Best Sides for Fried Chicken: An In-Depth Guide

When it comes to fried chicken, the sides can make or break the meal. But what are the best sides for fried chicken? Having moved from the Bay Area to Nashville, I’ve had my fair share of fried chicken experiences, and let me tell you, the sides matter. A lot. In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the world of sides and find the perfect companions for your crispy, golden fried chicken.

Growing up, my mom used to make the best fried chicken. It was always a special treat, and she’d pair it with these amazing homemade sides. Ever since then, I’ve been on a quest to find the best sides for fried chicken. Now, living in Nashville with my rescue cat Luna, I’ve had the chance to explore some incredible food scenes and I want to share my findings with you.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive list of sides that will elevate your fried chicken experience. From classic favorites to unexpected delights, we’re going to cover it all. So, let’s dive in and explore the best sides for fried chicken!

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1. Classic Mashed Potatoes

Let’s start with a classic: mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and oh-so-comforting, mashed potatoes are a staple side for fried chicken. The smooth texture complements the crispy chicken perfectly. But here’s where it gets interesting: there are so many ways to elevate your mashed potatoes. Try adding some roasted garlic, chives, or even a touch of cream cheese for an extra creamy kick.

I’m torn between keeping it simple or going all out with loaded mashed potatoes. But ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either. Maybe I should clarify that the key is to use high-quality potatoes and plenty of butter. Don’t skimp on the butter, folks!

2. Coleslaw: Creamy vs. Vinegar-Based

Coleslaw is another classic side for fried chicken, but there’s a debate: creamy vs. vinegar-based. Personally, I love the tangy bite of vinegar-based coleslaw. It cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and adds a refreshing crunch.

That being said, creamy coleslaw has its charms. The cool, creamy dressing can be a nice contrast to the hot, crispy chicken. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the pros and cons. Creamy coleslaw might be heavier, but it’s oh-so-indulgent. Vinegar-based coleslaw is lighter and more refreshing. Maybe the best solution is to have both on hand and let your guests decide!

3. Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Side

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort side, look no further than mac and cheese. The gooey, cheesy goodness is the perfect complement to crispy fried chicken. But here’s where it gets fun: there are so many ways to customize your mac and cheese.

Try adding some bacon, jalapeños, or even a touch of truffle oil for a gourmet twist. I’ve even seen mac and cheese with lobster – now that’s a side dish! But let’s not get too carried away. The key is to find a balance between creamy and cheesy, without it being too heavy. Maybe I should clarify that the best mac and cheese is the one that makes you happy.

4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled vs. Boiled

Corn on the cob is a summer staple, and it pairs beautifully with fried chicken. But should you grill it or boil it? I’m leaning towards grilled corn on the cob. The slight char adds a smoky flavor that complements the fried chicken perfectly.

But boiled corn on the cob has its merits too. It’s quick, easy, and you can’t beat that classic buttery flavor. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the pros and cons. Grilled corn on the cob might take a bit more effort, but the flavor is worth it. Boiled corn on the cob is simpler, but sometimes simplicity is key.

5. Biscuits: The Perfect Bread Side

No fried chicken meal is complete without biscuits. Flaky, buttery, and oh-so-delicious, biscuits are the perfect bread side for fried chicken. But here’s where it gets interesting: there are so many ways to enjoy your biscuits.

Try slathering them with honey butter, or even using them to make a mini fried chicken sandwich. I’ve even seen biscuits with a touch of rosemary for a savory twist. But let’s not get too carried away. The key is to find a balance between flaky and buttery, without it being too dry.

6. Sweet Potato Fries: A Sweet and Savory Side

If you’re looking for a sweet and savory side, look no further than sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory fried chicken. But here’s where it gets fun: there are so many ways to season your sweet potato fries.

Try adding some cinnamon sugar, or even a touch of paprika for a smoky kick. I’ve even seen sweet potato fries with a hint of maple syrup – now that’s a side dish! But let’s not get too carried away. The key is to find a balance between sweet and savory, without it being too overwhelming.

7. Green Beans: A Healthy Side Option

If you’re looking for a healthier side option, green beans are the way to go. Steamed, sautéed, or even roasted, green beans add a fresh, crisp element to your fried chicken meal. But here’s where it gets interesting: there are so many ways to flavor your green beans.

Try adding some garlic, lemon, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for a kick. I’ve even seen green beans with a hint of bacon – now that’s a side dish! But let’s not get too carried away. The key is to keep the green beans crisp and flavorful, without overcooking them.

8. Collard Greens: A Southern Classic

Collard greens are a Southern classic, and they pair beautifully with fried chicken. Slow-cooked with a touch of vinegar and a hint of spice, collard greens add a rich, hearty element to your meal. But here’s where it gets interesting: there are so many ways to cook your collard greens.

Try adding some smoked turkey, ham hock, or even a touch of bacon for extra flavor. I’ve even seen collard greens with a hint of brown sugar – now that’s a side dish! But let’s not get too carried away. The key is to cook the collard greens until they’re tender, without overcooking them.

9. Baked Beans: A Hearty Side Option

If you’re looking for a hearty side option, baked beans are the way to go. Rich, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying, baked beans add a comforting element to your fried chicken meal. But here’s where it gets fun: there are so many ways to customize your baked beans.

Try adding some bacon, onions, or even a touch of molasses for a sweet kick. I’ve even seen baked beans with a hint of bourbon – now that’s a side dish! But let’s not get too carried away. The key is to find a balance between smoky and sweet, without it being too heavy.

10. Watermelon Salad: A Refreshing Side Option

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a refreshing side option, watermelon salad is the way to go. The cool, crisp watermelon pairs beautifully with the rich fried chicken. But here’s where it gets interesting: there are so many ways to elevate your watermelon salad.

Try adding some feta cheese, mint, or even a touch of balsamic glaze for a tangy kick. I’ve even seen watermelon salad with a hint of jalapeño – now that’s a side dish! But let’s not get too carried away. The key is to keep the watermelon salad light and refreshing, without overpowering the fried chicken.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Fried Chicken Experience

And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive list of the best sides for fried chicken. From classic mashed potatoes to refreshing watermelon salad, there’s something for everyone. So, the next time you’re whipping up a batch of fried chicken, don’t forget to pair it with one (or more) of these delicious sides.

But here’s the thing: the best side is the one that makes you happy. So, feel free to mix and match, experiment, and find your perfect fried chicken side. And remember, the key to a great meal is balance. So, don’t be afraid to pair a rich side with a lighter one. The possibilities are endless!

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and elevate your fried chicken experience today! And if you have any favorite sides that I missed, be sure to let me know in the comments. I’m always looking for new inspiration.

FAQ

Q: What is the best classic side for fried chicken?
A: The best classic side for fried chicken is mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and oh-so-comforting, mashed potatoes are a staple side for fried chicken. The smooth texture complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

Q: Should I choose creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw?
A: The choice between creamy and vinegar-based coleslaw depends on your personal preference. Creamy coleslaw is cool and indulgent, while vinegar-based coleslaw is tangy and refreshing. Consider having both on hand and let your guests decide!

Q: What is a healthier side option for fried chicken?
A: A healthier side option for fried chicken is green beans. Steamed, sautéed, or even roasted, green beans add a fresh, crisp element to your fried chicken meal.

Q: What is a refreshing side option for fried chicken?
A: A refreshing side option for fried chicken is watermelon salad. The cool, crisp watermelon pairs beautifully with the rich fried chicken. Try adding some feta cheese, mint, or even a touch of balsamic glaze for a tangy kick.

@article{best-sides-for-fried-chicken-an-in-depth-guide,
    title   = {Best Sides for Fried Chicken: An In-Depth Guide},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/best-sides-for-fried-chicken/}
}