Easy Side Dishes for Chicken and Waffles: 28+ Pairing Ideas
Looking for the best side dishes for chicken and waffles? I’ve got you covered with over 28 amazing options!
This combo of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles is pure comfort food magic.
You’ll find everything from classic Southern sides to fresh veggie options that’ll make your meal complete.
Whether you’re planning brunch or dinner, these perfect pairings will take your chicken waffles to the next level.
Get ready to discover delicious sides that’ll have your family asking for seconds!
What is Chicken and Waffles?
I can’t think of anything better than crispy fried chicken sitting on top of fluffy waffles! This isn’t just any old meal – it’s a dish that makes breakfast feel like a party. People love to serve chicken and waffles at breakfast, but guess what? It’s great for lunch and dinner too!
Key Ingredients for Your Chicken and Waffles Recipe:
- Fried Chicken: For super crispy chicken, you’ll need chicken pieces, flour, cornstarch, eggs, and buttermilk. Mix your coating with flour and cornstarch – it makes the crunchiest crust ever!
- Fluffy Waffles: You need light, airy waffles to hold up that crispy chicken. I make mine with buttermilk too – it’s one of those great side dishes that becomes the star! Your waffles should be crispy outside but soft inside.
- Sweet Toppings: Pour warm maple syrup all over your chicken with fluffy waffles. Some people like honey butter too! The sweet syrup mixing with fried chicken and waffles creates magic on your plate.
- Butter: A pat of melty butter makes everything better! It soaks into the hot waffle and mixes with your syrup. Yum!
What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles?
From cheesy sides to fresh veggies, I’ll show you the perfect dishes that complement this sweet and savory meal perfectly.
Classic Southern Dishes for Chicken and Waffles
These traditional Southern sides bring comfort food flavors that pair perfectly with your chicken and waffles. Let’s check them out!
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese with its rich, cheesy sauce makes the perfect side for chicken and waffles. I love how the crispy chicken contrasts with this gooey comfort food classic.
- Collard Greens with Bacon: Just like at your favorite soul food spot, these tender collard greens cooked with bacon add a savory touch. You’ll love how they balance your sweet waffle bites.
- Creamy Grits: Smooth, buttery grits complement chicken and waffles beautifully. The creamy texture adds another layer of Southern comfort to your plate. They’re simple to make too!
- Cornbread: Warm, honey-sweetened cornbread pairs wonderfully with chicken and waffles. Its crumbly texture and slight sweetness make it a tasty side that everyone will enjoy. Fore more delicious ideas, Checkout our favorite soup pairings with cornbread.
- Hush Puppies: These crispy cornmeal bites are perfect for chicken and waffles. Their golden-brown outside and soft inside reminds me of the best Southern restaurants.
These classic Southern side dishes for chicken and waffles bring true comfort food flavor. Each one complements your main dish in its own special way.
Potato-Based Sides for Chicken and Waffles
Your chicken and waffles deserve these tasty potato sides! From crispy fries to creamy mashed potatoes, these options never disappoint.
- Classic French Fries: Hot, crispy French fries give you the perfect crunchy side. I love dipping them in the same maple syrup that drips from my chicken and waffles!
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes topped with rich gravy make your chicken and waffles even more filling. You’ll love how the gravy mixes with maple syrup!
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet and savory roasted sweet potatoes match perfectly with chicken and waffles. Their natural sweetness brings out the maple syrup flavors in your meal.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed sweet potatoes add a lovely pop of color. They’re so easy to make and their natural sweetness works great with chicken and waffles.
- Boiled Potatoes with Butter: Simple boiled potatoes tossed with butter and herbs keep things light. They’re perfect when you want something basic with your chicken and waffles.
These potato side dishes for chicken and waffles give you lots of tasty choices. Pick your favorite potato style for the perfect meal!
Fresh Vegetable Sides for Chicken and Waffles
Fresh veggies balance out your chicken and waffles perfectly. These colorful sides add nutrition and bright flavors to your plate.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw brings a fresh crunch to your plate. Its creamy dressing and crisp cabbage make the perfect partner for crispy chicken and fluffy waffles.
- Sautéed Spinach: Light and healthy sautéed spinach with garlic adds color to your plate. I love how it balances the richness of chicken and waffles with something green.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a tasty crunch. You’ll love how their slightly charred edges complement your crispy fried chicken pieces.
- Grilled Asparagus: Simply grilled asparagus spears make your chicken and waffles feel fancy. A little olive oil, salt, and pepper are all you need for this elegant side.
- Skillet Green Beans: Fresh green beans cooked in a skillet with garlic taste amazing. They’re quick to make and give you a healthy veggie option with chicken and waffles.
Fresh vegetable sides make chicken and waffles more balanced. These green options add nutrition while keeping all the delicious comfort food flavors.
Crispy Southern Favorites with Chicken and Waffles
Want more crunch? These crispy Southern sides add extra texture to your meal. Each bite brings delicious Southern flavors!
- Fried Okra: Crunchy fried okra is a true Southern treat! These little crispy bites are perfect for snacking between bites of chicken and waffles.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Golden-brown fried green tomatoes bring a tangy flavor to your plate. Their crispy coating matches your fried chicken, making them a natural fit.
- Fried Pickles: Crispy fried pickles give you that perfect sour crunch. You’ll love dipping these in ranch dressing while enjoying your chicken and waffles.
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Crispy bacon wrapped around tender asparagus spears adds fancy flair. This side dish makes your chicken and waffles feel like restaurant food!
- String Beans: Fresh string beans cooked until crisp-tender keep things light. They’re a simple side that lets your chicken and waffles stay the star.
These crispy Southern sides add extra crunch to your chicken and waffles meal. Each brings its own special taste to your plate.
Breakfast-Style Sides for Chicken and Waffles
Make your brunch amazing with these breakfast sides! They turn chicken and waffles into the perfect morning feast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make this a filling breakfast. I love mixing them with maple syrup that drips from my chicken and waffles.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs are perfect for special brunches. Their rich filling tastes great between bites of crispy chicken and sweet waffles.
- Scrambled Egg Whites: Light and fluffy egg whites keep things healthier. They’re perfect when you want something lighter with your chicken and waffles.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruit salad adds sweet freshness to your plate. Mix seasonal fruits for a colorful side that goes great with maple syrup.
These breakfast sides turn chicken and waffles into an amazing brunch spread. They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings with family. Just like picking sides for eggs benedict, these morning treats will complete your plate.
Gourmet Side Options for Chicken and Waffles
Ready to fancy things up? These special sides take your chicken and waffles to the next level. Let’s get fancy!
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Buttery sautéed mushrooms add rich, earthy flavors. They’re simple but make your chicken and waffles feel like fancy restaurant food!
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Colorful roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets bring sweet earthiness. These veggies add beautiful colors and flavors to your chicken and waffle plate.
- Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet maple-glazed carrots match your waffle syrup perfectly. Their natural sweetness and pretty orange color make your plate look amazing.
- Cheesy Grits with Shrimp: Creamy grits topped with garlic shrimp take things up a notch. This combo turns your chicken and waffles into an extra special meal.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans bring classic comfort food vibes. Their sauce tastes amazing mixed with maple syrup from your waffles.
These gourmet sides for chicken and waffles help create an impressive meal. They’re perfect when you want to make dinner extra special.
How to Choose the Right Sides for Your Chicken and Waffles
Picking the perfect sides is easy! Think about flavors, textures, and what you love. Here’s how to choose wisely.
1. Understanding Flavor Profiles: Mix sweet and savory tastes for the best meal. Choose sides that complement both your crispy chicken and sweet waffles without overwhelming them.
2. Balancing Textures: Add different textures to make eating more fun. Mix crispy, creamy, and crunchy sides with your chicken and waffles for interesting bites. If you love crispy sides, you might also enjoy our potato side dishes for steak.
3. Catering to Dietary Preferences: Pick sides that work for everyone at your table. Include some healthy options like fresh veggies alongside richer dishes for a balanced meal.
Think about these tips when picking side dishes for chicken and waffles. They’ll help you create the perfect plate everyone will love.
Conclusion
Now you’ve got all the side dishes for chicken and waffles you’ll ever need! Whether you’re serving up a cozy breakfast or a fancy dinner, these sides will make your meal special.
Mix and match your favorites – try some crispy hash browns for breakfast or creamy mac and cheese for dinner.
Remember, the perfect side dish brings balance to your plate. From fresh veggies to comfort food classics, you can’t go wrong with these tasty options.
