13 Mouthwatering Side Dishes That Make Rotisserie Chicken Even Better

Let’s be real – grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is one of life’s greatest hacks. It’s juicy ready-to-eat, and saves you from having to turn on the oven when you’re exhausted after work. But what’s a good side dish for rotisserie chicken? That’s the million-dollar question!

I’ve been there – standing in my kitchen with a delicious rotisserie chicken on the counter and absolutely zero idea what to serve with it. After years of experimentation (and some definite misses), I’ve compiled this list of 13 incredible side dishes that will transform your store-bought bird into a feast worthy of company.

Why Rotisserie Chicken Deserves Amazing Sides

Before we dive into the sides, let’s appreciate what we’re working with. Rotisserie chicken is:

• Already perfectly seasoned and cooked
• Incredibly versatile (works with almost any flavor profile)
• Budget-friendly (usually under $10)
• Ready in zero minutes (unless you count the drive home)

With a canvas this good, your sides can really shine! Let’s explore the options that’ll make your rotisserie chicken dinner absolutely unforgettable

Potato-Based Sides (Because Potatoes and Chicken are BFFs)

1. Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes

There’s something magical about potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside These lemon herb roasted potatoes bring brightness to complement the savory chicken perfectly

What makes them special: The addition of fresh lemon juice gives these potatoes a zing that cuts through the richness of the chicken. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley elevate this from basic side to restaurant-quality dish.

Difficulty level: Easy (just toss and roast!)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

2. Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Why mash when you can smash? These crispy-edged, garlic-infused potatoes will have everyone fighting for seconds.

The technique is simple: boil baby potatoes until tender, smash them gently on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan, then roast until crispy. The contrast between the creamy inside and crispy outside is UNREAL.

3. Buttered Egg Noodles

Sometimes the simplest sides are the most satisfying. Buttered egg noodles take just 15 minutes from start to finish and provide the perfect canvas for soaking up rotisserie chicken juices.

Toss hot egg noodles with butter, a splash of chicken broth, chopped parsley, and a bit of garlic powder. It’s comfort food at its finest and easiest!

Fresh and Vibrant Veggie Sides

4. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Green beans don’t have to be boring! These garlic parmesan green beans come together in just 15 minutes and add a pop of color to your plate.

Quick recipe: Blanch fresh green beans for 3 minutes, then sauté with minced garlic and olive oil. Finish with grated parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.

What I love about this side is how the crisp-tender texture of the beans contrasts with the tender rotisserie chicken. Plus, the garlic and parmesan flavors complement rather than compete with the chicken’s seasoning.

5. Honey Glazed Carrots

Carrots might be underrated, but these honey glazed carrots deserve a spotlight. The natural sweetness of carrots gets amplified with a simple honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Main ingredients: Carrots, honey, butter, thyme
Flavor profile: Sweet and savory
Difficulty: Super easy (even my cooking-challenged brother can make these!)
Time needed: 20 minutes

6. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Even brussels sprouts haters will be converted by this dish! The combination of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and caramelized brussels sprouts is basically unbeatable.

The smoky bacon complements the rotisserie chicken perfectly, while the maple adds a subtle sweetness that balances out any bitterness from the sprouts. It’s a textural wonderland – crispy, chewy, and tender all in one bite.

Salads That Stand Up to Rotisserie Chicken

7. Cranberry Walnut Salad

A good salad can turn a simple rotisserie chicken into a complete meal. This cranberry walnut salad brings crunch, sweetness, and tanginess to the table.

What’s in it: Mixed greens, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, and a simple vinaigrette
Why it works: The sweetness of the cranberries and the crunch of the walnuts create interesting texture contrasts with the tender chicken

It’s also super adaptable – add avocado for creaminess or swap the feta for goat cheese if that’s more your style.

8. Caprese Pasta Salad

When you want something a bit more substantial, this Caprese pasta salad delivers big time. It combines the classic flavors of Caprese (tomato, mozzarella, basil) with pasta for a hearty side.

We love this one for summer dinners on the patio! The fresh flavors complement rotisserie chicken beautifully, and the dish can be served cold or at room temperature – perfect for those hot days when you definitely don’t want to cook.

Comfort Food Sides That Steal the Show

9. Wild Rice Pilaf

There’s something about the nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice that makes it feel special occasion-worthy, even on a random Tuesday.

Flavor boosters: Add dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and fresh herbs
Make-ahead friendly: This can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated
Difficulty: Medium (requires some attention while cooking)
Time needed: 40 minutes

The earthy flavor of wild rice creates a beautiful foundation for the seasoned rotisserie chicken to shine. Plus, it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest family members.

10. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Looking for something indulgent? This cheesy cauliflower gratin is basically mac and cheese’s sophisticated cousin. It’s rich, creamy, and has a crispy breadcrumb topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

The cauliflower provides a lighter base than pasta while still delivering on comfort food vibes. The cheese sauce (we recommend using a sharp cheddar and gruyère blend) adds decadence that transforms your simple rotisserie chicken dinner into something special.

11. Skillet Cornbread

There’s something magical about freshly baked cornbread alongside rotisserie chicken. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread complements the savory, juicy chicken in the most delightful way.

Pro tip: Bake it in a cast iron skillet for those perfect crispy edges everyone fights over. Serve it warm with honey butter for an extra special touch.

Quick and Easy Side Options

12. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

When you need something fast but impressive, these balsamic roasted brussels sprouts deliver. The balsamic vinegar caramelizes in the oven, creating an amazing sweet-tangy glaze.

Cooking method: Roast halved brussels sprouts at 425°F for about 20 minutes, then toss with balsamic glaze
Flavor profile: Tangy, slightly sweet, with caramelized edges
Pairs well with: Any rotisserie chicken, but especially good with classic herb-seasoned varieties

13. Creamed Spinach

For a quick, rich side that feels fancy, creamed spinach is hard to beat. It’s creamy, garlicky, and adds a beautiful pop of green to your plate.

The best part? It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish and requires minimal ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rotisserie chicken and adds a luxurious element to your meal.

Mix and Match for the Perfect Meal

One of the best things about rotisserie chicken is its versatility. You can mix and match these sides based on:

• Season: Lighter salads in summer, heartier comfort foods in winter
• Dietary needs: Plenty of low-carb options (cauliflower gratin, roasted veggies) or gluten-free choices
• Time available: Some sides take just 15 minutes, others need a bit more love
• Mood: Sometimes you want healthy, sometimes you need comfort food!

I usually pick one starch-based side and one veggie side for a balanced meal. For example, buttered egg noodles + balsamic brussels sprouts makes an incredible combo that pleases everyone at my table.

Tips for Elevating Your Rotisserie Chicken Dinner

Want to take your meal to the next level? Try these tips:

1. Warm the chicken: A cold rotisserie chicken isn’t as appealing. Wrap it in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes before serving.

2. Make a quick pan sauce: While your sides cook, simmer some chicken broth with a splash of white wine, a knob of butter, and whatever herbs you have on hand. Drizzle over both chicken and sides.

3. Garnish thoughtfully: Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of good finishing salt makes everything taste better.

4. Consider texture: The best meals have a mix of creamy, crispy, and fresh elements.

Final Thoughts

A rotisserie chicken doesn’t have to be a boring convenience meal. With the right sides, it can be transformed into a feast that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, you might have spent 20 minutes tops).

My personal favorite combo is the lemon herb roasted potatoes with garlic parmesan green beans – it’s colorful, balanced, and always impresses. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these sides!

Happy eating!

Rotisserie chicken pairs well with classic comforting sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. You can also opt for fresh, lighter options such as green salad, roasted vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts), or a simple coleslaw or potato salad. For a faster meal, consider quick-cooking sides like green beans or serve with a bread basket and a simple side salad.