15 Mouthwatering Sides That Go Perfectly With Breaded Chicken

Ever stood in your kitchen staring at that beautifully golden breaded chicken and thought, “Now what?” We’ve all been there! Breaded chicken is amazing on its own, but pair it with the right sides and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds

I’ve spent years perfecting my breaded chicken game and along the way I’ve discovered some truly fantastic side dishes that complement those crispy, juicy pieces of heaven. Whether you’re serving up chicken tenders, schnitzel, or katsu, these sides will take your meal from good to absolutely spectacular!

Why the Right Side Matters

Before diving into our list let’s talk about why pairing matters. Breaded chicken has that wonderful crispy exterior and tender juicy interior. The ideal sides should either

• Complement the texture (creamy sides against crispy chicken)
• Add freshness to balance the richness
• Provide contrasting flavors that enhance the chicken
• Bring color and variety to your plate

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the sides that’ll make your breaded chicken shine!

Top 15 Sides for Breaded Chicken

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy breaded chicken and fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth texture perfectly contrasts the crunchy coating of the chicken.

For extra flavor, try:

• Adding roasted garlic
• Mixing in some Parmesan cheese
• Topping with chives or green onions

Mashed potatoes also make the perfect vehicle for soaking up any gravy or sauce you might serve with your chicken!

2. Tangy Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy coleslaw provides brightness and freshness alongside breaded chicken. The tangy cabbage and carrots cut through the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a balanced bite every time.

I like to make mine with:

• Shredded cabbage and carrots
• A light dressing with vinegar, mayo, and a touch of sugar
• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley

Pro tip: Make your coleslaw at least an hour ahead of time to let the flavors meld together!

3. Macaroni and Cheese

For the ultimate comfort food combo, homemade mac and cheese is unbeatable. The cheesy, creamy pasta creates a rich side dish that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

My secret to amazing mac and cheese:

• Use a blend of cheeses (sharp cheddar, gruyere, and a touch of cream cheese)
• Add a crispy breadcrumb topping
• Bake until golden and bubbly

Kids and adults alike go crazy for this pairing!

4. Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, creating depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with breaded chicken. Try a medley of zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and Brussels sprouts for a colorful and nutritious side.

The key to perfect roasted veggies:

• Cut pieces to similar sizes for even cooking
• Toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs
• Roast at high heat (425°F) for that perfect char

5. Rice Pilaf

Fluffy rice pilaf soaks up any sauce and provides a neutral base that lets the chicken shine. Build in herbs, vegetables, or broth flavors to complement your specific chicken seasoning.

A simple but delicious rice pilaf includes:

• Toasted rice cooked in broth instead of water
• Sautéed onions and garlic
• A mix of herbs like thyme and parsley

6. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes add a bit of sweetness that balances the savory breaded chicken. Toss them in herbs or spices, then roast until tender for a nutritious and colorful side dish.

Try them:

• Cut into wedges with rosemary and garlic
• Loaded with butter and cinnamon for a sweeter option
• Mashed with a touch of maple syrup

7. Caesar Salad with Parmesan Croutons

A crisp Caesar salad provides freshness and a wonderful texture contrast. The garlicky dressing and parmesan croutons echo the savory notes in your breaded chicken.

For an impressive Caesar:

• Make your own dressing with fresh garlic and anchovies
• Add homemade crunchy croutons
• Shave parmesan over the top just before serving

8. Garlic Bread

Buttery, garlicky bread fills the house with amazing aromas and provides another crunchy texture to complement your chicken. It’s perfect for dipping in any pan juices or sauces.

My simple garlic bread formula:

• Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a touch of salt
• Spread on sliced Italian or French bread
• Broil until golden and bubbling

9. Corn on the Cob

In summer, grilled corn on the cob served with breaded chicken makes for a fun, hands-on meal. Slather with compound butter for extra richness and flavor.

Kick your corn up a notch:

• Grill it in the husks for a smoky flavor
• Brush with lime butter and sprinkle with chili powder
• Roll in parmesan cheese after buttering

10. Potato Wedges

Crispy baked potato wedges match the texture of breaded chicken while adding another dimension to your meal. Season simply with salt and pepper or get creative with spicy seasonings.

For perfect wedges:

• Soak cut potatoes in cold water before cooking
• Dry thoroughly before seasoning
• Bake at high heat, turning halfway through

11. Creamy Quinoa Pilaf

For a lighter, protein-packed alternative to rice, try a quinoa pilaf. Its fluffy texture and mild flavor provide a great canvas for herbs and vegetables.

I love to make mine with:

• Toasted quinoa cooked in vegetable broth
• Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic
• Fresh herbs like basil and parsley stirred in at the end

12. Green Beans

Fresh green beans make a super healthy side dish that goes well with any meal, including breaded chicken. Smothered green beans add a sweet and savory taste to your chicken time.

Try them:

• Sautéed with garlic and bacon bits
• Roasted with olive oil until slightly charred
• Steamed and tossed with toasted almonds and lemon zest

13. Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens balance fried food with pleasant bitterness. Their richness pairs well with herb-seasoned or spicy breaded chicken for a southern-inspired meal.

My collard greens recipe includes:

• Sautéed onions and garlic as a flavor base
• A splash of vinegar for brightness
• Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

14. Lemon Butter Asparagus

Asparagus brings elegance to your breaded chicken meal. When roasted or sautéed with lemon and butter, it provides a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich chicken.

For perfect asparagus:

• Trim the woody ends
• Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Roast until tender-crisp
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a pat of butter

15. Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey bring color and natural sweetness to your plate. They’re a kid-friendly option that still feels sophisticated.

To make them special:

• Use multicolored carrots if available
• Add a dash of cinnamon or ginger
• Finish with fresh herbs like thyme or dill

Putting Together a Complete Meal

When planning your breaded chicken dinner, I like to include 3-4 complementary sides to provide a nice variety of flavors, textures, colors, and nutrition.

A well-rounded meal might include:

• Your perfectly cooked breaded chicken
• A starchy side like mashed potatoes or rice
• A vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts or a salad
• A bread like rolls or cornbread

Mix and match from the list above based on what’s in season, what you’re craving, and how much time you have!

Final Thoughts

Breaded chicken deserves sides with just as much craveable flavor and texture. With so many options for creamy, crispy, hearty, fresh, and comforting pairings, you can create amazing meals any day of the week.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite breaded chicken meals. Then sit down to a well-deserved feast! After all, crispy chicken tastes even better when the sides are just as good.

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

Serve breaded chicken with classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and biscuits, or opt for lighter options like coleslaw, green beans, and fresh salads for a balanced meal. Other popular choices include baked beans, cornbread, fried okra, and various roasted or sauteed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, and sweet potatoes.

Good sides for chicken include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts, rice or pasta dishes, and salads such as a classic green salad or a refreshing coleslaw.