49 Vegetable Side Dishes for Chicken – Happy Muncher (2024)

Whether you’re serving chicken and sides for a simple meal or a more elaborate dinner, there’s something magical about having a range of vegetables on your plate.

For a simple meal, a couple of veggie sides will work. For a fancier meal, you might serve more than one.

I’ve made it easy for you, and compiled a list of veggie side dishes that will complement your chicken.

Just grab your knife and fork, and let’s get ready to feast!

Why Consider Serving Veggie Side Dishes for Chicken?

Vegetables are a great way to add nutrition to your meals without having to rely on meat.

Chicken is a versatile food that can be used in many different recipes.

However, chicken can also get boring and routine if not paired with something new.

That’s why it’s great that chicken is served with side dishes that can make the meal interesting.

Think of side dishes as a way to complement the flavor of chicken.

They’ll add some variety and spice to the meal, helping it stand out.

In addition to providing flavor and texture, veggie side dishes can be a healthier option as well.

For example, vegetables like carrots and broccoli can be used in many different ways, including serving them alongside a sandwich or a salad.

This makes for an easy and healthy meal that doesn’t require you to rely on meat for flavor.

Of course, vegetables aren’t just for chicken.

They can be used in many different dishes that call for meat – like beef.

So, if you’re looking to create new and delicious meals, you might want to think about serving veggie side dishes.

49 Vegetable Side Dishes for Chicken

There are so many great vegetable side dishes to choose from that are easy to prepare and are perfect for your next chicken dinner.

In my opinion, there is no better accompaniment to any food than a good salad. It makes me feel good about eating.

Here is a list of 49 delicious vegetable side dishes to serve with chicken. It’s a pretty diverse list, so you’ll find something that will appeal to you.

1. Pan Fried Broccoli

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to serve along with chicken, then this one might be a good option. Just pan fry some broccoli florets until crispy and golden, and you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful flavours that broccoli has to offer.

For added convenience, you can buy ready made broccoli from the supermarket, but it will lack the freshness of a freshly prepared batch.

2. Steamed Green Beans with Lemon

Steamed canned green beans are such a versatile and versatile side dish. They pair beautifully with just about any kind of food and they’re a simple side option to add to your chicken or pork dinners. I like to serve them alongside a roast chicken, with a dollop of Greek yoghurt, a sprinkling of fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

3. Perfect Roasted Cauliflower

Perfect Roasted Cauliflower is a fantastic side dish to serve alongside chicken. The secret is in the way that it’s baked, which crisps up the florets and creates the perfect texture. The end result is a warm, delicious side that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and happy.

4. Parmesan Baked Asparagus

Asparagus is my favourite vegetable for side dishes because it’s so versatile. It can be served hot and raw, or you can bake it to a crispy golden brown to bring out its full flavour. I prefer to keep it simple here and just add a dash of lemon juice to a bag of pre-cut asparagus. You could also serve it with a little bit of fresh goat cheese to add a tangy twist, and maybe even a drizzle of pesto to really kick it up a notch.

5. Sauteed Spinach

If you like spinach, sautéed spinach is another good option. Just saute a few fresh leaves in some oil and sprinkle over salt and pepper. You can add extra flavour by sprinkling with chopped garlic or a little chopped chilli.

6. Sauteed Mushrooms

If you want to go for something a little less green, sautéed mushrooms are just as good! Just sauté some mushrooms in some oil, and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavours.

7. Sauteed Kale

You might think that a side of sauteed kale would be a little boring and uninspiring, but don’t worry – it’s just what you need to go with that roast chicken! Just chop up your kale leaves and then heat them in a frying pan until they’re nicely charred on the edges. Add a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and pepper, and you have a delicious accompaniment that will complement any meaty main course.

8. Peas with Lemon

When it comes to cooking peas, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them so that they don’t overcook! Peas are naturally sweet, but the key is to keep an eye on the pot so that you can get the right balance of sweetness. You can easily make them extra flavourful by adding garlic, lemon, or herbs such as basil. My preferred method for peeling peas is to blanch them first. This way, the peas cook in the boiling water and then can be drained without having any nasty bits clinging to them! It’s also easy to throw together a healthy, speedy side dish like this if you’re in a rush. Just cook some peas, squeeze over some lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

9. Sauteed Cabbage

This is another vegetable side dish that’s particularly popular when it comes to what to serve alongside chicken. Sauteed cabbage is really easy to prepare and makes a tasty accompaniment to your meal. Just cut your cabbage into thin ribbons, toss in some oil or butter, and cook until softened and golden. Serve warm, alongside your chicken and rice, and enjoy!

10. Crispy Brussels Sprouts

This is the perfect alternative to sautéed cabbage. It’s also super quick and easy to prepare, and I often serve this alongside my chicken. You can also add some bacon to the pan for an extra crunch. Brussels sprouts are such a versatile veggie, so you can take them in all sorts of different directions here. Try sprinkling them with soy sauce and honey to make a savoury snack, or stir fry them with some garlic, ginger, and red chilli pepper for a delicious stir fry side dish!

11. Roasted Vegetables

Here I have suggested some great vegetables to serve alongside chicken, which you can either roast yourself or buy pre-cooked and peeled from the supermarket. When roasted, vegetables take on a deeper flavour and become extra tasty. Some of my favourite veggies to serve include onions, peppers, zucchini, pumpkin, and cauliflower.

12. Roasted Squash “Fries”

Roasting vegetables works really well as a simple way to change up the taste of your meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is especially useful if you’re planning to serve your main meal outdoors or over the weekend. If you don’t have much time available, just pop your veg into the oven at the last minute. You can then go about your day or do whatever else it is you need to do. To make your roasted squash fries, just cut your butternut squash into long, thin sticks, then brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking tray, and then cook for around 20 minutes at 220°C (425°F). Enjoy on their own, or as a tasty accompaniment to chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.

13. Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese

I love the natural sweetness of beets, but they can be a little challenging to prepare. If you’re a beginner cook, I’d suggest roasting them at a high heat for about 30 minutes. Once they’ve softened, you can either leave them whole or slice them up into wedges, and then toss in some salt and pepper for an extra-tasty snack. To accompany them, I like to serve a small wedge of soft goat cheese. It works really well to soak up the juices from the roasted beets, and it’s also rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin C!

14. Sauteed Zucchini

If you want to add a more substantial element to your chicken, I’d recommend serving it with sauteed zucchini. It’s a great vegetable side dish and very filling, which makes it an ideal choice for those with big appetites. Just use some oil and garlic, and sprinkle over some grated Parmesan cheese for a super tasty treat. It’s a great way to use up left over veg from the fridge!

15. Roasted Butternut Squash

If you’re looking for something to accompany a chicken meal, then roasted butternut squash is an excellent choice! Butternut squash is one of my favourite vegetables as it has a mild flavour that mixes well with other ingredients and provides a nice contrast when eaten alongside chicken or pork. If you don’t want to make your own, you can also find it pre-packaged in the supermarket. I like to chop mine into bite-sized cubes and toss it in a little olive oil, sprinkle on some salt, and roast at 350°F (180°C) for around 20 minutes until crispy and golden.

16. 5-Minute Shelled Edamame

Another simple side option is shelled edamame. It’s quick and easy to prepare, and can be used with any meal – you could even mix it in with some rice or pasta. Shelled edamame are normally sold frozen, and you can use the same method as with butternut squash here – just thaw them in the fridge overnight and drain before using.

17. Sauteed Rainbow Chard

There’s no need to feel intimidated when it comes to making your own side dishes! Chard is one of the easiest vegetables to work with, and the sautéed version is really tasty served alongside chicken. Just cut some rainbow chard into long ribbons, steam for a few minutes until tender, and then stir fry for a couple of minutes in a large pan. You can add some garlic and pepper to give it a bit of a kick. Serve it in a bowl alongside your chicken, or you can spoon it over some pasta or rice.

18. Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

If you don’t have time to prepare your own side dishes, you can always grab some oven roasted corn on the cob from the supermarket instead. It tastes just as good as freshly cooked, but it’s much more convenient! Just pop your ears into the microwave for around a minute and your delicious corn is ready to eat.

19. Roasted Fennel

This one is a must! Fennel has an intense, licorice flavour, which complements the chicken perfectly. The trick to making it really delicious is to give the fennel a bit of a charring, which is best achieved by roasting it on the stovetop. Once the outside of the fennel has turned a lovely golden brown, transfer it to a baking tray and pop it under the grill for a few minutes until it is crisp and caramelised. If you want to take your time and really impress your dinner guests, you can use a blow torch instead!

20. Sauteed Carrots

Next up is sauteed carrots. They’re quick and easy to make, and can be served as an accompaniment to your chicken. I like to slice them into batons and toss in some butter, some freshly ground black pepper, and salt. It’s not strictly necessary to add salt though, as the natural seasoning from the carrots will do just fine.

21. Celery Salad with Apples

I love the combination of crunchy celery and creamy apple in this healthy side dish. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty main meal, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something to balance out the richness of your main course. You can make it a little more special by topping it with a handful of roasted nuts or some crumbled feta cheese.

22. White Beans

This simple side dish makes a great accompaniment to chicken, and it’s also a really quick and easy one to prepare. Simply drain and rinse a tin of white beans, add a splash of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s important that you try not to add too much salt, as white beans are already quite salty. You can also experiment with different flavour combinations here, such as adding garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary, or even a pinch of chilli.

23. Mixed Sauteed Vegetables

This dish works well for a main meal as it provides lots of satisfying protein, but it also makes an excellent side dish for chicken or fish. Simply prepare your vegetables of choice – I like to use a mixture of carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, broccoli, sweet potato, and courgette. Then add a splash of white wine vinegar, oil, garlic, and herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. Cook until tender and you’ve got a flavour packed veggie side.

24. Greek Cucumber Salad

A Greek salad is a delicious and healthy choice if you’re looking for a lighter option to accompany chicken or fish. It’s traditionally served with olive oil, feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, peppers, black olives, and fresh herbs. I like to make my own dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar, though you could also buy ready made versions in most supermarkets.

25. Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges

The best part about these is that they look so pretty served on a platter, and are super easy to make. You can easily adapt them to be vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Just remember to reduce the amount of cheese, as it will make the dish quite dry!

26. Smashed Potatoes

If you’re serving a meal with a lot of different options, then smash potatoes are always a good choice. They’re a bit of a hit with kids (as they can be finger food), and they’re great for feeding adults who don’t feel like eating any other vegetables! They also work really well as a side dish, as they’re packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, B, E, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. I like to use a fork to smash mine, rather than a knife, as it gives them a slightly more rustic look and feel.

27. Broccoli and Cheese

This side dish works really well with chicken. Cut a large stalk of broccoli into small florets, then steam until they’re tender. Top with cheese and baked beans and you’ll have a great side dish that can be prepared in a few minutes.

28. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries can be a healthy alternative to regular potato fries. They’re also super versatile – you can try them out with a wide variety of toppings. Some favourites include honey, chilli, sweet chilli sauce, bacon bits, and black pepper!

29. Green Beans and Garlic

If you like the sound of chicken served with green beans, then this side dish is perfect for you. You simply steam or blanch the vegetables until they’re tender, and then toss them with garlic and some olive oil before serving. Garlic is a great natural flavour enhancer that’ll really bring out the natural flavour of the vegetables, so it’s a smart choice if you want to save time!

30. Green Peas With Mint

Green peas are a little different to other vegetables as they tend to be a bit of a starchy veg. This is great news if you’re looking for an option that’s a little lighter than what to serve with chicken, as it means that you can eat them as part of a meal alongside other dishes. Simply boil them in a pan of water for a few minutes until they’re cooked through and then serve with mint to brighten up your meal.

31. Cauliflower Fried Rice

This one is especially great for the lunchtime crowd! You can easily throw this recipe together in minutes, and the result is so tasty and satisfying. It’s also a great option if you’re going to be spending a long time in the kitchen as it requires very few ingredients and only a few steps. Prepare the rice first, and then the vegetables, followed by the egg. I like to chop all the vegetables into roughly bite size pieces, and then mix them together before cooking. You can really enjoy all the flavours of the chicken and vegetables here, as they infuse into each other beautifully!

32. Cabbage Salad

If you want something light to accompany a meal of chicken or fish, then look no further than a cabbage salad! It works well with so many different kinds of food, and it’s super healthy, too. Cabbage is full of fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and it also contains some of the essential B vitamins, which are vital to healthy energy levels. Add a dollop of natural yoghurt if you want it to be extra creamy, or leave it as is if you prefer a crunchier texture. It’s delicious served with grilled meat, cold meats, and a few other finger foods, so you can serve it as part of a plated meal, or as a quick and easy side option.

33. Broccoli Radish and Gorgonzola Salad

A tasty broccoli and gorgonzola salad is a delicious option to serve alongside chicken. Just chop up some broccoli into bite sized pieces, combine with fresh herbs, and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a satisfying salad that won’t take you long to prepare. It’s a great way of serving broccoli as a healthy alternative to the traditional fried chips or potato wedges, and can also be served alongside other meals, like curries and pasta.

34. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

I love a good side dish of Brussels sprouts! If you’re going to be serving these alongside chicken, the key to getting them crispy and browned is to cook them over a high heat in a heavy frying pan. A quick spray of cooking spray before you place them into the hot pan will help them get cooked evenly, without burning and sticking to the base. You’ll be pleased to know that you don’t need any special equipment to make this recipe! Simply use your trusty kitchen scissors and snip off the outer leaves from each sprout. Once you’ve got all your sprouts ready, just toss them into the hot pan and wait until they start to turn golden brown. Once that’s happening, flip them over and let the other side brown too. And that’s it! The sprouts will keep warm in the pan while you finish preparing your main meal, but they’ll still taste great cold or at room temperature too.

35. Mashed Turnips

This is the kind of vegetable you don’t necessarily associate with chicken dishes, but I think it works really well here! I like to cook turnips with some garlic and a touch of butter to add a subtle flavour to the dish, and then mash them up to serve alongside my chicken. It takes a little longer than a standard mash, but it’s worth it for all the flavour it adds to your meal.

36. Beet Salad

I don’t think there’s any need to overcomplicate this one. It’s a super easy salad to make, just chop up a handful of cooked beetroot, toss in a few sprigs of parsley, a spoonful of mayonnaise, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, and you’ve got yourself a refreshing and healthy side dish! You can also serve it up alongside chicken and a few other veggies for a nice veggie-packed meal.

37. Fiesta Salad

A great side dish for chicken or any other meat, this fiesta salad features lots of different flavours and textures. Try adding some freshly sliced avocado or chopped tomatoes to the mix, as well as some cubed cheese or even some fresh herbs if you have them available. If you’re in a rush, you can also use a pre-made salsa or guacamole.

38. Roasted Zucchini

Another option is roasted zucchini! Just cut the zucchini into thick slices, toss in some olive oil and salt, and bake them in the oven for around 20 minutes. I like to serve them alongside fish and chips. You can also make the salad version, in which case I like to mix together some chopped cherry tomatoes, cornichons, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, plus some extra virgin olive oil and seasoning.

39. Spinach Salad

The best thing about serving spinach salad alongside chicken is that you don’t need to do anything to it other than the usual chopping and stirring in the dressing. Just pile the leaves into a bowl and top with some extra fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of basil. I love this as an option when I want to serve something easy and quick but still feel like I’ve put some effort into it.

40. Broccoli Salad

There are so many different kinds of salad that you can make, but if you’re looking for a side dish to serve along with chicken, broccoli salad is one of the most popular options. It’s also a great way to enjoy a leafy green vegetable. Choose the right ingredients here, though – it’s not enough to just chop up the broccoli and toss it in with some lettuce and tomatoes. You want the broccoli to be cut into bite-sized pieces, and it needs to be really fresh and crunchy!

41. Kale Chips

For this one, you’re going to need a large, deep sided baking tray. Kale chips are a really easy option here, as all you have to do is add your chosen vegetables to the tray and spray some oil on top. They can be sprinkled with salt and a dash of smoked paprika, or left to their own devices.

42. Baked Parsnip Fries

These are a brilliant side dish to serve alongside a roast chicken, and they work really well with both chicken and turkey. Simply cook your parsnips in a little butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in a medium hot oven until tender, and then serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

43. Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potato salad is super versatile and has a great variety of different flavours and textures. My favourite is a traditional sweet potato salad, served alongside a main course of roast chicken or salmon. It’s got a lovely, creamy texture, and tastes really fresh, thanks to the addition of celery, carrot, and red onion. This is a really easy option that will leave your dinner guests feeling really satisfied and satisfied.

44. Cauliflower Au Gratin

If you’re in the mood for something more filling, this is the perfect dish for you! Cauliflower can be quite bland in itself, so it works really well when combined with cheese and a creamy sauce. This version adds an extra element of flavour by topping the cauliflower with grated cheddar cheese, and drizzling the top with a simple béchamel sauce. It’s a great, simple choice that can be made ahead of time, which makes it great for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table quick.

45. Collard Greens

Collard greens are great as a side dish for chicken, and they’re a really quick and easy way to add greens into your diet. You can boil them whole or break them down into smaller pieces, then toss with a little oil, salt, pepper, and some spices. They’re particularly good when served with a creamy tomato sauce.

46. Corn Pudding

I think everyone should try making their own corn pudding at least once. It’s a real favourite of mine, and it takes just a few minutes to whip up and makes a lovely side dish for a meal of chicken or beef. It’s also a really nutritious option. For this recipe, you’ll need two cups of corn kernels, a can of cream corn, and a can of evaporated milk. Mix everything together and pop it in the oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every now and then. You’ll be amazed at how good it tastes!

47. Lima Bean and Corn Succotash

A side serving of succotash is a delicious and healthy option for dinner that’s suitable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Succotash is basically a traditional stew of lima beans, corn, and other vegetables that have been boiled and served with creamy, fresh cheese on top. You can make it with frozen lima beans too! Soak them overnight in a bowl of water and then drain and rinse before adding them to a large pan of boiling water and simmering for about 10 minutes until tender. Add some frozen corn, and cook for a further 5-10 minutes, until everything is cooked to perfection. Serve with grated cheddar cheese and a side of green salad.

48. Roasted Pear, Sweet Potato, and Radicchio Salad

A simple salad of roasted sweet potato, radicchio, and pear is a tasty and healthy addition to your meal. Roast the sweet potato and the radicchio for around 20 minutes at 200°C/400°F, and let the oven do all the hard work for you. Once they’re done, just slice them up and serve them together with a handful of blueberries. Pear is a great source of fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins, so it’s an excellent choice to help combat wintertime munchies.

49. Cauliflower Mac ‘n’ Cheese

When it comes to a side dish to serve along with chicken, this one’s always going to be a winner! A tasty twist on mac ‘n’ cheese, this is a quick and easy recipe that’s low in fat and high in flavour. It’s also perfect for when you want something to serve alongside a main meal but don’t want to make too much of a fuss!

9 Tips for Choosing A Veggie Side Dish For Chicken Dinners

Chicken is a favorite, and the best chicken dinners are always the ones where you can have a vegetable side dish. I’m a big fan of vegetable side dishes because they are often healthier than the meat sides.

The most important thing is to choose a side dish that complements your chicken dinner, as well as your diet!

So I’ve got a few suggestions, but you should have fun experimenting with your own ideas.

Tip 1: Always Cook The Vegetables First

As a rule, I always cook my vegetables first. This is because vegetables are generally healthier when cooked from the inside out. If you’re cooking them for the chicken, then you can also add flavorings to them such as garlic, herbs, or spices.

Tip 2: Make Sure You Use Good Chicken Stock

You want to use a good chicken stock, not a bouillon cube or paste, as the latter can contain MSG and other artificial additives. If you don’t have time to make your own chicken stock, then choose one that is high in quality. For example, I prefer to use Better Than Bouillon, which is made from scratch and contains no artificial ingredients.

Tip 3: Try Something New

It’s great to try new vegetables, but be careful about doing so on your first try. Most of the time, vegetables are a little bit intimidating when you first start cooking them. You may not even know how to cook them, or if they can be cooked at all. But once you get the hang of them, you’ll realize they’re really not that difficult to prepare.

Tip 4: Look For Vegetables That Are Firm

Look for vegetables that are firm and heavy in weight. They should have a good amount of substance to them, and they should be free from blemishes.

Tip 5: Look For Vegetables That Have A Bit Of Bite

Look for vegetables that have a bit of bite to them. This means they have a firm texture and they don’t taste mushy.

Tip 6: Don’t Be Afraid To Be Creative

You don’t have to stick to the same old boring side dish that’s been in your repertoire forever. Try out new vegetables that you’ve never cooked before. Or just play around with your sides. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and sauces.

Tip 7: Pick Something That Will Cook Quickly

For those nights when you want to throw together a quick meal, choose something that cooks quickly. While many of the recipes on this list can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, they also offer a variety of flavors and textures that make them perfect for weeknight dinners.

Tip 8: Pick Something With Nutritional Benefits

The nutritional value of vegetables is often underrated. While they don’t provide much in terms of calories, they do provide a host of vitamins and minerals. Try to pick something that has at least a few of these benefits. For example, carrots are a great source of vitamin A, while broccoli and spinach are rich in iron and potassium.

Tip 9: Choose A Vegetable That Is In Season

In most cases, the best time to buy produce is when it is in season. This means that the vegetables you are looking for will be at their peak in flavor and texture. If you can’t find a particular vegetable in season, look for a substitute that is close in flavor.