Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken soup on a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather But sometimes, soup alone isn’t quite enough to make a satisfying meal That’s where great side dishes come in! As someone who’s made countless soup dinners, I’ve experimented with many different pairings and found some absolute winners.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite things to serve with chicken soup that will transform your simple soup into a complete, comforting meal. From crusty breads to fresh salads and hearty sides, these pairings will elevate your soup experience!
Why Pair Sides with Chicken Soup?
Before diving into specific sides, let’s talk about why pairing is important
- A bowl of soup alone might not be filling enough
- Side dishes add different textures and flavors
- The right pairing creates a balanced, satisfying meal
- It helps you get more nutrients in your diet
- Makes soup night more exciting and varied!
Bread and Sandwich Pairings
Bread is probably the most classic pairing with chicken soup, and for good reason! Here are some of my favorite bread-based sides:
1. Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect contrast to soft, brothy soup. The garlicky flavor complements the mild taste of chicken soup beautifully. Plus, you can dip it right into your soup for an extra flavor boost!
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Is there anything more comforting than a grilled cheese sandwich with soup? The melty cheese and crispy bread make a perfect dunking partner. You can keep it simple with just cheese or add ham or turkey for extra protein.
3. Pretzel Bread
Pretzel bread has a unique, slightly salty flavor that works wonderfully with chicken soup. The chewy texture is satisfying and stands up well to dipping in broth.
4. Cornbread
Sweet, crumbly cornbread is another fantastic option to serve alongside chicken soup. The slightly sweet flavor creates a nice contrast with the savory soup. Try making it with jalapeños or cheese for extra flavor!
5. Dinner Rolls
Fresh, warm dinner rolls are simple but delicious with chicken soup. Brush them with butter and sprinkle with herbs for an extra special touch.
6. Texas Toast
Texas toast is next level! Thick, crispy, buttery, and full of garlic flavor—it’s one of the best sides ever for soup. The substantial size makes it perfect for dipping.
Fresh and Crisp Salads
Balance the warmth and comfort of chicken soup with something fresh and crisp:
7. Simple Side Salad
A basic green salad with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette dressing adds freshness to your meal. The cool, crisp texture contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
8. Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture that complements creamy chicken soup. The cabbage and carrots add a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the broth.
9. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad makes a hearty side that pairs surprisingly well with chicken soup. The combination feels like a complete, satisfying meal.
Veggie Sides
Add some nutrition and color to your meal with these vegetable sides:
10. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add nutrition and hearty flavor. Roasting brings out natural sweetness that complements chicken soup beautifully.
11. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fun, slightly healthier alternative to regular fries and add some easy bulk to your soup meal. They’re especially popular with kids!
12. Baked Zucchini
Crispy baked zucchini is a lighter side that pairs well with chicken soup. Season with Parmesan cheese and your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
13. Air Fryer Asparagus
Crunchy asparagus made in the air fryer is perfect for people who want a healthier side with their soup. Quick to make and delicious!
Savory Snacks and Appetizers
These savory bites make perfect accompaniments to chicken soup:
14. Cheese Rollups (Pinwheels)
Cheese rollups made with tortillas and cream cheese make a fun, handheld side for soup. You can customize them with different fillings like ham, turkey, or vegetables.
15. Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings provide a nice textural contrast to chicken soup. The savory, slightly sweet flavor of onions complements the soup beautifully.
16. Potato Puffs
Potato puffs (or tater tots) are a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults love. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping in soup.
17. Fried Pickles
Fried pickles add a tangy, crunchy element that contrasts with the mild flavors of chicken soup. The vinegary taste is especially refreshing.
International Flavors
For something a bit different, try these international-inspired sides:
18. Potstickers
Potstickers or dumplings make a fantastic side for chicken soup. They’re crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. You can even find frozen ones that cook up quickly!
19. Egg Rolls
Crunchy egg rolls with chicken and vegetables make a hearty side dish for soup. They soften slightly when dipped in the soup, creating a delicious texture contrast.
20. Falafel
Falafel adds a Mediterranean flair to your chicken soup meal. These spiced chickpea fritters provide protein and a unique flavor profile.
How to Choose the Right Side Dish
When deciding what to serve with your chicken soup, consider these factors:
- Texture contrast: If your soup is very brothy, something with crunch or chew works well.
- Flavor balance: Mild soups benefit from sides with bolder flavors.
- Heartiness: Consider how filling your soup is—lighter soups may need more substantial sides.
- Occasion: For casual lunches, simple sides like crackers work fine; for dinner, more substantial sides like sandwiches might be better.
- Dietary needs: Consider any dietary restrictions when choosing your sides.
Creating a Complete Meal
Here are some winning combinations I love:
- Classic comfort meal: Chicken noodle soup + grilled cheese sandwich + simple side salad
- Light but satisfying: Chicken soup + garlic bread + roasted vegetables
- Kid-friendly option: Chicken soup + potato puffs + cheese rollups
- Global fusion: Chicken soup + potstickers + stir-fried vegetables
Tips for Serving
- Serve soup in pre-warmed bowls to keep it hot longer
- Place bread items in a cloth-lined basket to keep them warm
- Offer a variety of sides for family meals so everyone can choose their favorites
- For entertaining, set up a “soup bar” with the soup and various sides for guests to choose from
FAQ About Chicken Soup Pairings
Q: What’s the easiest side dish to serve with chicken soup?
A: Crackers or a slice of bread are the simplest options that require no preparation.
Q: What’s a good vegetable to serve with chicken soup?
A: Roasted vegetables, a side salad, or baked zucchini all pair beautifully with chicken soup.
Q: How can I make my chicken soup meal more filling?
A: Add a substantial side like a sandwich, cornbread, or potato dish to make it more satisfying.
Q: What’s a good side for chicken soup when someone is sick?
A: Stick with simple sides like toast, crackers, or a light salad that won’t overwhelm someone with a reduced appetite.
Final Thoughts
Chicken soup is truly the ultimate comfort food, and pairing it with the right side dishes can transform it from a simple starter to a memorable meal. Whether you prefer something crunchy like garlic bread, something fresh like a salad, or something hearty like a grilled cheese sandwich, there’s a perfect pairing for every soup and every occasion.
I hope these suggestions inspire you to try some new combinations next time you make chicken soup! What’s your favorite thing to serve with chicken soup? I’d love to hear your ideas too!
Now I’m craving a bowl of chicken soup with some crusty garlic bread… might have to make that for dinner tonight!
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Nothing evokes the feeling of home more than a warm and hearty chicken noodle soup. It’s like a hug in a bowl. However, have you ever asked yourself what to serve with chicken noodle soup to further enhance this culinary delight? Here are all the food combinations with chicken noodle soup you are missing out on.
Desserts that Go Well with Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s always room for dessert, isn’t there? Here are our top 3 dessert recommendations to finish your meal on a high note.
- Apple Crumb Cake: Sweet, crispy crumbs on the outside and soft on the inside – our apple crumb cake might be the best kind of apple cake you’ve ever tasted. Its the ideal sweet dessert to follow the chicken noodle soup.
- Cheesecake: Our tangy cheese cream, crispy graham crackers and drizzle of vanilla are guaranteed to make your mouth water. Paired with chicken noodle soup, this not-so-sweet dessert will have you feeling both full and satisfied.
- Medovyk: Pace yourself – Medovyk looks good and tastes even better. The light, fluffy batter is sweetened with honey and served with slightly tangy sour cream. The added walnut makes for an enticing texture contrast. You wouldnt want to say no to wrapping up your meal with a Medovyk.
Whether you choose to have pierogi, beef stroganoff, kielbasa, chicken paprikash, meat stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, challah bread or a sweet treat with chicken noodle soup, the choice is yours. Each food combination provides a unique twist, so we recommend you try them out and determine what works best for you. Secure Veselka’s chicken noodle soup today to start tasting all its delectable food combinations!
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