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    Home » Food & Drink

    Published: Jun, 2024. Updated: Jun, 2024 by Iryna Bychkiv | This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here

    26 Sides That Guarantee Your Chicken Dinners Won't Be Bland Again

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    Chicken is a delicious and versatile protein, but it can get bland if you don't change things up. The secret to exciting chicken meals is all in the sides!

    This post will give you 26 tasty side dish ideas that are sure to turn your chicken dinner into a flavor fiesta. From creamy mashed potatoes to refreshing salads, there's something for everyone. These sides are easy to make and won't take away from your main course. Get ready to add some pizzazz to your chicken nights!

    Spicy Carrot Salad

    Korean Style Carrot Salad in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Crunchy and Spicy Korean Carrots Salad will win people over at potlucks, picnics, and as a unique side dish in any home. Made with fresh carrots, coriander, garlic, and oil, these Korean-style marinated carrots are easy, quick and always delicious! Ready in 20 minutes. Get the recipe.

    Potato and Cauliflower Bake

    Cauliflower potato gratin in a red baking pan with a spoon.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This Potato and Cauliflower Bake or also called Cauliflower Au Gratin is an easy comfort food recipe that has quickly become one of the favorites in my house. It's creamy, cheesy, and such a delicious side dish for holidays as well as for Sunday night dinner. Get the recipe.

    Spicy Roasted Broccolini with Garlic & Lemon

    Spicy Roasted Broccolini with Garlic & Lemon on a plate.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday

    Our Spicy Roasted Broccolini with Garlic & Lemon is very easy and quick to make. If you would like to make a non-spicy version, simply leave out the red pepper flakes. Get the recipe.

    Rice with Dried Fruits and Nuts

    Rice with Dried Fruits and Nuts close up on a plate.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Basmati Rice with Dried Fruit and Nuts - flavorful and delicious vegan side dish for dinner or holidays. It's super easy to make and will turn any meal into a colorful feast. Get the recipe.

    Smashed Potatoes with Dill and Garlic

    Smashed potatoes on a baking sheet.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    So easy and delicious, these Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic and Dill are a comfort side dish that never disappoints. Naturally vegan and made with just 4 simple ingredients, these crushed red potatoes are great for any occasion. Get the recipe.

    Korean Style Beet Salad

    Spicy beet salad topped with sesame seeds in a white bowl.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    A roasted beet salad is prepared by cooking the beets and then marinating them in a few flavorful ingredients. This simple beet recipe is incredibly delicious, healthy, and perfect for any time of the year. Get the recipe.

    Sautéed Swiss Chard with Walnuts

    Sauteed Swiss chard in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Want to know How To Cook Swiss Chard? Look no further. My Sautéed Swiss Chard recipe with garlic and tomatoes is simple yet unique. It's ready in minutes and is loaded with nutrients. This easy red chard recipe makes a wonderful and delicious addition to any recipe. Get the recipe.

    Crunchy Heirloom Tomato Salad

    Heirloom Tomato Salad with Crunchy Topping close up.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Simple but so delicious vegan Heirloom Tomato Salad made with fresh heirloom tomatoes and addictive crunchy topping! Super easy and healthy summer side dish that goes with everything! You'll be hooked! Get the recipe.

    Air Fryer Baby Carrots

    Air Fryer Baby Carrots in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Always Use Butter

    Make delicious Air Fryer Baby Carrots in under 20 minutes from start to finish, for a delicious side dish the whole family will love. Coated in butter & honey this is an air fryer * version of the classic French Carrots Vichy. Try them yourself - and experience the perfect combo of salt, sweet, & silky butter. Get the recipe.

    Roasted Mediterranean Potatoes

    Mediterranean roasted yellow potatoes in a white bowl on a burlap napkin and white background.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    These Roasted Mediterranean Potatoes are fully loaded with lemony oregano, garlic, and olive oil flavors. Plus, they couldn’t be easier to make! No boiling is needed. Try this simple side dish the next time you’re craving something fresh, unique, and flavorful. Get the recipe.

    Easy Napa Cabbage Slaw

    Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad close up.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This Healthy Napa Cabbage Salad aka Slaw is a quick 5 -ingredient side dish recipe that is great to take on a picnic or serve alongside tacos or other mains. It's simple, healthy and doesn't contain mayo. Get the recipe.

    Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

    Roasted green beans and asparagus on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Simple recipe for Roasted Green Beans and Cherry Tomatoes is taken to another level with quick Balsamic reduction and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. An easy side dish that goes with any meal. Get the recipe.

    Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Creme Fraiche Mashed Potatoes with butter on top and chopped chives.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    A side dish that goes with everything. These Mashed Potatoes With Creme Fraiche And Roasted Garlic are creamy and so flavorful. Put this recipe in your cookbook, it will become your favorite mashed potato recipe ever! Get the recipe.

    Roasted Fall Vegetables 

    Roasted autumn vegetables drizzled with Tahini sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Enjoying produce that’s in season is one of my favorite things, and these roasted fall vegetables do just that! It’s the most delicious combination of butternut squash, broccoli, beets, and sweet potatoes, all perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and flavors. It’s a versatile side dish for any occasion this fall! Get the recipe.

    Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinaigrette 

    Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Drizzle, Feta Cheese and Pine Nuts close up.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    These Easy Brussels Sprouts are healthy, delicious and take little time to prepare. Roasted until tender and crispy and drizzled over with a tangy and sweet honey balsamic vinaigrette. This recipe will quickly become your favorite! Get the recipe.

    Creamy Rice with Butter and Broth

    Creamy Rice with Butter and Broth in a pan with a spatula.
    Photo credit: Always Use butter

    Just add 5 minutes and 2 ingredients to your regular rice cooking process, and have the best creamy rice ever. Everyone loves this buttery rice that's loaded with so much flavor, and there's a vegan option included. Get the recipe.

    Eggplant Gratin

    Eggplant Gratin in a baking dish.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This creamy and scrumptious Eggplant Gratin is smothered with a secret white sauce and topped with a generous layer or Gruyere cheese. It is a side dish that is so easy to make and will be gone before you know it. Get the recipe.

    Skillet Green Beans

    Up-close photo of skillet green beans with anchovy breadcrumbs on a white plate.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This Skillet Green Beans recipe takes green beans to the next level with the savory flavor of anchovies and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. The garlic and breadcrumbs make it taste even better! Get the recipe.

    Orzo Salad

    Orzo salad close up.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday

    Orzo Salad might be the perfect summer side-dish. This salad includes colorful, juicy, and crunchy cucumbers and tomatoes. A lemony salad dressing works beautifully with the fresh dill and parsley. Get the recipe.

    Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash

    Orzo Salad in a blue bowl.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks

    The Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash is a side dish you can served with beef steak or any special dinner you make. Get the recipe.

    Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes

    Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes in a scoop.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks

    Are you looking for a quick and easy side dish that also delivers on taste while still being healthy? Then you need to check out this simple recipe for air fryer carrots and potatoes. Get the recipe.

    Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds

    Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds on a white plate.
    Photo credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

    Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds is a super easy and quick broccoli salad that is easy to make in advance and is perfect for lunches or dinners. Get the recipe.

    Quick Spanish Tomato Salad

    Spanish Tomato Salad on a plate.
    Photo credit: The Fiery Vegetarian

    A wonderfully flavorsome quick Spanish tomato salad. Make it in minutes, eat right away, or leave it to chill in the fridge at your leisure. Make sure to have plenty of crusty bread to mop up the tomato juices, olive oil, garlic, and balsamic mix! Get the recipe.

    Celeriac Gratin

    Celeriac gratin in a casserole dish.
    Photo credit: Greedy Gourmet

    Coming up with low-carb versions of classic comfort foods can be incredibly difficult sometimes, and those sticking to a low-carb lifestyle can start to feel like they are lacking options. If this sounds like you, this celeriac gratin recipe is going to change your mind. Get the recipe.

    Tawa Pulao (Mumbai Style)

    Tawa Pulao in a pan. An overhead view.
    Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet

    Tawa Pulao is a popular street food dish from Mumbai that can be easily made at home using fresh vegetables, leftover or pre-cooked rice, Pav Bhaji masala, and other spices. If you want to make your own Tawa Pulao, you've come to the right place. Get the recipe.

    Pan-Fried Potato Cake

    Pan-Fried Potato Cake close up. Tasting.
    Photo credit: Cooktoria

    Pan-Fried Potato Cake - A quick and hearty meal using simple ingredients while delivering unforgettable flavors and taste. Get the recipe.

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    Iryna Bychkiv
    Website

    Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
    Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.

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    The photo of Iryna Bychkiv, the writer and owner of a culinary website - Lavender & Macarons.

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