Roast chicken is a classic dish enjoyed by many, and finding the perfect side dishes to pair with it can be a fun and delicious task. With so many options available, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, there is something for everyone.
In this article, we will explore 30 different side dishes that will complement your roast chicken perfectly, giving you plenty of ideas to try for your next meal.
Potato side dishes for roast chicken
Potatoes are a versatile and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Herb Roasted Potatoes offer flavorful twists on classic roasted potatoes. Potato Gratin and Roasted Potato Salad are perfect for special occasions, while Sweet Potato Fries offer a healthier alternative to classic fries. Hasselback Potatoes, Potato Croquettes, Potato Skins, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, and Scalloped Potatoes offer delicious and creative variations on classic potato dishes.
These options are sure to satisfy any craving and enhance the flavors of your roasted chicken meal.
1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and rich mashed potatoes with the added flavor of roasted garlic. The potatoes are boiled until tender, mashed with butter and milk, and then mixed with roasted garlic that has been cooked until caramelized and soft. A comforting, easy to make side dish.
2. Herb Roasted Potatoes
Tender and crispy roasted potatoes with a blend of fragrant herbs. Potatoes are sliced and seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, then roasted until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Just as filling as mashed potatoes, but they offer a crispy exterior and a different flavor.
3. Potato Gratin
Layers of sliced potatoes and cheese baked to perfection. The potatoes are thinly sliced and layered in a dish with a creamy sauce made from milk, cream, and cheese. Bake until the top is golden and crispy. This classic French dish is rich and indulgent, so consider add a bit of veggie salad to lighten things.
4. Roasted Potato Salad
Roasted potatoes mixed with fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette. You need to roast the potatoes until crispy, and then toss with a mixture of herbs, mustard, and vinegar. This potato salad is a great alternative to the classic mayo-based version, and is a light and refreshing side dish.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy and salty-sweet, the sweet potato fries are a delicious and arguably healthier alternative to regular fries. These are harder to get crispy, since they’re softer to begin with.
6. Hasselback Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes stuffed with herbs and cheese and baked until crispy. The potatoes are sliced thinly, but not all the way through, and then stuffed with a mixture of herbs, cheese, and butter. Bake until golden brown.
7. Potato Croquettes
Creamy mashed potatoes rolled into balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy. These croquettes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and make a tasty side dish for roast chicken.
8. Potato Skins
Baked potato skins filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions. These loaded potato skins are a crowd-pleaser and make a great appetizer or side dish for roast chicken. And, if you want to keep things on the healthier side consider loading them with roast veggies.
9. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Simple and delicious roasted potatoes with a garlicky flavor. The potatoes are cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, then roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Of course, this version of roasted potatoes works best with a very simply seasoned roast chicken, such as just paprika, salt, and pepper.
10. Creamy Potato Salad
A traditional, classic side dish – creamy potato salad with a bit of bacon, onion, and mayo. This warm salad is easy to make and goes with pretty much anything, including roast chicken. Feel free to experiment with various ingredients, or keep it simple – potatoes, mayo, eggs, onion, pickles, and celery.
Read also: 30 Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan
Vegetable side dishes for roast chicken
These vegetable side dishes are perfect for pairing with roast chicken. You could roast them in the oven alongside the chicken, when it’s halfway done to save time and space.
Read Also: 19 Chicken Thigh Recipes
11. Roasted Carrots
Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavor. For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh herbs or drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving.
12. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a classic French side dish that’s easy to make and always delicious. The combination of the tender green beans, rich butter, and nutty almonds is the perfect complement to roast chicken.
13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts gives them a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Remember to cut the sprouts in half so they cook through, and get more roasting surface. For added flavor, sprinkle with parmesan cheese or drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
14. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French dish made with a mix of summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. This dish is versatile and can be served hot or cold, making it a great side dish for roast chicken any time of year.
15. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with roast chicken. Remember spinach shrinks a lot while cooking, so you need the whole bag. For added flavor, sprinkle with lemon juice or grated parmesan cheese before serving.
16. Grilled Asparagus
Grilling asparagus gives it a smoky flavor and crispy texture on the outside. For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs before serving.
17. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy side dish that’s easy to make. Like with Brussel sprouts, cut the florets in half lengthwise so you get more roasting surface and a tender inside. For added flavor, sprinkle with parmesan cheese or grated garlic.
18. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a decadent side dish that’s perfect for special occasions. You can do chunky or creamy, depending on your preference. For added flavor, sprinkle with grated nutmeg or chopped herbs before serving.
19. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilling corn on the cob gives it a smoky and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with roast chicken. For added flavor, sprinkle with chili powder or grated parmesan cheese before serving.
20. Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasting a mix of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes is a delicious and healthy way to add flavor and nutrition to your roast chicken dinner. For added flavor, add a bit of grated Parmesan before serving.
Rice, Grains and Pasta side dishes for roasted chicken
Starches always go great with roast chicken, be they in the form of rice, pasta, or grains. So take a look at these next few recipes as I’m sure you’ll find at least one you’ll want to serve with your roast chicken dinner.
21. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a flavorful and hearty side dish that pairs well with roast chicken. This is a classic of using rice, and it’s been my second favorite roast chicken side since I was a kid. For added flavor and texture, stir in chopped nuts and dried fruit before serving.
22. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a healthy and versatile side dish that can be customized to your taste. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then toss with chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
23. Garlic Butter Noodles
Garlic butter noodles are a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with many types of meat, including roast chicken. Top with grated parmesan cheese and black pepper before serving.
24. Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for warmer weather. Cook couscous according to package instructions, then toss with chopped vegetables like bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like mint and parsley.
25. Brown Rice Pilaf
Brown rice pilaf is a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with roast chicken. Keep in mind that brown rice cooks slower than white rice, so adjust your time accordingly. It also has a nutty, earthy flavor that would work well with a sweeter roast chicken. For added flavor, stir in chopped herbs like thyme and rosemary before serving.
26. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a simple and delicious side dish that can be customized to your taste. Pesto on its own can be overpowering, but mixed into freshly simmered pasta it will be great. Serve this pasta salad warm or at least room temp, so make it in the last 30 minutes while the chicken is roasting.
27. Mediterranean Bulgur Salad
Bulgur salad with veggies, pine nuts, and beans is a very filling side dish that also classifies as a salad. So you get the best of both worlds with this Mediterranean delight.
28. Israeli Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
Israeli couscous with roasted vegetables is a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s easy to make. You can add whichever roasted vegetables you like, as long as they’re something you and your family enjoy. I think chopped and roasted zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and tomatoes work great here.
29. Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a rich and comforting side dish that pairs well with roast chicken. Sauté chopped mushrooms with onion and garlic until tender, then add Arborio rice and chicken broth and simmer until the rice is tender and creamy. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like thyme and parsley before serving.
30. Orzo Salad
Orzo salad is a light and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer. Cook orzo according to package instructions, then toss with chopped vegetables like bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like basil and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Read Also: 23 Delicious Side Dishes for Chicken Wings
Conclusion
If you want to elevate your roast chicken game, pairing it with a delicious side dish is the way to go. With a variety of options to choose from, you can tailor your side dish to your personal tastes and preferences.
Whether you prefer something classic like roasted vegetables or something more adventurous like a quinoa salad, there is a side dish out there that will perfectly complement your roast chicken.
So next time you make roast chicken, consider trying one of the 30 side dishes we mentioned earlier to take your meal to the next level.
