20 Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly With Roast Chicken

Looking for ideas for “What To Serve With Roast Chicken”? Below is a curated list of delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with a juicy roast bird.

Roast chicken is a timeless favorite for weeknight dinners, Sunday meals, and holiday gatherings. While “roast chicken” often means a whole bird roasted in the oven, the same sides work beautifully with roasted parts like chicken thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters.

Many stores sell rotisserie or rotisserie-style chickens, but roasting one at home is easy and rewarding. If you want to start with a great roast, try recipes for Perfect Roast Chicken or Herb Roasted Chicken. Once your chicken is ready, choose from the side dishes below to complete the meal.

1. Fried Carrots

For a fast, flavorful side, try 15-minute pan-fried carrots. They caramelize on the edges while staying tender inside, offering a naturally sweet, savory complement to roast chicken.

Fried Carrots

A simple 15-minute side that’s perfect any night or for the holidays. Crispy at the edges and tender inside, this carrot dish highlights natural flavor without added sugar.

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2. Easy Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they balance the roast’s savory flavors and can be seasoned to complement any roast style.

Easy Roasted Potatoes

Versatile and comforting, these roasted potatoes go well with breakfast or as a hearty side for roast chicken. Season simply with salt, pepper, and herbs for crowd-pleasing results.

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3. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Blanched green beans tossed in garlic butter and finished with lemon make a bright, flavorful side. Soft, tender, and garlicky, they’re an easy way to get vegetables on the plate.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

A favorite way to make green beans irresistible: bright, garlicky butter and a touch of lemon. No stringy beans—just tender, flavorful greens that match roast chicken beautifully.

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4. Garlic Herb Rice

This fragrant garlic herb rice is easy to make and pairs well with chicken or any protein. Finishing with a pat of butter adds richness that brings everything together.

Garlic Herb Rice

Fragrant and simple, this rice is a step above boxed mixes and makes an excellent base for roast chicken and vegetable sides.

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5. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of buttermilk and garlic are a comforting match for roast chicken. They’re easy to prepare while the bird roasts.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Buttery and slightly tangy, these mashed potatoes are an ideal comfort-food side. They pair well with a wide variety of proteins and sauces.

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6. Lettuce Salad

A crisp lettuce salad with fresh veggies and a light lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and balance to a roast chicken meal. It’s a healthy, refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes.

Lettuce Salad

Fresh, crisp vegetables and a light lemon vinaigrette make this salad perfect for family meals, potlucks, or summer dinners alongside chicken.

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7. Sauteed Vegetables

Sauté whatever vegetables you have on hand for a fast, nutritious side. This customizable dish works with many flavor profiles and is a great way to use leftovers.

Sautéed Vegetables

Quick, flavorful, and flexible—sautéed vegetables are a fast way to add color and nutrients to the plate. Serve with grains or potatoes for a complete meal.

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8. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls brushed with garlic herb butter are ideal for mopping up pan juices from the roast. They add a comforting, indulgent touch to the meal.

Garlic Butter Rolls

Brushed with garlic herb butter, these soft rolls are irresistible and perfect for everyday dinners or holiday spreads.

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9. Cornbread Without Buttermilk

Moist and lightly sweet cornbread is a natural match for roast chicken. This made-from-scratch version requires no buttermilk and yields tender, buttery slices.

Cornbread Without Buttermilk

One-bowl cornbread that’s moist, buttery, and not overly sweet—an ideal accompaniment to roast chicken and greens.

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10. Corn Avocado Salad

This colorful corn and avocado salad adds texture and freshness. Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies come together with a light lemon dressing.

Corn Avocado Salad

A bright, seasonal salad that’s delicious year-round. It’s naturally vegetarian and pairs well with roasted or grilled chicken.

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11. Sauteed Peppers

Sliced bell peppers sautéed with onions make a vibrant, savory side. They’re quick to prepare and pair well with chicken, rice, or pasta.

Sauteed Peppers

A colorful, fast side that’s excellent with chicken, fish, or on its own with grains. Simple seasoning lets the peppers shine.

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12. Red Cabbage Slaw

Shredded red cabbage slaw is crisp, colorful, and versatile. Use it as a side or as a topping for shredded roast chicken tacos.

Red Cabbage Slaw

Fresh, crunchy, and colorful—this slaw works as a side or a topping for tacos and sandwiches. It also makes a great make-ahead salad.

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13. Kachumbari

Kachumbari is a simple Kenyan tomato-and-onion salad that adds bright freshness to any roast meat. It’s quick to prepare and brings a lively contrast to rich dishes.

Kachumbari

A refreshing tomato and onion salad from Kenya that pairs wonderfully with pilau, rice, or roast chicken for added brightness.

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14. African Fried Rice

For a celebratory rice side, African fried rice is full of aromatics, veggies, and extra protein. It’s vibrant and flavorful—perfect for when you want something hearty and festive.

African Fried Rice

Rich in flavor and texture, this fried rice is often served at West African gatherings and makes a satisfying side for roast chicken.

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15. Sweet Fried Plantains

Sweet fried plantains offer caramelized sweetness and a tender, chewy texture—an excellent contrast to savory roast chicken and sides.

Sweet Fried Plantains

Sweet, tender, and quick to make—fried plantains add a delightful sweet note that pairs especially well with spiced or salty roast chicken.

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These side dishes cover a range of flavors and textures—from comforting potatoes and rolls to fresh salads and vibrant vegetable sides—so you can mix and match to create a well-rounded roast chicken meal.