What To Serve With Chicken And Rice

Chicken and rice is a classic combination that holds a special place in the hearts of many.

It’s comforting, it’s easy to make, and it’s always delicious – what more could you ask for?

Whether you’re looking to spice up your weekly rotation or just want some inspiration for your next dinner party, this article is here to help!

We’ll show you 15 dishes that will pair perfectly with chicken and rice to create an unforgettable meal.

From salads and sauces to side dishes, these recipes are sure to delight all palates.

So grab your grocery list and let’s get cooking!

Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Chicken and Rice– By Chef Natalie

To save you time, and to make your decision easy, I have built a nice chart on why these side dishes go well with Chicken and Rice!

Side Dish	Why it Goes Well with Chicken and Rice
Roasted Vegetables	The earthy flavors and caramelized texture of roasted vegetables complement the savory chicken and add variety to the rice.
Grilled Corn	The smoky charred flavor of grilled corn pairs well with the juicy chicken and adds a sweet and crunchy element to the meal.
Baked Beans	The rich and hearty flavor of baked beans adds depth to the dish, balancing the lean chicken and providing a satisfying contrast to the rice.
Avocado Toast	Creamy avocado on toast adds a refreshing and creamy element to the chicken and rice. It provides a contrasting texture and a burst of freshness.
Quinoa Pilaf	Quinoa pilaf offers a light and nutty flavor that complements the chicken and rice. It adds protein and fiber to the meal, making it more filling and nutritious.
Garlic Bread	Garlic bread adds a delicious garlicky flavor and crispy texture to the meal. It provides a satisfying side option that complements the chicken and rice.
Sauteed Spinach	Sauteed spinach adds a vibrant green element to the dish and provides a nutritious boost. The slight bitterness of spinach pairs well with the savory chicken and adds a refreshing touch to the rice.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes	Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting and rich side that pairs well with the chicken and rice. The garlic flavor enhances the overall taste of the meal.
Roasted Cauliflower	Roasted cauliflower provides a flavorful and slightly nutty taste. It adds a subtle crunch and complements the chicken and rice with its earthy notes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts	Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, along with a satisfying texture. They provide a balance to the chicken and rice, adding variety and depth to the overall meal.
Honey Mustard Salad	The tangy and sweet flavors of honey mustard dressing in a salad offer a refreshing contrast to the chicken and rice. It provides a crunchy and light side that complements the main dish.
Baked Sweet Potato	Baked sweet potato adds a natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the meal. It pairs well with the savory chicken and provides a comforting and satisfying side option.
Honey Glazed Carrots	Honey-glazed carrots offer a touch of sweetness and a soft texture. They complement the savory chicken and rice, adding a burst of flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
Fried Plantains	Fried plantains provide a unique sweet and starchy flavor that pairs well with the chicken and rice. They offer a contrasting texture and add a touch of tropical flair to the meal.
Roasted Butternut Squash	Roasted butternut squash adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish. It brings a comforting element to the chicken and rice and adds a burst of autumnal flavors to the meal.

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a delicious and easy way to pair with chicken and rice.

Carrots, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms all work beautifully when tossed in olive oil and herbs and then roasted in the oven.

The vegetables will get soft and caramelized, developing a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and fragrant rice.

The oven does most of the work here, so you can concentrate on preparing the chicken and rice if need be.

You can make everything ahead of time or even bake the vegetables while you’re cooking the other dishes so everything is ready at once.

Roasting these veggies brings out their sweetness while adding an earthy note to your meal.

Serve them alongside your chicken and rice for an easy yet flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

2. Grilled Corn

Roasted vegetables are a great accompaniment to any meal, but especially when served with chicken and rice.

But if you’re looking for something a little more unique to tantalize your taste buds, why not try grilled corn?

The smoky flavor and caramelized sweetness of grilled corn is the perfect complement to the savory flavors of the chicken and rice.

Grilled corn is incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights.

Here’s how to do it:

• Preheat your grill or griddle pan to medium-high heat.
• Place the cobs on the hot grill and rotate them every few minutes until they are charred in spots and tender when pierced with a knife.
• Brush each cob with butter while still warm then sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili powder, or whatever other seasonings you prefer.

Serve your grilled corn alongside the chicken and rice for a delicious meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.

Grilled corn is a great way to add some extra flavor into your dishes without having too much work involved.

Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile – you can use it in salads, soups, burritos, tacos or simply enjoy it as a side dish.

No matter how you serve it up, grilled corn is sure to become one of your favorite sides when served with chicken and rice!

3. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic accompaniment to chicken and rice dishes.

Their sweet-and-tangy flavor profile creates a perfect balance with the savory flavors of the main course.

Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare – just heat them up in a pot or serve them cold straight from a can!

With their versatility and convenience, it’s no wonder that baked beans have been a staple side dish for generations.

When added to a chicken and rice dish, baked beans bring an extra layer of texture and

flavor.

The creamy yet crunchy texture adds interest to each bite, while the sweet-and-tangy taste pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

They also provide essential nutrients like fiber and protein, making them an ideal choice for those looking for healthier alternatives.

This combination of convenience and nutrition makes baked beans an excellent addition to any chicken and rice dish.

Whether you choose to serve them hot or cold, you can be sure that your guests will appreciate this tasty side dish that is both delicious and nutritious!

4. Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is the perfect accompaniment to chicken and rice.

The creamy texture of the avocado pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice and juicy chicken. Plus, it’s an easy dish to prepare.

All you need is a ripe avocado, some olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some toast.

Simply mash the avocado in a bowl with a fork, mix in the olive oil and salt, spread onto one side of your toast slices, and you’re ready to enjoy!

Avocado toast truly elevates any meal – it can be dressed up with additional toppings such as diced tomatoes or mashed beans, or kept simple with just a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

No matter how you serve it, this dish will be sure to delight your taste buds!

So next time you make chicken and rice for dinner, don’t forget to add avocado toast for an extra boost of flavor!

5. Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa pilaf is a flavorful, protein-packed side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken and rice.

A delicious blend of fluffy quinoa, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices combine to create an earthy yet zesty flavor.

This hearty dish can be quickly whipped up in one pan in under 30 minutes and packs all the nutrient benefits of quinoa – a complete protein, complex carbohydrate, and source of healthy fats.

The texture is light, fluffy, and full of flavor – a perfect accompaniment for chicken and rice.

Whether you’re looking for a simple side to add some flair to your meal or something that will stand up against bold flavors like spicy curries or tangy sauces, quinoa pilaf should be at the top of your list.

Satisfying enough for a main course but subtle enough not to overpower other dishes, it’s sure to become a favorite in no time.

6. Garlic Bread

Making the perfect meal of chicken and rice is all about finding the right side dishes to bring out the flavors.

Quinoa Pilaf brings in a nutty flavor with its gluten-free grains, making it the perfect accompaniment to your main course.

But what if you want something a bit more traditional? Garlic Bread is the classic addition to any dinner table, allowing you to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Garlic Bread is easy to make, yet full of flavor.

It starts with a simple dough, like a French baguette or Italian loaf, that’s then brushed with butter and garlic.

To really kick up the flavor, you can add in some herbs like oregano and thyme.

Finally, bake it until it’s golden brown and crispy!

This side dish pairs perfectly with chicken and rice thanks to its crunchy texture and savory taste.

Plus, it’s a great way for everyone at the table to get creative – top your garlic bread off with shredded cheese or sliced olives for even more deliciousness!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing Garlic Bread:

• Ingredients:

• Use unsalted butter for extra control over how salty your bread turns out

• Choose fresh garlic cloves when possible for optimal flavor

• Cooking:

• Preheat your oven before baking so that everything cooks evenly

• Bake until golden brown – if it looks done but still feels soft on the inside, give it an extra minute or two in the oven

Garlic Bread is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party – plus, you can whip it up in no time so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal!

7. Sauteed Spinach

A delicious side dish to pair with the classic chicken and rice is sautéed spinach.

This simple yet flavorful dish is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.

Sautéed spinach can be prepared in just a few minutes, bringing freshness and vibrancy to any plate.

Benefits	Ingredients	Instructions
Vitamins & Minerals	Fresh Spinach	Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add spinach to pan, season with salt & pepper, stirring occasionally until wilted. Serve hot.
Antioxidants	Onion & Garlic (Optional)	Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or other cooking oil)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)

This simple recipe is both tasty and healthy; however, feel free to experiment and add ingredients like garlic or onion for more flavor!

For those looking to add some extra pizzazz to their dish, try topping off the sautéed spinach with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving!

With its bright green hue and light texture, sautéed spinach will bring life to your plate and make your meals more enjoyable.

No matter how you choose to prepare it, sautéed spinach is an easy and healthy way to upgrade your traditional chicken and rice dinner.

Enjoy this vibrant side dish today – your taste buds will thank you later!

8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken and rice.

Creamy and flavorful, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

First, start by boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender.

Then mash them together with butter, garlic, and some salt and pepper.

The combination of these flavors will make your mouth water in anticipation of the finished result.

Once everything is mixed together, spoon the mashed potatoes into a bowl or onto each plate for easy serving.

Enjoy the savory taste of garlic mashed potatoes as an accompaniment to your meal. It’s sure to become one of your family’s favorite side dishes!

9. Roasted Cauliflower

The creamy and savory garlic mashed potatoes were a perfect complement to the chicken and rice, but now it’s time to move on to something with a bit more crunch.

Roasted cauliflower is an ideal dish to transition from the comforting flavors of the potatoes.

It adds texture and flavor, with a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the earthy undertones of the rice.

To prepare roasted cauliflower, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cut one head of cauliflower into florets and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Drizzle olive oil over the florets, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Toss everything together until all the florets are evenly coated in seasoning.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.

This simple side dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

The combination of smoky spices and tender-crisp vegetables makes this dish something special – perfect for any occasion that calls for deliciousness!

Serve alongside chicken and rice for an unforgettable meal experience.

10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

When it comes to sides, roasted Brussels sprouts are always a delicious choice when served with chicken and rice.

This classic dish is an easy and healthy side that can be made in no time at all.

To make this yummy side, all you need are:

• Fresh Brussels Sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt & Pepper

To start the process, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Begin by washing the Brussels sprouts and cutting off their ends.

Next, toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.

Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spread them out evenly so they have plenty of space to roast.

Bake for 25 minutes or until nice and crispy! Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite chicken and rice dish.

11. Honey Mustard Salad

The perfect accompaniment to a classic chicken and rice meal is a sweet and tangy Honey Mustard Salad.

This salad is packed full of flavor, texture, and crunch, making it the ideal side dish for any main course.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.

Ingredients	Amount
Romaine Lettuce	2 heads
Red Onion	1 small
Cherry Tomatoes	1 pint

To make the honey mustard dressing, simply whisk together 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard with 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl.

Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and stir until combined.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the salad ingredients together with the dressing until evenly coated and serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your chicken and rice meal.

This Honey Mustard Salad is an easy way to add some extra flavor and crunch to your next meal.

Its combination of sweet, spicy, and salty tastes will tantalize your taste buds while its contrasting textures provide an interesting contrast to the more traditional flavors of chicken and rice. Enjoy!

12. Baked Sweet Potato

The sweet potato is a staple in many households and can be cooked in so many ways.

For this dish, we’ll be baking it with some simple seasonings.

The sweet potatoes will be sliced into wedges and slightly roasted to give them a light crisp on the outside while retaining their softness inside.

A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar will add a warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and rice.

A light drizzle of olive oil helps to bring out all the flavors as it bakes.

This dish makes for an easy yet flavorful side that complements the classic combination of chicken and rice.

It’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

13. Honey Glazed Carrots

The sweet and savory flavors of the baked sweet potato provide a delicious accompaniment to chicken and rice.

To make this classic meal even more special, try adding honey-glazed carrots.

These golden-brown carrots are cooked in a combination of butter, honey, and spices that bring out their natural sweetness.

The gentle heat from the spices adds a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of the rice and the tenderness of the chicken.

To prepare honey-glazed carrots, begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add sliced carrots, honey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to the pan.

Cook for about 10 minutes until the carrots are lightly browned and tender.

Remove from heat and serve as a side dish with your favorite chicken and rice meal.

This combination of flavors makes for an unforgettable dining experience that is sure to impress families and guests alike.

The sweetness from the honey-glazed carrots adds depth to both the chicken and rice dishes while still allowing each ingredient’s unique flavor to shine through.

Enjoy this delicious meal any night of the week!

14. Fried Plantains

Fried plantains are the perfect accompaniment to any chicken and rice dish.

They boast a slightly sweet flavor, with a crisp exterior that is sure to tantalize taste buds.

Best of all, they require minimal preparation and cooking time.

To make fried plantains, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: ripe plantains, oil, and salt.

Begin by heating the oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Once it’s hot enough, gently drop the peeled and sliced plantains into the pan.

Fry until golden brown on both sides, flipping them as needed.

As they finish cooking, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Sprinkle with salt for extra flavor.

These fried plantains are an easy and delicious way to round out your chicken and rice meal.

The sweetness of the plantains pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the other dishes, making for an unforgettable dining experience!

15. Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is a perfect complement to chicken and rice.

It’s a great way to add a bit of sweetness and color to the dish.

The squash is roasted until it’s tender, with a slightly caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the chicken and rice.

To prepare, start by preheating your oven to 375°F.

Peel the butternut squash, then cut into small cubes, removing any seeds.

Place the cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Roast in the oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

When ready to serve, add some freshly chopped parsley or thyme for an extra pop of flavor.

Serve alongside chicken and rice for a delicious meal that will satisfy your entire family!

Conclusion

I’m sure these delicious dishes featuring chicken and rice will have everyone coming back for more.

From the creamy avocado toast to the sweet honey-glazed carrots, there’s something to please any palate.

My personal favorite is the quinoa pilaf; it’s a great way to add some extra nutrition and flavor to this classic combination.

Overall, this meal is an easy and tasty way to bring friends and family together for a night of good food and good company.

With its variety of flavors and textures, you can’t go wrong with these fifteen dishes.

So do your aprons and get cooking!