19 Fried Chicken Sides Ideas That’ll Make Your Meal Next-Level
Let’s be real—fried chicken already tastes like heaven on its own. But you know what takes it from “pretty darn good” to “I might need stretchy pants tonight”? The sides.
Yep, the sides are the secret weapon that make fried chicken meals feel like a feast instead of just another dinner.
So today, I’m sharing 19 fried chicken sides ideas that I’ve tested, eaten way too much of, and fully approved for any fried chicken night.
Whether you’re throwing a backyard picnic, Sunday dinner, or just eating in your pajamas (no judgment here), these sides will hit the spot.
1. Classic Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Nothing screams comfort food like creamy mashed potatoes with gravy. The soft, buttery texture balances the crispy crunch of fried chicken perfectly.
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the butter or the cream. And if you’re feeling extra, add roasted garlic. You’ll thank me later.
2. Macaroni and Cheese
I’m talking about the gooey, cheesy kind, not the sad box version. Fried chicken with mac and cheese is basically soul food royalty.
Ever tried sprinkling breadcrumbs on top and baking it for that extra crunch? Game. Changer.
3. Cornbread
Sweet or savory, cornbread and fried chicken go together like peanut butter and jelly. I love mine slightly sweet with honey butter on the side.
And yes, it must be served warm. Cold cornbread feels like betrayal, IMO.
4. Coleslaw
Sometimes fried chicken needs a refreshing sidekick, and that’s where coleslaw shines. The tangy crunch cuts through the fried goodness like magic.
Want to upgrade it? Add apples or cranberries for a sweet kick. Ever tried it? If not, trust me, you’re missing out.
5. Biscuits
Fluffy, buttery biscuits might be the MVP of Southern sides. Tear one open, spread some honey or jam, and boom—you’ve got happiness on a plate.
FYI: If you’re not making them from scratch, at least get the good kind. Your chicken deserves it.
6. French Fries
Simple, yes. But who’s complaining? Golden, crispy fries with fried chicken is basically the fast-food combo we never grew out of.
Season them with garlic salt or Cajun spices if you want them to taste like restaurant-level fries.
7. Potato Salad
Now, potato salad divides people: mustard-based or mayo-based? I say, why not both?
The creamy, tangy flavor works so well with fried chicken, especially if you serve it cold while the chicken’s still hot.
8. Baked Beans
Rich, smoky, and a little sweet—baked beans balance fried chicken like a pro. Plus, they stick to your ribs, so you leave the table actually full.
I usually toss in bacon bits for an extra smoky punch.
9. Creamed Corn
If you’ve only had canned creamed corn, you’re probably not impressed. But homemade creamed corn? Whole new world.
It’s sweet, creamy, and adds that comfort-food vibe to your plate. And it doesn’t take long to make, so no excuses.
10. Collard Greens
Want to feel like you just stepped into a true Southern kitchen? Serve fried chicken with collard greens simmered in ham hocks or smoked turkey.
They’re earthy, salty, and add some green to your plate so you can pretend you’re being “healthy.” 😉
11. Green Beans (with Bacon, Please)
Green beans alone? Meh. But green beans cooked with bacon and onions? Now we’re talking.
They give you the crunch of veggies without feeling like a sad “diet side.” Perfect partner for fried chicken.
12. Deviled Eggs
Ok, maybe not your first thought, but hear me out: deviled eggs are portable, creamy, and addictive.
They work especially well if you’re serving fried chicken at a picnic or potluck. Everyone grabs one, and suddenly you’re the favorite host.
13. Corn on the Cob
Messy? Yep. Worth it? Absolutely. Buttery corn on the cob is the side that reminds you why summer is awesome.
Pro move: Sprinkle chili powder and parmesan for a Mexican street corn vibe. You’ll never look at plain corn the same way again.
14. Fried Okra
If you’re going all in on fried food, why stop at chicken? Crispy fried okra adds a little veggie action while keeping the crunch party going.
Some people dip theirs in ranch. Me? Hot sauce all the way.
15. Pickles
Sounds too simple, right? But tangy dill pickles cut the richness of fried chicken better than you’d expect.
That salty bite in between chicken bites? Chef’s kiss.
16. Rice and Gravy
Rice doesn’t sound glamorous, but pour some homemade gravy over it, and suddenly it’s comfort food heaven.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly, so you can save cash for the fancy fried chicken (or dessert).
17. Hush Puppies
These little fried cornmeal balls are crispy outside, soft inside, and dangerously snackable.
They’re basically fried chicken’s best friend. If you serve both, don’t expect leftovers.
18. Side Salad
Before you laugh—hear me out. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette actually balances out all the fried, buttery heaviness.
It’s like your plate is saying, “Don’t worry, we’re kinda being healthy here.”
19. Watermelon
Yes, watermelon. Sweet, juicy, cold watermelon next to hot, crispy fried chicken? It just works.
It’s refreshing, light, and balances out the heavy stuff. Plus, it looks pretty on the table, which never hurts.
Tips for Pairing Fried Chicken Sides
Now that we’ve covered 19 solid options, let’s talk strategy. How do you actually pick the right combo without turning dinner into a carb overload disaster?
- Mix textures. Pair something creamy (mashed potatoes) with something crunchy (coleslaw).
- Add freshness. Balance fried chicken with something light like salad or fruit.
- Don’t forget the bread. Biscuits, cornbread, or hush puppies make fried chicken meals feel complete.
- Play with flavors. Sweet baked beans, tangy pickles, spicy fries—different flavor profiles keep things interesting.
My Go-To Fried Chicken Plate
If you’re curious, my dream plate looks like this: fried chicken, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and a biscuit drowning in honey butter. Oh, and maybe a sneaky deviled egg on the side.
What’s yours? Because let’s be honest, fried chicken night is basically a choose-your-own-adventure story.
Final Thoughts
So there you go—19 fried chicken sides ideas that range from classic to creative. You can mix and match depending on your mood, your budget, or how much effort you feel like putting in.
At the end of the day, fried chicken is all about comfort and joy. The sides? They just turn a good meal into an unforgettable one.
So the next time you’re frying up some crispy chicken, don’t just throw fries on the table and call it a day. Try one of these sides and watch everyone at the table go back for seconds.
And hey, if you make all 19 in one night? Call me—I’ll bring the stretchy pants.
