What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks: 35+ Easy Side Dishes
Need ideas for what to serve with your chicken drumsticks? I’m here to help!
I love making drumsticks for dinner because they don’t cost much and everyone at my table gets excited when I serve them.
You can make them taste new and different just by switching up what you serve on the side. I’ve got more than 35 yummy side dishes to share with you today.
These sides are perfect whether you’re feeding your family on a Tuesday or having friends over for a weekend cookout.
Why You’ll Love Drumsticks?
You know what’s great about drumsticks? They’re cheap and you can find them at any grocery store. You can bake, roast, grill, or fry these drumsticks, and always turn out yummy. Plus, kids love eating with their hands!
What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks?
Now I want to show you all my favorite sides! You can make creamy mashed potatoes, fresh garden veggies, or fluffy rice. Want something quick? Try my easy salads or pasta dishes. I’ve even got some tasty Southern sides!
Potato Dishes
Potatoes are my go-to side for chicken drumsticks. They’re filling, cheap, and so versatile. I love how you can make them creamy, crispy, or spicy to match any drumstick flavor.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: My grandma taught me to add warm milk and lots of butter. The result? The fluffiest, smoothest potatoes you’ll ever taste. They soak up chicken juices perfectly!
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: These crispy bites have golden edges and soft middles. The garlic smell while they’re roasting will make everyone hungry.
- Potato Salad: Cool, creamy, and perfect for summer BBQs. I add crunchy celery and pickles to mine for extra zip.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Stuff them with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. They’re like a meal themselves!
- Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges: These healthy wedges have a sweet-spicy kick that kids and adults both love.
Healthy Vegetable Sides
Adding colorful veggies makes your plate look pretty and adds good nutrition. These options are quick to make and taste great with drumsticks.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: I toss them with olive oil and balsamic glaze until they’re crispy outside and tender inside. The sweet-savory combo makes even veggie-haters ask for seconds!
- Steamed Broccoli: Light, fresh, and super healthy. A splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese makes this simple side dish taste special.
- Grilled Asparagus: You’ll love how the smoky char brings out the natural sweetness. I brush them with garlic butter before grilling for extra flavor.
- Sauteed Spinach: Quick and nutritious! The leaves get silky when cooked with garlic and olive oil. My kids actually eat their greens when I make it this way.
- Sauteed Green Peas: These bright little gems take just minutes to cook. A touch of butter and fresh mint makes them taste like spring on your plate.
Easy Salads
Need something fresh and crisp? These salads add crunch and zing to your drumstick plate. They’re perfect for hot days or when you want something light.
- Avocado Tomato Salad: Fresh, creamy, and ready in minutes. The ripe avocados and juicy tomatoes make such a pretty plate with your chicken.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons. You can make it ahead, just add the dressing right before serving.
- Greek Salad: Cool cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese with zesty dressing. It’s like summer in a bowl!
- Corn Salad: Sweet corn kernels mixed with bell peppers and herbs. I love making this when fresh corn is in season.
- Avocado and Orange Salad: Sweet oranges and creamy avocados create a refreshing contrast to savory drumsticks. The citrus vinaigrette cuts through the chicken’s richness perfectly.
Rice and Grain-Based Sides
These filling sides soak up all the tasty chicken juices. They’re perfect when you want something more substantial.
- Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in broth and finished with garlic butter. It’s simple but everyone always wants seconds.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy, slightly sweet, and so aromatic. The coconut milk makes regular rice taste extra special.
- Lemon Herb Couscous: Tiny pasta pearls flavored with bright lemon and fresh herbs. It cooks in just 5 minutes!
- Wild Rice Pilaf: Nutty wild rice mixed with mushrooms and onions. This one’s fancy enough for company.
Bread and Rolls
Warm, fresh bread makes any chicken dinner better. These options are perfect for soaking up tasty sauces and juices from your drumsticks.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty bread slathered with herb-garlic butter and toasted until golden. I love when the edges get crispy but the middle stays soft and buttery.
- Hawaiian Rolls: Sweet, fluffy rolls that pull apart into perfect little pillows. They’re my kids’ favorite for making mini chicken sandwiches with leftover drumsticks.
- Naan: Soft, chewy Indian flatbread that’s perfect for scooping up sauce. I warm mine on the grill for extra smoky flavor.
- Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly, and oh-so-southern! My grandmother’s recipe uses honey and real corn kernels for amazing texture and taste.
- Biscuits: Flaky, buttery layers that melt in your mouth. You haven’t lived until you’ve used a warm biscuit to soak up chicken gravy.
Pasta
Pasta sides bring comfort and satisfaction to any drumstick meal. These options work hot or cold, making them super versatile.
- Classic Pasta Salad: Rotini pasta loaded with veggies, cheese, and Italian dressing. It’s even better the next day after the flavors mingle.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: Silky ribbons of pasta in rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. I add a touch of nutmeg and fresh black pepper for that classic Italian restaurant taste. Its perfectly pair well with your chicken drumsticks.
- Baked Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy comfort food with a crispy top. My secret is using three different kinds of cheese.
- Egg Noodles: Simple buttered noodles with parsley make the perfect base. They’re like little clouds that soak up all the yummy chicken flavors.
- Easy Weeknight Spaghetti: Tossed with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan. Sometimes the simplest sides are the most satisfying.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and fresh “zoodles” sautéed with herbs. A healthy option that still feels like pasta!
Picnic Favorites
These casual sides make drumsticks perfect for outdoor eating. They’re easy to transport and taste great at any temperature.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky beans slow-cooked with bacon. The sauce gets thick and sticky – just how we like it!
- Classic Coleslaw: Crunchy cabbage in creamy dressing is a picnic favorite of my brother. The tangy-sweet flavor cuts through the richness of the drumsticks perfectly.
- French Fries: Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and perfectly seasoned. I double-fry mine for extra crunch.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet summer corn slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt. Nothing beats eating it outside on a warm evening.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy filling with a hint of pickle relish. They disappear fast at every picnic!
Savory Southern Sides
These down-home favorites bring real Southern comfort to your plate. Each one adds authentic regional flavor.
- Collard Greens: Tender greens slow-cooked with smoky ham hocks. The pot liquor is liquid gold!
- Hush Puppies: Golden cornmeal fritters with sweet onion inside. They’re crispy outside and tender inside.
- Fried Okra: Crunchy cornmeal-coated bites that even okra-skeptics love. My secret is soaking them in buttermilk first.
- Grits: Creamy, cheesy, and pure comfort. Stone-ground grits make all the difference in texture and taste.
Sauces to Pair with Chicken Drumsticks
In addition to veggie sides, the right sauce can make your drumsticks into something special. These homemade options beat store-bought every time.
- BBQ Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy with a touch of smoke. I simmer mine for hours to get that perfect thickness.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Smooth and creamy with the perfect balance of sweet and tang. Great for dipping or drizzling!
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Rich, creamy sauce loaded with fresh garlic and aged parmesan. It clings perfectly to every bite.
- Spicy Buffalo Sauce: Classic wing sauce with a buttery kick. You can adjust the heat to your liking.
- Ranch Dressing: Cool, herby, and perfect for dipping. My homemade version uses fresh herbs and buttermilk.
Final Thoughts
Chicken drumsticks are so tasty and fun to plan meals with! You can pick so many sides to make your plate just right. I like trying new combos every time.
You might pair crispy drumsticks with soft, creamy sides. Or maybe spicy ones with a fresh, cool salad. There’s no wrong way to do it!
What about you? What sides do you love with your chicken? I’d love to know your ideas. Share them below comment section! The best meals are always the ones you enjoy with people you care about.
