When it comes to enjoying a hearty meal of country fried chicken, nothing quite complements it like classic Southern sides.
These dishes, steeped in tradition, bring a comforting balance of flavors and textures that make every bite of fried chicken even more satisfying.
Whether you’re a fan of creamy, savory, or slightly sweet accompaniments, the South has perfected the art of side dishes that pair flawlessly with crispy fried chicken.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed potatoes are undoubtedly one of the most beloved sides for country fried chicken. Their creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior of the chicken, creating a mouthful of comfort with every bite. To elevate this classic dish, you can smother the potatoes in rich, velvety gravy.
- Why It Works: The smooth and creamy consistency of mashed potatoes provides a perfect contrast to the crunch of fried chicken. Add a generous drizzle of country gravy—a savory sauce made with milk, flour, and black pepper—and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of gravy. While the traditional white country gravy is a favorite, brown gravy, which is made with beef or chicken stock, offers a deeper, richer flavor. For a twist, consider adding a touch of garlic or herbs like rosemary to the mashed potatoes.
The key to mastering this dish is getting the texture just right. The potatoes should be creamy but still firm enough to hold the gravy. For that added touch, a pat of butter on top of the potatoes before serving melts into the dish, adding richness without overpowering the delicate flavor.
Biscuits
No Southern meal is complete without a basket of warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits. These golden beauties are perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying on their own with a dab of butter. The subtle sweetness and soft, airy texture of biscuits makes them an ideal partner for country-fried chicken.
- Traditional Buttermilk Biscuits: Light and flaky, these biscuits are made with buttermilk, flour, baking powder, and a touch of butter. Their simplicity is what makes them so special—they don’t compete with the chicken but rather complement it.
- Flavored Biscuits: For those looking to add a bit more flavor, consider cheddar biscuits or even bacon jalapeño biscuits. The added ingredients bring a savory, spicy twist that pairs well with the rich flavors of fried chicken.
Whether enjoyed as is or split open and topped with gravy, biscuits are a versatile side that never disappoints. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy, especially when freshly baked.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the epitome of Southern comfort food. This creamy, cheesy dish is a go-to side for many fried chicken enthusiasts, offering a rich, indulgent flavor that stands up to the bold taste of the chicken.
- Classic Comfort Food: The combination of tender pasta and creamy cheese sauce makes this dish a perennial favorite. The key is using a mix of cheeses—sharp cheddar for a bit of bite, and something milder like Monterey Jack to keep the sauce smooth.
- Baked vs. Creamy: There’s an ongoing debate about whether baked or stovetop mac and cheese is superior. Baked mac and cheese, with its crispy, golden top, offers a delightful textural contrast, while creamy stovetop versions are all about that silky, smooth sauce.
No matter how you prepare it, mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist. Serve it piping hot, and watch it disappear from the table in no time.
What Goes Well with Country Fried Chicken :Fresh and Light Sides
While the richness of country fried chicken is undeniably satisfying, pairing it with fresh and light sides can create a balanced and delightful meal. These sides not only add a refreshing contrast but also offer a burst of flavors that complement the savory notes of the chicken.
Whether you’re planning a summer picnic or just want something crisp and vibrant, these dishes are the perfect accompaniment.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that adds a refreshing crunch to any meal, and it’s a particularly good match for country fried chicken. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing brings a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
- Creamy vs. Vinegar-Based: Coleslaw comes in two main varieties: creamy and vinegar-based. Creamy coleslaw, made with mayonnaise, is rich and smooth, adding a soothing texture to your plate. On the other hand, vinegar-based coleslaw offers a lighter, tangier flavor profile, perfect for those who prefer a less heavy side.
- Perfect for Picnics: One of the best things about coleslaw is its versatility. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and stays fresh for hours, making it ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—nearly everyone loves a good coleslaw, especially when paired with crispy fried chicken.
To get the best flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of sugar to your coleslaw. These small tweaks can make a big difference, enhancing the natural sweetness of the cabbage and giving the dressing a well-rounded taste.
Green Beans
Green beans are another fantastic side that adds a touch of green to your plate. Their slightly bitter, earthy flavor provides a nice contrast to the crispy, savory chicken, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit any palate.
- Southern Style with Bacon: For a traditional Southern twist, green beans are often cooked with bacon, onions, and a bit of broth. This method infuses the beans with a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with fried chicken.
- Healthier Alternatives: If you’re looking for something lighter, steamed or sautéed green beans are a great option. A simple seasoning of garlic, lemon, and olive oil can bring out the beans’ natural flavor while keeping the dish light and healthy.
Whether you prefer them smoky and rich or light and fresh, green beans are a versatile side that brings color and texture to your meal.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Nothing says summer quite like a cucumber and tomato salad. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for those hot days when you want something light and refreshing alongside your fried chicken.
- Refreshing Summer Side: The crispness of the cucumbers and the juicy sweetness of the tomatoes create a refreshing bite that contrasts with the fried chicken’s richness. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, this salad is both cooling and hydrating, making it a great choice for warm-weather meals.
- Flavor Combinations: You can easily elevate this salad by adding ingredients like avocado, feta cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice. These additions bring extra creaminess, tang, and depth of flavor, turning a simple salad into a standout side.
This salad is best served cold, straight from the fridge, to provide that refreshing burst you need alongside a hearty main dish.
Sweet and Savory Combinations
While country fried chicken is rich and savory, pairing it with something sweet can create a delightful contrast that tantalizes your taste buds. The interplay of flavors—sweet, salty, and savory—can elevate your meal, making it a memorable culinary experience. Let’s dive into some sweet and savory combinations that complement fried chicken perfectly.
3.1 Cornbread
Cornbread is a quintessential Southern staple that often finds its place next to a plate of country fried chicken. Its subtle sweetness and crumbly texture make it an ideal side that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Traditional vs. Modern: Traditional Southern cornbread is slightly sweet, with a dense texture that holds up well to dipping in sauces or gravy. But modern takes on cornbread have introduced exciting flavors like jalapeño cheddar, which adds a bit of heat and sharpness to the sweet base.
- Pairing with Honey Butter: One of the best ways to enjoy cornbread is with a generous smear of honey butter. The creamy, sweet butter melts into the warm cornbread, creating a deliciously sweet contrast to the salty, crispy chicken. This combination is sure to win over anyone with a sweet tooth.
Cornbread’s versatility makes it a fantastic side whether you’re sticking to tradition or looking to add a modern twist to your meal. It’s comforting, and flavorful, and pairs beautifully with just about anything, especially fried chicken.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Another sweet and savory combination that pairs exceptionally well with fried chicken is sweet potato casserole. This dish, often topped with pecan streusel, brings a rich, sweet flavor that contrasts with the salty, crispy chicken.
- Classic with Pecan Streusel: The classic version of this dish features creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. The combination of soft, sweet potatoes and the nutty, buttery topping is irresistible, especially when paired with the savory flavors of fried chicken.
- Why It Works: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes enhances the flavor of the chicken without overpowering it. The pecans add a satisfying crunch that complements the crispy chicken skin, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Sweet potato casserole is not only a delicious side dish but also brings a festive feel to your meal, making it perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Vegetables and Salads
Incorporating vegetables and salads into your meal not only adds a touch of healthiness but also brings vibrant colors and fresh flavors that complement the hearty nature of country fried chicken. These sides are perfect for those who want to balance the richness of fried chicken with something light and nutritious.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a traditional Southern side that pairs exceptionally well with fried chicken. These leafy greens, slow-cooked with smoked meats and seasoned to perfection, provide a slightly bitter and savory contrast to the crispy, rich chicken.
- Traditional Southern Recipe: The classic way to prepare collard greens is by cooking them low and slow with ham hocks or smoked turkey. This method infuses the greens with a deep, smoky flavor that complements the salty, savory notes of the chicken.
- Cooking Tips: For the best flavor, season the greens with garlic, onions, and a splash of vinegar. The acidity from the vinegar helps balance the richness of the chicken, making each bite refreshing.
Collard greens are not just a side dish; they’re a Southern tradition. Their robust flavor and satisfying texture make them an ideal partner for country fried chicken, especially when you want to add a touch of green to your plate.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are another fantastic option for pairing with fried chicken. The caramelization that occurs during roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a flavorful side that complements the savory chicken.
- Asparagus and Carrots: Two vegetables that work particularly well with fried chicken are asparagus and carrots. When roasted, asparagus becomes tender with slightly crispy tips, while carrots develop a sweet, rich flavor. Both add a delightful contrast to the meal.
- Seasoning Ideas: For a simple yet delicious preparation, toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. You can also add garlic, rosemary, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavor.
Roasted vegetables are versatile, easy to prepare, and can be adjusted to suit your taste. They offer a healthier side option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making them a perfect complement to fried chicken.
Innovative and Unique Pairings
While classic sides and vegetables are always a hit with country fried chicken, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up with innovative and unique pairings.
These dishes bring unexpected flavors and textures to the table, offering a fresh take on a traditional meal. Let’s dive into some creative side dishes that pair beautifully with fried chicken.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a modern, healthy twist that pairs surprisingly well with the rich flavors of fried chicken. This light, protein-packed side dish provides a nutritious balance, offering a contrasting texture and flavor that can refresh your palate.
- Healthy Twist: Quinoa is a superfood that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Its slightly nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it an excellent base for a salad that can stand up to the heartiness of fried chicken.
- Flavor Additions: To enhance the quinoa, consider adding ingredients like feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. These components add brightness and tanginess to the salad, making it a refreshing counterpart to the savory, crispy chicken.
Quinoa salad is not just a side dish; it’s a nutritional powerhouse that adds a modern twist to a traditional meal. Its light, refreshing qualities make it a great choice for those looking to balance out the richness of fried chicken.
Fried Green Tomatoes
For a more Southern-inspired, yet unique pairing, consider fried green tomatoes. This dish brings a tangy, crispy element to the table, perfectly complementing the flavors of country fried chicken.
- Southern Favorite: Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern side, featuring unripe tomatoes that are sliced, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection. The tangy, slightly acidic flavor of the green tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the richness of fried chicken, making it a match made in heaven.
- Variations: While the classic preparation involves a simple cornmeal coating, you can experiment with different breading mixtures or even add a bit of spice to the batter for an extra kick. Pair these crispy delights with a dipping sauce, like a spicy remoulade, to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Fried green tomatoes bring a unique twist to your meal, adding both a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken. They’re a delightful and surprising addition that will leave your guests impressed.
What Goes Well with Country Fried Chicken :Desserts that Complete the Meal
No meal, especially one centered around country fried chicken, is truly complete without a sweet treat to finish. The contrast between the savory main course and a sweet dessert creates a harmonious balance, leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re serving up something fruity or indulgent, these desserts are the perfect way to round off your meal.
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a Southern classic that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of fried chicken. This warm, comforting dessert features juicy peaches baked under a buttery, crumbly topping, creating a deliciously sweet end to your meal.
- Classic Southern Dessert: The sweetness of the peaches, combined with the soft, buttery crust, makes peach cobbler a dessert that’s hard to resist. The warm, gooey filling contrasts with the crispy, savory chicken, offering a satisfying finale to your meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Peach cobbler is best served warm, straight from the oven. For an extra indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing it to melt into the cobbler and create a creamy, sweet sauce.
Peach cobbler not only complements the flavors of fried chicken but also embodies the essence of Southern comfort food. It’s the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet, satisfying note.
Banana Pudding
Another iconic Southern dessert that pairs well with country fried chicken is banana pudding. This creamy, rich dessert layers vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers, topped with whipped cream or meringue.
- Creamy and Rich: The velvety texture of the pudding, combined with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of wafers, creates a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it a great choice to follow a savory meal.
- Why It Works: Banana pudding’s creamy consistency and light flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier fried chicken. It’s a dessert that doesn’t overwhelm the palate but rather complements the meal with its gentle sweetness.
Banana pudding is a crowd-pleaser that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the table, making it an excellent choice for rounding out a Southern-inspired meal.
