Families and friends often gather around delicious meals, so many of us want to make recipes that are both tasty and easy.
Our go-to dish may be chicken broccoli casserole: it's simple to assemble but still delivers a tempting flavor!
But what about the sides?
Don't let your dinner suffer from a selection of lackluster side dishes - spruce up your plate with one or more of these 9 flavorful accompaniments!
Whether you're looking for an extra bit of crunchiness, need something creamy and savory, or desire some subtly spicy offerings at the table, this blog post will provide options which work in perfect harmony with your chicken broccoli casserole.
Read on for our deliciously detailed advice!
9 Top Side Dishes for Chicken Broccoli Casserole
1 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a fantastic side dish to any meal, but they are especially delicious with chicken broccoli casserole.
The savory flavor of the Brussels sprouts goes well with the creamy casserole, and the texture is just right - not too soft and not too crunchy.
There are a few things you can do to improve this dish even further.
First, try roasting your Brussels sprouts in bacon fat for an extra savory flavor.
You can also add some chopped pancetta or bacon to the mix before roasting.
Another great way to add some flavor is by drizzling the finished dish with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
With their savory flavor and perfect texture, they'll soon become a staple in your kitchen.
2 - Roasted Sweet Potatoes
There's nothing quite like a roasted sweet potato.
The sweet, rich flavor of the potato goes well with the savory taste of chicken and broccoli casserole.
But what makes roasted sweet potatoes even better is their texture.
When they're cooked properly, they're soft and fluffy on the inside while being slightly crispy on the outside.
One way to improve this dish is to add some seasonings to the sweet potatoes before you roast them.
A simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will do the trick.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chili powder or paprika for a little bit of heat.
Another great way to change things up is to top the casserole with roasted sweet potatoes instead of plain ones.
The added crunch and flavor will take this dish to the next level.
Whether you keep it simple or get creative with your toppings, roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and easy way to make chicken and broccoli casserole even better.
3 - Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes with just about everything.
They're creamy, smooth, and packed with flavor.
But sometimes, mashed potatoes can be a little boring.
That's why we've put together some tips on how to improve your mashed potatoes and make them even more delicious.
First, let's talk about taste.
You can really add any flavors you like.
One way to do this is to add in some shredded cheese, herbs, or even bacon bits.
Another way to change up the flavor is to use different types of potatoes.
For example, you could use Yukon Gold potatoes for a richer flavor or red potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
Texture is also important when it comes to mashed potatoes.
If you want your mashed potatoes to be extra creamy, you can add in some milk, cream, or even sour cream.
For a fluffier texture, you can try adding in some cooked rice or cooked cauliflower.
And if you want something in between, simply use half milk and half water.
Finally, let's talk about presentation.
Mashed potatoes are usually served in a big bowl and scooped onto plates.
But there are other ways to serve them as well.
You could pipe them into small cups and top with shredded cheese or crumbled bacon bits.
Or you could shape them into balls or patties and pan-fry them until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside.
4 - Macaroni and Cheese
There are few things more comforting than a big bowl of mac and cheese.
The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender noodles always hit the spot.
And while it's easy to go for the boxed stuff, making macaroni and cheese from scratch is definitely worth the extra effort.
You really can't go wrong.
A mix of cheddar, Gruyere and Parmesan will give you the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess.
As for the pasta, elbow noodles are classic for a reason.
But if you're looking to mix things up, shells or fusilli would also be delicious.
One important tip when making macaroni and cheese is not to overcook the pasta.
You want it to be tender but still have a bit of bite.
Another way to take your dish to the next level is to add a crispy topping.
Panko bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter and Parmesan cheese make for the perfect finishing touch.
5 - Green Beans
Green beans are a versatile and tasty side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
They have a slightly sweet taste and a crunchy texture that makes them a perfect addition to any meal.
Here are some tips on how to make your green beans even more delicious:
- Add some diced bacon or pancetta for a salty, savory flavor.
- Sautee your green beans in olive oil and garlic for a simple but delicious side dish.
- Top your green beans with grated Parmesan cheese or toasted bread crumbs for an extra bit of flavor and texture.
No matter how you choose to prepare them, green beans are a healthy and delicious side dish that will complement any main course.
6 - Corn On The Cob
There's nothing quite like corn on the cob in the summertime.
The sweet, crunchy kernels are the perfect compliment to any BBQ dish.
But sometimes, plain old corn on the cob can be a little boring.
Here are some tips on how to improve your corn on the cob game and take it to the next level.
One way to add some extra flavor to your corn on the cob is to mix up the butter that you spread on it.
Instead of just using plain old salted butter, try adding some garlic powder, chili powder, or even cayenne pepper to give it a little bit of a kick.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese - grated Parmesan cheese is always a good option.
Another way to make your corn on the cob more exciting is to grill it instead of boiling it.
Grilled corn on the cob has a slightly smoky flavor that really takes things up a notch.
Just be sure to brush the kernels with oil before putting them on the grill so that they don't stick.
So next time you're looking for something to serve alongside your burgers and hot dogs, don't forget about good old fashioned corn on the cob.
With a few simple tweaks, it can be transformed into a delicious and impressive side dish.
7 - Salad
A good salad is always a great side dish option - it's light, refreshing, and can be easily customized to fit any meal.
We love a salad that has a mix of textures and colors.
A crisp green apple or pear adds a nice sweetness and crunch, while some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese provides a creamy contrast.
For an extra bit of zing, try adding a few thinly sliced radishes or a handful of chopped fresh herbs.
As for the dressing, we recommend something light and bright like a citrus vinaigrette.
This will help balance out the richness of the casserole without weighing down the salad.
To make things even easier, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
We recommend starting with a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach.
Then, add in your desired toppings and give everything a gentle toss.
We like to keep things simple so that the flavors of the ingredients can really shine through.
But feel free to get creative - there are no rules when it comes to making a great salad.
8 - Slaw
Slaw is a great side dish to chicken broccoli casserole because it is light and refreshing.
It is also very easy to make.
All you need is some cabbage, carrots, and a dressing of your choice.
I like to use a vinaigrette or a light mayonnaise.
The key to a good slaw is the right ratio of cabbage to carrots.
I like to use 2 parts cabbage to 1 part carrots.
This gives the slaw a nice balance of sweetness from the carrots and crunch from the cabbage.
I also like to add in some red onion for a little bit of sharpness.
To improve this dish, I recommend adding in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
You could also add in some raisins or other dried fruit for sweetness.
For a bit of crunch, you could add in some chopped nuts or seeds.
9 - Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a great dish to serve alongside chicken broccoli casserole.
It's light, refreshing, and full of flavor.
The best fruit salads are made with a mix of fresh and in-season fruits.
This gives the salad a variety of colors, textures, and tastes.
Be sure to include some sweetness, acidity, and crunch in your salad for the perfect balance.
Rice pilaf is another great option to serve with chicken broccoli casserole.
It's a filling dish that pairs well with the casserole.
Rice pilaf is made with rice that is cooked in broth until it is tender and fluffy.
Then, it is mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices for flavor.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat.
9 Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Casserole
So those are 9 great side dishes to serve with chicken broccoli casserole.
I hope you found this helpful and that you'll try out some of these dishes the next time you make chicken broccoli casserole.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
And if you want more recipe ideas, be sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!More From EpicureDelight
The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →The best sides for Chicken Broccoli Casserole create a complete plate - balance the protein with something starchy, something green, and something with a little acidity for brightness.
Great sides should go with the main - bring brightness with lemon or vinegar, add texture contrast, and keep the seasoning cohesive across the whole plate.
For weeknights, keep it to one pan - sheet pan vegetables or a quick grain cook alongside the main and means less cleanup.
Most roasted vegetables, grain salads, and slaw-style sides travel and sit at room temperature beautifully, making them ideal for buffet-style entertaining.

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!





