Chicken and waffles is a classic soul food dish that combines crispy fried chicken with sweet waffles. This unexpected flavor combination results in a perfect balance of sweet and savory. While chicken and waffles are often served as an entree on their own, they can also be paired with various sides to round out the meal. So what are some good sides that complement this iconic dish?
Traditional Southern Sides
Some classic Southern sides that pair well with chicken and waffles include:
- Collard greens – Slow cooked collards seasoned with smoked turkey, onions, and spices balance the sweetness of the waffles.
- Black eyed peas – Earthy and creamy black eyed peas provide protein and fiber.
- Cornbread – Crumbly, buttery cornbread soaks up any syrup drippings.
- Mac and cheese – Goopy, cheesy macaroni is a comforting accompaniment.
- Mashed potatoes – Smooth, creamy potatoes work nicely with the crispy chicken skin.
- Corn on the cob – Grilled or boiled sweet corn cobs make for easy eating.
- Coleslaw – Cool, crunchy cabbage slaw in a tangy dressing cuts the richness.
- Biscuits – Flaky, hot biscuits are perfect for dipping in maple syrup.
These traditional Southern sides all complement the sweet and salty flavors in chicken and waffles. Collard greens, black eyed peas, and mashed potatoes provide a nice counterbalance to the crispy chicken skin. Meanwhile, cornbread, biscuits, and coleslaw soak up the sweet maple syrup. Corn on the cob adds pops of fresh sweetness.
Fruits and Berries
Fruits and berries also make excellent accompaniments for chicken and waffles by echoing the sweet flavors:
- Sliced strawberries
- Blueberries
- Banana slices
- Melon wedges – honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon
- Pineapple chunks
- Peach slices
- Apple slices
The juicy fruits add natural sweetness that complements the maple syrup. They also provide refreshing contrast to the hot, crispy fried chicken. Berries like blueberries and strawberries pair especially well with the traditional maple syrup served with chicken and waffles. Sliced bananas, melons, peaches, pineapples, and apples all make lighter accompaniments too.
Savory Vegetables
If you want to go in a more savory direction, try these vegetable side dishes with chicken and waffles:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Glazed carrots
- Green beans
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
The roasted veggies add more comfort food flair. Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus especially complement the sweet maple syrup when charred and caramelized. For a lighter option, quickly sauteed or steamed green beans or broccoli balance the rich fried chicken.
Fun Extras
In addition to traditional Southern sides, fruits, and veggies, some more fun, outside-the-box accompaniments for chicken and waffles include:
- Pimento cheese spread – Slather this Southern cheese spread on waffles or serve as a dip.
- Jalapeno poppers – Spicy, cheesy poppers make a fun variation on mac and cheese.
- Hash browns or tater tots – More potato goodness! Tots can be baked or fried.
- Whipped honey butter – Sweet whipped butter takes waffles up a notch.
- Maple bacon – Crisp maple-glazed bacon bits amp up the sweet and savory flavors.
- Pickles – Dill pickles provide a tart, crunchy contrast.
These creative sides offer new flavors and textures to complement classic chicken and waffles. Pimento cheese, jalapeno poppers, and maple bacon marry the sweet and savory combination. Hash browns and tater tots soak up syrup drippings like potatoes. Whipped honey butter and pickles balance out the sweetness.
Lighter Sides
Since chicken and waffles can be a heavy, indulgent dish, you may want to include some lighter sides for a balance. Healthy options include:
- Mixed greens salad
- Caesar salad
- Fresh tomato slices
- Avocado slices
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
A simple green salad or Caesar salad with crunchy romaine and parmesan adds freshness. Sliced tomatoes and avocados work nicely as toppings for the waffles or chicken. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt pair well with the sweet flavors too. These lighter sides incorporate more veggies and calcium to round out the meal.
The Best Drink Pairings
An ideal beverage can wash down chicken and waffles perfectly. Some top drink choices include:
- Mimosa – Bubbly and citrusy, perfect for brunch.
- Bloody Mary – Savory and spicy, with similar flavors to the dish.
- Iced tea – An iconic Southern beverage, sweet or unsweet.
- Lemonade – Tart and refreshing, it cleanses the palate.
- Coffee – Hot coffee complements the crispy chicken.
- Juice – Orange, apple, or other fruit juices.
- Milk – Cold milk soothes and cools.
- Beer – Crisp lagers or fruity Belgian beers work well.
Mimosas and bloody marys make ideal brunch cocktails with chicken and waffles. Iced tea, lemonade, coffee, juice, and milk all refresh the palate between bites. And beer makes for an excellent pair too – pale lagers or berry-flavored Belgian wheats complement the dish nicely.
Top Chicken and Waffles Side Dishes
In summary, the best side dishes to serve with chicken and waffles include:
| Category | Side Dishes |
|---|---|
| Traditional Southern Sides | Collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread, mashed potatoes, coleslaw |
| Fruits | Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, melons, apples |
| Vegetables | Brussels sprouts, carrots, green beans, asparagus |
| Fun Extras | Pimento cheese, jalapeno poppers, hash browns, maple bacon |
| Lighter Sides | Salads, cottage cheese, yogurt, tomato slices |
You can’t go wrong pairing chicken and waffles with hearty Southern classics like collard greens, black eyed peas, mac and cheese, and buttery cornbread. Fresh fruits add sweetness – try berries, melons, bananas, and peaches. For crunch and char, roast Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus. And lighter sides like salads, tomatoes, and yogurt balance the richness.
With so many savory, sweet, and fresh options, there are endless possibilities for sides to serve with chicken and waffles. Try out different flavor and texture combinations at your next meal to find your favorites!
More Fun Ideas for Chicken and Waffles Night
Chicken and waffles make such a fun, comforting meal. Here are some more ideas for a delicious chicken and waffles dinner:
- Make it a DIY dinner – Set up a toppings bar with different syrups, butter, berries, whipped cream, etc. so everyone can customize their chicken and waffles.
- Turn it into sliders – Use mini waffles and chicken tenders to create bite-sized chicken and waffle sliders.
- Add other meats – Chicken-And-Waffles is the classic, but pork chops, sausage, or bacon complement waffles nicely too.
- Go beyond breakfast – Opt for corn waffles or potato waffles instead of traditional breakfast ones.
- Consider dessert waffles – Add fried chicken to dessert waffles like chocolate chip, red velvet, or blueberry for something really decadent.
- Make it spicy – Sprinkle the chicken with cayenne or hot sauce and serve with slices of pickled jalapenos.
- Bake it all together – For a unique presentation, bake chicken right on top of the waffle so it cooks together.
- Whip up tasty sides – Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, coleslaw and cornbread all make classic accompaniments.
- Don’t forget the drinks – Iced tea, lemonade, beer, and fruity cocktails pair perfectly with chicken and waffles.
Have fun with creative twists, make-your-own toppings bars, and yummy sides at your next chicken and waffles night! This soul food classic is meant to be enjoyed in good company.
Chicken and Waffles around the World
While chicken and waffles is thought of as a distinctly American dish, variations of this meal can be found around the world. Here are some global twists on chicken and waffles:
Belgium
Given that Belgium is renowned for its waffles, it’s no surprise this country has its own version of chicken and waffles. Belgian chicken and waffles feature light, crispy Brussels waffles paired with fried chicken strips coated in a sticky sweet-sour sauce.
Korea
Koreans put a spicy twist on this dish, serving fried chicken coated in a fiery gochujang sauce over thick, fluffy waffles. It’s a popular late-night meal and snack in Korea.
Latin America
Throughout Latin America, you can find fried chicken served alongside thick waffles with dulce de leche – a sweet caramel sauce – drizzled on top. It’s an indulgent yet beloved combination.
Canada
In Canada, fried chicken and waffles are often served with savory gravy and cheese curds instead of syrup. It’s a nod to poutine and plays on sweet and salty flavors.
Australia
Aussies have put their own flair on chicken and waffles by using chicken schnitzel instead of fried chicken. The waffles are also spread with tangy lemon butter for a unique twist.
While the basic ingredients of chicken and waffles remain the same globally, people customize the dish with their own cultural flavors and twists. There are so many exciting ways to enjoy this meal combo worldwide!
Conclusion
Chicken and waffles is a cherished dish with many possibilities for creative and delicious side pairings. Complement the crispy chicken and sweet waffles with Southern classics like collard greens and cornbread, fresh fruits and berries, roasted veggies, or fun additions like pimento cheese. Balance out the richness with bright salads or cottage cheese. However you choose to round out the meal, chicken and waffles make for an indulgent, comforting dinner that’s sure to satisfy!