Grilled chicken is a crowd-pleasing main dish that’s versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or planning a simple weeknight dinner, the right side dishes can transform your grilled chicken into a complete and satisfying meal.
Choosing the perfect sides for grilled chicken enhances the overall dining experience by adding complementary flavors, textures, and nutrients to your plate. From fresh summer salads to hearty grains and grilled vegetables, you have countless options that pair beautifully with chicken.
You’ll find that the best side dishes balance the meal while highlighting seasonal ingredients for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
1. Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
Garlic fingerling potatoes make a perfect side dish for your grilled chicken. These small, finger-shaped potatoes have a buttery texture that complements the smoky flavor of grilled meat.
Toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast them until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting. You can also grill these potatoes in a foil packet alongside your chicken for a simple one-grill meal.
The rich garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with both simple grilled chicken and more complex marinades.
2. Jalapeño-Goat Cheese Grilled Stuffed Mini Peppers
These stuffed mini peppers make a perfect side for grilled chicken. The creamy goat cheese filling mixed with jalapeño adds a mild kick that complements the smoky flavor of your chicken.
Fill mini peppers with a mixture of soft goat cheese, grated parmesan, minced jalapeño, and garlic. Grill until the peppers soften and the cheese gets warm.
Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey before serving for a flavor boost.
These colorful bites take just about 20 minutes to prepare, making them an easy yet impressive side dish.
3. Spicy Maple Dijon Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for your grilled chicken. When grilled, these mini cabbages develop a slight char and caramelization that enhances their flavor.
The combination of spicy, sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard creates a perfect balance that complements chicken beautifully. The Brussels sprouts become slightly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Toss trimmed Brussels sprouts in the maple Dijon mixture before grilling. Add bacon, pecans, or dried cranberries as toppings if you want to elevate the dish further.
4. Three Pickle Potato Salad
This potato salad brings a tangy twist to your grilled chicken meal. It combines three types of pickles for maximum flavor impact.
The mix usually includes diced pickles, pickled okra, and relish. These pickled ingredients add a zesty crunch that balances the smoky flavor of your grilled chicken.
For the base, use russet potatoes, homemade mayo, mustard, and hard-boiled eggs. Onions and spices like garlic powder and paprika round out the flavor profile.
The vinegary punch of the pickles cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.
5. Spicy Pineapple Slaw
Pineapple slaw brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken. The tropical sweetness cuts through the smokiness of the chicken for a refreshing contrast.
Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and chunks of fresh pineapple. Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the slaw a spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
For the dressing, mix mayonnaise with a splash of pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. This side dish works especially well with barbecue chicken or Hawaiian-style grilled chicken.
6. Zesty Corn and Squash Salad
This bright and colorful salad brings together summer squash and sweet corn for a refreshing side dish. The combination creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken.
Prepare this salad in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. The chili-lime vinaigrette adds a tangy kick that elevates the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Consider adding cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor. The creaminess of the cheese balances the zesty dressing perfectly.
This salad tastes best when made with fresh seasonal produce during summer months when corn and squash are at their peak.
7. Crispy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Crispy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus makes a perfect side for grilled chicken that looks fancy but takes just minutes to prepare. Fresh asparagus spears are wrapped in thin slices of salty prosciutto and roasted until the asparagus becomes tender and the prosciutto turns crispy.
This simple appetizer is ready in about 20 minutes and requires just a few ingredients. Season the asparagus with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before wrapping.
Add a small spread of Neufchatel cheese between the asparagus and prosciutto for an extra touch of flavor. The contrast between the crispy meat and tender vegetable creates a delicious texture that complements grilled chicken beautifully.
8. Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Black Beans
Quinoa salad makes a perfect side dish for your grilled chicken, offering a nutritious boost to your meal. This protein-rich combination features fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, and hearty black beans.
Cook quinoa and let it cool before mixing with drained black beans, chopped onions, and grilled corn removed from the cob. Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
A simple lime-cumin dressing ties all the flavors together. Whisk lime juice with a pinch of cumin and drizzle over your salad.
Customize it by adding tomatoes, cilantro, or queso fresco for extra flavor.
9. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Grilled corn on the cob makes a perfect side dish for your BBQ chicken. Cook it on a medium-hot grill for 20-25 minutes until you see golden brown spots and grill marks.
The herb butter is what makes this side special. Mix softened butter with salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl.
Prepare the herb butter ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Spread it over the hot corn as soon as it comes off the grill for maximum flavor.
This sweet and savory combination complements grilled chicken perfectly while adding vibrant color to your plate.
10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Sea Salt
Roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon and sea salt make a perfect companion for grilled chicken. They offer a delightful contrast with their sweet, earthy flavor and crispy exterior.
Cube sweet potatoes, toss with olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon and sea salt, then roast until caramelized. The cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness while the sea salt adds a savory balance.
Adjust the seasonings to complement your chicken’s flavors. These sweet potatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
11. Grilled Zucchini with Ricotta and Walnuts
This side dish combines tender grilled zucchini with creamy ricotta and crunchy walnuts for a perfect complement to your grilled chicken. Slice zucchini into planks and grill until they have slight char marks and become tender.
Top the warm zucchini with a dollop of whipped ricotta cheese that’s been mixed with herbs. The creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the smoky vegetable.
Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top for a satisfying crunch. Add a tangy caper vinaigrette or lemon zest to brighten the flavors even more.
This healthy side dish offers great textural variety and a fresh taste.
12. Classic Macaroni Salad
Classic macaroni salad is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor provide a delicious contrast to the smoky, savory taste of your chicken.
This cold pasta salad features elbow macaroni mixed with mayo, mustard, and vinegar for that signature creamy-tangy base. Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and onions for crunch and color.
Make your macaroni salad ahead of time and refrigerate it. The flavors develop and improve as it chills.
Macaroni salad works great for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks alongside your grilled chicken.
13. Watermelon and Feta Salad
Watermelon and feta salad offers a refreshing contrast to grilled chicken. The sweet, juicy watermelon cubes paired with salty feta cheese create a delightful balance of flavors.
Add cucumber for extra crunch and arugula for a peppery bite. Drizzle with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette to bring everything together.
This Mediterranean-inspired dish works well with herb-grilled chicken or blackened chicken. The cooling effect of the watermelon complements the warm, savory chicken perfectly.
Enhance the salad with chopped pistachios for texture or fresh herbs like parsley and mint for brightness.
14. Grilled Eggplant Slices with Cheese
Grilled eggplant slices with cheese make a perfect side for your grilled chicken dinner. Slice eggplant into rounds, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender.
Top the hot slices with your favorite cheese – feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella work wonderfully. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the eggplant.
Add a dollop of marinara sauce before the cheese or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for extra flavor. Marinate the eggplant in a garlic dressing before grilling for added taste.
15. Oven-Roasted Frozen Broccoli with Garlic
Oven-roasted frozen broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken. You can have this ready in just 25 minutes total—5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook.
Toss frozen broccoli florets with olive oil, fresh minced garlic, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, add garlic powder or smoked paprika before roasting.
Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and roast until the edges turn crispy and golden. The roasting process creates a delicious caramelized flavor that transforms simple frozen broccoli.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese right after removing from the oven. The cheese melts slightly, adding a salty, savory element to this nutritious side dish.
16. Easy Buttery Garlic Rice
Easy buttery garlic rice makes a perfect companion to grilled chicken. The golden sautéed garlic adds incredible flavor to fluffy rice.
Cook rice with garlic-infused butter for an extra flavorful side dish. The recipe is straightforward and produces perfectly cooked rice every time.
This versatile side pairs with any style of grilled chicken, from BBQ to herb-seasoned. The buttery richness complements the smoky flavors of the chicken beautifully.
Prepare this rice while your chicken is grilling. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
17. Easy Lemon-Ginger Spinach
This light and refreshing spinach dish makes a perfect accompaniment to your grilled chicken. The bright flavor combination of lemon and ginger cuts through the richness of the meat.
You can wilt fresh spinach in a pan in just minutes. Zesty lemon adds acidity, while ginger brings gentle warmth.
Adjust the amounts of lemon and ginger to suit your taste preferences. For extra flavor, add a small clove of minced garlic or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
This side pairs particularly well with lemon chicken or Greek-seasoned grilled chicken.
18. Frito Corn Salad
Frito Corn Salad brings a delightful crunch to your grilled chicken meal. This popular side dish combines sweet corn, colorful bell peppers, and onions with crushed Fritos corn chips.
Mix the ingredients in a creamy dressing that balances the flavors. You only need to cook the corn, making it quick to prepare for weeknight dinners.
This salad is especially popular at BBQs and summer gatherings. Add the crushed Fritos just before serving to maintain their signature crunch.
Try this versatile side dish at your next chicken cookout.
19. Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
Couscous with roasted vegetables makes a perfect side for grilled chicken. The tiny pasta cooks in minutes, creating a fluffy base for colorful, sweet roasted vegetables.
Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers to your roasted vegetable mix. The combination delivers complex flavors that complement the smoky taste of grilled chicken.
Cook your couscous in chicken stock instead of water for extra flavor. This simple switch adds depth to the dish.
Drizzle tzatziki sauce over both your chicken and couscous for a cool, tangy finish.
20. Mashed Potatoes with Chives
Creamy mashed potatoes sprinkled with fresh chives make a perfect companion to grilled chicken. The buttery, smooth texture contrasts with the chicken’s charred exterior.
Fresh chives bring a mild onion flavor that enhances the potatoes. Customize your mashed potatoes by including garlic, cheese, or sour cream for extra richness.
Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture. Add a pat of butter on top of the hot potatoes to melt into them just before eating.
21. Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Pasta salad makes a refreshing side for grilled chicken, especially during warm weather. Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil bring bright flavors that complement the smoky taste of grilled chicken.
Use bowtie or penne pasta for the best texture. Enhance the flavor with a simple balsamic vinaigrette drizzled over the top.
Add fresh mozzarella chunks for creaminess that balances the tangy dressing. Prepare this side dish ahead of time and chill it for backyard barbecues.
The cold pasta provides a nice temperature contrast to your hot grilled chicken.
Pairing Principles: Choosing Sides for Grilled Chicken
Selecting the right sides for grilled chicken elevates your meal from basic to memorable. The best pairings consider both flavor harmonies and practical considerations like season and dietary needs.
Flavor Profiles and Balancing
When pairing sides with grilled chicken, think about complementary flavors. Grilled chicken has a neutral, slightly smoky flavor that works well with bold accompaniments.
Acidic sides like Greek salad with tangy feta and vinaigrette help cut through the richness of the meat. The brightness balances the protein.
For seasoned chicken, match your sides accordingly. Lemon-herb chicken pairs beautifully with Mediterranean sides like roasted vegetables with olive oil and herbs.
Spicy grilled chicken benefits from cooling sides such as cucumber salad or creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.
Texture contrasts matter too. Crisp vegetable sides like grilled asparagus or zucchini provide a pleasing counterpoint to tender chicken.
Starches like rice or potatoes add satisfying substance to complete the meal.
Seasonal and Dietary Considerations
Choose sides based on what’s fresh during each season for the best flavors and value. Summer calls for grilled vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini that can cook alongside your chicken.
Spring meals benefit from tender greens and asparagus. Fall offers hearty squashes and root vegetables that roast beautifully.
Consider dietary needs when planning sides. For low-carb meals, focus on vegetable-forward options like cauliflower rice or grilled vegetable medleys.
For gluten-free guests, rice, potatoes, and naturally gluten-free grains like quinoa make excellent choices.
Include colorful vegetables to balance your plate nutritionally. Dark leafy greens, bright bell peppers, and orange sweet potatoes provide essential nutrients to complement your protein.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve your sides alongside grilled chicken can elevate the entire meal experience. The right presentation not only makes food more appealing but also ensures each dish maintains its ideal texture and temperature.
Enhancing Visual Appeal
Use colorful platters to create contrast with your food. White plates make colorful vegetables pop, while wooden boards add rustic charm to your grilled chicken presentation.
Layer your sides at different heights using small bowls or ramekins. This creates visual interest and makes the table look more inviting.
Add fresh herbs as garnish to brighten up dishes. Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil over potato salad or grilled vegetables just before serving.
Consider color balance when choosing sides. Pair your golden-brown chicken with vibrant greens, reds, and yellows from various vegetables for an Instagram-worthy plate.
Serve family-style for casual gatherings, allowing guests to build their own plates.
Maintaining Temperature and Texture
Pre-warm serving dishes for hot sides like roasted potatoes or grilled corn. This step prevents them from cooling too quickly when plated.
Keep cold sides properly chilled until the last minute. Refrigerate potato salad, coleslaw, and other mayo-based sides until serving time for food safety.
Use separate serving utensils for each dish. This prevents flavor mixing and maintains the integrity of each side.
Time your cooking so sides finish just as the chicken is resting. Most grilled chicken needs to rest 5-10 minutes, which is perfect for finalizing hot sides.
For buffet-style serving, use chafing dishes for hot items. Place ice baths under cold dishes to maintain proper temperatures longer.
