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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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 - A quick and hearty meal using simple ingredients while delivering unforgettable flavors and taste. Get the recipe.
More From Lavender & Macarons
Make your meals a breeze with our 19 Throw-and-Go Casseroles collection. These recipes are perfect for busy folks who want tasty dishes without the fuss. From easy pasta bakes to yummy breakfast casseroles, we've got something for everyone. 19 Throw-and-Go Casseroles Anyone Can Make.
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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