Chicken thighs are a classic dinner staple in many households, and for a good reason. Their flavorful, juicy texture is sure to please almost any diner.
But there’s more than one way to enjoy chicken thighs, thanks to the many side dishes that pair perfectly with this savory poultry dish.
Here’s a list of the 29 best side dishes to serve with chicken thighs.
In a hurry, a little hurried and confused. What to serve with chicken thighs? Then try any of these- Grilled Veggies, Cheese-Stuffed Baby Peppers, Couscous, Avocado Rice, Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Cauliflower, Garlic Bread, Spinach-Artichoke Calzones, A Flavorful Green Salad, Fresh Bread, Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise, Legumes, Greek Salad, Stir Fry Zoodles, Roasted Root Vegetables, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Baked Mac & Cheese, Kimchi Fried Rice, Broccoli Salad, Coleslaw, Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips, Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Fries, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus Salad, Sheet-Pan Broccoli, and Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole.
What is so special about Chicken Thighs?
Delicious, tender, and incredibly versatile – chicken thighs can do it all. With its succulent dark meat, chicken thighs are the perfect main for any meal.
You really can’t go wrong if prepared in a pan or crockpot, roasted in the oven, or grilled!
Deliciously juicy when cooked to perfection, chicken thighs add vibrant flavor to salads and grain-based salads as well.
29 Ideal Side Dishes to serve with Chicken Thighs
1. Grilled Veggies
Grilling vegetables is one of the easiest ways to enjoy them as a side dish! Simply cut veggies into slices or chunks (zucchini, green beans, asparagus, eggplant, peppers, etc.), then brush them with oil before grilling over medium heat until tender yet still crisp inside.
Serve grilled vegetables alongside chicken thighs for extra nutrition without compromising taste!
2. Cheese-Stuffed Baby Peppers
Cheese-Stuffed Peppers are one of our go-to sides whenever you want to enjoy chicken thighs. This delectable dish is filled with cheesy goodness that’s sure to satisfy everyone.
The best part is that it takes only minutes to prepare! Start by scooping out a deep hollow in each pepper with a spoon and filling it with your favorite cheese blend.
For an added flavor boost, stuff mushrooms or herbs into the center before baking them in the oven until golden brown.
Serve alongside your favorite chicken thigh recipe for a complete dinner meal that will please even the pickiest eater.
3. Couscous – For a Healthy and Nutty Experience
Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from semolina wheat—and it makes an ideal match for chicken thighs.
Couscous light yet flavorful grain can be dressed up or down depending on your tastes; add some fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a bright pop of flavor, or mix in some nuts and dried fruit for texture contrast.
Either way, couscous is sure to become your new favorite side dish!
4. Avocado Rice
Avocado Rice is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken thigh. It is creamy and filling and also offers a great nutritional boost with its high levels of healthy fats and proteins.
Avocado Rice can be prepared in as little as 15 minutes and has an exotic flavor that will excite the palate. Add some diced tomatoes or parsley for extra crunch and flavor, and this easy side will be sure to leave everyone satisfied!
5. Roasted Potatoes
What could be better than roasted potatoes? Roasted potatoes are crunchy little morsels that are easy to prepare and an excellent companion to juicy chicken thighs as they provide both flavor and texture.
For best results, toss cubed potatoes in olive oil before roasting at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown and crispy (about 25 minutes).
You can also add other vegetables like onion or bell peppers for an even heartier side dish. Finish off your potatoes with a sprinkle of chopped rosemary leaves for an extra bit of flavor!
6. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Creamy Mashed cauliflower is an excellent low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes—but just as delicious! This nutritious side is made with just a few simple ingredients, quickly transforming cauliflower from boring to extraordinary.
It also has an amazingly luscious texture and subtle flavor that pairs exceptionally well with chicken thighs.
Start by steaming cauliflower florets until tender (about 10 minutes), then transfer them to a food processor along with butter, cream cheese, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and any other seasonings you like.
Pulse until creamy, then adjust seasoning according to taste before serving alongside your chicken thighs – you’ll get a truly mesmerizing culinary experience that’s sure to leave your family delighted!
7. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is one of those classic side dishes that never disappoint! It adds great flavor contrast when served alongside roasted/grilled/fried poultry dishes like grilled/roasted/fried chicken thighs!
Slice the baguette lengthwise into halves before spreading minced garlic butter onto each half evenly; top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Place it in the oven until golden brown, and voila – garlic bread perfection!
8. Spinach-Artichoke Calzones
Spinach-Artichoke Calzones are a tasty and healthy side dish that goes well perfectly with chicken thighs. This Italian-inspired recipe starts with an easy homemade pizza dough filled with spinach, artichokes, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
After baking, the calzones are filled with melted margarine and sprinkles of Parmesan cheese, bringing out an even more savory flavor.
They’re not only delicious, but they’re also good for you. Spinach is enriched in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, while artichoke is known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Spinach-Artichoke Calzones are the ideal addition to grilled or baked chicken thighs for a balanced and nutritious lunch.
9. A Flavorful Green Salad
A classic green salad provides the perfect balance between crunchy lettuce leaves and juicy tomatoes while adding color and texture contrast that complements any main dish nicely—including chicken thighs!
Dress up your salad by adding croutons or nuts, or keep it simple by tossing together some romaine lettuce leaves with olive oil and lemon juice before serving alongside your main course.
10. Fresh Bread
Fresh Breads make great side dishes for any type of poultry dish. Try baking up some fresh bread rolls made with whole wheat flour or making a classic Southern-style cornbread.
You could even try something more decadent, like Parker House rolls or croissants. No matter which bread you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
11. Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise
Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise is an amazing side dish to serve with chicken thighs. The asparagus has a slightly charred flavor that complements the juicy and succulent chicken thighs perfectly.
The Cajun Hollandaise adds a creamy and spicy flavor to the entire dish, balancing out the flavors for a delicious and enjoyable eating experience.
This combination of flavors makes for a memorable entree, sure to satisfy any discerning diner.
12. Legumes
Legumes like lentils and chickpeas pair wonderfully with chicken thighs because they offer an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Try making a hearty lentil stew or simmering some chickpeas in tomato sauce with garlic cloves and herbs for an easy side dish.
13. Greek Salad
Salads are always good choices when trying to lighten up a meal. A classic Greek salad is always tasty but if you want something more unique, try adding fresh fruit like mangoes or pineapples into the mix for added sweetness and crunch.
You can also try making a slaw with shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a vinaigrette dressing for an extra punch of flavor.
14. Stir Fry Zoodles
Stir fry zoodles are delicious and healthy meals that can be cooked quickly, with a minimum amount of fuss. Its crunchy texture adds flavor to the juicy, succulent chicken thigh, while the medley of colors makes it aesthetically pleasing.
The combination of minimal ingredients required—zucchini, garlic, red chili flakes, and olive oil—spices it up without overwhelming the main star of the meal.
Stir fry zoodles are a great way to make dinner that’s both good for you and enjoyable for all your dinner guests!
15. Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables and chicken thighs are an amazing combo because they bring some sweet and savory elements to the plate.
Start by cutting up your favorite root veggies — such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips — into cubes and toss them in olive oil with pepper, salt, and herbs of your choice.
Put the mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they’re lightly browned and tender (about 25-30 minutes).
16. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For an extra indulgent side dish, try making roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Start by roasting garlic cloves in the oven until they’re soft (about 20 minutes).
Then mash them together with boiled potatoes for a creamy yet garlicky side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken thighs.
17. Skillet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Pancetta Breadcrumbs
Chicken Thighs are an incredible dinner option, but their accompaniments can sometimes be a struggle. With Brussels Sprouts Skillet with Crispy Pancetta Breadcrumbs, this worry is a thing of the past!
The unique combination of flavors and textures provides an unbeatable taste experience that will leave your dinner guests talking.
The Brussels sprouts are sliced thin to ensure they absorb all the delicious bacon fat while crisping up in the skillet. Topping it off with crispy pancetta breadcrumbs adds a salty crunch that will make you want to lick your plate clean.
Combined with juicy chicken thighs, this side dish is sure to please even the most discerning of diners.
18. Baked Mac & Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser! Start by making your favorite mac & cheese recipe — just make sure it contains plenty of cheese!
Once it’s done cooking, pour it into an oven-safe dish and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes until it’s golden brown on top.
19. Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice is a delicious side dish to serve with chicken Thigh. This dish combines the complex and spicy flavors of kimchi with the mild and comforting flavor of fried rice for a unique, flavorful combination that adds depth to any meal.
Kimchi Fried Rice always works well as a side dish for poultry, but it can also be served as a main dish by itself. If you need something quick and easy, this is an ideal weeknight recipe since all ingredients are pantry staples.
The best part? You can customize it to your individual tastes – using more or less kimchi for different levels of spice, adding in meat or vegetables for extra flavor, or even stirring in one or two sauces!
For a complete dinner, pair Kimchi Fried Rice with your favorite chicken Thigh recipe and enjoy!
20. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is another excellent light option for chicken thighs because it has a nice crunchy texture which contrasts nicely with the juicy chicken thighs.
Start by combining cooked broccoli florets with cherry tomatoes, bacon bits, red onion slices, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise or veganaise for a delicious plant-based alternative), apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (for tartness), sugar (for sweetness), salt & pepper (for seasoning), and honey or maple syrup (for sweetness).
Mix everything together until combined, then chill before serving!
21. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is always a hit at barbecues and potlucks alike! Its sharp flavor cuts through any fat from the chicken while still providing plenty of crunchy texture contrast.
Start by shredding cabbage and carrots, then mix them together with mayonnaise or veganaise (for plant-based eaters) along with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (for tartness), sugar (for sweetness), salt & pepper (for seasoning), celery seed if desired (for flavor) then chill before serving!
22. Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
Roasting brings out the sweet flavor of both vegetables, while the honey adds a subtle hint of sweetness that pairs well with savory dishes like chicken.
This dish is easy to prepare; simply toss the ingredients together, spread them into a single layer on a baking sheet, then pop them in the oven until the carrots and parsnips are tender.
It’s also incredibly versatile; add herbs like thyme or rosemary for more flavor, switch up the root vegetables, or experiment with different kinds of honey to create a unique taste every time.
23. Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms
Sauteed spinach & mushrooms are perfect for those who like their sides on the lighter side but still want lots of flavor punch!
Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil over medium heat until lightly browned, then add in spinach leaves and cook until wilted down but still bright green; season with salt & pepper as desired, then serve hot alongside your chicken thighs!
24. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are always welcome at any meal because their slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with savory flavors like those found in grilled or roasted chicken thighs!
To make this easy side dish, all you have to do is wash four large sweet potatoes, then poke holes in each one using a fork; put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour; let cool before slicing open and topping each one off with butter or olive oil as desired!
25. Sweet Potato Fries
For a hearty main dish, why not serve up some scrumptious chicken thighs? They’re the perfect way to get your protein and make for a delicious meal.
To add an extra bit of flavor and texture, one good side dish is sweet potato fries. These are easy to prepare, are full of nutrients such as potassium and vitamin A, and have a sweet yet savory taste.
They can be made in the oven or deep-fried for extra crispiness. Serve them with ketchup, honey mustard, or however you like them; no matter how you eat them, sweet potato fries are sure to be a hit!
26. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted brussels sprouts are great when served alongside roasted or grilled chicken thighs because they bring some earthy flavors to the plate that balance out all the other tastes swirling around on your plate!
Serve hot alongside your favorite protein entrees like grilled/roasted/fried chicken thighs!
27. Asparagus Salad
Asparagus salad is light yet flavorful – perfect when served alongside roasted/grilled/fried poultry dishes like grilled/roasted/fried chicken thighs!
28. Sheet-Pan Broccoli
Sheet-Pan Broccoli is a delicious and easy option when you are looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your juicy chicken thighs.
This simple yet great-tasting recipe is made with only a few ingredients, including broccoli, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
The garlic gives this dish a wonderful aromatic flavor, while the olive oil ensures that the broccoli roasts perfectly. This tasty side dish will add texture to the chicken thigh meal while providing essential nutrients such as Vitamin C.
Sheet-Pan Broccoli requires minimal preparation time and is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike!
29. Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole
Another simple casserole is Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole, which blends delicately sweet, nutty roasted cauliflower and broccoli florets with a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Topped with a crispy parmesan panko crumb topping, this side dish looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for your next family dinner or gathering of friends, everyone will love the hearty texture, and rich flavor of the Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole served alongside their chicken thighs.
For added convenience, you can easily prepare ahead of time for a hassle-free meal that only takes a few minutes to bake when it’s time to serve.
What is the best way to serve Chicken Thighs?
The best way to serve chicken thighs is with a delicious marinade. Marinating the chicken overnight in one’s favorite blend of herbs and spices can help lock in all the moisture for incredibly juicy results once cooked.
A good combination to start with could be garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. After the chicken has been marinated, baking it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes should produce crisp and golden brown skin on the outside with tender and succulent meat inside.
Serve up your mouthwatering chicken thighs with right side dishes of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
What to serve with barbeque chicken thighs?
Barbeque chicken thighs are a flavorful and satisfying dish, especially when served with the right sides.
For a classic Southern spread, serve them with creamy macaroni and cheese, buttery biscuits, and collard greens cooked down in bacon fat. Or, keep things light by pairing the chicken with a colorful Mediterranean salad of tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
For an extra kick of spice, try adding chopped jalapeno peppers to the salad. Whether you go for light or hearty accompaniments, your barbeque chicken thighs are sure to be an irresistible hit!
Is chicken thigh better than breast?
The debate between chicken thigh and breast is one that has divided many. Although chicken breast tends to be leaner due to less fat content, the flavor and succulent texture of the chicken thigh can’t be beaten.
The darker meat of a thigh is ideal for slow-cooking dishes such as stews and curries, as it stands up to longer cooking times without becoming dry or losing any flavor – a problem sometimes encountered when using breasts in similar dishes.
Furthermore, thighs are often cheaper than breasts, making them a more economical option for delicious home cooking. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it’s easy to see why some people prefer dark-meat chicken.