The crunchiness of the waffles combined with the succulent taste of fried chicken provides an unforgettable flavor combination.
But it can be tough to figure out what side dishes to serve with chicken and waffles for brunch. After all, the combination of savory fried chicken and sweet syrup-drenched waffles is already pretty indulgent.
Fortunately, there are numerous side dishes that can help you balance out your dinner while still giving a tasty experience.
From creamy grits to spicy collard greens, these 22 amazing sides will make your brunch menu a hit.
22 Perfect Pairings to Serve with Chicken and Waffles at Brunch
1. Creamy Grits
Grits are an irresistible southern breakfast staple that pair perfectly with chicken and waffles. For brunch, creamy grits make an ideal side – they have the perfect texture and flavor to contrast the crunchy waffles and succulent chicken.
Not only are grits super easy to make, but they also come in various varieties, from stone-ground yellow to roasted garlic parmesan.
Cook them using stock or milk until they reach a porridge-like consistency, then top them with cheese and butter for extra flavor. With this simple and delicious side dish, your chicken and waffles brunch will surely be a hit!
2. Fried Plantains
Sweet plantains have a subtle sugariness that pairs perfectly with savory fried chicken and waffles. Slice them into half-inch thick coins, fry in hot oil until golden brown, then sprinkle with salt for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Succulent collard green
Spice up your brunch menu by serving collard greens as a side dish. They are succulent, flavorful, and versatile and provide an excellent way to add extra nutrients to your meal.
Collard greens are full of essential vitamins like vitamins K and A, as well as vitamin C.
Simmer them in vegetable stock until tender, then add garlic and hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Or You can make this side dish classic-style by simmering the collard greens with smoked turkey or ham hocks, then enhance its flavor with some garlic, onion, celery, and red pepper flakes for just the right kick of spice!
4. Cheesy Macaroni & Cheese
This classic comfort food is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when served alongside chicken and waffles becomes more mouth-watering!
Mac and cheese go perfectly with just about any type of meal. Still, when paired with the savory flavors of chicken and waffles, it ties the meal together.
Make your own from scratch or use store-bought mac n’ cheese if time is tight; it’s sure to be delicious!
5. Classic Coleslaw
No matter what type of poultry you serve at brunch (chicken wings or tenders), cole slaw is always an ideal accompaniment!
A light, tangy coleslaw helps to cut through some of the richness of this dish. Try adding in some red cabbage or jicama for an extra crunch.
6. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are another excellent option for those looking for something lighter than fried chicken. Still, they want something savory on their plate at brunch time! Serve them up with chopped green onion or freshly grated cheese for an extra touch of flavor!
7. Cornbread
Cornbread is always delicious when served warm out of the oven—and even better when topped with butter or honey! One of my dearest sides goes excellent with chicken and waffles!
Use boxed mix for convenience, or try baking it from scratch using cornmeal, flour, eggs, butter, buttermilk (or yogurt), and sugar. Serve it warm with butter or honey butter for an extra touch of sweetness!
8. Fresh Fruit Salad
Brighten up your brunch table by serving fresh fruit salad as a side dish!
Mix seasonal favorites like watermelon cubes, diced pineapple chunks, sliced oranges wedges, pears, kiwi, strawberries, and blueberries for a bright burst of flavor; add chopped mint leaves for freshness; chill before serving for best results!
Top it with some creamy Greek yogurt or whipped cream for an extra delicious treat!
9. Buttery Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins are an irresistibly delicious side to wow brunch guests at your next gathering.
The soft and buttery muffins pair perfectly with the savory taste of chicken and waffles, contrasting but complementing each other.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, cornbread muffins can make your brunch an unforgettable event.
Whether served with butter or honey, the warm treats add a delightful sweetness that will surely put a smile on everyone’s face.
10. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
Brunch is an excellent opportunity to get creative regarding food and make something unique. A perfect match for chicken and waffles is sauteed Brussels sprouts.
These sprouts are prepared by first dicing them into small pieces before adding them to a heated skillet with olive oil.
As the heat cooks the sprouts, their naturally sweet flavor gets emphasized, making them a complementing side dish to the salty taste of chicken and waffles.
Sauteed Brussels sprouts are full of rich flavors that help create an unforgettable experience for any brunch spread.
Read More- 13 Best Side Dishes to serve with Sweet Potato Soup
11. Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? They’re creamy and comforting, and go perfectly with fried chicken and sweet syrup-drenched waffles!
Plus, they’re easy to make ahead – just prepare according to instructions, then keep warm until ready to serve!
12. Gelatin Salads
For a brunch that packs in plenty of flavors, nothing beats chicken and waffles. Try adding gelatin salads as a side dish to create an even better spread.
These colorful dishes can be crafted with various fruit, vegetables, and dressings to create endless combinations.
Whether you opt for a classic strawberry cream, an exotic medley full of tropical flavors, or whatever else your imagination conjures up, the light sweetness and creamy texture will immeasurably enhance your meal.
Pop some gelatin salads on the table and witness the delight of your guests!
13. Biscuits & Gravy
Flaky biscuits smothered in creamy gravy make the perfect addition to any brunch menu—especially when served alongside chicken and waffles!
Use canned biscuit dough for easy preparation, or make your own if you feel adventurous!
14. Potato Salad
Potatoes are always a welcome addition to any brunch menu, so why not serve them in the form of potato salad? Boil potatoes until tender, then combine with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, and seasonings for an easy yet flavorful side dish!
Read More- What to serve with Potato Croquettes | 18 quick & easy pairs
15. Sweet Candied Yams
Sweet candied yams make an irresistible side dish to pair with chicken and waffles for brunch. The yams are cooked until they turn golden brown. They are then drizzled generously with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and other seasonings.
Not only will the sugars caramelize as they cook to produce a delectably sweet flavor, but the combination of spices will bring a whole new dimension to this classic brunch combination.
Reminiscent of your favorite childhood desserts, these baked sweet yams are the perfect way to start a Sunday morning.
16. Spicy Fries
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try making spicy fries! To make them extra special, top them off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
17. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are an ideal side to serve with chicken and waffles for brunch.
Their subtly sweet and salty flavor balances out the sweetness of the waffle nicely. Sweet potato fries can be baked rather than deep fried for those looking to make their brunch a bit healthier.
With a bit of lemon zest and freshly cracked pepper tossed in for seasoning, these crispy yellow-orange gems are sure to please any palate!
18. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables brings out their sweet flavor and adds a new level of taste to your breakfast dish. Try roasting carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful side dish that’s full of flavor!
19. Baked Beans
Baked beans always Complement Your Chicken and Waffles Brunch because they’re hearty and filling without being too heavy or greasy.
Plus, They can also be created ahead of time, so all you have to do on the day of your event is heat them up!
20. Creamed Spinach
Taking it to the next level, cream spinach is the perfect side for this breakfast platter!
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, creamed spinach gives you an added nutrient boost.
The Creamed spinach provides a flavorful contrast to the savory chicken and sweet-tasting waffle. It’s a great way to top off your brunch experience!
21. Poached Eggs
Adding poached eggs to the plate is the perfect way to round out this meal. They add a delicious creamy texture while also providing the balanced protein most people need in the morning.
Not only that, but poached eggs require minimal preparation time and effort, making it an ideal side for a busy kitchen on Sunday morning.
With their unique taste and much-needed nutrition, poached eggs are certainly an excellent choice for anyone looking to top off chicken and waffles for their next brunch gathering.
22. Bacon
Bacon, last but not least! This smokey brunch favorite will please even the pickiest eaters at your brunch table, giving an extra depth of richness to your meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Read More- 22 Dishes That Go Perfectly with Bacon-Wrapped Dates
So, What to serve with Chicken And Waffles For Brunch
Hosting a brunch can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Many people love the iconic combination of chicken and waffles. Still, it can be improved by adding some extra side dishes.
With these 22 ideal pairings for chicken and waffles at brunch on hand, you can easily create the perfect meal that will satisfy all your guests and ask for seconds!
FAQs
Why are chicken and waffles served together?
The sweet and savory flavors in the dish are said to have originated in the Southern United States.
The most popular version of the meal is believed to date back to the late 1800s when African American communities would gather around a Sunday brunch feast prepared by local cooks.
The chicken was usually fried, while syrup-drenched waffles were the perfect accompaniment. The combination of these two dishes became incredibly popular and is now known around the world.
Do you put syrup on chicken and waffles?
Some people swear that syrup is absolutely essential to a good chicken and waffles recipe, while other diners find it repulsive to think of syrup on savory fried chicken.
In truth, there really isn’t any right or wrong answer—it all comes down to personal preference.
If you want to add syrup to your dish, it’s important to choose the right kind for the best flavor combination.
Light maple syrups are usually preferred over darker varieties because their more subtle sweetness complements the salty-savory flavors of fried chicken without overpowering them.