Chicken sandwiches are a delicious and popular meal that can be found at many restaurants and diners. The chicken itself brings plenty of flavor, but the right side dish can really take the meal to the next level. When choosing sides for a chicken sandwich, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you want a side that will complement the flavors of the chicken and other sandwich ingredients. Second, you want something that provides contrast in textures. And third, you want options that are relatively simple and easy to prepare. With these criteria in mind, here are 10 excellent side dish ideas to consider when serving chicken sandwiches.
Coleslaw
Creamy, tangy coleslaw is a classic pairing for chicken sandwiches. The cool, crisp cabbage provides a nice contrast to the warmth and crunch of a fried chicken breast or patty. Shredded carrots add sweetness and color. And the creamy dressing ties it all together. Coleslaw is easy to make ahead of time and sits well, making it an effortless side dish for chicken sandwich meals. Feel free to experiment with different variations, like apple coleslaw with shredded apples or pineapple coleslaw with crushed pineapple.
Potato Wedges
Crispy, crunchy potato wedges are another popular choice alongside chicken sandwiches. Wedges have more surface area than fries, allowing them to get extra crispy and golden brown when roasted in the oven. Season the wedges with salt, pepper, paprika, and other favorite spices. Pair them with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or herb aioli. The potatoes offer a hearty, starchy counterpoint to the chicken sandwich that can help round out the meal.
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salads work beautifully as sides for hot chicken sandwiches. The pasta absorbs the dressing and can soak up flavors from add-ins like chopped veggies, cheese, meats or seafood. Try a veggie pasta salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers and Italian dressing. Or make it a chicken pasta salad by tossing in bite-size pieces of cooked chicken. You can prepare the pasta ahead of time and chill it until ready to serve alongside the sandwiches. The crisp, refreshing flavors complement the chicken perfectly.
Baked Beans
No picnic or cookout is complete without baked beans alongside fried or grilled chicken. The sweet, tomatoey beans pair well with all kinds of chicken sandwiches. Traditional baked beans with bacon are always a crowd pleaser. Or give them more of a barbecue flavor with ingredients like brown sugar, chili powder and cayenne pepper. The beans can be made in advance and gently reheated to serve. They work well for backyard barbecues, game day get-togethers and summer potlucks.
Cucumber Salad
On hot summer days when you want something cool and refreshing, cucumber salad is the perfect side for chicken sandwiches. Simply toss sliced cucumbers with vinegar, salt, pepper and a bit of sugar or honey. Let the flavors meld for 30 minutes or more in the fridge. The crisp cucumber and tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the chicken sandwich beautifully. You can also add thinly sliced onions for some bite. Cucumber salad comes together quickly and doesn’t require any cooking.
Fruit Salad
If you want an ultra light and refreshing side for your chicken sandwich, fruit salad is the way to go. Use a combination of bite-size pieces of your favorite fruits, like melon, berries, apple, orange and pineapple. Toss the fruit with a bit of juice from a lemon or lime to prevent browning. A sprinkle of mint adds a burst of fresh flavor. The natural sweetness of the fruit contrasts the savory chicken sandwich remarkably well. It’s a great option for summertime meals or lunches on the go.
Edamame Succotash
For a nutritious veggie-packed side dish, try an edamame succotash. Simply sauté frozen edamame beans with corn kernels, diced red peppers and zucchini. Season with salt, pepper and a bit of olive oil or butter. You can also add in cherry tomatoes or swap different vegetables based on preference. The combo of crisp-tender vegetables accented with nutty edamame is delicious with a chicken sandwich. It provides texture and health benefits.
Potato Chips
Sometimes simple is best. A serving of plain salted potato chips can be the ideal complement to a chicken sandwich. The satisfying crunch and saltiness enhances the flavors of the sandwich. Ruffle-cut and kettle cooked chips work particularly well. You can serve restaurant style by placing individual bags of potato chips alongside the sandwiches. Or pour chips into paper food cones for a fun presentation. Potato chips are easy to grab at the store and require no prep work.
Green Salad
A fresh green salad is a fool-proof side for chicken sandwiches. Use a combination of lettuce, spinach or mixed greens as the base. Top with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, tomatoes and your favorite dressing. Add-ins like bacon bits, shredded cheese, croutons and sliced almonds complement the chicken sandwich wonderfully. The crispness of the greens balances out the soft bun and juicy chicken. Salad greens also provide nutrients like vitamins A, C and K.
Conclusion
When serving up delicious chicken sandwiches, take the meal to the next level with these tasty side dish ideas. Coleslaw, potato wedges, pasta and fruit salads, baked beans, edamame succotash, chips and green salads all pair beautifully with chicken sandwiches. They provide flavor and texture contrasts that enhance the entire meal. Many of the sides can be made in advance for easy serving. So next time you are planning a meal with chicken sandwiches, try one of these excellent options as a side. Just be prepared for requests for second helpings!
| Side Dish | Key Flavors | Texture | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleslaw | Creamy, tangy, sweet | Crisp, cool | Make ahead, chill |
| Potato wedges | Salty, spicy | Crunchy, crispy | Roast in oven |
| Pasta salad | Savory, aromatic | Chilled, tender | Cook pasta, chill |
| Baked beans | Sweet, smoky | Soft, warm | Make ahead, reheat |
| Cucumber salad | Tangy, bright | Crisp, cool | Quick toss |
| Fruit salad | Sweet, juicy | Tender, refreshing | Quick toss |
| Edamame succotash | Savory, nutty | Crisp-tender | Quick sauté |
| Potato chips | Salty, crunchy | Crispy | No prep needed |
| Green salad | Fresh, crisp | Cool, crunchy | Quick toss |