Grilled chicken thighs are even better with the right sides. You might be thinking, “What to serve with grilled chicken thighs?” The choices are vast. You can pick from fresh salads, hearty grains, and the best sides for BBQ chicken. This way, you can make a complete meal that you’ll love.
There are many sides to choose from for your grilled chicken thighs. You can go for something light and refreshing or something rich and comforting. Side dishes for grilled chicken help you plan a great meal. Think about what to serve with grilled chicken thighs and find the best sides for BBQ chicken for a memorable meal.
Key Takeaways
- Grilled chicken thighs can be paired with a variety of sides to enhance the meal.
- Side dishes for grilled chicken include fresh salads, hearty grains, and more.
- What to serve with grilled chicken thighs is a common question, with many options available.
- The best sides for BBQ chicken can make a significant difference in the overall dining experience.
- Considering the variety of side dishes for grilled chicken can help you plan your next meal.
- Exploring different options for what to serve with grilled chicken thighs can lead to a more enjoyable meal.
- Side dishes for grilled chicken can range from light and refreshing to rich and comforting.
Fresh Salads That Pair Well with Grilled Chicken
Fresh salads are a great match for grilled chicken. They bring flavor and nutrition to your meal. This makes them perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
Salads are often a side dish in grilled chicken meals. They’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
Some favorite sides include Caesar salad and Mediterranean chickpea salad. Caesar salad has romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese, all tossed in Caesar dressing. Mediterranean chickpea salad has chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion, with a lemon-tahini dressing.
Classic Caesar Salad
This salad is loved for good reason. It combines crunchy croutons, savory parmesan cheese, and tangy Caesar dressing. It’s only 340 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free side dish.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This salad is full of flavor and healthy. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas. The lemon-tahini dressing adds a bright, tangy taste. It’s a great choice for grilled chicken and can be made ahead for an easy side dish.
Hearty Grains to Enhance Your Meal
Hearty grains are a great choice for delicious sides for grilled chicken. They bring depth and flavor to your meal, making it more satisfying. Try pairing grilled chicken with quinoa or risotto for a well-rounded meal.
Popular BBQ chicken side dishes include quinoa pilaf with veggies and creamy risotto with parmesan. These dishes are not only tasty but also packed with fiber and protein. Feel free to mix and match ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique grilled chicken pairing suggestions.
- High in fiber and protein
- Can help lower cholesterol levels
- Provide a feeling of fullness and satisfaction
Adding hearty grains to your meal makes for a delicious and balanced diet. It includes a variety of delicious sides for grilled chicken. So, next time you’re planning a meal, think about adding some hearty grains to your grilled chicken pairing suggestions.
Flavorful Vegetables to Serve with Chicken
There are many tasty side dishes for grilled chicken. Grilled or roasted vegetables are great choices. They add flavor and nutrition to your meal. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are favorites.
You can grill, roast, or sauté these vegetables. For example, brush asparagus with olive oil and add lemon zest for a refreshing side. Roasting Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze is another tasty option.
- Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Sautéed green beans with garlic
These side dishes are not only delicious but also healthy. They make your meal well-rounded and flavorful. Perfect for any occasion.
| Side Dish | Calories | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Asparagus | 25 | 0.5g | 2g |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | 56 | 0.5g | 4g |
| Sautéed Green Beans | 55 | 0.5g | 2g |
Delicious Potato Dishes to Consider
Potato dishes are a fantastic choice for sides with chicken thighs. They’re comforting and can be made in many ways. For a grilled chicken meal, try garlic mashed potatoes or crispy roasted baby potatoes. These pair well with the smoky taste of grilled chicken.
Grilled chicken goes great with roasted potatoes and steamed veggies. This combo is healthy and full of flavor. Or, pair the chicken with mashed potatoes and a green salad. This classic mix is always a winner.
Here are some tips for making tasty potato dishes:
- Choose the right potato type: Use Russet or Idaho for mashed potatoes. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for roasting.
- Season wisely: Add garlic, rosemary, or thyme to give potatoes extra flavor.
- Watch the cooking time: Potatoes should be tender but not mushy.
By following these tips, you can make delicious potato dishes that go well with grilled chicken. Whether it’s mashed, roasted, or another type, your guests will love it.
| Potato Dish | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 35 minutes |
Unique Dips and Sauces for Added Flavor
Unique dips and sauces can really boost the taste of your grilled chicken. Grilled chicken meals often have BBQ chicken sides, but the right dip or sauce can change everything. Try a creamy dip with avocado, sour cream, and herbs for a delicious flavor.
Some favorite dips and sauces for grilled chicken include:
- Creamy avocado salsa
- Tangy chimichurri sauce
- Spicy buffalo sauce
These dips and sauces can add a lot of flavor to your grilled chicken meal. They go great with BBQ chicken sides. You can serve them on the side or as a topping for your chicken.
Don’t just stick to the usual dips and sauces. Try making your own unique ones. A little creativity can lead to the perfect grilled chicken accompaniments. So, why not try something new and add some extra flavor to your next grilled chicken meal?
| Dip/Sauce | Ingredients | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Avocado Salsa | Avocado, sour cream, herbs | 10 minutes |
| Tangy Chimichurri Sauce | Parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes | 15 minutes |
Refreshing Cold Sides to Enjoy
There are many side dishes for grilled chicken to choose from. For a light and refreshing touch, try cucumber and tomato salad or coleslaw. These are perfect for hot summer days and quick to make.
A cucumber and tomato salad is a great match for grilled chicken. Just mix diced cucumber, tomato, and red onion, then add a vinaigrette. You can also add crumbled feta cheese or chopped herbs like parsley or dill.
Coleslaw with a twist is another excellent choice. It’s creamy and crunchy. Mix shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and ingredients like carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Add grated ginger or fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Other ideas for side dishes for grilled chicken include:
- Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Quinoa or brown rice salad with chopped veggies and citrus vinaigrette
- Chilled soups like gazpacho or cucumber soup
These are just a few ideas for refreshing cold sides with grilled chicken. Whether you like classic coleslaw or something like watermelon and feta salad, there’s plenty to choose from. So, next time you grill, remember to add some tasty side dishes to your meal.
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumber and Tomato Salad | Cucumber, tomato, red onion, vinaigrette | 10 minutes |
| Coleslaw with a Twist | Shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, carrots, onions, bell peppers | 15 minutes |
Comforting Bread Options for Your Meal
Bread is often overlooked as a side for grilled chicken, but it’s a great choice. It soaks up the chicken’s juices and flavors, making each bite better. This is why many people pair grilled chicken with bread.
Herbed focaccia bread and cheesy garlic breadsticks are popular choices. They’re tasty and simple to make. You can add different herbs or cheeses to customize them. For example, rosemary can give your focaccia a savory taste.
Here are some tips for making the perfect bread to go with your grilled chicken:
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and real cheese.
- Don’t overwork the dough, as this can make the bread tough.
- Let the bread rest for a few minutes before slicing, to allow the flavors to meld together.
By following these tips, you can make delicious bread that pairs well with grilled chicken. Whether you’re looking for pairing suggestions or side dishes, bread is a great choice. So next time you’re planning a meal, remember to include some comforting bread options.
| Bread Option | Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Herbed Focaccia Bread | Flour, yeast, salt, herbs | 20-25 minutes |
| Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks | Flour, yeast, salt, cheese, garlic | 15-20 minutes |
International Dishes That Complement Chicken
Exploring international flavors for side dishes with grilled chicken is a great idea. From the Mediterranean to Mexico, there are many options. For BBQ chicken, choose sides that are both tasty and refreshing.
Some favorites include Greek tzatziki with pita and Mexican street corn salad. These dishes provide a cool contrast to the smoky chicken. You might also enjoy:
- Greek salad with feta and olives
- Mexican salsa with tortilla chips
- Indian raita with cucumber and cumin
These sides not only taste great but also add excitement to your meal. So, why not try something new and explore international cuisine? Your taste buds will appreciate it.
| International Dish | Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Tzatziki | Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill | Cool and creamy |
| Mexican Street Corn Salad | Grilled corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice | Bright and spicy |
Simple Yet Flavorful Rice Dishes
Rice dishes are a fantastic choice for easy sides with chicken thighs. They’re simple to make and come in many flavors. Try cilantro lime rice or coconut jasmine rice for a tasty side with grilled chicken.
These rice dishes are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. They’re perfect for busy nights or special events. Plus, they’re healthy and can fit many diets.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find the combination that works best for you.
- Consider adding some sautéed vegetables or herbs to your rice for added flavor and nutrition.
| Rice Dish | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro Lime Rice | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 |
| Coconut Jasmine Rice | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 |
Desserts That Round Out a Grilled Chicken Dinner
After enjoying a grilled chicken meal, you’ll want something sweet to end with. Desserts like a light berry parfait and decadent chocolate mousse cups are great choices. They leave you feeling happy and full.
A light berry parfait is a refreshing dessert. It mixes creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries. This mix of flavors and textures is a perfect ending to your meal.
Chocolate mousse cups are a richer choice. They’re made by whipping dark chocolate, heavy cream, and sugar until light and airy. Their smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor pair well with grilled chicken.
Choosing between a berry parfait or chocolate mousse cups will make your grilled chicken dinner memorable. Both offer a great mix of flavors and textures. They help you enjoy every part of your meal.