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What to Serve With Fried Chicken at a Party: 15 Best Side Dishes

For a mouthwatering party with fried chicken, these side dishes will guarantee your guests are thoroughly delighted. Mashed potatoes offer a creamy, fluffy contrast to crispy chicken. Creamy coleslaw adds a revitalizing crunch with its tangy dressing. Mac and cheese brings a rich, indulgent touch, perfect for all ages. Sweet and savory baked beans pair excellently and are easy to prepare. For a Southern twist, serve fried okra, whose delightful crunch will complement the chicken perfectly. These dishes create a balanced, flavorful spread that everyone will enjoy. To discover even more delicious side dishes, keep exploring.

Mashed Potatoes

thanksgiving side dish favorite

Mashed potatoes are a quintessential side dish that complements the crispy texture of fried chicken with their creamy and fluffy consistency.

This classic, comforting side dish can be customized with various toppings like gravy, cheese, bacon, or herbs for added flavor.

Loved by both kids and adults, mashed potatoes are a hearty and filling addition to any fried chicken meal, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Creamy Coleslaw

delicious and tangy side dish

Creamy coleslaw consistently stands out as a classic side dish that perfectly complements fried chicken. This invigorating salad, made with shredded cabbage and carrots, offers a cool, crunchy texture. Its tangy, creamy dressing balances the richness of fried chicken, making it an ideal side.

Quick and easy to prepare, creamy coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering.

Mac and Cheese

comfort food and nostalgia

While creamy coleslaw offers a rejuvenating balance to fried chicken, mac and cheese provides a rich and indulgent complement to the meal.

This classic comfort food side dish combines tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Homemade mac and cheese can be customized with various cheeses, seasonings, or toppings, adding a personalized touch to any gathering.

Baked Beans

camping trip dinner choice

Baked beans, known for their sweet and savory flavor profile, are a quintessential side dish that pairs excellently with fried chicken at gatherings.

This delicious side dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit various tastes. A good Baked Beans Recipe incorporates beans, bacon, and molasses, creating a tangy flavor that is the perfect complement to crispy fried chicken.

Fried Okra

southern comfort food favorite

Fried okra, a beloved Southern staple, offers a delightful crunch and a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.

This crispy, seasoned southern side dish, often served with a dipping sauce like ranch, adds a creative twist to any party.

A favorite at gatherings, fried okra is an irresistible addition, enhancing the meal with its satisfying, seasoned crunch.

Cornbread

warm golden cornbread loaf

Complementing the crispy delight of fried okra, cornbread stands as a quintessential Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. Its rich, slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture add a delightful contrast. Drizzle honey or butter for extra taste.

Cornbread is customizable with add-ins like corn kernels or jalapenos, making it a versatile and beloved choice for any gathering.

Potato Salad

recipe for potato salad

With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, potato salad is a classic side dish that perfectly complements fried chicken. This versatile side dish recipe can be customized with onions, pickles, and herbs, making it ideal for any party.

Its combination of creamy mashed potatoes, mayonnaise, and seasonings results in a hearty, satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with delicious fried chicken.

Green Bean Salad

fresh summer side dish

Green bean salad offers a nutritious and vibrant side dish that pairs excellently with fried chicken. This healthy salad combines the sweet and savory flavors of green beans, making it a delightful addition to any party menu.

Smothered green beans add a flavorful twist, enhancing the dish's depth. Perfect for guests, this vibrant option complements fried chicken beautifully, providing a fresh, satisfying balance.

Hush Puppies

comfortable shoes for all

Why not elevate your fried chicken feast with the addition of hush puppies, a beloved staple in Southern cuisine? These deep-fried cornmeal fritters offer a savory taste that pairs perfectly with crispy fried chicken.

Easy to share and enjoy, hush puppies are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. For an extra treat, dip them in honey butter for a delightful flavor combination.

Sweet Potatoes

nutritious source of energy

After enjoying the savory goodness of hush puppies, consider adding sweet potatoes to your fried chicken feast for a delightful balance of sweetness and richness.

Candied sweet potatoes make an excellent side dish, enhancing the savory flavors of fried chicken.

This touch of sophistication not only elevates the meal but also appeals to a variety of tastes, ensuring your party guests leave satisfied.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer side dish

Cucumber salad offers a revitalizing and light contrast to the richness of fried chicken, making it an ideal side dish. This rejuvenating salad, featuring fresh cucumbers, onions, and a tangy dressing, adds a crisp texture that complements the chicken perfectly.

Easy to prepare, cucumber salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice, especially for outdoor parties and picnics.

Collard Greens

healthy side dish option

Collard greens, a quintessential Southern side dish, offer a robust and flavorful complement to fried chicken. This traditional, nutritious option is packed with vitamins and fiber.

Often simmered with bacon and seasoned with garlic, onions, and vinegar, collard greens balance the richness of fried chicken. Braising enhances their hearty texture, making them an ideal, flavorful pairing for a Southern feast.

Biscuits

sweet buttery biscuit recipe

Biscuits, a staple in Southern cuisine, offer a flaky, buttery, and warm accompaniment that perfectly complements the savory flavors of fried chicken. Classic buttermilk biscuits bring a comforting touch to any meal, making them an ideal side dish.

Their versatility allows them to be enjoyed with honey, butter, or gravy, adding a delicious Southern flair to your party spread.

Tomato Salad

fresh tomatoes vibrant salad

Following the comforting warmth of biscuits, a new and lively tomato salad provides an invigorating contrast, enhancing the fried chicken meal with its crisp textures and tangy flavors.

Featuring cherry tomatoes and fresh vegetables dressed in a light vinaigrette, this colorful and rejuvenating dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser. Perfect for summer gatherings, it adds a flavorful burst that complements any party spread.

Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Fried Chicken and Fried Chicken Sandwiches?

Yes, the same side dishes can be served with fried chicken and fried chicken sandwiches. Some of the best side dishes for fried chicken sandwiches include coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. These sides complement the flavors and textures of both the fried chicken and the sandwich perfectly.

Corn on the Cob

summer bbq staple food

Corn on the cob, with its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, is a quintessential side dish that perfectly complements the savory flavors of fried chicken.

Grilling or boiling enhances its juiciness, making each bite delightful. Seasoned with butter, salt, pepper, herbs, or spices, it offers a burst of flavor that's both simple and versatile, making it an easy-to-eat, crowd-pleasing option.