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What to Serve With Roast Chicken in Winter: 15 Best Side Dishes

For a cozy winter meal with roast chicken, consider these delicious side dishes. Mashed potatoes bring a creamy texture that pairs delightfully with gravy. Roasted root vegetables, seasoned with herbs and a hint of balsamic glaze, add warmth and sweetness. Brussels sprouts, caramelized with olive oil, offer a crisp and flavorful bite. Butternut squash soup, velvety and rich in vitamins, adds comfort to the meal. Garlic green beans, brightened with lemon zest and almonds, provide a fresh balance. Each of these sides enhances the roast chicken with inviting flavors and textures. Discover even more mouth-watering options to make your meal unforgettable.

Mashed Potatoes

thick creamy mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes serve as a quintessential side dish for roast chicken, especially during the winter months. Their creamy texture and warmth perfectly complement the savory flavors of the chicken.

Gravy pairings enhance this dynamic duo, offering rich, flavorful options like mushroom or herb-infused varieties. Potato variations, from buttery Yukon Golds to fluffy Russets, allow customization to suit any palate, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Roasted Root Vegetables

nutritious roasted root vegetables

Roasted root vegetables provide a nutrient-dense and flavorful accompaniment to roast chicken, particularly well-suited for the winter season.

These vegetables, seasoned with a mix of herbs, become tender and aromatic when roasted.

Adding a balsamic glaze elevates their natural sweetness, creating a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.

This combination not only enhances the meal's taste but also adds a warm, comforting element.

Brussels Sprouts

delicious roasted with bacon

Brussels sprouts, when caramelized in the oven with a touch of olive oil and seasoning, offer a deliciously crisp and flavorful side dish that complements roast chicken beautifully.

Not only are they easy to prepare, but Brussels sprouts are also packed with health benefits like vitamins C and K.

For best results, consider adding a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar or a dash of garlic for extra flavor.

Butternut Squash Soup

delicious fall comfort food

Another excellent winter side dish to accompany roast chicken is butternut squash soup, a velvety and comforting option that brings warmth and richness to your meal.

The flavor combinations of sweet butternut squash, savory herbs, and a touch of cream create a delightful balance.

Additionally, this soup offers numerous health benefits, being rich in vitamins A and C, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Garlic Green Beans

vibrant garlic infused green beans

Garlic green beans, with their vibrant color and robust flavor, provide a perfect complement to roast chicken during the winter months. Enhanced with a touch of lemon zest for brightness and topped with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch, this side dish is both simple and elegant.

Its fresh, zesty taste balances the hearty richness of roast chicken, making it a winter favorite.

Creamed Spinach

delicious side dish option

Creamed spinach offers a rich and velvety accompaniment to roast chicken, perfect for winter dinners. This side dish combines the creamy texture of dairy with the nutrient-packed benefits of spinach nutrition.

Ideal for winter recipes, creamed spinach provides a comforting warmth that complements the savory flavors of roast chicken, making it a delightful addition to any cold-weather meal.

Cranberry Sauce

thanksgiving staple side dish

Complementing the richness of creamed spinach, cranberry sauce introduces a tart and slightly sweet contrast that brightens the flavors of a winter roast chicken dinner.

A staple in many holiday traditions, cranberry sauce offers tart variations that balance savory dishes beautifully.

Its vibrant color and zesty taste make it a delightful addition, enhancing the overall dining experience with its unique flavor profile and festive appeal.

Sweet Potato Casserole

comforting holiday side dish

Bringing warmth and a hint of natural sweetness to the table, sweet potato casserole is a quintessential side dish for a winter roast chicken dinner. Packed with nutritional benefits like vitamins A and C, it's both healthy and delicious.

For preparation tips, bake the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash and mix with butter, brown sugar, and spices before baking to golden perfection.

Stuffing

thanksgiving dinner main dish

Why not elevate your roast chicken dinner with a classic, savory stuffing that perfectly captures the essence of winter comfort food?

Herb stuffing, rich with aromatic rosemary and thyme, pairs beautifully with roasted poultry.

For a heartier option, consider sausage stuffing, which adds a delicious, savory depth.

Both variations provide a cozy, flavorful complement to your main dish, making for an unforgettable meal.

Braised Red Cabbage

delicious winter side dish

To further enrich your winter roast chicken dinner, braised red cabbage offers a vibrant, tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile of the meal.

This dish combines the sweetness of apple pairing with the depth of red wine, creating a side that is both flavorful and visually appealing.

The combination of textures and tastes makes it a delightful addition to your winter feast.

Caramelized Onions

savory sweet aromatic onions

Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet depth to your winter roast chicken dinner, making them an elegant and flavorful side dish. Their luxurious texture and taste can elevate any meal.

Whether incorporated into a French onion soup or used as a topping for an onion tart, caramelized onions bring a delightful contrast to the savory notes of roast chicken, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Cauliflower Gratin

cheesy cauliflower casserole delight

Complementing the rich sweetness of caramelized onions, cauliflower gratin offers a creamy and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with roast chicken in winter.

Utilizing diverse cheese varieties like Gruyère or cheddar, this gratin achieves a deliciously complex flavor.

Topping options such as breadcrumbs or crispy bacon add a delightful crunch, making it an irresistible addition to your winter meal repertoire.

Sautéed Mushrooms

savory earthy pan cooked fungi

Sautéed mushrooms, with their earthy flavors and tender texture, serve as an excellent side dish to accompany roast chicken in the winter season.

Using wild mushrooms like chanterelles, shiitakes, or porcini can elevate the dish, bringing a variety of rich tastes and textures.

These mushroom varieties, when sautéed with garlic and herbs, create a delightful complement to the savory roast chicken.

Winter Salad

chilly greens with zest

A winter salad, featuring seasonal ingredients like roasted root vegetables, hearty greens, and tangy citrus, offers an invigorating and nutritious contrast to roast chicken.

A mix of fennel salad, paired with a zesty citrus vinaigrette, enhances the flavors while adding an invigorating bite.

This delightful combination not only brightens up your plate but also brings a harmonious balance to your winter meal.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Roast Chicken and Peri Peri Chicken Similar?

When it comes to the best side dishes for peri peri chicken, the options may be similar to those for roast chicken. Classic choices like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or crispy coleslaw can complement both dishes perfectly. The key is to choose flavors that enhance the spicy, savory taste of peri peri chicken.

Yorkshire Pudding

traditional british savory dish

Yorkshire pudding is a classic British side dish with a crisp exterior and soft, airy interior, making it a perfect accompaniment to roast chicken, especially during the colder months.

The traditional recipe uses simple ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk. Modern variations might include herbs or even cheese for added flavor.

This versatile dish complements the savory richness of roast chicken, making it a beloved winter favorite.