What To Serve With Chicken And Waffles (25+ Southern Sides)

Chicken and waffles is a beloved dish that has been around for centuries. This soul food classic combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it the ultimate comfort food.

But, what makes a perfect chicken and waffle meal? The best sides, of course!

From classic southern sides like collard greens and cheese grits to more unique options like hot honey and bacon jam, these side dishes will leave everyone feeling happy and satisfied.

So, grab your waffle iron and get ready to explore the best side dishes to serve with crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. These tasty sides will make your chicken waffle meal a true feast for the senses.

1. Buttermilk biscuits

There’s nothing better than a plate of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles for a satisfying meal. And while chicken and waffles are delicious on their own, adding a side of buttermilk biscuits takes it to the next level.

The combination of savory and sweet flavors in the chicken and waffles is perfectly complemented by the buttery and slightly tangy taste of buttermilk biscuits. Plus, they are a quick and easy side dish to make while your chicken and waffles are cooking.

So next time you eat chicken and waffles, don’t forget to serve it with some warm and flaky homemade biscuits on the side. Trust me, it’s the perfect side dish for this classic comfort food.

We love: Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (by The Gracious Wife)

2. Southern collard greens

Chicken and waffles is a classic Southern dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. And what better side dish to accompany this unique combination than Southern collard greens?

The hearty greens add a healthy and nutritious element to the meal, while the savory flavors of the collard greens perfectly complement the sweet and crispy waffles. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens alongside your indulgent chicken and waffles dish.

We love: Southern Collard Greens Recipe (by Soul Food Cooking)

3. Sweet potato casserole

When it comes to chicken and waffles, the possibilities for side dishes seem endless. But one standout option is a classic sweet potato casserole.

This delicious side dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a great addition to the rich and crispy chicken and fluffy waffles. And that sprinkle of brown sugar just adds an extra kick of flavor.

For a complete meal, serve the sweet potato casserole alongside onion rings and maybe lighten things with a green salad and lemon dressing.

We love: Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole (EASY!) (by Midwestern HomeLife)

4. Cheese grits

When it comes to the ultimate comfort food pairing, chicken and waffles reign supreme. But if you’re looking for a tasty and unexpected side dish, look no further than cheese grits.

These creamy and cheesy grits are the perfect complement to the crispy chicken and fluffy waffles. Plus, they add a touch of Southern charm to the dish.

We love: The Best Cheese Grits (by Budget Bytes)

5. Sautéed spinach

Sautéed spinach is a delicious and nutritious side dish to serve with chicken and waffles. Its bold and earthy flavors complement the sweetness of the waffles and the savory flavors of the chicken.

To make this dish, simply sauté spinach in a pan with a little olive oil, garlic (or garlic powder), kosher salt, and black pepper. It’s a quick and easy side dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

For those who want a little heat, drizzle some spicy honey over your buttermilk waffles with crispy chicken tenders when you serve it alongside spinach.

The combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles may sound indulgent, but adding a side of sautéed spinach makes it a well-rounded and balanced meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your diet!

We love: How To Make Simple Italian Sautéed Baby Spinach (by The Fed Up Foodie)

6. Hot honey

Hot honey is the perfect accompaniment for chicken and waffles – it takes the classic combination to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This sweet and spicy honey sauce adds a unique flavor to the crispy chicken pieces and fluffy Belgian waffles. To make it even more indulgent, drizzle the hot honey over a side of mac and cheese or sweet potato fries.

We love: Homemade Hot Honey Recipe (by Casual Foodist)

7. Stuffed peppers

To make your meal even more delicious while adding some wholesome vegetables, serve it with stuffed peppers as a side dish.

The sweetness of the waffles pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the chicken, and the addition of stuffed peppers adds some much-needed vegetables to the meal. Plus, you can use the same ingredients from the chicken dish to make the stuffing for the peppers.

We love: Stuffed Peppers Recipe (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

8. Bacon jam

A sweet and savory bacon jam is one of the best condiments to serve with chicken and waffles.

Bacon jam is a delicious topping that adds a rich and smoky flavor to the already indulgent combination of chicken and waffles.

To make this decadent side dish, simply cook bacon until crispy and then mix it with brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices.

This bacon jam is also great with other Southern-inspired dishes, such as mac n cheese, coconut shrimp, or even chicken wings.

We love: Onion Bacon Jam (by I Am Baker)

9. Air fryer green beans

While chicken and waffles may sound like an unconventional combination, it’s actually a delicious and popular dish. And what better side dish to serve with this unique main course than air fryer green beans?

The air fryer gives the green beans a satisfying crunch while keeping them healthy. Plus, they’re a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.

We love: Air Fryer Parmesan Green Beans (by No Plate Like Home)

10. Roasted potatoes

One of the best ways to enjoy chicken and waffles is by pairing it with some delicious roasted potatoes.

For a perfect side dish, simply toss diced potatoes with olive oil, onion powder, and garlic powder, then spread them on a baking sheet and roast until golden brown and crispy.

The best part is, while the chicken and waffles are cooking, the potatoes roast in the oven, making it an easy and convenient side dish.

We love: Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes (Exceptional!) (by Two Kooks In The Kitchen)

11. Ranch coleslaw

For a savory twist on the classic chicken and waffles, serve them with a side of ranch coleslaw. The creamy and tangy coleslaw balances out the sweetness of the waffles and adds a refreshing element to the dish.

To make the ranch coleslaw, simply mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and ranch dressing in a large bowl. For a quick homemade ranch dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill.

This easy and delicious side dish pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory chicken and waffles, making it a popular choice for any brunch or dinner table.

We love: Creamy Ranch Coleslaw (by Garlic & Olive Oil Veins)

12. Fried green tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a perfect side dish to serve with chicken and waffles. The tangy and crispy fried green tomatoes add a burst of flavor and texture to the sweet and savory combination of chicken and waffles.

It’s the perfect way to impress them with your culinary skills and create a memorable meal.

We love: Fried Green Tomatoes {with Remoulade sauce} (by Belly Full)

13. Sausage gravy

Sausage gravy is the perfect side dish to serve with chicken and waffles. While the gravy is most often served with freshly baked biscuits, the rich and creamy gravy adds a savory component to the sweet and crispy waffles, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

To make the sausage gravy, simply cook crumbled sausage in a skillet, then add a mixture of butter, flour, and milk to create a thick, creamy sauce. Serve it on top of your chicken and waffles for a mouthwatering combination.

We love: Homemade Country Sausage Gravy (by Self Proclaimed Foodie)

14. Bacon jerky

When it comes to perfect side dishes to accompany chicken and waffles, bacon jerky is a unique and delicious option.

The salty and smoky flavors of the crispy bacon jerky perfectly complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken and waffles. Plus, the crispy texture adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.

For a well-seasoned dining experience, serve chicken waffles sprinkled with chopped bacon jerky and a hot honey sauce. It’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.

We love: Bacon Jerky That Will Blow Your Mind! (by Crave The Good)

15. Cornbread pudding

Looking for a unique and delicious side dish to pair with chicken and waffles? Look no further than cornbread pudding.

This Southern classic takes the flavors of cornbread and elevates it to a whole new level with a sweet and creamy texture. It’s the perfect side dish for the savory chicken and crispy waffles.

We love: Southern Cornbread Pudding (by Southern Discourse)

16. Creamy crockpot grits

Chicken and waffles is a classic Southern dish that has gained popularity all over the country. But have you ever tried it with creamy crockpot grits? This side dish is the perfect combination of Southern comfort food and creamy goodness.

And making your grits in the crockpot frees you up to focus on making your fried chicken and homemade waffles! It’s not only delicious, it’s super convenient too!

We love: Creamy Crockpot Grits (by Recipes From A Pantry)

17. Baked mac and cheese

This classic side dish is a family favorite and brings a touch of comfort to any meal. Plus, it’s easy to put together and can be made in the oven or even in an air fryer for a crispy twist.

Enjoy chicken and waffles with a side of mac and cheese, and a refreshing arugula salad with a honey dressing.

We love: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest-Winning!) (by The Chunky Chef)

18. Honey butter

Another delicious side condiment to pair with chicken and waffles is honey butter.

This recipe comes together easily by mixing together butter and honey. But I also love to add a pinch of flaked sea salt. The natural sweetness of the honey adds a perfect balance to the savory chicken and waffles. For an easy breakfast twist, add leftover honey butter to your scrambled eggs!

The silky texture and natural sweetness of honey butter make it a classic combination with chicken and waffles. So, go ahead, whisk up a batch and let them warm butter melt into your crispy waffle.

We love: Honey Butter (by Belly Full)

19. Macaroni salad

Not only does the creamy pasta salad provide a nice contrast to the crispy chicken, but it also pairs perfectly with the savory flavor.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give your homemade macaroni salad a smoky Southern twist.

We love: Macaroni Salad (by Sugar Spun Run)

20. Southern fried okra

This delicious side dish goes well with the crispy, golden-brown waffles and the seasoned flour mixture on the fried chicken.

Plus, it’s a family favorite that is super easy to make and will have everyone asking for more.

We love: Fried Okra Recipe (by CopyKat Recipes)

21. Oven-baked corn on the cob

Chicken and waffles is a popular dish in American cuisine, often served for brunch or as a savory dinner option. While the chicken and waffles themselves are already a delicious combination, oven-baked corn on the cob is the perfect addition to the meal.

With its sweet taste and crispy texture, oven-baked corn on the cob complements the savory dish of chicken and waffles. Top the corn with melted butter for an indulgent side or turn it into an easy corn salad for a healthier option.

We love: Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob (by Immaculate Bites)

22. Deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken and waffles.

This delicious side dish is easy to make. The combination of creamy deviled eggs with the sweet and savory flavors of chicken and waffles is a match made in heaven.

For a sweet twist on traditional deviled eggs, mix in some honey mustard or drizzle with a spicy syrup.

We love: BEST Deviled Eggs Recipe (by Downshiftology)

23. Southern potato salad

When it comes to Southern comfort food, there’s nothing like a plate of chicken and waffles served with a side of Southern potato salad.

This delicious combo of sweet waffles, salty fried chicken, and tangy potato salad is a classic and satisfying meal. Plus, the creamy and zesty flavors of the potato salad balance out the richness of the deep-fried chicken tenders.

For a complete Southern meal, add some collard greens or garlic cheese grits on the side.

We love: Southern Potato Salad (by Yellow Bliss Road)

24. Scalloped potatoes

These creamy and cheesy potatoes pair perfectly with the crispiness of the chicken and the sweetness of the waffles. Plus, scalloped potatoes are easy to make and require simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, flour, milk, and cheese.

For a twist on this classic side, try adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or substituting some of the milk with sour cream or cream cheese for extra indulgence.

Serve your homemade chicken waffles and cheesy scalloped potatoes with a refreshing side of arugula salad, fruit salad or berry salad.

We love: Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (by Salt & Lavender)

25. Maple bacon brussels sprouts

Maple-roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon make a delightful and unexpected side dish to serve with chicken and waffles.

This recipe uses maple syrup and crispy bacon to add sweetness and a delightful contrast to the savory chicken and waffles.

I love to serve the maple-roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon in a delicious fall salad with roasted sweet potatoes or squash.

We love: Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon (by Ambitious Kitchen)

26. Smashed potatoes

For a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish that goes perfectly with chicken and waffles, try smashed potatoes.

These super soft and slightly crispy potatoes are easy to make and can be flavored with herbs, garlic, or cheese for an extra kick. They are also a great alternative to french fries and will save you some time and effort in the kitchen.

Serve immediately for the best taste and eat like a true Southerner – with a spicy bite of Southern fried chicken and a drizzle of tomato sauce on top.

We love: Crispy Smashed Potatoes (by Modern Honey)

26. Air fryer sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are an outstanding side dish. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato fries adds a delightful contrast to the savory and crispy chicken.

For an extra touch of flavor, consider dusting your sweet potato fries with a hint of cinnamon or drizzling them with honey. This subtly enhances their natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance with the salty-sweet dynamics of chicken and waffles. Or simply serve them with a delicious sour cream dipping sauce or cheese sauce.

We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)

Frequently asked questions

With these delicious side dishes, your chicken and waffles dinner combo will leave everyone at the table smiling! Whether you’re in the mood for buttery grits, classic baked mac and cheese, or ranch coleslaw, I have a perfect side dish for every palate.

I hope this list gives you plenty of inspiration for your next brunch or family dinner! Let me know in the comments below which side dish you’re most excited to try. Happy eating!