27 Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Chicken Breast (That’ll Make Your Dinner Shine!)

Look, we’ve all been there. You’ve got some chicken breasts in the fridge, and you’re like “Great! Dinner sorted!” But then comes the hard part – figuring out what on earth to serve alongside that plain ol’ chicken breast to make it feel like a proper meal. I mean, chicken breast is basically a blank canvas, which is both awesome and kinda overwhelming at the same time.

Well, worry no more! I’ve compiled this mega-list of side dishes that’ll transform your simple baked chicken breast into a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. From crispy roasted veggies to creamy potato sides, refreshing salads to hearty grains – we’ve got all the bases covered!

Quick-Fix Salads and Slaws (Ready in 15 Minutes or Less!)

When I’m in a rush but still want something fresh and vibrant alongside my chicken. these quick salads and slaws are my go-to options

1. Greek Pasta Salad – This 15-minute wonder combines farfalle pasta, kalamata olives red onion, tomatoes artichokes, and feta cheese with Greek dressing. The best part? You can make it 24 hours ahead!

2. Cucumber Vinegar Salad – Crunchy cucumber slices, fresh dill, cherry tomatoes, and red onion make this refreshing side perfect for summer meals. If you’re not a dill fan, try basil or parsley instead.

3. Simple Arugula Salad – A quick, unfussy arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette and finished with shaved Parmesan is all you need sometimes

4. Tangy Carrot Slaw – Toss shredded carrots with a Dijon mustard dressing for a vibrant, crunchy side.

5. Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Honey-Lime Dressing – This ain’t your ordinary coleslaw! Sweet crisp apples and a honey-lime dressing make this one special enough to upstage your salad.

6. Tangy Cabbage and Jalapeño Slaw – For a bit of heat, this 5-minute slaw brings crunch and spice to your plate.

Veggie Sides That Can Cook Alongside Your Chicken

One of the things I love about baking chicken breasts is that I can toss some veggies in the oven at the same time. It’s like killing two birds with one stone… wait, that’s a bad analogy for a chicken recipe, isn’t it?

1. Super-Crispy Oven-Baked Asparagus Fries – These crispy, crunchy asparagus spears are all done in the oven and make a fun alternative to regular fries.

2. Garlicky Parmesan Sweet Potatoes – Thick chunks of sweet potato are roasted and then topped with a snowy layer of nutty Parmesan that crisps up under the broiler. YUM!

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Even Brussels sprouts haters might be converted by this simple roasting method that brings out their natural sweetness.

4. Simple Roasted Butternut Squash – Fast, easy, minimal cleanup, and delicious – what more could you want in a side dish?

5. Roasted Potatoes and Onions – This simple combo is seasoned with common spices and tossed in oil for an effortless addition to any meal.

6. Roasted Garlic Bread – Because honestly, who doesn’t love some buttery garlic bread alongside their dinner?

Creamy and Comforting Potato Sides

Let’s be real – potatoes and chicken are basically BFFs. Here are some ways to prepare those tasty tubers:

1. Basic Mashed Potatoes – Sometimes the classics are the best. Pro tip: Heating the milk and butter before adding to your potatoes makes all the difference!

2. Mom’s Scalloped Potatoes – These creamy, layered potatoes have converted many a skeptic. One reviewer said they were “the best scalloped potatoes I have ever made!”

3. Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes – If you’ve got a pressure cooker, these cheesy, creamy sliced potatoes cook up quick and pair perfectly with your chicken.

4. Ranch Roasted Potatoes – Just three ingredients – potatoes, olive oil, and ranch seasoning mix – create a crowd-pleasing side dish.

5. Canned Potatoes – Who knew? Crisp up some canned potatoes for a super fast side when you’re really in a rush.

Grains and Starches for a Filling Meal

When you want something a bit more substantial to round out your dinner:

1. Turmeric Rice – This aromatic, golden rice is packed with flavor from turmeric and other seasonings, ready in under 30 minutes.

2. Perfect Polenta – As Chef John says, “It’s a perfect base for any kind of saucy meat,” including your delicious baked chicken.

3. Butternut Squash Risotto – Creamy and flavorful, this risotto brings sweet roasted squash together with creamy rice for a hearty side.

4. Green Quinoa Tabouleh – This herby quinoa dish works especially well with more seasoned chicken recipes.

Veggie Sides That’ll Steal the Show

Some vegetable sides are just so good they might outshine your main dish (don’t tell the chicken!):

1. Green Beans Almondine – This French-inspired side features crisp-tender green beans tossed with toasted almond slivers, butter, and garlic.

2. Maple Candied Yams – Sweet potatoes tossed with warm spices, maple syrup, crumbled bacon, and chopped pecans make for a sweet-savory combo that’s irresistible.

3. Creamed Corn – This 15-minute side tastes like it took all day to prepare and brings creamy comfort to your plate.

4. Grilled Hearts of Romaine – If it’s grilling season, try this surprising treatment for romaine that gives it a slightly smoky flavor with cool, crisp centers.

5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – Looking for a lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes? This fluffy cauliflower version might just trick your taste buds.

6. Cracker Barrel Fried Apples – For something a little different, these sweet fried apples bring a hint of dessert to your dinner plate.

Tips for Pairing Sides with Chicken Breast

When deciding what sides to serve with your baked chicken breast, keep these tips in mind:

• Consider the flavor profile of your chicken – If your chicken has a specific seasoning theme (like Italian, Mexican, or BBQ), try to match or complement those flavors.

• Aim for variety in textures – If your chicken is simple and tender, add something crunchy or crispy to create contrast.

• Balance your plate – Try to include at least one vegetable side for nutrition and color.

• Think about cooking methods – If your oven is occupied with chicken, maybe opt for stovetop or no-cook sides unless they can bake at the same temperature.

• Prep time matters – Choose sides that will be ready around the same time as your chicken to avoid cold food or timing issues.

My Go-To Weeknight Combo

When I’m super busy but still want a decent homemade meal, my favorite combo is baked chicken breast seasoned with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder, alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and buttery mashed potatoes. Simple, classic, and always satisfying!

Mix and Match for Endless Variety

The beauty of chicken breast is how versatile it is. You can literally pair it with almost anything! I sometimes plan my weekly meals around different chicken + side combos to keep things interesting:

• Monday: Baked chicken with Greek pasta salad
• Tuesday: Same chicken but with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans
• Wednesday: Slice leftover chicken over an arugula salad
• Thursday: Dice leftover chicken and mix with turmeric rice for a quick rice bowl

See what I mean? The possibilities are endless!

Why Baked Chicken Breast Deserves Great Sides

Chicken breast sometimes gets a bad rap for being boring or dry, but when cooked properly and paired with delicious sides, it can be the star of a healthy, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s:

• High in protein
• Low in fat (especially compared to other meat options)
• Super versatile
• Budget-friendly
• Quick to cook

By putting a little extra thought into what you serve alongside your chicken, you can transform this humble protein into meals your family will actually look forward to!

So next time you’re staring at those chicken breasts wondering what to do, just remember this list of side dishes. Mix and match, get creative, and most importantly – enjoy your dinner!

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with baked chicken breast? I’m always looking for new ideas to try in my kitchen!

You can serve chicken breast with a wide variety of sides, including roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and green beans, starchy sides like rice, quinoa, and potatoes, and fresh options such as salads with various toppings and vinaigrettes. For a different meal style, you can also use chicken breast in fajitas, tacos, or sandwiches.