Fried Chicken Sides – What is fried chicken without the perfect sides? So get ready to be amazed by these must-have sides, from casseroles and dips to biscuits and cakes. And this collection takes any cookout from so-so to extraordinary!
Let’s admit it, side dishes complete every meal, putting soul-satisfying goodness on your plate. Digging into a fried chicken is already amazing enough, but serving it with delicious mouthwatering sides takes it to a whole other level.
So give your already mighty fried chicken new life and turn it into an even fancier lunch or dinner. Oh yes! Let’s fill your table with your choice of these 30 amazing fried chicken sides.
FAQs
You want easy-to-pack sides that are mess-free and eatable even without utensils. Coleslaw, mayo-free potato or pasta salad, and a big batch of lemonade make any picnic with fried chicken a classic.
Light veggies that balance hearty fried chicken round out a complete meal. Corn on the cob is a classic, but so are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrot salad, and mashed potato.
If you want a traditional Southern fried chicken meal, whip up some biscuits or cornbread, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cole slaw. You could also include collard greens with bacon.😉
Fantastic Casseroles That Go With Fried Chicken
1. Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
The best breakfast casserole recipe ever! Frozen hash browns, eggs, sausage, and cheese make an incredibly easy recipe for breakfast or brunch. Indeed, a make-ahead crowd-pleaser. 😉
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole – easy make-head breakfast casserole with tender hashbrown and bacon in a creamy cheesy sauce baked until hot and bubbly. A delicious holiday or lazy days’ breakfast or brunch for the whole family!
2. Jalapeno Corn Casserole
If you want a touch of heat on the side of your crispy fried chicken wings, this casserole is your go-to! Try a creamy jalapenos corn casserole ramped up with cream cheese and cheddar, bringing you a rich, hearty flavor. And it’s perfect for potlucks too! 👌
A flavorful twist on corn casserole with garlic , jalapeños , bell pepper and onion – So uplifting, satisfying and a must for your thanksgiving table.
3. Yellow Squash Casserole
A casserole with an oh-so-amazing element boasts yellow squash. And the amazing taste and pleasing color make it even better because yellow means happy, right? This outstanding dish will surely awe your family. 🤩
Yellow Squash Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and a magnificent stand-alone or comforting side. Golden squash smothered in a rich cheese sauce.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Unmatchable, creamy, and so appealing – this fried chicken side is especially popular for holidays. And it’s super easy to make because it uses basic ingredients for one favorite casserole. ❤️
Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish staple. Made from scratch with homemade cream of mushroom soup and tender-crisp green beans topped with more crispy fried onions. Watch it fly off the table!
5. Southern Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? You’ll surely love this Southern-style mac and cheese more for its extra creaminess and kick of heat. The added crusty crumb toppings are such a delightful experience. Plus, the combination of various types of cheese makes it absolutely delicious. 👌
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is super creamy, cheesy, soulful baked mac and cheese filled with great Southern flavors topped with crispy bread crumb. You will never break open a box again!
Fried Chicken Side Salads
6. Southern Potato Salad
When most people think of fried chicken, Southern Potato Salad also comes to mind. It’s a classic, full of creaminess, tanginess, and deliciousness. I can’t imagine a family reunion without this deliciousness next to my fried chicken.
This SOUTHERN POTATO SALAD is creamy delicious with a perfect ratio of sweet relish, celery, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and Creole seasoning for a little kick. A classic Southern potato dish with few simple ingredients that is a must-have for potlucks or family dinners!
7. Bacon Broccoli Salad
This refreshing salad beats everything with its wonderful taste. Honestly, are you worried about healthy if you’re enjoying fried chicken? Even so, this broccoli salad can ease the guilt with good nutrition topped with crunchy bacon bits. You’ll surely fall in love with this crunchy-creamy combo in a heartbeat. 😍
Freshen up in this perfectly balanced meal filled with the pleasant crunch of broccoli, the tartness of dried cranberries, and, of course, bacon. So vibrant and fresh, and it comes with a gloriously sweet and tangy dressing made with honey, mayonnaise, and white wine vinegar. Such a crowd-pleaser side dish perfect for picnics and potlucks. ❤
8. Avocado Corn Salad
Serve this deliciousness with your fried chicken and watch it disappear. The smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, tomatoes, and perfect dressing make it bright and flavorful. And it’s refreshing, whatever the weather. 😉
Avocado Corn Salad is delightfully refreshing and alive with flavor and textures! This distinctive salad is summer in a bowl! Fresh corn unites with creamy avocado and tangy lime and lemon juices to form the perfect summer indulgence!
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw provides fresh and lively flavors that will make you want to lick your plate clean. Top your fried chicken sandwich with it because it’s a match made in heaven. This sweet and sour veggie combo of cabbages and carrots is irresistible.
Sweet, tangy, and with just a touch of spiciness, this incredible coleslaw is a fantastic flavorful alternative to your usual creamy coleslaw. Sliced almonds or roasted nuts top it off for added crunch. It’s truly the perfect side to anything off the grill!
Deliciously Carb-Rich Sides for Fried Chicken
10. Trinidad Corn Pie
Since fried chicken is a favorite comfort food, why not make it double comforting? This easy-to-make Trinidadian pie is loaded with tons of flavor and a touch of heat. But you can easily customize this fantastic recipe, too.
Trinidad Corn Pie – An Irresistible Corn Casserole loaded with tons of flavor and a little heat . A must make for the holidays.
11. Seasoned Rice
Nothing is as gracious as a table with fried chicken in the center and seasoned rice on the side. This rice dish is bursting with buttery-herby-savory taste, making it the ultimate family-friendly food that’s cheap and effortless. Yum!
Quick and easy Seasoned Rice dish bursting with amazing flavors from herbs and spices. Buttery, herby, and savory side dish that can be eaten on its own and goes pretty well with anything, too. The ultimate comfort food that is perfect for the whole family! Plus, it requires very minimal effort and doesn’t cost as much.
12. Creamed Corn
You’ll also love this creamy version if you’re a corn lover. The best part is that you can make this recipe with frozen or canned whole-kernel corn. Then mix it with butter, milk, cream, and your favorite spices, and you have an epic side for your fried chicken in less than 20 minutes. 👌
Creamed Corn is a quick and comforting side dish with fresh off-the-cob corn, butter, milk, and cream with savory garlic and a kick of spice.
13. Dirty Rice
What??? Ok, it’s not dirty and doesn’t have dirt, just a Cajun classic with a soul-satisfying taste. Rice mixed with ground beef, bacon, and spices, including the ever-delicious Cajun’s holy trinity, is so satisfying.
This classic soul food recipe has been around for centuries, proving it has passed the test of time. An incredibly tasty one-pot rice meal made from scratch with aromatics, Creole spices, ground beef, chicken livers, and bacon.
14. Corn on the Cob
Ultra sensational and classic! Corn on the cob is the first thing that comes into mind when biting into fried chicken legs. Summer is my favorite because it’s the season when the corn tastes the best for these sweet and juicy gold kernels coated with butter and salt. Agreed?
The perfect addition to your all-time favorite gameday recipes! Sweet corn soaked in buttermilk, coated with a highly-seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, and then fried to perfection is amazing. Serve it with ranch dressing for a delicious Cajun treat!
15. Skillet Cornbread
Enjoy the light, crumbly texture with this golden fluffy skillet cornbread. It’s a fantastic fried chicken side that will disappear so fast it will make your head spin.😉 Mix dry and wet ingredients, pour, bake, and there you go! 😍
Skillet Cornbread – super moist, buttery cornbread with a perfect crumb and crispy edges. It has the right balance of sweet and tang then baked to perfection in a skillet. A great accompaniment to any fried dishes or soups and stews. It’s even great as snacks, too!
16. Succotash
Level up any feast, weeknight, or family dinner with this delicious veggie side dish made with a corn, bean, and seasoning medley. It’s flavorful because corn, lima beans, red bell peppers, sweet onions, and cherry tomatoes are crazy good together.
Succotash – a healthy and easy side dish that features summer’s favorite fresh produce with a little touch of heat for flavor. A wholesome dish to go with your favorite grilled meat or a centerpiece for any meal. Healthy, easy and budget-friendly!
Potato Sides Perfect for Fried Chicken
17. Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are great, yes! But roast garlic added to the mix is even better. That added kick of extra savory roasted garlic is what the word delicious is all about. Try this recipe with oven-fried chicken for the win!
Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, fluffy and Flavor-packed, super easy to make and full of savory, delicious roasted garlic flavor! A perfect side dish for any protein meal and a must have side dish for the holidays.
18. Baked Crispy Potato Wedges
Another famous potato side dish that makes fried chicken meal stand out is baked crispy potato wedges. Enjoy biting into its crispy, savory-crusted exterior and tender interior. A cheap family favorite combo you can enjoy anytime. 🤩
Baked Crispy Potato Wedges are perfectly tender on the inside and just the right amount of crisp on the outside. They’re healthy, light, and and a cinch to make.
19. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
If you want the side dish that’s a guaranteed hit at every gathering, then crispy roasted fingerling potatoes are it. Deliciously appealing potatoes, roasted until mouth and belly-satisfying, is always a winner.
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes are buttery, crispy, and packed with fresh, herby, spicy flavors for your new go-to potato side dish.
20. Seasoned Fries
French fries are one of the most famous snacks or side dishes worldwide. And it’s even better when seasoned, resulting in various flavor explosions. Seasoned Fries can be homemade with your own seasoning blend – spicy, salty, and savory.👌
These Seasoned Fries are way better than those you order from the restaurant. Not only are they bursting with great flavors, but they’re also guaranteed preservative-free! The crispy outside and melt-in-your-mouth center make the perfect snack for your whole family! And it’s effortlessly done with herbs and spices with less than 15 minutes of prep time. Quick, easy, and super-duper tasty!
Veggie Sides
21. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Fantastic and addictive are the best words to describe sautéed Brussels sprouts. They have that rich caramelized flavor with tenderly satisfying insides coated with a delightfully crispy charred exterior. Try this as your new go-to for that quick and easy veggie side dish.
Sauteed Brussel Sprouts – lightly charred and crisp on the outside and deliciously meaty on the inside. Flavored with garlic, butter, red wine vinegar, and a touch of Creole seasoning for a little heat. A fantastic healthy side dish that comes ready in no time!
22. Fried Green Tomatoes
Looking for a crisp-tangy-savory combo fellow appetizer for fried chicken wings? Then try these Southern-style fried green tomatoes for your next shindig. This classic only calls for unripe tomatoes and a seasoned flour and cornmeal coating. Mmmmm!
This Southern classic makes excellent appetizers or snacks perfect for any gathering. The tart deliciousness of green tomatoes encrusted with melt-in-your-mouth crispy cornbread coating is incredible. Quick, easy, and super affordable, yet ridiculously tasty!
23. Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Asparagus is naturally yummy, but a cheese twist makes it even yummier. And Parmesan-crusted asparagus means no leftovers because of its tenderness and cheesy-garlicky flavors. Double yum, right?
These Parmesan Crusted Baked Asparagus brings a nice flavorful twist to an already yummy vegetable. They’re tender, cheesy, garlicky wholesome side dish that is a great accompaniment to any meal. Got any leftover? Serve it as a healthy snack or as add-ons to your salad and stir-fry. Now that’s hard to beat!
24. Baked Acorn Squash
Aaaaa, I love filling veggies with a party of flavors like this baked acorn squash. Just halve and hollow the squash, fill it with a sweet-buttery mixture of sugar, butter, and maple syrup, then bake for the win. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Baked Acorn Squash – a fuss-free healthy side side dish that can be served on regular or special days. It comes in both savory and sweet versions so you can choose one or make both! Truly one of the easiest and most versatile squash recipes you can prepare for the whole family!
25. Southern Baked Beans With Bacon
Another baked veggie side dish that compliments crispy deep-fried chicken is Southern baked beans with bacon. It’s packed with smoky-sweet-tangy flavors and a rich, creamy texture. You can even serve it on its own!
Southern Baked Beans – Easy to make and packed with smokey- rich and creamy vs. sweet and tangy flavors topped with crispy bacon. That’s definitely a complement to any dish you side it with! Plus it’s so good you can even eat it on its own! A great addition to your summer cookout!
26. Southern Collard Greens
Do you love having fun in the kitchen? Create quality family time by frying chicken legs as Southern collard greens simmer in a slow cooker! Oh, and adding crispy pork is also outstanding!
Collard Greens – This authentic Southern dish is slowly simmered in a savory and spicy broth loaded with ham hocks and delectable seasonings. It’s a flavor-packed take on your favorite leafy greens. Even better, it pairs well with cornbread for that perfect soul-food meal!
More Decadent Side Dishes
27. Waffles
Nothing beats the classic breakfast/brunch duo of Chicken and waffles. It’s one of the best combos Southerners have to offer. Don’t forget to serve the waffles with butter and honey for the more sensational foodgasm ever. And you only need basic pantry ingredients to make it. 👌
Chicken and Waffles – an American breakfast staple that combines seamlessly sweet soft yet crisp buttermilk waffles topped with crispy crunchy savory fried chicken and a drizzle of syrup for a spectacular soul food breakfast or brunch experience!
28. Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are not just sidekicks of fried fish or shrimp; they also go fantastic with fried chicken! These air fryer hush puppies are lighter with less oil but are a little denser. Yum! And a little heat from cayenne pepper goes a long way!
This crispy, tasty, and super-easy comfort food gives you a healthier take on this classic cornmeal treat. A hassle-free version of the southern favorite made instantly without giving you those few extra pounds. Now you can enjoy a guilt-free snack or side without compromising the taste and sensation!
29. Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, airy, and buttery – that is the Southern buttermilk biscuits experience. And they’re even better with brown gravy. Aah! Such heavenly treats you can make in the comfort of your home. And as a bonus, you can also check my 8 Comforting Biscuit Recipes.
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits – a classic Southern breakfast staple that is flaky, buttery and fluffy delicious biscuits made with few ingredients and minimal prep time.
30. Homemade Gravy
Why buy packets of gravy mix when you can easily make gravy from scratch? And with my recipe, you’ll make gravy like a pro because it’s simple and fail-proof. Chicken or beef stock makes a great base, then amp up with spices or cream! Yum!
Homemade Gravy – smooth, thick and very flavorful brown gravy made from scratch. This homemade gravy sauce makes your Thanksgiving roast turkey and mashed potatoes extra appetizing. Packed with nothing but savory goodness!
Conclusion
These fried chicken side dishes will ramp up your lunch and dinner and also make decent snacks. Which one do you plan on trying first? Let me know in the comments. 😍
