What To Serve With Fried Chicken (30+ Best Side Dishes)

Fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food and a true crowd-pleaser. It’s no wonder this delicious chicken meal is a staple in many households.

But, what’s a fried chicken dinner without some delicious sides to go with it?

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best side dishes to serve with fried chicken. From classic options like coleslaw and potato salad to more unique choices like Hasselback potatoes and watermelon cucumber salad, these delicious sides will complete your meal.

1. Coleslaw

Fried chicken is a classic Southern dish loved by many. And while it can certainly stand on its own as a main dish, it also pairs perfectly with a variety of delicious side dishes. One of my top picks is coleslaw.

The creamy and tangy coleslaw provides the perfect balance to the crispy and flavorful fried chicken. Plus, the satisfying crunch of the coleslaw adds a nice texture contrast to the chicken.

For a complete Southern meal, serve your fried chicken with coleslaw, buttermilk biscuits, and a side of macaroni salad.

We love: This Is the Most Popular Slaw Recipe on Pinterest (by Kitchn)

2. Roasted sweet potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.

You can easily roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer for a quick and easy side dish.

Add a drizzle of maple syrup and top them with sour cream or Greek yogurt, or sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon bits for an even better Southern side dish to go with your crispy fried chicken.

We love: Roasted Sweet Potatoes (by Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

3. Potato salad

Another great option for a fried chicken side is potato salad.

This easy side dish can be prepared ahead of time for a quick and delicious addition to your fried chicken meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Whether you’re enjoying Southern fried chicken or crunchy chicken tenders, potato salad is a super easy and tasty side dish that always goes well with any fried chicken meal.

We love: Ina Garten’s Potato Salad (by Insanely Good Recipes)

4. Baked beans

Baked beans are a classic and popular side dish for fried chicken. This soul food pairing is a favorite among families and a must-have for any BBQ or picnic.

The slow cooker is a great option for making baked beans, as it allows for a hands-off cooking experience. Or cook dried beans in your Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker) in half the time!

We love: Homemade Baked Beans (From Dried Beans (by Seasons and Suppers)

5. Fried okra

When it comes to fried chicken sides, fried okra is a must-try. This classic Southern vegetable is a great side dish for fried chicken because of its crispy texture and savory flavor.

It’s a delicious and unique veggie side that will be a family favorite.

And if you’re looking for more sides, serve fried okra alongside other classic sides like baked potato wedges, fried corn, or a tomato cucumber and bean salad.

We love: Fried Okra Recipe (by CopyKat Recipes)

6. Collard greens

When it comes to fried chicken side dishes, collard greens are a classic and delicious choice.

Not only are collard greens a perfect side dish, but they are also a great way to add some greens to your dinner.

Next time you make crispy fried chicken, don’t forget to serve it alongside Southern collard greens for a tasty and nutritious meal. There’s a reason why the combination is so popular!

We love: Southern Collard Greens (by This Silly Girl’s Kitchen)

7. Hush puppies

No Southern meal is complete without a side of hush puppies. These crispy and savory cornmeal fritters are the perfect side dish for fried chicken.

The cornmeal batter puffs up into crunchy balls that add a satisfying crunch to every bite. And, they also pair well with other classic sides like roasted sweet potatoes, collard greens, and fried green tomatoes.

We love: Southern Hush Puppies (by The Recipe Critic)

8. Fried green tomatoes

Fried chicken is a classic and comforting dish that pairs well with many Southern-style sides. One of our top picks is fried green tomatoes.

The tangy and crispy fried green tomatoes are a perfect accompaniment to the savory fried chicken. The flavors of the two dishes come together beautifully, making it a family favorite.

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

9. Pasta salad

Pasta salad is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.

The combination of the crispy and juicy fried chicken with the creamy and flavorful pasta salad is a match made in heaven. Plus, pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a great choice for any dinner recipe.

For a Southern-inspired fried chicken feast, serve your chicken and pasta salad with some traditional side dishes like collard greens, black-eyed pea salad, and crispy bacon. Or see more delicious side dishes for pasta salad.

We love: Greek Olive Pasta Salad. (by Half Baked Harvest)

10. Heirloom tomato salad

When it comes to finding the perfect side dish for fried chicken, heirloom tomato salad is one of my absolute favorites.

The combination of juicy, ripe tomatoes, tangy balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and fresh herbs creates a refreshing and savory side dish that perfectly complements the fried chicken.

We love: Heirloom Tomato Salad (by Diethood®)

11. Butternut squash casserole

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that goes well with a variety of side dishes. One of our top picks to serve with this crunchy chicken is butternut squash casserole.

This delicious side dish is a great way to incorporate a vegetable into the meal while still satisfying your comfort food cravings.

We love: Butternut Squash Casserole (by The Cozy Apron)

12. Cheddar cornbread

For many, fried chicken is a comfort food that brings back memories of family gatherings and home cooking. And what better way to complement this classic dish than with a comforting side like cheddar cornbread?

The cheesy and slightly sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the golden brown and crispy chicken. Plus, it’s easy for any home cook to whip up in a cast iron skillet.

And it’s even better with a scattering of spicy Jalapeños.

We love: Best Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread (by A Spicy Perspective)

13. Southern baked mac and cheese

When it comes to the best side dishes for fried chicken, it’s hard to beat a classic Southern baked mac and cheese.

This hearty side dish is the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Feel free to mix it up and add in some fresh corn, bacon bits, or green onions.

We love: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (by Sweet Tea + Thyme)

14. Broccoli salad

Broccoli salad is one of our favorite fried chicken sides.

This low-carb option is a delicious side dish that complements the savory chicken in all the right ways. The creamy dressing with apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.

Feel free to add some crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese cubes, or chopped pecans for an extra crunch. And for a comforting meal, serve fried chicken and broccoli salad alongside some baked potato wedges or classic Southern biscuits.

We love: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (by My Incredible Recipes)

15. Creamy cucumber salad

Creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.

The cool and crisp cucumber complements the savory flavors of the crispy fried chicken, making it the perfect side dish for any southern meal.

And for those who like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on the salad will add a little kick to the meal.

We love: Creamy Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream (by Wholesome Yum)

16. Orzo salad

Fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s even better when paired with the perfect side dish. That’s where orzo salad comes in.

Add your favorite veggies to the cooked orzo, I like mine with thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, diced cucumber, and fresh parsley. Or, opt for a creamy garlic parmesan orzo if you want something more indulgent.

We love: The BEST Orzo Pasta Salad (by Your Cup of Cake)

17. Sautéed green beans

Sautéed green beans are a classic and delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with juicy fried chicken.

Serve sauteéd garlicky green beans with a refreshing lemon dressing or smoky bacon bits for an extra burst of flavor.

This super simple and gluten-free side dish is a perfect addition to any chicken dish, from Southern buttermilk fried chicken to crispy chicken wings.

We love: Sautéed Garlic Green Beans (by Ahead of Thyme)

18. Peach cobbler

A peach cobbler is my go-to dessert once my plate of fried chicken is sadly empty.

This classic Southern dessert features gently spiced, sweet peaches (fresh or canned), and a buttermilk biscuit-like topping. It is the ultimate homemade summer dessert and the perfect ending to a comforting meal of fried chicken.

We love: Southern Peach Cobbler (by Razzle Dazzle Life)

19. Three bean salad

Fried chicken is a beloved Southern staple that pairs super well with a classic three-bean salad.

This simple side dish is very easy to make. But if you’re running short on time, grab a store-bought three-bean salad to get your weeknight dinner on the table in no time.

We love: Three Bean Salad (by Dinner at the Zoo)

20. Green salad

A green salad is a great healthy side dish to complement any chicken main dish. And, because it is so customizable, it’s a firm family favorite for weeknight dinners in every cuisine.

Pair your green salad with a creamy dressing or a tangy lime dressing for some acidity. For a sweet side, add some chopped apples or dried cranberries to the salad.

For a complete Southern meal, serve it with some classic sides like fried green tomatoes, and cheesy cornbread.

We love: Best Simple Tossed Green Salad (by Creme De La Crumb)

21. Black-eyed pea salad

Black-eyed pea salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with savory fried chicken.

Customize your black-eyed pea salad with what you have at home. I love mine with a zesty lime dressing and all kinds of finely diced vegetables from red bell peppers, cucumber, and sweet corn to red onion and fresh herbs.

We love: Southern Caviar aka Black Eyed Pea Salad Recipe (by momfiles.com)

22. Watermelon cucumber salad

Watermelon cucumber salad is a fresh and delicious summer side salad that perfectly pairs with fried chicken.

The combination of juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta cheese, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing side dish that balances out the comforting and crispy fried chicken.

We love: Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta (by Recipe Runner)

23. Sour cream mashed potatoes

What would a classic soulful dish like fried chicken be without mashed potatoes?

Take your mashed potatoes up a level with sour cream and chives. The creamy and tangy mashed potatoes are the perfect addition to the crispy and flavorful fried chicken.

They also make a great accompaniment to other southern staples like grilled corn, baked potato wedges, and fried green tomatoes.

We love: Easy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream (by Platings + Pairings)

24. Sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are my favorite alternative to classic French fries.

The sweetness of the fries complements the savory flavors of the chicken, making for a finger-licking good meal.

They’re super easy to make and you can even pop them into the air fryer straight from frozen!

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

25. Southern-style green beans

When it comes to fried chicken, it’s all about finding the perfect side dish to complement its savory flavors. And southern-style green beans are the perfect choice.

With a simple recipe that brings together tender green beans and crispy bacon pieces, these green beans are a finger-licking addition to any fried chicken feast.

We love: Southern Green Beans (by Small Town Woman)

26. Green bean casserole

Yet another way to serve green beans with fried chicken is the Thanksgiving classic, green bean casserole.

This one-pan dish is a perfect balance of crunchy and creamy indulgence, making it the ideal accompaniment to fried chicken.

We love: Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe (by Eating on a Dime)

27. Grilled vegetables

Grilled vegetables are another great way to add vegetables to your fried chicken dinner.

Not only do grilled vegetables add a pop of color to the plate, but they also provide a refreshing and light balance to the heavier, fried meal. Some of my favorite grilled veggie options include fresh corn, zucchini, bell peppers, red onions and button mushrooms.

For a flavor boost, toss the veggies in garlic powder or drizzle with a homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

We love: Grilled Vegetables (with Best Marinade) (by Valentina’s Corner)

28. Hasselback potatoes

These thin slices of perfectly seasoned potatoes are the perfect addition to any midweek meal, and fried chicken is no exception.

The crispy fried exterior of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the juicy and savory flavors of fried chicken.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs, and grated parmesan cheese and serve with a dollop of sour cream or blue cheese dressing.

We love: Seasoned Hasselback Potatoes (by Southern Kissed)

29. Loaded baked potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes are the ideal accompaniment to your crispy and juicy fried chicken.

This hearty side dish is a favorite among many, and for a good reason. The combination of creamy potatoes, tangy sour cream, and flavorful toppings is simply irresistible.

For a twist, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for your loaded baked potatoes. Add a Mexican street corn salad or salsa as a topping – turning them into loaded sweet potato nachos!

We love: Loaded Baked Potato (by I Heart Naptime)

30. Mexican street corn

Mexican street corn is a delicious and unique side dish to serve with fried chicken.

Either serve the whole grilled corn on the cob, slather it in a mayo cream sauce, and garnish it with chili powder, cheese, and lime (known as elote).

Or make a Mexican street corn salad with queso fresco and jalapeño peppers (known as esquites) and you won’t even have to fire up the grill.

Mexican street corn on the cob or street corn salad are both excellent side dishes for any Southern food, especially fried chicken.

We love: Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) (by Dessert Now Dinner Later)

Fried chicken is a classic Southern meal that’s perfect for any occasion, and pairing it with delicious side dishes only makes it better!

From creamy coleslaw or Mexican street corn salad to homemade mac and cheese or hush puppies, there are endless side dish recipes that will satisfy your taste buds year-round.

I hope this list gives you some great ideas for your next fried chicken feast! Let me know in the comments below which side dish you’re most excited to try with fried chicken!