Skip to Content

31 Best Vegetable Sides for Chicken

A variety of vegetables can work for a chicken side dish. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus, are perfect for a chicken dinner. You may also want to serve roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes or carrots.

Vegetable Sides for Chicken

Chicken and vegetables?

Now that’s a match made in heaven.

When it comes to serving chicken and veggies together, you’re only limited by your imagination.

Of course, you can just use your favorite veggie and make a tasty chicken salad, but there are plenty of other ways to turn this simple combination into something special.

In this post, I’ve rounded up 31 of my favorite vegetable sides for chicken!

Keep scrolling to see which vegetable side dishes to serve with your next chicken meal.

But first…

Why Consider Serving Vegetable Sides for Chicken?

Why Consider Serving Vegetable Sides for Chicken

Chicken is typically paired with sides that provide plenty of starch and carbs.

A plate of chicken breast with rice or potatoes is a pretty common dish.

Of course, there are always options for meat-eaters.

However, if you want to get creative with your meals and try something new, there are plenty of vegetable dishes that you can make with chicken.

If you want to get the most out of your chicken and rice or potatoes, then consider adding some vegetables to the mix.

These dishes will help to add more texture and flavor to your meal.

Plus, they can help to make the meal feel complete.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate vegetable sides with chicken dishes is to pair them with one another.

For example, try serving broccoli and peas alongside chicken for a complete meal.

You could also combine chicken with potatoes and veggies as part of a ‘one dish, two ways’ meal.

How to Pick the Best Vegetable Side Dish for Chicken

How to Pick the Best Vegetable Side Dish for Chicken

When you’re cooking chicken, one of the most common and well loved side dishes is a vegetable.

Here are some ideas on how to pick the best vegetable side dish to accompany your chicken.

1. Choose the Vegetables that go Well With Your Meal

If you are planning to have chicken and you have vegetables on the menu, it’s important to have some vegetables that go well with the chicken.

For example, if you are having chicken and you have potatoes on the menu, make sure to have some of your potatoes cooked. This will ensure that the dish is going to be a complete meal for you.

2. Add Some Flavor

Add Some Flavor

While you want to have vegetables that go well with your chicken, they also need to have some flavor.

You may want to try some vegetables that are cooked in a tomato-based sauce. This is something that will give your vegetable dish a bit of extra flavor.

3. Go For Fresh Veggies

If you’re in season, the best vegetables are often the freshest ones. That means using seasonal produce.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a garden, harvesting at the peak of the season will ensure you have the tastiest vegetables, especially if you can find a local farmers market.

If you’re not in a garden or farmers market area, you can still find a wide variety of fresh vegetables by looking in the produce section of supermarkets and specialty stores.

4. Choose Vegetables that Are Tender

If you’re preparing a vegetable side dish with chicken, choose vegetables that are as tender as possible.

A mix of carrots, celery, green beans and potatoes is a good option for a side, but other ingredients, like broccoli or eggplant, can work well as well.

We recommend choosing vegetables that are tender because they don’t have to cook as long. This makes for fast, easy and delicious side dishes.

5. Try New Things

If you’re looking for a side to complement a chicken dish, try a new vegetable. We’ve found that root vegetables are great for this type of dish, so try carrots, turnips, beets, sweet potatoes or rutabaga.

If you’re new to vegetable side dishes, try experimenting with different varieties. For example, if you’re not a big fan of broccoli, try different types of broccoli to see what you like best.

31 Best Vegetable Sides for Chicken

Best Vegetable Sides for Chicken

Chicken is one of my favorite foods, but I tend to keep it to myself, unless someone else brings a nice piece home from a restaurant.

I can’t imagine my life without chicken, and the best part of this meal is that it’s so versatile.

With the addition of some vegetables, you can make a hearty and satisfying meal with very little effort.

Here are 31 options for vegetable sides to serve with chicken:

1. Garlic Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a great snack option, and they make a really good side dish with chicken.

Roast them in a hot oven for a few minutes, and they’ll become crispy, delicious, and ready to mop up all that lovely chicken broth.

You can add some garlic to them too – it’s a really easy recipe, and you won’t need much time to make them.

  • They’re delicious on their own
  • They make a great accompaniment for chicken
  • You can roast the garlic separately from the chickpeas
  • You can use a food processor to chop the garlic – this makes quick work of it
  • They’re low in carbs

2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashing potatoes is one of those simple dishes that everyone should know how to make, but if you’ve never made them before, now is a great time to start!

They’re packed with essential nutrients, and they’re a great option for dinner parties, as they can be made to perfection in advance and taken to the table ready to serve.

If you don’t have access to a pressure cooker, you could also make them in a slow cooker for an equally convenient option.

  • Mashing the potatoes will make them tender and fluffy
  • They are a great source of vitamin A
  • They are delicious with chicken
  • They are cheap and easy to make

3. Tossed Green Beans

A tossed canned green bean recipe is an easy one to make. Just boil them in some lightly salted water and drain them. Then toss them in some olive oil, and season as you see fit.

They’re great with a selection of chicken dishes, and are a healthy and versatile option.

  • They are versatile and can go with just about anything
  • You can add any spices you want – even things like dried parsley or sage
  • They are easy to make and quick
  • They take less time than regular green beans
  • You can add more oil to your green beans if you like

4. Roasted Potatoes

For a more complex side in the same vein, try roasting some potatoes. These will come in handy when you’re cooking chicken for a big family.

If you’re a potato fan, these are a great option, as they’re also a great source of potassium, and a good source of B vitamins.

  • Can be used as a substitute for mashed potatoes
  • Very tasty, especially with chicken
  • Low-calorie
  • Full of nutrients

5. Baked Beans

The easiest way to create a delicious and nutritious chicken dish is to serve up some baked beans. Baked beans are a really hearty and versatile side dish that you can prepare quickly and easily in your own home.

You can use any combination of beans here, but I usually choose sweetcorn, black-eyed beans, and chickpeas and serve them with some crumbled feta cheese.

You can also serve them alongside chicken or pork, or even as a savoury vegetarian option! I make my baked beans in a slow cooker, so I’ve included a recipe for how to do that too.

  • It’s really quick and easy to cook
  • You can make it using canned beans, which is really convenient
  • If you make them yourself, they’re a lot cheaper than buying the packet version
  • The recipe is really simple to follow

6. Baked Cauliflower

You can use any type of cauliflower here, but I really enjoy this simple, healthy alternative to rice.

Simply rinse it well, pat it dry with paper towel, then chop it into bite sized pieces.

Toss in a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then pop it in the oven at a low temperature for 20 minutes.

It’s a great option if you’re preparing a healthy meal for kids.

  • You can use any type of cauliflower
  • It can go in the oven, but it will take longer
  • It can be stored in the fridge for a few days
  • It’s good for those watching their carbs
  • It’s healthy

7. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is such a comforting and comforting dish. It’s a great way to make a healthy option out of a classic comfort food!

I always prefer crispy, golden, golden brown edges on my sweet potatoes, so I cook them in the oven at a high temperature, and then I serve it up with a generous sprinkling of brown sugar. It’s so nice and sweet, and is a great fit alongside any meal.

It’s also great served alongside something spicy like curries and chilli!

  • Sweet potato casserole is a good side for chicken or turkey
  • It’s also really good served with fish
  • It’s quick and easy to make
  • It’s healthy
  • It’s very versatile
  • It’s tasty
  • It’s low-carb
  • It’s great for weight loss

8. Creamy Leek Sauce

This is a simple cream sauce with just a hint of garlic and leek, and is just what you need with a meal like chicken.

It’s really easy to make and adds the best bit of flavour, so I always make it myself. It’s also a great way to use up any leeks or scallions that you might have left over from making other dishes.

  • You can try adding a bit of mustard or hot sauce for extra kick!
  • It’s super quick and easy to make
  • Leeks are such a good source of vitamin K – so important for your bones
  • You can make it with any kind of chicken (or even meat) if you don’t have any chicken pieces on hand
  • It’s really cheap, so you can add some to all kinds of dishes (I sometimes put it on steaks or chicken kebabs)

9. Roasted Vegetables

Sometimes, when you’re looking for new dishes to try out it can be difficult to know which combination of ingredients you’re going to like!

However, if you’re going to chicken, then it’s worth putting together a selection of roasted vegetables to serve alongside the meal.

A selection of different root vegetables, like parsnips, swedes, turnips, and celeriac, are a really healthy choice, but of course, you can choose your favourite if you want a particular vegetable to be your special one!

  • They’re very low in calories
  • You’ll be getting plenty of vitamins and minerals
  • They’re a good source of fibre
  • They’re low in fat
  • They taste great with a roast
  • They’re a healthy choice

10. Buttered Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a buttered Brussels sprouts side dish makes a great accompaniment.

You can get away with serving this side dish with chicken, but as it’s such a versatile ingredient, this is a nice way to get in some extra greens as well.

I like to cut the sprouts in half, then boil them in salted water, and afterwards, just butter them with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil.

  • You won’t have to worry about any ‘crunchy’ texture, as the Brussels sprouts are soft
  • You can serve this dish hot or cold
  • It’s a good vegetarian option if you’re looking to lose weight
  • It tastes great, but you could also eat it as a snack

11. Roasted Root Vegetables

You can serve up a side of roasted root vegetables alongside chicken, and you’ll get a great balance of flavour and colour.

Simply cut your potatoes and carrots into wedges, toss with some olive oil and salt and place on a baking tray.

Then roast them in the oven for about 40 minutes, turning at half-way intervals. You can serve them hot, or at room temperature.

  • It makes a great side dish to accompany meat
  • You don’t have to make any extra effort to eat healthy
  • You’re still getting some nutrients from the vegetables
  • You’re eating a good balance of carbohydrates and fats, which makes you feel satisfied

12. Mushrooms with Lemon

A quick and easy side dish that’s just packed with nutrients is a simple bowl of mushrooms with a generous drizzle of lemon.

All you need to do is grab a selection of mushrooms, and pick out the ones you want to work with.

You’ll want to save the smaller ones, like baby corn, for your starter, as they’re easier to eat and less starchy. Wash them under cold water to remove any dirt, and then dry them with a clean tea-towel.

Place them in a bowl with a little olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and toss them around to prevent them from sticking together.

Then place them in a baking tray, and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes.

As they cook, they’ll shrink in size and take on more of a crusty, caramelised appearance. The lemon will add a little extra tang to the dish, as well as adding a lovely fresh scent.

  • It’s easy to make a batch at a time, and you can freeze them for up to three months
  • It makes a delicious side for any meal, especially meat
  • It’s healthy, as mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, iron, selenium, and potassium
  • It’s filling

13. Tomato-Cheese Casserole

This is one of my favourite dishes to serve with grilled chicken! It’s packed with flavour, and the cheese gives it the perfect amount of richness.

There’s a few ways you can serve this up though. You can make your own from scratch, just pop a grated cheese-filled tin into the oven to heat up and then serve it with crusty bread and a salad.

Alternatively, you can pick up a ready-made version at your local supermarket. Don’t be tempted to add any extra salt though!

  • You can swap in different cheeses if you want – feta, cheddar or even mozzarella would work well.
  • It’s pretty easy to make so you can whip it up in no time at all.

14. Creamy Cucumber Salad

This is a really quick side dish to make, and is great for those of us on the go. It’s the perfect accompaniment to chicken as it adds a cooling, fresh burst of flavour, and also happens to be packed with antioxidants.

It’s really easy to make too, just chop up a cucumber, add some fresh dill, and toss it all together with a few tablespoons of Greek yoghurt and some freshly squeezed lemon juice.

  • It’s a very refreshing, healthy and easy side dish
  • It’s low carb, so you can enjoy it guilt-free
  • It’s great for lunch boxes
  • You can add any of your favourite herbs to make it your own

Tip: This is one of those recipes that will last a long time in the fridge, as it doesn’t really need to be eaten straight away.

15. Creamy Parmesan Asparagus

When it comes to vegetable sides for chicken, creamy parmesan asparagus is one of my favourite options.

It’s packed with flavour, and it’s so quick and easy to prepare too.

You can either use a vegetable peeler to make long ribbons that will curl as they cook, or you can use a knife to chop the asparagus into more manageable lengths.

  • The creamy parmesan gives it a really cheesy taste, but you don’t actually need Parmesan cheese
  • You can use any kind of asparagus, but I think the green ones are the tastiest
  • You can use a variety of different herbs, or even just salt, pepper and lemon juice

16. Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re more of a potato lover than a vegetable one, then sweet potato fries are one of the best vegetable sides for chicken.

I like to serve them with a green salad to balance out the flavour and help to cut through the natural sweetness of the potato.

Sweet potato fries are a great way to use up leftover mashed sweet potatoes too.

  • Easy to make and quick to cook
  • You can use frozen sweet potato pieces if you prefer, or cook them from fresh
  • Makes a good side dish for any protein
  • Can also be served as a snack

17. Corn on the Cob

If you like to serve chicken with a side of corn on the cob, this is the perfect choice. Just pop it in the microwave for about 5 minutes, and serve alongside your chicken.

The corn is deliciously soft and sweet, and makes a lovely contrast to the more chunky textures of the chicken and other vegetables.

As a bonus, you can also serve it with a sprinkling of cheese for extra protein.

  • It’s low carb, so it won’t weigh you down during your workouts
  • It’s filling, so it won’t leave you feeling hungry after you’ve eaten
  • The corn is really low in calories, making it a great choice if you are watching what you eat or don’t want to gain weight

18. Mashed Potatoes

A big bowl of steaming, mashed potatoes is just what you need to go with a big juicy chicken breast or thigh.

This is a simple dish to make, and it’s good fun to make a big batch of it at home so you can freeze it in individual portions to defrost at a later date.

Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get it cooked, as it will take a good time to be ready to eat.

  • It’s quick and easy to make
  • It makes a great side dish
  • You can make it into a casserole for a quick and easy meal
  • You can use frozen ingredients
  • It tastes good
  • It’s not fattening

19. Radish and Gorgonzola Salad

Radish is a super healthy and versatile vegetable, and it’s no coincidence that you’ll find it featured so often on vegetable sides.

It’s quick to prepare, and you can add anything you like to it. I like to use my trusty vegetable peeler to cut it into thin batons, and pack them into a bowl.

A little creaminess from a touch of Gorgonzola cheese will add a lovely contrasting flavour, as will a little freshly ground black pepper.

  • Radish is extremely low in carbs and high in fibre, so it’s an excellent source of energy for the body, which burns fat instead of carbs
  • It has lots of vitamin C and also contains other vitamins and minerals, which are important for healthy bones and teeth
  • It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
  • It’s packed with potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure

20. French Onion Soup

This is a great vegetarian side dish, and it really helps to highlight the subtle flavours of the chicken.

A simple pot of chicken stock will be enough to make this recipe, but if you want to make things easy on yourself, pick up a ready-made soup mix with garlic, thyme, and onion.

You’ll be able to get the job done in just a couple of minutes.

  • It’s quick
  • It has a lot of flavour
  • It’s easy to make

21. Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges

Parmesan baked potato wedges are a great choice if you’re in a hurry, and you’re looking for an easy side to serve alongside chicken.

You can make your own by cutting up a small potato and parmesan, then wrapping these up in an oven bag with a small amount of oil.

Pop them in the oven for about 25 minutes at 180 degrees, and you’ll end up with a hot, flaky Parmesan potato that’s delicious to eat.

  • You can use a potato and any kind of cheese
  • You can eat it alone or with chicken, or you can wrap it in a tortilla for a fast Mexican-inspired dish
  • It’s easy and quick, but still gives you some of the taste of a potato
  • It’s high in protein, so you can feel full for longer

22. Broccoli and Cheese

If you have leftover broccoli from your dinner, then you can chop it into small chunks, then add a good dollop of your favourite cheese. I love a good cheddar here, but you can also go for something like goat’s cheese, or even a blue cheese.

Once your cheese has melted, add a little freshly ground black pepper. You can also try adding a drizzle of melted butter or garlic butter, but I find it can be a bit overpowering.

  • This makes a great snack!
  • It is high in fibre and low in carbs
  • It has some protein and lots of healthy fats
  • It tastes amazing!

23. Cabbage Salad

Cabbage is fantastic for adding so much colour and texture to a side salad. Choose a crunchy variety like savoy cabbage, shredded cabbage, or even shredded coleslaw.

You can make your own dressing by whisking together a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and a little mustard.

  • The flavour is fresh and tangy
  • You can add a lot of veggies, like broccoli, spinach, or cucumber
  • It’s great for dressing up any vegetable side dish

24. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a great accompaniment to chicken in the winter months, as they add a lovely, earthy flavour and lots of vitamins and minerals.

They’re a particularly easy vegetable to prepare if you’re in a hurry, as you can just pop them into a steamer basket and steam for about 7 minutes.

You’ll find them in the produce section of your local supermarket, and you can buy them pre-glazed or choose from a range of different flavours.

  • They are good for you, so go for them!
  • If you haven’t had them before, start with some plain brussels sprouts and get used to their taste. You can always add a little lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper to make them more palatable.
  • They’re healthy, nutritious and full of vitamins and minerals
  • They take very little effort to prepare and they make a quick meal
  • They taste delicious with the chicken

25. Beet Salad

Beetroot is a great alternative to potato as it’s so versatile. You can use it as a side for a chicken meal, or you can use it as a base ingredient to make a tasty beetroot and feta salad.

The red colour of the beetroot is a great contrast to the creamy, smooth avocado.

  • This salad will look gorgeous and you can put it together in less than 5 minutes
  • You don’t need to peel the beetroot, just cut it into small cubes
  • The feta cheese goes perfectly with the beetroot

26. Roasted Zucchini

You can roast your zucchini in the oven for a few minutes; just make sure you do it on a baking tray rather than directly on the stovetop.

This allows you to get a nice browned finish, and it’ll be nice and crispy.

  • Less greasy than deep frying
  • You can do it at any time of day!
  • Great with chicken, pasta, or as a snack

27. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad isn’t all that hard to make. Just simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and throw it in a bowl with a dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

You can also add in some diced tomatoes or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavour.

  • Broccoli is a great source of antioxidants
  • It is high in fibre, so it helps you feel full for longer
  • It is a low-calorie food
  • It makes you feel more satisfied

28. Baked Parsnip Fries

Parsnips make a great veggie to serve alongside chicken. They’re incredibly versatile, and you can cook them in lots of different ways – from roasting them whole to grilling them and steaming them.

They’re a fantastic source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fibre, and they go well with all kinds of different flavours. I like to serve them with a side of chips for a complete meal.

  • They’re a great source of fibre
  • You can add them to your meals in lots of different ways
  • They’re very versatile and can be used as a side or an accompaniment
  • They can be cooked in lots of different ways
  • They’re super affordable

29. Cauliflower Au Gratin

Cauliflower is another low-carb veggie that makes a great accompaniment to chicken. It’s a perfect choice if you’re serving up a roast chicken for dinner, as it goes perfectly alongside all kinds of different flavours.

You can make your cauliflower au gratin spicy by adding a bit of chilli to the sauce, or you can make it extra nutritious by adding some grated cheese.

  • Cauliflower goes well with any type of meat, from beef to chicken
  • It’s a very versatile veg, so try a couple of different ways
  • It’s one of those vegies that tastes amazing and goes with almost any meal
  • It’s one of those veggies that doesn’t make you bloated and it’s great for your digestive system

30. Collard Greens

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/40673202874617721/

Chicken has a tendency to go with a broad range of vegetable sides, but collard greens are always a crowd pleaser.

They’re not only a great option for a side dish, they’re also great for a quick and easy dinner.

A good way to make them extra special is by adding in some crispy bacon. You can do this by slicing up some bacon, frying it in a frying pan, and adding it to the pan with your collard greens.

You can also stir fry your bacon in some butter or vegetable oil, and then add it to the collard greens. I personally don’t like the flavour of bacon, but it’s really up to you!

  • They are great for lunch, dinner, or snack
  • They are low in fat, high in fiber, and contain loads of vitamins
  • Add some bacon to give it a more traditional flavour
  • You can also just cook it with some butter, and use it as a topping

31. Kale Chips

I know that kale is often associated with health and fitness, so I’m very pleased to see it here as a side for chicken.

Kale chips are a great option if you’re looking for something quick and easy to prepare, as you can just chuck in some thinly sliced kale or a bag of pre-prepared kale chips, and you’re ready to enjoy.

You can also serve up some sweet potato fries here, and top them with a little extra salt and pepper.

  • You can do this without any additional ingredients
  • This is a great way to get in more vegetables when you don’t want to eat a big meal
  • It tastes great and you get to eat some delicious carbs in the form of sweet potato!
  • High in vitamin C and calcium
  • Low in carbs and calories
  • A great alternative to bread
  • Will keep for a while, but can get stale if not stored correctly

Conclusion

There are tons of great side dishes for chicken out there.

However, not all of them are healthy or balanced enough for a low carb lifestyle.

If you want to add some veggies to your diet, try some of these recipes.

They’re low carb and will help you get a variety of colors, flavors, and textures into your diet.

You can have some chicken and some veggies without having to sacrifice taste and flavor.

Try one of the side dishes in this article for an incredible low carb chicken dinner.

Vegetable Sides for Chicken

31 Best Vegetable Sides for Chicken

Vegetables are a great side dish to serve with chicken. They can complement the meat’s flavor and add a delicious crunch.
Some of the most popular vegetables that pair well with chicken are asparagus, broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 275 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Garlic Roasted Chickpeas
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Tossed Green Beans
  • Roasted Potatoes
  • Baked Beans
  • Baked Cauliflower
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Creamy Leek Sauce
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Buttered Brussels Sprouts
  • Roasted Root Vegetables
  • Mushrooms with Lemon
  • Tomato-Cheese Casserole
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad
  • Creamy Parmesan Asparagus
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Corn on the Cob
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Radish and Gorgonzola Salad
  • French Onion Soup
  • Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges
  • Broccoli and Cheese
  • Cabbage Salad
  • Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
  • Beet Salad
  • Roasted Zucchini
  • Broccoli Salad
  • Baked Parsnip Fries
  • Cauliflower Au Gratin
  • Collard Greens
  • Kale Chips

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these easy and tasty vegetable sides to serve with your chicken.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy your chicken dinner in less than 25 minutes!
Keyword Chicken Vegetable Side Dishes, Chicken Vegetable Sides, Chicken Veggie Sides, Vegetable Sides for Chicken
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.