What Goes With Fried Chicken: 10 Top Ideas 2025

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that combines crispy, golden breading with tender, juicy meat. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s served at a casual family dinner or a celebratory feast. The best part? Fried chicken pairs effortlessly with a variety of sides, offering endless opportunities to enhance its flavor and texture.

From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy slaws, the right sides can complement fried chicken in the most satisfying ways. In this article, I’ll explore some of the best pairings that will take your fried chicken meal to the next level.

1. Tangy & Crunchy Coleslaw With Dinner Rolls

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Slice the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots into thin strips.

2. Slice the green onions and set them aside.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, grainy mustard, honey, olive oil, celery seed, salt, and pepper.

4. In a large bowl, combine all the sliced vegetables and pour the dressing over them.

5. Toss everything together to coat evenly.

6. Chill the coleslaw in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Overview 🔍

A crisp, fresh side dish that goes well with fried chicken is coleslaw and dinner rolls. The combination of crisp cabbage, carrots, and a tangy mustard dressing gives it a satisfying texture and flavor that complements the crispy chicken. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld for even better taste.

Adding soft, warm dinner rolls to this dish provides a comforting contrast to the crunchy coleslaw. This pairing balances your meal, making it the perfect side dish for your fried chicken. Whether you're serving it for a casual meal or a gathering, this coleslaw and dinner roll combo will elevate your fried chicken experience.

2. Warm & Indulgent Cornbread With Butter

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, milk, and eggs until smooth.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Do not overmix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cornbread to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

8. Optional: For extra indulgence, melt ½ tbsp butter and spread over the top before serving.

Overview 🔍

Cornbread is the perfect Southern comfort side dish and goes really well with fried chicken. Its soft, slightly sweet texture and golden crust make it a great match for crispy fried chicken, adding richness and comfort to the meal. The butter makes it extra flavorful and complements the savory chicken beautifully.

This cornbread really shines when paired with fried chicken. The slightly sweet, moist bread contrasts with the crispy, savory chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying combo. It’s such an easy recipe and is one of those pairings that just works every time, making for a comforting, hearty meal.

3. Crispy & Savory Mac & Cheese

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.

2. Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large pot, melt 8 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to make a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes.

4. Gradually add the half and half cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the bay leaves, garlic powder, paprika, and nutmeg. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

5. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the grated cheddar and gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and add a bit of the hot sauce mixture to temper it. Then, stir the egg mixture back into the sauce.

7. Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in the baking dish, then top with panko breadcrumbs and dot with 3 tbsp butter.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Overview 🔍

A decadent accompaniment to crispy fried chicken is warm, gooey mac and cheese. The richness of the cheese sauce complements the fried chicken’s crispy exterior, creating a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

This dish takes comfort food to the next level, balancing the indulgence of creamy cheese with the crunch of crispy breadcrumbs. When served alongside fried chicken, it creates a fulfilling and delicious meal that brings all the best elements together in one dish.

4. Crispy Chicken With Mashed Potato & Spicy Collard Greens

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a pot with water and boil for 15 minutes.

2. While the potatoes are boiling, season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour.

3. When the potatoes are tender and cooked through, drain and mash with 1 tbsp butter, salt, and pepper.

4. Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until crispy. Remove and set aside.

5. In the same pan, cook garlic until fragrant. Add collard greens, vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes.

6. Serve crispy chicken with mashed potatoes and collard greens.

Overview 🔍

The crispy chicken in this dish offers a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. The spicy collard greens bring a vibrant kick, balancing the richness for a comforting and flavorful meal.

This dish combines indulgent, crispy chicken with creamy potatoes and zesty greens for a complete comfort meal. The heat from the collard greens adds a bold contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and potatoes.

5. Crispy Kickin’ Cajun Chicken Wraps

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice potatoes into thin fries and coat them with blackening spice, salt, and pepper. 

2. Bake on a baking sheet for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. For the slaw, mix shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

4. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then dip into beaten egg.

5. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

6. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

7. Assemble wraps by layering fried chicken, slaw, and fries in the tortillas. Roll them up tightly and serve.

Overview 🔍

These chicken wraps offer a blend of textures and flavors that complement fried chicken beautifully. The crunchy, flavorful fried chicken contrasts with the creamy slaw and crispy fries, creating a satisfying meal. The bold Cajun seasoning in the chicken adds a spicy kick, while the slaw provides a refreshing balance to the heat.

These wraps pair effortlessly with fried chicken due to the combination of familiar comfort foods and the added crunch from the fries. The tortilla serves as a handy container, making the entire meal easy to enjoy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, these wraps deliver a flavorful and hearty option that enhances the fried chicken experience.

6. Green Beans, Whipped Potatoes & Homemade Ranch Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water for 15 minutes, or until tender.

2. Drain and mash with butter, white wine, milk, salt, and pepper.

3. Trim green beans and sauté in butter or olive oil for 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper for the ranch sauce.

5. Serve whipped potatoes, sautéed green beans, and ranch sauce together.

Overview 🔍

These are creamy and comforting sides that make a great pairing with fried chicken. The rich, buttery mashed potatoes offer a soft, creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken, while the green beans provide a tender, savory crunch. The homemade ranch sauce brings a tangy, herbaceous kick, balancing the richness of the potatoes and enhancing the entire dish.

This trio of sides complements fried chicken by offering different textures and flavors that make each bite satisfying. The freshness of the green beans, the smoothness of the whipped potatoes, and the creamy ranch sauce create a balanced meal that enhances the comfort of fried chicken while providing a flavorful contrast to its crispiness.

7. Baked (or Air-Fried) Sweet Potato Fries With Chili Lime Aioli

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into fries. Toss with olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Bake on a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.

3. For the aioli, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

4. Serve the sweet potato fries with chili lime aioli on the side.

Overview 🔍

Whether air-fried or baked, these sweet potato fries offer a zesty pairing for fried chicken. The natural sweetness of the fries balances perfectly with the spicy chili lime aioli, creating an exciting contrast to the savory, crispy chicken. The fries’ crispy texture enhances the fried chicken's crunch while adding a different flavor profile.

This combination elevates fried chicken by providing a flavorful, slightly spicy, and sweet side that complements its richness. The aioli’s tangy lime and chili kick adds depth to the meal, making the fries more than just a side but a key element to enjoy alongside the crispy chicken.

8. Simple & Delicious Potato Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and cube russet potatoes. Boil in salted water for 10–12 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool.

2. Chop hard-boiled eggs, red onion, and fresh parsley.

3. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the cooled potatoes, eggs, onion, and parsley to the dressing. Stir gently to combine.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Overview 🔍

This potato salad is simple, but it’s a classic side that perfectly complements fried chicken. The creamy, tangy dressing brings a refreshing contrast to the crispy, savory chicken, while the soft potatoes add a comforting texture. The hard-boiled eggs and fresh parsley provide extra flavor and a hint of freshness to round out the dish.

This timeless potato salad balances the richness of fried chicken, making it a perfect pairing. Its creamy texture and subtle tang enhance the fried chicken without overpowering it, providing a satisfying and flavorful side that completes the meal.

9. Classic Greek Pasta Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions and drain when al dente (firm to the bite). 

2. Chop red onion, garlic, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and fresh oregano.

3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chopped ingredients, feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the wet ingredients first.

4. Toss gently and chill for 30 minutes before serving for a firmer, crispier texture.

Overview 🔍

Try this Greek pasta salad for a vibrant Mediterranean dish to enjoy with fried chicken. The fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty lemon juice offer a refreshing contrast to the crispy, savory chicken. The pasta’s slightly firm texture provides a satisfying bite, making it an excellent side to balance the richness of fried chicken.

This pasta salad brings a burst of freshness with its bright flavors and ingredients, enhancing the overall meal. It complements the fried chicken with its lightness while still offering plenty of bold flavors from the olives, artichokes, and feta cheese, creating a delicious contrast to the crispy coating of the chicken.

10. Classic Caesar Salad & Crunchy Garlic Bread

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Chop romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.

2. Toss lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice French bread and spread butter on each slice.

4. Mince garlic and sprinkle over the bread. Bake on a baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

5. Serve Caesar salad with crunchy garlic bread on the side.

Overview 🔍

Caesar salad is a timeless combination that complements fried chicken well. The crisp romaine lettuce, rich Caesar dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese provide a light, creamy contrast to the crispy chicken, while the crunchy garlic bread offers a satisfying texture and flavor balance. The garlic bread's buttery richness pairs well with the salad, adding extra comfort to the meal.

This duo improves fried chicken with its freshness and crunch. The tangy, creamy Caesar dressing and the crunch of croutons create a perfect match for the savory chicken, while the warm, garlic-infused bread brings depth and heartiness to the meal. Together, they make for a complete, satisfying side dish.

FAQ

What's a good side for fried chicken?

A great side for fried chicken is something that complements its crispy texture and rich flavor. For instance, coleslaw and dinner rolls work really well, and the coleslaw can be made ahead, which is ideal if you’re short on time.

A caesar salad served with garlic bread also works perfectly with fried chicken. The crispness of the romaine and the tangy Caesar dressing balance the richness of the fried chicken, while the garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch. Combined, they provide comforting flavors that pair well with the meal.

What is traditionally served with fried chicken?

Traditional sides for fried chicken often include comfort foods that balance the richness of the chicken. A classic choice is green beans and mashed potatoes. 

The creamy mashed potatoes and tangy ranch sauce offer a comforting and slightly acidic contrast to the crispy fried chicken, while the green beans add a fresh, savory element to the dish.

What do Americans eat fried chicken with?

Americans often pair fried chicken with sides that offer a balance of flavors and textures. One popular choice is Baked (or Air-Fried) Sweet Potato Fries with Chili Lime Aioli. 

The sweetness of the fries and the spicy, tangy aioli provide a flavorful contrast to the savory, crispy chicken, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.