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What to Serve with Grilled Chicken? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

Are you bored of serving the same side dishes with grilled chicken time after time, night after night?

Are you ready to switch up the sides to go along with your mouth-watering meal for a change?

Look no further – we’ve created a menu of 12 melt-in-your-mouth must-try side dishes that will perfectly complement your tender and juicy grilled chicken!

Whether you are grilling indoors or outdoors this summer season, these options provide creative recipes bursting with flavor that won’t keep you spending hours in the kitchen.

From delicious salads grown from local ingredients picked freshly from the farmer’s market to comforting casseroles that can be prepared ahead of time, we’ve got every occasion covered!

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter

Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter is a delicious and easy side dish that is perfect for summer BBQs.

The corn is grilled until it is slightly charred and then smothered in a flavorful butter that has a kick of heat from the chili pepper.

The lime juice brightens up the flavors and ties everything together.

This dish is simple, but it is packed with flavor and sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

The key to this dish is to use fresh corn that has been shucked and de-silked.

You want to grill the corn until it is slightly charred so that there is a nice smoky flavor.

Be careful not to overcook the corn, or it will become tough and dry.

Once the corn is grilled, simply brush on the chili lime butter and enjoy.

If you want to elevate this dish, you can try serving it with grilled shrimp or chicken.

The butter would also be delicious on potatoes or vegetables.

2. Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Salad

This dish is the perfect summer side. It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.

The cucumbers are crisp, the tomatoes are juicy, and the feta adds a nice salty contrast.

The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to throw together.

The key to making this salad great is to use fresh, ripe ingredients.

The cucumbers should be crisp, and the tomatoes should be juicy.

If you can’t find good tomatoes, feel free to substitute some cherry tomatoes.

The feta should be nice and salty.

If you find that your salad is lacking in flavor, add a little bit of salt and pepper to taste.

This salad goes great with grilled chicken.

The flavors complement each other perfectly.

If you’re looking for a little something extra, try adding some chopped fresh herbs or crumbled bacon to the salad.

3. Grilled Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic

There’s nothing quite like grilled potatoes with rosemary and garlic.

The perfect side dish for any grilled chicken, these potatoes burst with flavor and texture.

The key to great grilled potatoes is to cook them slowly over low heat.

This allows the potato to get nice and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

Be sure to add plenty of rosemary and garlic while they’re cooking so that the flavors can really permeate the potato.

If you’re looking for an extra touch of elegance, try serving your grilled potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top.

The cool, creamy element will really take this dish to the next level.

4. Quinoa Tabbouleh

This dish is a great way to add some more vegetables to your diet.

It’s full of flavor and has a great texture.

The quinoa gives it a hearty bite, while the vegetables add a fresh crunch.

You can also add some protein to this dish by adding grilled chicken or tofu.

To make this dish even more flavorful, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the quinoa.

This will give them a slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

You can also add some fresh herbs, like parsley or mint, for an extra burst of flavor.

5. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad

This watermelon, feta, and mint salad is the perfect summer dish.

The sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty feta, and the mint adds a refreshing touch.

This dish is best served cold, so it’s perfect for a hot summer day.

The key to this dish is to use quality ingredients.

Watermelon that is ripe and sweet will make all the difference.

Feta that is fresh and flavorful will also elevate the dish.

And finally, using fresh mint will really bring out the flavor of the other ingredients.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, try serving it with grilled chicken or fish.

The smoky flavor of the grill will complement the sweetness of the watermelon perfectly.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar

Roasting Brussels sprouts is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and nuttiness.

The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity and depth of flavor.

This dish is perfect as a side or even a main course.

When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for ones that are bright green and have tight buds.

Avoid sprouts that are yellow or have loose leaves.

For the best flavor, roast the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature until they are browned and slightly charred.

To elevate this dish, you can add some crumbled bacon or shaved Parmesan cheese on top.

You can also roast some garlic cloves along with the Brussels sprouts for an extra boost of flavor.

7. Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds

Green beans are a classic side dish that can be served with just about anything.

In this case, we’re going to pair them with grilled chicken.

The key to making this dish special is in the shallots and almonds.

They add a depth of flavor that takes the dish to the next level.

When it comes to taste, the green beans should be cooked until they are tender but still have a bit of bite to them.

The shallots should be nicely caramelized, and the almonds should be toasted.

As for texture, you want a nice mix of crunch from the beans, creaminess from the shallots, and a bit of crunch from the almonds.

To elevate this dish, you could try serving it with grilled chicken that has been seasoned with lemon and herbs.

The acidity from the lemon will really bring out the flavors of the green beans and make for a delicious meal.

8. Three-bean Salad

A three-bean salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.

This salad is simple to make and can be easily tailored to your taste.

The three-bean salad is a great side dish for any meal or even as a light lunch on its own.

The three-bean salad is a perfect combination of taste and texture.

The beans are all cooked to perfection, and the dressing is light and refreshing.

The salad can be elevated by adding some fresh herbs or by using a different type of bean.

  • Use fresh beans for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook the beans until they are just tender, not mushy.
  • Dress the salad lightly, using a vinaigrette or a light dressing.
  • Add some fresh herbs for extra flavor.

9. Macaroni and Cheese

There are few things in this world as comforting as a big bowl of macaroni and cheese.

The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked noodles, and the cheesy goodness all come together to create a dish that is simply irresistible.

And while mac and cheese are pretty amazing on its own, there are a few things that you can do to elevate it even further.

One of the best things about mac and cheese is the variety of textures that you get in each bite.

The crunchy breadcrumbs on top, the soft noodles, and the creamy sauce all come together to create a dish that is truly textured.

And while you can certainly enjoy mac and cheese as is, there are a few ways that you can add even more texture to the dish.

One way is to add some chopped bacon or ham before you bake it.

This will give the dish an extra crunch and smoky flavor that takes it over the top.

Another way to add texture is to stir in some chopped veggies like broccoli or peas before you bake it.

This will give the dish an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.

Of course, no matter how you choose to enjoy your mac and cheese, it’s always important to use high-quality ingredients.

Be sure to use a good quality cheese for the sauce, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese until you find your perfect combination.

You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or basil to add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

And finally, be sure to cook the noodles just right – al dente is always best.

10. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a summertime staple that can be enjoyed at cookouts, picnics, and potlucks.

This dish is typically made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, eggs, and celery and can be served cold or at room temperature.

While potato salad is a simple dish, there are a few things you can do to elevate the flavor and texture.

For example, roasting the potatoes before adding them to the salad will give them a nice flavor.

You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as onions, peppers, and carrots.

And for a little bit of crunch, try adding some chopped bacon or crumbled-up cheese on top.

11. Coleslaw

If you’re looking for a tasty, crunchy side dish to go with your grilled chicken, look no further than coleslaw.

This dish is typically made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and it’s dressed with mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing.

The result is a refreshing, tangy dish that pairs perfectly with chicken.

Coleslaw is also a great option if you’re looking for something light and healthy.

The cabbage and carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the dressing is relatively low in calories.

Plus, the crunchy texture of the vegetables makes this dish satisfying and filling.

If you want to elevate your coleslaw, try adding in some shredded cheese or chopped nuts.

You could also experiment with different types of cabbage, such as red cabbage or Napa cabbage.

For a truly unique coleslaw, add some fruits or herbs.

12. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a simple dish that can be easily dressed up or down.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual potluck.

And best of all, it’s relatively inexpensive and quick to make.

Rice pilaf is typically made with white rice, although brown rice or another type of grain can be used.

The rice is cooked in a bit of broth or stock, which gives it a nice flavor and prevents it from drying out.

Vegetables, seasonings, and other ingredients can be added to the dish to give it more flavor and texture.

For example, chopped onions, garlic, and celery are often used to add depth of flavor.

Sliced mushrooms, peas, or diced tomatoes can also be added for additional texture and color.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 12 must-try side dishes to serve with grilled chicken.

I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration on what to make next time you fire up the grill.

From classics like potato salad and coleslaw to something a little different like rice pilaf or three-bean salad, there’s something here for everyone.

So get grilling and enjoy.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
  • 2. Cucumber Tomato, and Feta Salad
  • 3. Grilled Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
  • 4. Quinoa Tabbouleh
  • 5. Watermelon Feta, and Mint Salad
  • 6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
  • 7. Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds
  • 8. Three-bean Salad
  • 9. Macaroni and Cheese
  • 10. Potato Salad
  • 11. Coleslaw
  • 12. Rice Pilaf

Instructions
 

  • 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!