Elevate Your Meal: The Ultimate Guide to 35 Irresistible Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken
Don’t let that juicy grilled chicken sit on a plate alone! Load up on modern spins on your favorite side dishes from salad to potatoes and so many more. There’s something for everyone in this recipe round up!
Grilled chicken is a beloved centerpiece for countless meals, from casual weeknight dinners to festive backyard barbecues. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a perennial favorite. But let’s be honest, even the most perfectly cooked, juicy grilled chicken deserves a fantastic supporting cast. The right side dish can transform a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience, adding layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
If you’ve mastered the art of grilling chicken but often find yourself wondering “what to serve with grilled chicken?”, you’ve come to the right place! We understand that the quest for the perfect accompaniment can be as important as the main dish itself. That’s why we’ve curated an extensive collection of 35 irresistible side dishes for grilled chicken that promise to elevate your plate.
Forget the same old routine! This comprehensive guide offers modern spins and timeless classics, ensuring there’s a perfect pairing for every palate and occasion. Whether you’re seeking light and refreshing salads, hearty and comforting potato dishes, vibrant vegetable medleys, or satisfying pasta salads, our selections are designed to complement the smoky, savory notes of your grilled chicken beautifully. We’ve got options for health-conscious eaters, those craving indulgent comfort food, and even creative solutions to tempt the most discerning vegetable skeptics. Prepare to turn your grilled chicken meals from ordinary to extraordinary!
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The Best Side Dishes to Perfectly Complement Your Grilled Chicken
Choosing the ideal side for your grilled chicken involves balancing flavors, textures, and even cooking methods. We’ve handpicked a diverse range of recipes that are not only delicious on their own but truly enhance the experience of enjoying a perfectly grilled piece of chicken. From vibrant salads that add a fresh zest to hearty potato dishes that provide satisfying comfort, and flavorful pasta creations, this collection ensures your meal is well-rounded and exciting.
Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Strawberries and Arugula
This elegant Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Strawberries and Arugula offers a delightful contrast to savory grilled chicken. It features golden, crispy goat cheese rounds that are warm and creamy inside, set against the peppery bite of fresh arugula. Sweet, sliced strawberries add a burst of fruity freshness, all brought together by a tangy hot honey balsamic dressing. This flavorful salad is not only irresistible but also quick to prepare, making it a fantastic, light, and sophisticated side for grilled chicken, ready in under 30 minutes.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
A true summer classic, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is exceptionally refreshing and vibrant, making it an ideal light side dish for grilled chicken. It combines juicy, ripe tomatoes with crisp, cool cucumbers, delicate slivers of red onion, and a generous medley of fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Dressed simply with a bright lemon vinaigrette, this salad allows the natural, seasonal flavors of the vegetables to truly shine, offering a perfect tangy and fresh counterpoint to any grilled main course.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
While technically a main course with chicken already, this Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad also serves as a hearty and incredibly flavorful side, especially if your grilled chicken is unseasoned or simply grilled. It’s wonderfully fresh, vibrant, and remarkably easy to assemble. Al dente pasta is tossed with succulent pieces of chicken, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto. This makes a robust and delicious pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a satisfying accompaniment to your simpler grilled chicken recipes.
Creamy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Indulge in pure comfort with this Creamy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, a decadent side dish that perfectly complements the savory notes of grilled chicken. This easy recipe features a rich blend of four luscious cheeses, creating an irresistibly creamy and flavorful sauce that coats every noodle. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying classic side for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next backyard barbecue, this cheesy macaroni is guaranteed to be a hit and a delightful contrast to lighter grilled fare.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Another delightful pasta salad that can double as a substantial side, the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad brings together the best elements of a classic Caesar with the satisfying texture of pasta. It features crisp romaine lettuce, tender pasta, and succulent pieces of chicken, all coated in a tangy, homemade Caesar dressing. This is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s excellent for parties, convenient for meal prep, or simply as a refreshing and hearty side dish to serve alongside your grilled chicken.
Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions
For those who adore crispy potatoes, these Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions are a revelation and a fantastic, fuss-free grilled chicken side. Sliced potatoes are roasted to golden-brown perfection, developing a wonderfully crispy exterior and tender interior, while sweet, caramelized onions deepen their flavor. The best part? They achieve that “fried” texture without the actual frying, making them a healthier and easier potato side that pairs beautifully with any grilled protein.
Tomato Onion Salad
Embrace the simplicity of summer with this fresh and tangy Tomato Onion Salad, a vibrant and quick side dish for grilled chicken. It’s crafted with ripe, juicy tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions, offering a delightful crunch and a hint of sharpness. Drizzled with a bold olive oil and vinegar dressing, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare and highlights the natural sweetness and acidity of summer produce, providing a refreshing counterpoint to your grilled meats.
Masala Corn Salad
Add an exciting global twist to your meal with Masala Corn Salad, a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful side dish perfect for grilled chicken. Sweet cooked corn kernels are transformed with a medley of butter, aromatic chaat masala, fresh cilantro, zesty lemon juice, and other vibrant vegetables. This colorful and zesty salad offers a unique spice and freshness that harmonizes beautifully with grilled meats, providing an unexpected and delicious flavor dimension.
Watermelon Feta Salad
For a truly memorable and surprisingly sophisticated side for grilled chicken, look no further than Watermelon Feta Salad. This ideal last-minute recipe brilliantly combines the sweet juiciness of fresh watermelon with the creamy, salty tang of feta cheese. A scattering of fresh herbs like mint or basil, along with a simple dressing, elevates this dish. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, always a crowd-pleaser, and provides a stunning, refreshing contrast to the richness of grilled chicken.
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
These Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes are an absolute triumph, serving as an exceptional side dish for grilled chicken or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Boiled and then “smashed,” they develop an incredibly crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a wonderfully creamy interior. Finished with a fragrant fresh herb garlic butter, these potatoes are an instant family favorite, offering a delightful textural and flavor contrast that perfectly complements any grilled meat.
Smoky Charred Corn
Bring the authentic taste of a barbecue to your plate with Smoky Charred Corn, a simple yet utterly mouthwatering side dish for grilled chicken. This quick and easy recipe transforms fresh corn kernels into smoky, perfectly charred delights, offering a deep, caramelized sweetness. Its intense smoky flavor makes it an ideal accompaniment for any grilled main course, particularly enhancing the experience of grilled chicken.
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, pairing wonderfully with grilled chicken. Al dente pasta is combined with intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes, crisp fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, creating a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes with varied textures. It’s an easy and flavorful pasta salad to prepare for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a delicious accompaniment to your grilled chicken dinner.
Melon Prosciutto Salad
For a truly unique and refreshing side, the Melon Prosciutto Salad delivers a delightful sweet and savory experience next to grilled chicken. This easy recipe features a vibrant trio of fresh watermelon, sweet cantaloupe, and delicate honeydew, providing a burst of juicy sweetness. Thin slices of salty prosciutto add a wonderful contrast, while a light honey citrus dressing, infused with fresh herbs, ties all the flavors together. This salad is so good, you’ll want to make it repeatedly, whether as a sophisticated side or a light poolside snack.
Summer Corn Tomato Risotto
Elevate your grilled chicken meal with a creamy, comforting bowl of Summer Corn Tomato Risotto. This flavorful risotto is packed with the sweetness of fresh corn and the tang of ripe tomatoes, often including other freshly grilled vegetables for added depth. While it can certainly stand alone as a main, it makes a wonderfully hearty and satisfying side dish, offering a luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the lean protein of grilled chicken. This foolproof recipe is a must-try for a gourmet touch to your barbecue.
Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers
Prepare for a crowd-pleaser with these Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers, truly the ultimate grilled side dish for summer gatherings and a perfect match for grilled chicken. This innovative take on the beloved baked potato features golden, tender potatoes threaded onto skewers with savory, crispy Wright® Brand Hickory Bacon. After grilling to perfection, they are generously drizzled with a creamy roasted garlic aioli, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. These skewers deliver a burst of flavor and texture that is simply irresistible, making them a hearty and indulgent accompaniment to your grilled chicken.
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
Brighten up your grilled chicken dinner with this vibrant Roasted Chili Corn Salsa, a homemade version inspired by popular restaurant flavors. This easy-to-make salsa features sweet roasted corn and subtly spicy chili, creating a fantastic balance of flavors. It’s an excellent addition to any party or casual meal, offering a fresh, zesty, and customizable accompaniment that adds a wonderful crunch and a kick to your grilled poultry.
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad
When summer calls for light and refreshing sides, this Summer Lemon Pasta Salad answers, making it a perennial favorite for patio parties and backyard barbecues, especially alongside grilled chicken. It boasts a wonderfully refreshing and light lemon dressing, combined with juicy fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil for the ultimate summery flavor profile. An added bonus: it can be made ahead of time, allowing the vibrant flavors to meld and deepen, making your grilled chicken meal even more effortless and delicious.
Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad
Prepare for a flavor explosion with the Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad – a side dish so spectacular it just might steal the spotlight from your grilled chicken! This vibrant salad features perfectly grilled corn, offering a smoky sweetness, combined with savory crispy bacon, a kick from grilled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, bright lime juice, and creamy queso fresco. Seasoned to perfection, it delivers a flavorful burst of summer goodness that makes it an absolute must-make recipe for elevating any grilled meal.
Spicy Avocado Chimichurri Salsa
For an unconventional yet utterly delicious side for grilled chicken, try this Spicy Avocado Chimichurri Salsa. This quick and easy salsa offers a refreshing departure from traditional red-based salsas. It’s wonderfully chunky, boasting a satisfying heat, and brimming with fresh herbaceous flavors from cilantro and parsley, complemented by creamy avocado. Its vibrant taste and texture make it an irresistible accompaniment, adding a fresh, zesty, and spicy element to your grilled poultry.
Crunchy Thai Noodle Salad
Add an exotic touch to your grilled chicken with this vibrant Crunchy Thai Noodle Salad. This healthful and flavorful pasta salad is generously loaded with crisp, fresh vegetables and coated in an absolutely irresistible homemade Thai peanut sauce. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe that serves beautifully as a unique side dish for various proteins, including grilled chicken, or can be prepared in advance for delicious and convenient meal prep throughout your week!
Roasted Beet Watermelon Salad
Introduce a stunning array of colors and flavors to your plate with the Roasted Beet Watermelon Salad, a fantastic and unexpected side for grilled chicken. This vibrant mix features earthy roasted beets and sweet, juicy watermelon, contrasted by the peppery zest of fresh arugula. Creamy goat cheese adds a luxurious touch, while crunchy pepitas provide texture. All these elements are harmoniously brought together by a delicate honey vinaigrette, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying salad.
Avocado Cucumber Quinoa Salad
For a wholesome and quick side for grilled chicken, this Avocado Cucumber Quinoa Salad is an excellent choice. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a protein-packed and satisfying option that can easily serve as a light lunch or a delightful accompaniment. Fresh, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and fluffy quinoa are tossed in a bright, zesty lemon dressing, creating a light, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious salad that perfectly balances your grilled meal.
Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a truly decadent side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken. This rich and incredibly creamy pasta masterpiece boasts a blend of five distinct cheeses and a unique, flavorful spice blend, delivering unparalleled depth. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also conveniently make-ahead and freezer-friendly, ensuring you can enjoy this cheesy delight whenever the craving strikes.
Cucumber Salad
A quintessential summer side, this Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber Salad is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute addition to your grilled chicken dinner. Delicately thinly sliced cucumbers are generously tossed in a sweet and zesty Italian dressing, delivering a bright burst of flavor with every bite. Its cool and tangy profile offers a perfect palate cleanser and a refreshing contrast to warm, savory grilled chicken.
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Celebrate summer’s bounty with this classic Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad, a delightful and easy-to-make side dish for grilled chicken that utilizes abundant garden produce. Ripe, fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers are perfectly complemented by the salty, tangy crumbled feta cheese. This simple, seasonal dish is dressed lightly to let the fresh ingredients shine, offering a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that harmonizes wonderfully with grilled poultry.
Glazed Balsamic Carrots
For a vibrant and flavorful vegetable side, these Glazed Balsamic Carrots are an excellent choice to accompany grilled chicken. Carrots are grilled to tender-crisp perfection and beautifully caramelized, developing a natural sweetness. A rich balsamic glaze adds a tangy counterpoint, creating a sweet and savory balance. Ready in just about 20 minutes, these quick and easy carrots add a fantastic pop of color and a depth of flavor to any meal.
Roasted Bell Pepper Salad
This sophisticated Roasted Bell Pepper Salad offers a gourmet touch as a side for grilled chicken. It beautifully combines naturally sweet roasted bell peppers and juicy cherry tomatoes with peppery arugula and a medley of fresh herbs. Creamy burrata cheese adds a luxurious, rich texture, while crispy Zaatar pita chips provide a delightful crunch. All these elements are brought together by a fragrant herby vinaigrette, creating a flavorful and visually stunning dish.
Loaded Potato Wedges
Turn up the flavor with these Loaded Potato Wedges, which serve as an exciting and hearty side dish for grilled chicken. These perfectly crispy potato wedges are generously topped with a rich, spicy, and cheesy sauce, then finished with fresh, often Asian-inspired toppings that add an unexpected twist. Every bite is packed with incredible flavor and satisfying texture, making them a fantastic and fun addition to any meal or gathering.
Carrot Raisin Salad
Rediscover a nostalgic classic with this creamy and crunchy Carrot Raisin Salad, a delightful side dish for grilled chicken that brings a touch of vintage charm. Reminiscent of the beloved Chick-Fil-A version, this salad is perfectly sweet, with the option to enhance its natural sweetness by adding grated apple instead of sugar. Its pleasant texture and balanced sweetness make it a refreshing and easy accompaniment to any grilled meal.
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
For a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious potato side, these Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes are a game-changer for grilled chicken dinners. Achieving a perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these golden potatoes are infused with savory Parmesan cheese, making them incredibly flavorful. They’re a fantastic, fuss-free addition to any meal, delivering satisfying texture and taste with minimal effort.
Patatas Bravas
Transport your taste buds to Spain with Patatas Bravas, a popular tapas dish that makes an exciting and flavorful side for grilled chicken. These crispy fried potatoes are typically served with a bold and spicy tomato sauce, offering a delightful kick and a contrasting texture. Their versatility means they can elevate not only dinner but also brunch menus, making them a unique and impressive accompaniment to your grilled feast.
Grilled Fingerling Potatoes
Keep your side dishes grilling with these simple yet elegant Grilled Fingerling Potatoes. They offer a wonderfully creamy interior and a deliciously charred, lightly grilled skin. Tossed with good olive oil, bright lemon, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these potatoes are an easy, healthy, and flavorful accompaniment that perfectly complements any grilled meat, including your savory chicken.
Thai Carrot Salad
Add a burst of refreshing, exotic flavor to your grilled chicken with this vibrant Thai Carrot Salad. This colorful side features crisp julienned carrots coated in a rich, slightly spicy peanut sauce that offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Whether you opt for convenient packaged carrot matchsticks or grate fresh local carrots, this dish comes together quickly to provide a uniquely flavorful and crunchy accompaniment to your meal.
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Brighten up your plate with this delightful Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad, a fantastic and crowd-pleasing side for grilled chicken, perfect for picnics and barbecues. This pasta salad is bursting with fresh lemon flavor, fragrant herbs, sweet roasted red peppers, tender summer squash, and salty, tangy feta cheese. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers a complex and satisfying flavor profile that beautifully complements the savory notes of grilled chicken.
Essential Gear for Perfect Grilled Chicken
To truly master your grilled chicken game and ensure every meal is a success, having the right tools and accessories is key. A well-prepared grill is the foundation for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken. Our personal favorite is the versatile Traeger grill, which functions as a grill, smoker, and oven all in one, offering incredible flexibility for various grilled chicken recipes. Don’t forget to stock up on Traeger grill signature pellets or your preferred flavor of wood pellets to infuse your chicken with amazing smoky aromas.
Efficient grill prep and serve trays are incredibly useful, especially when juggling multiple items on the grill simultaneously. And to safely and easily maneuver your chicken, a sturdy pair of grill tongs is indispensable.
Finally, maintaining your grill is vital for its longevity and performance. Always keep a grill brush and cleaner on hand to tackle post-grilling cleanup. A clean grill not only ensures better-tasting food but also significantly extends the life of your equipment. And for an extra layer of flavor, consider serving your grilled chicken with one of our delicious sauces, like our creamy Thai peanut dressing or rich roasted garlic aioli!
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Round Out Your Meal: Don’t Forget the Appetizers!
While these incredible side dishes for grilled chicken are sure to make your meal a hit, consider starting your gathering with some delightful appetizers to truly complete the experience. A well-chosen appetizer sets the tone for your feast and keeps guests happy while the main course finishes cooking. Explore our extensive archive of appetizer recipes for inspiration. You’ll find timeless favorites and exciting new ideas that are perfect for any occasion. Classic options like our savory stuffed bacon-wrapped dates or the fresh and vibrant Caprese bruschetta are effortless ways to kick off any planned gathering, adding another layer of culinary enjoyment to your perfect grilled chicken spread.