Best Sides for Fried Chicken – 14 Tasty Ideas
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Wondering what to serve with fried chicken? Crispy fried chicken is a Southern favorite, and these 14 recipes make the perfect sides for this classic dish!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Fried chicken is a delicious and indulgent dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best sides to serve with fried chicken:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting accompaniment to fried chicken. Serve it with homemade country white gravy for the perfect pairing.
2. Biscuits
Soft, flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up any leftover chicken juices or gravy. Make homemade drop biscuits in just 15 minutes or bake some premade store-bought biscuits, just be sure to serve them up with plenty of butter!
3. Coleslaw
The crisp and tangy flavors of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried chicken. The cool temperature is also a great balance to the hot fried chicken.
4. Cornbread
Sweet and crumbly cornbread complements the savory flavors of fried chicken, creating a delightful balance of tastes. We like this Mexican cornbread and this spicy cheesy cornbread recipes.
5. Collard Greens
Southern-style collard greens cooked with smoky bacon or ham add a flavorful and nutritious side to the meal.
6. Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese make a comforting and indulgent pairing with fried chicken. Make slow cooker mac and cheese, bacon mac and cheese, or “fake” homemade baked mac and cheese.
7. Baked Potato
Like mashed potatoes, an easy baked potato is a great idea for pairing with fried chicken. Gather up all of your favorite toppings or make a baked potato bar if serving a crowd.
8. Corn
Grilled or boiled corn on the cob offers a sweet and juicy side to enjoy with fried chicken. You can also make homemade creamed corn or honey butter skillet corn as alternative options to making it on the cob.
9. Baked Beans
The savory and slightly sweet taste of baked beans complements the flavors of fried chicken. To make the meal even more hearty try these meaty calico baked beans on our sister site.
10. Okra
Fried okra or sautéed okra is a popular Southern side dish that pairs well with crispy fried chicken.
11. Hush Puppies
These deep-fried cornmeal fritters are a tasty and traditional addition to a fried chicken meal.
12. Potato Salad
Creamy and tangy potato salad offers a refreshing side that balances the richness of fried chicken. Try this hearty deviled egg potato salad or lighten it up with a pesto potato salad with green beans.
13. Green Beans
Sautéed or steamed green beans provide a healthy and vibrant side option for the meal. Our favorite recipe are these Southern style green beans but you can also opt for roasted green beans or green beans almondine for a lighter flavor.
14. Sweet Potato Fries
These oven-baked or fried sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Not in the mood for fries? Try roasted sweet potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes instead.
