What To Eat With Fried Chicken is a timeless favorite, loved for its crispy skin and tender meat. But what makes it even better? The perfect side dishes! From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy coleslaw, there are endless options to pair with this classic dish. Pairing fried chicken with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a picnic, or a festive gathering, the perfect sides will complement the rich flavors of fried chicken. In this article, we’ll dive into the best side dishes for fried chicken, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor.
What To Eat With Fried Chicken Classic Side Dishes
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed potatoes and gravy are a classic combination with fried chicken. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken, while the savory gravy ties everything together.
- Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, milk, salt, pepper, chicken or beef gravy.
- Preparation: Boil potatoes until tender, mash with butter and milk, season to taste, and serve with warm gravy.
Mashed potatoes and gravy are not just filling but also incredibly comforting. They’re a must-have for any fried chicken meal.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a favorite comfort food that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. The gooey, melted cheese and tender pasta provide a delicious contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, salt.
- Preparation: Cook macaroni, make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, mix, and bake until bubbly.
Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that adds a rich, cheesy element to your meal. It’s perfect for both kids and adults.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a refreshing, tangy crunch to your fried chicken feast. Whether you prefer a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, coleslaw is an essential side dish.
- Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise or vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper.
- Preparation: Shred cabbage and carrots, mix with dressing, and chill before serving.
Coleslaw’s crispiness and tanginess cut through the richness of the fried chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
What To Eat With Fried Chicken Southern Favorites
When thinking about what to eat with fried chicken, Southern favorites often come to mind. These classic sides are staples in Southern cuisine and perfectly complement the flavors of fried chicken.
Biscuits
Biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine and a perfect accompaniment to fried chicken. These fluffy, buttery delights are ideal for sopping up any leftover gravy or chicken juices.
- Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, salt, butter, buttermilk.
- Preparation: Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter, add buttermilk, knead dough, cut into rounds, and bake until golden.
Biscuits add a comforting, homemade touch to your meal and are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them plain or with a dab of butter and honey.
Cornbread
Cornbread is another Southern favorite that pairs beautifully with fried chicken. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the rich, savory chicken.
- Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, butter.
- Preparation: Mix dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, pour into a hot skillet, and bake until golden brown.
Cornbread’s crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a fantastic side dish that complements the meal perfectly.
Collard Greens
Collard greens, slow-cooked with smoky bacon or ham, are a nutritious and flavorful side dish. These tender greens are a Southern classic and add a hearty, wholesome element to your fried chicken dinner.
- Ingredients: Collard greens, bacon or ham hock, onions, garlic, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar.
- Preparation: Sauté onions and garlic, add bacon or ham, cook until tender, add greens and broth, simmer until greens are tender.
Collard greens bring color and a depth of flavor to the meal, balancing the richness of the fried chicken with their smoky, savory notes.
Potato-Based Sides
French Fries
French fries are a classic side dish that complements fried chicken perfectly. The crispy, golden fries provide a satisfying crunch, making them an ideal accompaniment to the crunchy chicken.
- Ingredients: Potatoes, oil for frying, salt.
- Preparation: Cut potatoes into sticks, soak in water to remove excess starch, dry thoroughly, fry in hot oil until golden brown, and season with salt.
French fries are not only easy to make but also loved by everyone, adding a familiar and comforting touch to your meal.
Potato Salad
Potato salad, with its cool, creamy texture, is a great side dish for fried chicken. The warm, crunchy chicken is perfectly counterbalanced by the crisp potatoes and tart vinaigrette.
- Ingredients: Potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery, onions, salt, pepper.
- Preparation: Boil potatoes until tender, chop and mix with other ingredients, chill before serving.
This picnic staple is perfect for outdoor gatherings and adds a delicious, creamy element to your fried chicken meal.
Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are versatile and filling, making them an excellent choice to serve with fried chicken. They can be loaded with a variety of toppings to suit your taste.
- Ingredients: Russet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, toppings like sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives.
- Preparation: Rub potatoes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, bake until tender, and serve with desired toppings.
Baked potatoes are easy to prepare and allow for creativity with toppings, making them a great addition to your meal.
Other Popular Sides
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with fried chicken. The sweet, charred kernels offer a fresh and vibrant contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Ingredients: Fresh corn, butter, salt, pepper.
- Preparation: Grill or boil corn until tender, then season with butter, salt, and pepper.
This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for outdoor grilling and warm weather gatherings, adding a touch of sweetness to your meal.
Baked Beans
Fried chicken pairs wonderfully with sweet and savory baked beans, made in the South. Tender beans and rich, zesty sauce combine to produce a tasty mix that gives your dinner depth and coziness.
- Ingredients: Canned beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, onions, bacon.
- Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and hot.
Baked beans are a hearty, comforting side that is a classic choice for any fried chicken dinner.
Fresh Salads
Fresh salads add a light and refreshing element to your fried chicken meal. Whether you prefer a simple green salad or something more elaborate, fresh salads are always a good choice.
- Ingredients: Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, dressing of choice.
- Preparation: Toss all ingredients together and serve with your favorite dressing.
Salads provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the richness of fried chicken, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Desserts and Drinks
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a traditional Southern dessert that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken. The sweet, juicy peaches and flaky crust make it a perfect ending to your meal.
- Ingredients: Peaches, sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon.
- Preparation: Mix sliced peaches with sugar and cinnamon, place in a baking dish, top with a flour and butter mixture, and bake until golden brown.
Peach cobbler is a delightful treat that brings a sweet finish to your savory meal.
Sweet Tea
No Southern meal is complete without sweet tea. This refreshing beverage complements the flavors of fried chicken and other side dishes perfectly.
- Ingredients: Black tea, sugar, water, lemon (optional).
- Preparation: Brew strong black tea, mix with sugar until dissolved, chill and serve over ice with a slice of lemon if desired.
Sweet tea adds a refreshing touch to your meal and is a must-have drink for any fried chicken feast.
More Creative Pairings
When considering what to eat with fried chicken, exploring creative pairings can elevate your meal. These unique sides offer a fresh twist on traditional accompaniments.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter that make an excellent side dish for fried chicken. They add a crunchy, slightly sweet element that enhances the overall meal.
- Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, egg, onion, oil for frying.
- Preparation: Mix dry ingredients, add wet ingredients and onions, shape into balls, and fry until golden brown.
Hush puppies are a Southern classic that’s sure to be a hit with any fried chicken spread.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are another iconic Southern side that pairs well with fried chicken. Their tangy flavor and crispy coating add an interesting twist to the meal.
- Ingredients: Green tomatoes, cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, buttermilk, oil for frying.
- Preparation: Slice tomatoes, dip in buttermilk, coat with seasoned cornmeal, and fry until golden.
These tasty morsels provide a delightful contrast to the savory, rich fried chicken.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a simple yet delicious side dish that complements fried chicken beautifully. The creamy filling provides a nice contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, paprika.
- Preparation: Halve eggs, remove yolks, mix yolks with other ingredients, refill egg whites, and sprinkle with paprika.
Deviled eggs are a versatile and easy-to-make addition to any fried chicken meal.
Seasonal and Regional Variations
Considering what to eat with fried chicken often leads to exploring seasonal and regional variations. These sides highlight local flavors and seasonal produce, offering a fresh take on classic pairings.
Summer Salads
In the summer, light and refreshing salads are perfect to serve with fried chicken. Options like cucumber salad or heirloom tomato salad provide a fresh contrast to the heavy main dish.
- Ingredients: Cucumbers or heirloom tomatoes, onions, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper.
- Preparation: Slice vegetables, mix with dressing, and chill before serving.
These salads are not only delicious but also help balance the richness of fried chicken. For more on the benefits of pairing light salads with meals, see https://www.thehealthyfish.com.
Winter Comfort Sides
In the winter, heartier sides like sweet potato casserole or roasted root vegetables are ideal for pairing with fried chicken.
- Ingredients: Sweet potatoes or root vegetables, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, pepper.
- Preparation: Peel and chop vegetables, toss with seasonings, and roast until tender.
These warming sides add comfort and depth to your meal.
Regional Specialties
Explore regional specialties to pair with fried chicken. For example, consider serving fried chicken with New Orleans-style red beans and rice or Carolina-style boiled peanuts.
- Ingredients: Red beans, rice, spices, or raw peanuts, salt.
- Preparation: Cook red beans with spices and serve over rice, or boil peanuts until tender.
FAQs About What To Eat With Fried Chicken
Can I serve fried chicken with rice?
Absolutely! Jasmine rice or seasoned rice can be a great accompaniment. The fluffy texture and mild flavor of rice complement the rich, savory taste of fried chicken perfectly.
What are some healthy sides for fried chicken?
Healthy sides include steamed vegetables, fresh salads, and fruit-based sides. These options provide a light and nutritious contrast to the fried chicken, making the meal balanced and enjoyable.
Is it okay to serve fried chicken with bread?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to serve fried chicken with bread. Options like biscuits or cornbread are traditional choices that complement the dish well and add a comforting, homemade touch.
What sides go well with fried chicken for a picnic?
For a picnic, consider portable sides like potato chips, pasta salad, or fresh fruit. These easy-to-pack options pair well with fried chicken and are convenient for outdoor dining.
Can I serve fried chicken with a sauce?
Yes, dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing are great with fried chicken. They add extra flavor and are sure to be a hit with guests.
What vegetables pair well with fried chicken?
Vegetables like green beans, collard greens, and corn on the cob are perfect pairings for fried chicken. These sides add color and nutrition to your meal.
Pairing fried chicken with the right side dishes can transform a simple meal into a feast. From classic comfort foods to fresh, seasonal salads, there are countless ways to complement the rich, savory flavors of fried chicken. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these side dish ideas will ensure your fried chicken is always the star of the show. For more on the benefits of pairing food with side dishes, check out https://www.foodandhealth.com. Enjoy your delicious meal and happy cooking!