25+ Delicious Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken That Everyone Will Love

When grilling up a juicy, perfectly charred piece of chicken, the question of what to serve alongside it often arises. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a simple weeknight dinner, the right side dishes can elevate your grilled chicken to a whole new level. From smoky grilled vegetables to hearty potato salads and vibrant international flavors, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore over 25 side dishes that are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to make your meal unforgettable. For more recipe ideas, check out our healthy quinoa salad recipes, discover the tastiest ways to cook salmon, and explore more meals made from hamburger meat.

Classic Vegetable Sides

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a staple when it comes to pairing with grilled chicken. They’re easy to prepare, healthy, and can be cooked right alongside your chicken for convenience. Plus, grilling brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Grilled Asparagus with Bacon Vinaigrette: Crisp asparagus paired with a tangy bacon vinaigrette enhances the smoky chicken flavors.
• Grilled Zucchini and Squash: The charred edges bring out the vegetables’ natural sweetness. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
• Grilled Mushrooms: Earthy and tender, these mushrooms deliver a rich umami flavor.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Enjoy it slathered with butter, or try a Mexican-style version with lime, chili powder, and crumbled cheese.
• Charred Bell Peppers: Vibrant and slightly sweet, grilled bell peppers add a pop of color and flavor.
• Eggplant Slices with Garlic Oil: Eggplant absorbs smoky flavors beautifully. Drizzle with garlic-infused olive oil for a rich finish.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes offer a delightful contrast with their natural sweetness. Slice thickly, toss with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika, and grill until caramelized. For extra indulgence, drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with cinnamon.

Fresh Salad Sides

Classic and Creative Salads

Salads provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavor of grilled chicken. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or robust, these salads have you covered.

• Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, Parmesan shavings, and homemade croutons make this a timeless favorite.
• Watermelon and Feta Salad: Sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a splash of lime juice create a vibrant summer side.
• Cucumber and Vidalia Onion Salad: Crisp cucumbers and sweet onions tossed in a vinegar-based dressing add crunch and zest.
• Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing, tangy side.
• Kale and Quinoa Salad: Toss kale, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette. Explore more quinoa recipes here.
• Arugula and Pear Salad: Peppery arugula combined with sweet pear slices and a honey mustard dressing provides a sophisticated flavor pairing.

Broccoli Salad with Grapes and Onions

Sweet grapes, crunchy broccoli, and sharp onions come together in a creamy dressing to create a sweet-and-savory combination that’s both colorful and delicious.

Starchy and Hearty Sides

Potato-Based Dishes

Potatoes are comfort food at its finest. These versatile spuds can be prepared in countless ways, each one delicious alongside grilled chicken.

• Garlicky Grilled Potato Packets: Potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs wrapped in foil and grilled until tender and flavorful.
• Smashed Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for soaking up grilled chicken juices.
• Classic Potato Salad: Whether you prefer a creamy mayonnaise base or a tangy vinaigrette, this side is a barbecue staple.
• Herbed Roasted Baby Potatoes: Season with rosemary, thyme, and sea salt for a crispy, aromatic dish.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted or grilled, sweet potato wedges provide a naturally sweet and hearty side.

Rice and Grain Sides

For a lighter alternative to potatoes, consider rice or grains. They absorb sauces well and add texture to your meal.

• Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein, fresh herbs, and citrus, this salad is refreshing and filling.
• Pesto Orzo Salad: Orzo pasta tossed with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful combination.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: Nutty wild rice mixed with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs pairs perfectly with smoky grilled chicken.
• Couscous with Roasted Vegetables: Light, fluffy couscous combined with roasted veggies makes for a vibrant and satisfying side.

Unique and International Sides

International Flavors

Take your grilled chicken dinner on a global journey with these internationally inspired sides.

• Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote): A bold mix of corn, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
• Chimichurri Potato Salad: Argentinian chimichurri sauce brings a zesty, herbaceous punch to classic potato salad.
• Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw: A creamy and crunchy side with cabbage, carrots, avocado, and a tangy peanut dressing.
• Greek Orzo Salad: Olives, feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes tossed with orzo and a lemon-oregano dressing.
• Grilled Pineapple Spears: Sweet and smoky with caramelized edges, finished with a jalapeño honey glaze for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Lentil Salad: Protein-packed lentils combined with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Sweet and Fruity Sides

Fruit-Infused Sides

Adding fruit to your side dishes introduces a refreshing sweetness that contrasts beautifully with grilled chicken.

• Strawberry Spinach Salad: Fresh strawberries, baby spinach, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Grilled Peach Halves: Caramelized peaches topped with ricotta and drizzled with honey for a light, sweet side.
• Mango Avocado Salsa: Sweet mango, creamy avocado, red onion, and lime juice create a vibrant salsa perfect for spooning over grilled chicken.
• Watermelon Mint Salad: Juicy watermelon cubes tossed with fresh mint and a sprinkle of sea salt for a refreshing bite.

FAQs About Sides for Grilled Chicken

Conclusion and Final Tips

Pairing the right side dishes with grilled chicken transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary feast. Whether you gravitate toward comforting classics like potato salad and grilled vegetables or crave globally inspired options like chimichurri potato salad or Mediterranean lentil salad, there’s a perfect pairing for every palate. Don’t hesitate to mix and match flavors or try something new to keep your meals exciting and satisfying.

With these over 25 side dishes in your culinary repertoire, your grilled chicken dinners are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So fire up the grill, experiment with these delicious sides, and savor every bite. For more inspiration, explore meals made from hamburger meat or discover the tastiest ways to cook salmon.

Enjoyed This Article? Pin It on Pinterest!

If you found these side dish ideas helpful, don’t forget to save this article on Pinterest! Sharing it with friends and family is a great way to inspire your next barbecue or weeknight dinner. Happy grilling and bon appétit!

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