What To Serve With Grilled Chicken: 26 Side Dish Ideas

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in the bowl to serve — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grilled chicken is the hero of summer—from weeknight suppers to weekend cookouts, it's a safe bet for just about anyone who's coming to dinner. But unless you're on a protein-only diet, a Southerner cannot live on grilled chicken alone! These 29 fresh, fast, and summer sides will round out your grilled chicken dinner perfectly.

01 of 26

Three Pickle Potato Salad

Packed with pickled okra, relish, and diced pickles, this perfect potato salad is a solid partner for grilled chicken.

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02 of 26

Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Pineapple is an excellent addition to slaw—it adds just the right amount of tart sweetness to keep things balanced and interesting.

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03 of 26

Zesty Corn and Squash Salad

Make this easy squash and zucchini salad the night before your cookout and let it come to room temperature while you grill the chicken.

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04 of 26

Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, And Burrata Salad With Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Feeling fancy? Top this berry, prosciutto, and arugula salad with sliced grilled chicken breasts to make it hearty main dish.

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05 of 26

Southern Fried Corn

Creamy sweet corn is one of summer's most wonderful gifts. Serve up a big spoonful or two with your favorite grilled chicken.

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06 of 26

Pan-Fried Okra With Cornmeal

When okra pods are fresh and tender, it's time to slice them, dredge them, and fry them up for a tasty side dish for grilled chicken.

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07 of 26

BLT Pasta Salad

Everybody's summer sandwich gets transformed into the best pasta salad match-up for grilled chicken.

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08 of 26

Cucumber-And-Vidalia Onion Salad

Toss this zesty salad together in 10 minutes any time you're looking for a quick and healthy side for grilled chicken.

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09 of 26

Mexican Corn (Elotes)

Southern Living Mexican Corn on a platter to serve with beers — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

Covered with creamy cheese, spicy cayenne, and tangy lime juice, this grilled corn is everything we love about summer.

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10 of 26

Fried Green Tomatoes

Summer doesn't officially begin until you eat a fried green tomato. Crispy and tangy, they play well with smoky grilled chicken.

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11 of 26

Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers With Dijon Dipping Sauce

The grill's on, so why not make the most of it. These okra and sweet pepper kabobs can cook right alongside the chicken.

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12 of 26

Sautéed Squash And Zucchini

Southern Living Sauteed Squash and Zucchini in a serving bowl — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

If your grill has a side burner, cook this easy squash and zucchini dish outside while you grill the chicken.

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13 of 26

Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus is super easy to grill, as long as you position it the right way. Lay the spears crosswise across the grates so they don't fall through.

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14 of 26

Roasted Tomato Macaroni And Cheese

Grilled chicken is healthy, so you should absolutely feel good about pairing it with this summery, tomato-topped mac and cheese.

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15 of 26

Sweet Potato-And-Cabbage Slaw

Grated sweet potatoes add a sweet touch to this slaw dressed in maple syrup and lime. Throw in a few pepitas for a nice crunch.

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16 of 26

Grilled Peach-And-Arugula Salad With Feta

Sweet, juicy summer peaches take on a richer flavor when tossed on the grill (plus, they look gorgeous with grill marks). Position them on the grill separate from the chicken to avoid any cross contamination.

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17 of 26

Tomato, Peach, And Corn Salad

All our summer heroes have assembled to create this perfect salad for serving with grilled chicken.

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18 of 26

Summer Orzo Salad

This dreamy pesto pasta salad makes a big batch, and will go even further when paired with a platter of grilled chicken breasts.

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19 of 26

Creamy Broccoli Slaw

Start with a broccoli slaw mix from the grocery store and watch this grilled chicken dinner side dish winner come together in minutes.

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20 of 26

Corn-And-Tomato Salad

Mayonnaise binds this salad of summer corn and tomatoes together; a handful of fresh basil leaves keeps it feeling light and fresh.

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21 of 26

Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans

These baked beans have a secret ingredient that makes them a little healthier.

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22 of 26

Southern Cornbread Salad

Southern Living Cornbread Salad in a trifle bowl ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grilled chicken is great but can be a little boring. Pair it with this showstopper layered salad to give your guests something to talk about.

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23 of 26

Smashed-Cucumber Salad

Frustrated? Take it out on summer cucumbers. Smashing them crack open their interiors, allowing dressing to flavor them from the inside out.

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24 of 26

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Start with elbow pasta and let the magic happen. This pasta salad brings together two undeniable Southern favorites –ranch and bacon – in a quick and easy recipe that comes together in about 20 minutes.

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25 of 26

Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Always a favorite option when dining out, and now you can make it at home in 15 minutes. Plus, this version has a healthy spin (yes, it's true). We swap the usual Romaine for kale and whipped up a creamy dressing using Greek yogurt.

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26 of 26

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Transform the fresh and easy green bean salad into an impressive side that takes just as little hands-on time. The secret to its 5-star reviews? Crispy chunks of bacon, Parmesan cheese, and plenty of garlic.

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26 Side Dishes To Serve With Grilled Chicken

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