20 Easy Sides That'll Round Out Your Chicken Dinner

When it comes to weeknight dinners it’s easy to get caught up in the main course. It’s the centerpiece of the table, after all — the reason everyone looks forward to gathering around the table for a meal. But we know that you’re going to need a few wholesome side dishes to serve alongside, too. That’s why we’ve rounded up these delicious recipes. They’re all winners that will effortlessly complement your go-to chicken recipes — without overshadowing them. Wondering where to start? Try this 5-ingredient wonder. It will quickly become your favorite way to serve broccoli. A pinch of dried red chili flakes adds just a little heat, making the dish special — but still mild enough that everyone can enjoy it.

If you’re someone who enjoys a fully loaded (or plain) baked potato, but never wants to wait an hour for the spud to cook, this recipe is for you. It yields a moist, steamy, fluffy potato with crispy skin in a fraction of the time, plus you don’t need to turn on the oven.

This dish is a staple that was brought to Brazil in the 1500s by Portuguese colonizers. Saffron was originally used to season and color the rice, but turmeric became more popular due to its greater abundance and lower price. Either way, it makes a delicious side for just about any poultry-based meal.

Need a simple side dish to complement your chicken? Frozen spinach is easily transformed into a family-favorite with the addition of a creamy homemade sauce.

Roasting eggplant yields such a round and flavorful product and brushing it with gochujang glaze on top gives it even more spicy, sweet, toasted flavor. Try it for a simple quick weeknight side dish!

Here's how to cook quinoa with rice: Put them in the pot together and let them simmer until tender. It's really as simple as that!

A 4-ingredient dressing (made with pantry staples) is the perfect way to flavor fresh zucchini, carrots and onions. Try this slaw with barbecue chicken sandwiches or grilled chicken breast.

Get crispy, blistered green beans with very little oil, thanks to your air fryer! We added a simple gremolata topping of fragrant lemon zest, chopped parsley and garlic that's easy to make while the vegetables are cooking.

Noodle-meets-dumpling: An Eastern European staple, spaetzle are tender and eggy and a great side dish for saucy mains or even a roast chicken.

To brighten up this green veggie, add a double dose of lemon: zest and juice.

Orzo is a great substitute for rice in this buttery and delicious pilaf. The simple technique of toasting your orzo, then cooking it in a flavorful mix of chicken broth and saffron, makes for a full flavored, simple side dish.

The easiest way to complete dinner? Throw a bunch of your favorite veggies into the oven and roast them with a light coating of olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper.

Butter, cream, Parmesan and pasta...what more can you ask for?

Serve your chicken on a bed of fresh arugula and tomatoes. Add a little olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese and you're ready to eat!

This recipe shows how simple it is to turn cauliflower florets into a healthy, low-carb side dish — that's perfect for soaking up all the savory flavors of whatever chicken-based main you're serving up.

Creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms makes for a hearty and rustic meal. We especially love this side paired with a whole roasted chicken.

Leafy greens make the perfect addition to satisfying rice in this simple, speedy side dish. Grated lemon zest and fresh lemon juice give the dish a nice, citrusy lift that's perfect alongside poultry.

A little sweet and a little crunchy, this easy-to-make side will easily upgrade any chicken dinner, whether your poultry is grilled, baked or fried.

When you need a ridiculously easy side dish (on the table fast!), look to asparagus. Roasting them is a quick and simple process that requires almost no prep work.