20 Easy Sides That'll Round Out Your Chicken Dinner

Best of all, they're on the table in 35 minutes or less!

April 28, 2022

By: Lauren Tom Cerone

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

Photo By: Renee Comet

Photo By: Matt

Photo By: Renee Comet

Photo By: PACIFIC TV

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: chris court

Photo By: RYAN DAUSCH

Winner, Winner

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.

Get the Recipe: Sauteed Broccoli

Microwave Potato

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.

Get the Recipe: Microwave Potato

Brazilian Yellow Rice

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.

Get the Recipe: Brazilian Yellow Rice

Creamed Spinach

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.

Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Gochujang-Glazed Eggplant

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!

Get the Recipe: Gochujang-Glazed Eggplant

Quinoa and Rice Pilaf

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!

Get the Recipe: Quinoa and Rice Pilaf

Zucchini Slaw

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 the Recipe: Zucchini Slaw

Air Fryer Green Beans with Gremolata and Toasted Almonds

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.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans with Gremolata and Toasted Almonds

Spaetzle

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.

Get the Recipe: Spaetzle

Lemony Broccolini

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

Get the Recipe: Lemony Broccolini

Saffron Orzo

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.

Get the Recipe: Saffron Orzo

Roasted Vegetables

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.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetables

Fettuccine Alfredo

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

Get the Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo

Arugula and Tomato Salad

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!

Get the Recipe: Arugula and Tomato Salad

Healthy Cauliflower Rice

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.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Cauliflower Rice

Mushroom Polenta

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

Get the Recipe: Mushroom Polenta

Spinach-Almond Rice

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.

Get the Recipe: Spinach-Almond Rice

Pear-Walnut Quinoa Salad

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.

Get the Recipe: Pear-Walnut Quinoa Salad

Roasted Asparagus

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.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus