fryer for a quick and easy side that doesn’t take up precious oven space when you’re roasting your chicken.

6. Glazed Carrots (With a Twist!)

Carrots and chicken are a classic pairing, but these recipes take them beyond basic:

• Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese and Honey: Food & Wine elevates carrots by sautéing them with herbs and spices, then glazing them with apple cider vinegar and honey. The finishing touches of goat cheese, more honey, homemade gremolata, and flaky sea salt make these carrots sophisticated enough for company.

• Roasted Carrots with Spring Pesto: The Pioneer Woman’s version tops roasted carrots with a unique pesto made from toasted almonds, fresh mint, and parsley. It’s fresh, bright, and unexpected!

7. Asparagus Options

Asparagus is a springtime favorite that works beautifully with roast chicken:

• Baked Asparagus: Food & Wine suggests baking asparagus with olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and garlic, then coating it with Parmesan butter during the last few minutes for a creamy, luxurious sauce.

• Sautéed Asparagus: The Pioneer Woman offers a quick 15-minute version with butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise: For something more adventurous, try The Pioneer Woman’s spin with homemade cajun hollandaise sauce (regular hollandaise jazzed up with cajun seasoning).

Grain and Rice Sides for a Hearty Meal

8. Perfect Rice Companions

Rice is a natural partner for chicken, and these options add exciting flavors:

• Lemon Mushroom Orzo: Taste of Home offers this side with a pleasant tinge of lemon and a nice crunch from pecans. It can be served hot or chilled!

• Black Beans and Rice: The Pioneer Woman’s version works perfectly with not just Mexican-inspired chicken dishes but also simple roast chicken. It adds protein and fiber to your meal.

9. Couscous Options

Couscous cooks in minutes and soaks up all the delicious chicken juices:

• Couscous Salad: The Pioneer Woman’s colorful salad includes crunchy veggies, sweet pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs. Make it ahead for an even easier dinner.

Comfort Food Sides That’ll Have Everyone Coming Back for Seconds

10. Creamy Casseroles

Casseroles and roast chicken are a match made in comfort food heaven:

• Spinach Casserole: The Pioneer Woman’s casserole improves on creamed spinach by adding a crispy fried onion and panko breadcrumb topping.

• Yellow Squash Casserole: This creamy delight from The Pioneer Woman features mild squash that pairs perfectly with chicken, and the buttery cracker topping makes it memorably delicious.

• Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole: Packed with colorful veggies, Monterey Jack cheese, butter, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, this Pioneer Woman recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

11. Bread and Biscuit Sides

What’s a roast chicken without something to soak up those delicious juices?

• Pepper-Parmesan Biscuits: The Pioneer Woman’s biscuits are perfect for sopping up chicken drippings with their peppery, cheesy flavor.

• Skillet Herb Bread: This Taste of Home recipe evokes the flavors of cornbread stuffing but in bread form – perfect with roast chicken!

Quick and Easy Veggie Sides for Busy Nights

12. Simple Roasted Veggies

When time is tight, these simple sides deliver big flavor with minimal effort:

• Roasted Broccoli: Both Food & Wine and The Pioneer Woman recommend this simple side that can roast alongside your chicken at the same temperature, making dinner prep a breeze.

• Lemon Garlic Mushrooms: Taste of Home suggests basting whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce and grilling them for a simple side that’s ready in just 15 minutes.

13. Green Beans (The Ultimate Chicken Partner)

Green beans are classic with chicken, and these recipes offer delicious variations:

• Green Beans Two Ways: Food & Wine suggests first sautéing green beans in butter and garlic, then simmering them in chicken broth. Fresh herbs and citrus add vibrant flavor.

• Slow Cooker Green Beans: The Pioneer Woman’s hands-free version includes tomatoes and bacon for extra flavor, and works with either fresh or frozen beans.

• Honey Garlic Green Beans: Taste of Home’s sweet and savory green beans get a flavor boost from honey and garlic.

14. Salads That Stand Up to Roast Chicken

A good salad can balance a rich roast chicken dinner:

• Charred Broccolini Caesar with Kale and Chickpeas: Food & Wine’s hearty salad includes smoky charred broccolini and chickpeas that give it enough substance to hold its own alongside chicken.

• Classic Three-Bean Salad: The Pioneer Woman’s customizable bean salad is perfect for picnics with cold chicken or alongside a hot roast.

15. International-Inspired Sides

Take your chicken dinner around the world with these globally-influenced sides:

• Bavarian Potato Salad: Taste of Home’s version uses a dressing made with hot chicken stock and vinegar, plus cornichons, onion, grainy mustard, dill, and crispy bacon bits.

• Couscous and Broccoli: Taste of Home combines two recipes to create this side with pasta and veggies, brightened with a splash of lemon.

Final Thoughts on Pairing Sides with Roast Chicken

When choosing sides for your roast chicken, consider these factors:

• Contrast in textures: If your chicken has crispy skin, maybe go for something creamy like mashed potatoes
• Complementary flavors: Lemon-herb chicken? Pair it with sides that have similar flavor profiles
• Cooking logistics: Choose sides that can cook at the same temperature as your chicken or use different appliances (like the slow cooker or air fryer) to free up oven space
• Season and occasion: Lighter sides in summer, heartier options in winter

I love how a simple roast chicken can be transformed by the sides you choose! Last week I served mine with those Parmesan Brussels sprouts and some garlic mashed potatoes, and my family literally licked their plates clean. (No, seriously, my 5-year-old actually licked the plate until I told him to stop!)

So next time you’re staring at that beautiful golden-brown bird and wondering “what should I serve with roast chicken?”, just come back to this list for inspiration. Your dinner guests (or just your family) will thank you!

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