15 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli in 2025

Are you staring at that plate of chicken and broccoli thinking, “This needs something more”? We’ve all been there! That classic combo is healthy and delicious, but sometimes it just needs a little something extra to make dinner truly exciting

I’ve spent years experimenting with different side dishes to complement this classic pairing, and today I’m sharing my absolute favorites. Whether you’re making a simple stir-fry or a creamy chicken broccoli casserole, these side dishes will elevate your meal from basic to brilliant!

Why Chicken and Broccoli Need the Perfect Side Dish

Chicken and broccoli is already a winning combination – protein-packed chicken with nutrient-rich broccoli makes for a healthy main dish But adding the right side dish can

• Balance flavors and textures
• Add complementary nutrients
• Make the meal more satisfying
• Bring color and excitement to your plate

Let’s dive into the best side dishes that’ll make your chicken and broccoli shine!

Grain-Based Side Dishes

1. Buttery Rice Pilaf

There’s something magical about buttery rice pilaf alongside chicken and broccoli. Made with long-grain rice cooked in broth and butter, this side dish offers a rich taste and fluffy texture that perfectly soaks up any sauce from your main dish.

Why it works: The velvety, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the chicken and broccoli, while each delicate grain of rice melts in your mouth with that lingering buttery flavor.

2. Lemon Herb Quinoa

For a healthier grain option, lemon herb quinoa brings a zesty kick to the table. This protein-packed alternative to rice is light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

How to make it: Cook quinoa according to package directions, then mix in fresh lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and herbs like parsley and cilantro. Simple, tasty, done!

3. Orzo with Lemon and Dill

Orzo with lemon and dill is my go-to when I want something a bit more elegant. The lemon zest brightens every bite, while the dill brings an herbal note that just works with chicken and broccoli.

This dish combines simplicity with a zest that keeps me coming back for more. It’s refreshing, light, and pairs wonderfully without much effort.

4. Couscous with Dried Fruits

For a sweet and savory twist, try couscous with dried fruits. Using couscous as the base, add chopped dried apricots, raisins, and almonds with a drizzle of honey for a delightful flavor combo.

The sweetness from the dried fruits contrasts with the nuttiness of the almonds, creating a balanced bite that complements the savory chicken and broccoli beautifully.

Potato & Vegetable Sides

5. Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Nothing beats the appeal of crispy, golden roasted potatoes alongside chicken and broccoli. These hearty potatoes soak up any sauce or juices from your main dish, delivering a perfect blend of textures.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes first, then rough them up a bit before roasting with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.

6. Baked Sweet Potatoes

For a healthier option with natural sweetness, baked sweet potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to savory chicken and broccoli. They’re nutritious, flavorful, and super versatile.

You can go sweet by adding butter and brown sugar, or keep it savory with just salt and butter. Either way, they complement the casserole beautifully!

7. Cheese Garlic Mashed Potatoes

No comfort food meal is complete without creamy mashed potatoes! Adding garlic and melty cheese takes them to the next level, creating a fluffy, buttery side that’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors in your chicken and broccoli.

8. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

We LOVE this side dish with its crispy edges and tender interior. Roasted cauliflower florets with grated Parmesan, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper create a rich, savory flavor with nutty Parmesan notes.

It’s like our taste buds just won the lottery with every crunchy bite!

Fresh & Light Sides

9. Garden Salad

Sometimes the perfect accompaniment is a simple garden salad. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies dressed with a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the heartier chicken and broccoli.

Quick idea: Try a Greek vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing to add extra flavor dimension!

10. Tomato Basil Salad

Let’s talk about flavor explosions with minimal effort! This fresh and vibrant salad combines cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella balls, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

The sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes with herbal basil zing and creamy mozzarella create a punchy, colorful salad that takes just minutes to prepare.

11. Avocado and Mango Salad

For something a little different, try an avocado and mango salad. This dynamic duo brings creamy and sweet flavors together in one bite, with red onion for crunch and lime juice for tanginess.

It’s quick, straightforward, and adds gorgeous color to your plate. This has become my personal favorite for summer BBQs!

Bread & Comfort Food Sides

12. Pesto Garlic Bread

A crunchy, golden exterior and a warm, garlicky interior makes garlic bread an ideal complement to chicken and broccoli. Adding pesto and parmesan takes it to the next level, delivering the perfect balance of crunch and softness with every bite.

13. Baked Mac and Cheese

Sometimes you just need to embrace comfort food! Indulge in creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese alongside your chicken and broccoli for an extra layer of indulgence.

This is especially good when serving chicken broccoli casserole – the creamy textures play off each other beautifully.

14. Cornbread Muffins

These warm, slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This classic Southern bread rounds out your chicken broccoli experience beautifully and is always a hit with the whole family!

15. Homemade Dinner Rolls

Soft and buttery dinner rolls are the perfect match for just about any meal at our house. There’s nothing like tearing into a warm, fresh-baked roll to soak up all the goodness from your chicken and broccoli dish.

Quick Reference: Side Dish Pairings at a Glance

Here’s a handy table showing some of our top recommendations with their main ingredients and flavor profiles:

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Side Dish

When deciding what to serve with your chicken and broccoli, consider these factors:

1. Contrast in textures – If your chicken and broccoli is soft, add something crunchy like roasted potatoes
2. Complementary flavors – Creamy sides work well with simply seasoned chicken
3. Time constraints – Some sides like salads come together in minutes, while others need more time
4. Nutritional balance – If you want a super healthy meal, choose whole grains or additional veggies
5. Occasion – Casual family dinner? Mac and cheese might be perfect. Special occasion? Maybe go for something more elegant like orzo with lemon and dill

My Personal Favorites

If I had to pick my top three side dishes for chicken and broccoli, they would be:

1. Buttery rice pilaf – It’s my go-to for soaking up sauces and providing that perfect base
2. Garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower – The flavor combination is unbeatable!
3. Avocado mango salad – The freshness cuts through richer chicken dishes beautifully

Final Thoughts

Chicken and broccoli is a versatile main dish that can be elevated with the right side dishes. Whether you prefer grains, veggies, salads, or bread, there’s something on this list that will complement your meal perfectly.

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chicken and broccoli? I’d love to hear about your combinations in the comments below!

Next time you’re staring at that plate of chicken and broccoli wondering what else to add, remember this list and turn that simple meal into something spectacular. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

Happy cooking!