Grilled chicken is a beloved main course for many, perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping. Its versatility and ease of cooking make it a go-to protein. But what truly elevates grilled chicken from simple to spectacular are the side dishes you choose to pair with it. Finding the perfect accompaniment can transform your meal into a culinary experience. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing, hearty and savory, or quick and easy, the right side dish enhances the flavors of grilled chicken and completes your meal.
This guide explores a variety of side dishes that perfectly complement grilled chicken, ensuring your next meal is both balanced and bursting with flavor. We’ll delve into categories like refreshing cold salads ideal for hot days, satisfying gluten-free options for dietary needs, exciting grilled vegetable sides that embrace the BBQ spirit, and other fantastic dishes that offer diverse tastes and textures. Get ready to discover your new favorite pairings and take your grilled chicken dinners to the next level.
Tips for Cooking the Tastiest Grilled Chicken
Before we dive into side dish heaven, let’s quickly touch upon how to ensure your grilled chicken is as delicious as possible. These simple tips will make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
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Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: A marinade is your best friend when it comes to grilled chicken. Marinating for at least 15 minutes, and ideally for a few hours, infuses the chicken with flavor and helps to tenderize it. Acids like lemon juice, vinegar (white or apple cider), or even buttermilk are excellent marinade components. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper is a great starting point. The acid helps break down the proteins, resulting in more tender chicken.
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Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Take your chicken out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before grilling. Grilling chilled chicken can cause the outside to cook faster than the inside, leading to uneven cooking and potentially chewy meat. Allowing it to come closer to room temperature ensures more even cooking.
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Consider Smaller Pieces: Large chicken breasts can be tricky to cook evenly on the grill. Cutting thicker breasts into 2-3 smaller, more even pieces helps them cook through without burning the outside. This also allows for more surface area to absorb marinade and grill flavor.
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Don’t Overcook It: Chicken is juiciest and most flavorful when cooked to the correct internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember that carry-over cooking will continue to raise the temperature slightly after you remove it from the grill.
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Rest Before Serving: Let your grilled chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm while it rests.
Refreshing Cold Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken
When the weather is warm, or you simply prefer a lighter meal, cold side dishes are the perfect complement to grilled chicken. These salads and slaws offer a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill.
Watermelon Basil Salad
This vibrant Watermelon Basil Salad is the epitome of summer refreshment. The juicy sweetness of watermelon paired with fragrant basil and a touch of balsamic glaze creates a delightful and unexpected flavor combination. It’s incredibly easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser at BBQs and summer gatherings.
Watermelon Basil Salad side dish for grilled chicken with fresh basil
Watermelon Basil Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is crisp, light, and packed with fresh vegetables. Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers are tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Adding quinoa provides a boost of protein and makes it a more substantial side dish. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option and perfect for potlucks.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad recipe for grilled chicken with quinoa
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe
Radicchio Corn Salad
For a salad with a bit of crunch and sweetness, try this Radicchio Corn Salad. Fresh corn kernels and slightly bitter radicchio are balanced by the creamy feta cheese and a simple vinaigrette. This salad is both visually appealing and texturally interesting, making it a standout side dish for any grilled chicken meal.
Radicchio Corn Salad Recipe
Pea & Bowtie Pasta Salad
Forget heavy, mayonnaise-laden pasta salads. This Pea & Bowtie Pasta Salad is light, bright, and bursting with fresh flavors. Tender bowtie pasta is combined with sweet peas, lemon zest, and green onions in a light vinaigrette dressing. It’s a healthy and flavorful twist on classic pasta salad, perfect as a side for grilled chicken or for a potluck contribution.
Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Flavorful Gluten-Free BBQ Side Dishes
For those who need or prefer gluten-free options, or simply want to explore healthy and vibrant side dishes, these BBQ-friendly recipes are ideal. They are packed with flavor and naturally gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
Beet and Corn Salad
This colorful Beet and Corn Salad is a testament to simple, fresh ingredients. Earthy beets and sweet corn kernels create a beautiful flavor and texture contrast. A light vinaigrette dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. This salad is vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
Beet and Corn Salad gluten free side dish for grilled chicken
Summer Beet Salad Recipe
Gluten-Free Potato Salad (French Style)
Ditch the heavy, mayonnaise-based potato salads and try this elegant Gluten-Free Potato Salad, inspired by French flavors. This version uses a light vinaigrette dressing instead of mayonnaise, making it healthier and highlighting the natural flavor of the potatoes. It’s a sophisticated and delicious side dish that’s naturally gluten-free and low FODMAP.
Gluten Free Potato Salad Recipe
Green Bean, Corn, and Peach Salad
Capture the essence of summer with this Green Bean, Corn, and Peach Salad. This vibrant salad combines crisp green beans, sweet corn, and juicy peaches for a burst of seasonal flavors. A light dressing ties it all together. It’s a refreshing and naturally gluten-free side dish that perfectly complements grilled chicken during the warmer months.
Green Bean Corn and Peach Salad summer side dish for grilled chicken
Green Bean Peach Salad Recipe
Exciting Grilled Side Dishes
Embrace the BBQ spirit fully by grilling your side dishes alongside your chicken! Grilling vegetables and even fruits adds a smoky depth of flavor that elevates them to a whole new level.
Grilled Cantaloupe
If you’ve never grilled fruit, Grilled Cantaloupe is a fantastic place to start. Grilling cantaloupe brings out its natural sweetness and adds a caramelized char. A sprinkle of smoked paprika and a drizzle of honey create a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s surprisingly addictive. It’s an unexpected and delightful side dish that’s sure to impress.
Grilled Cantaloupe recipe for BBQ side dish with grilled chicken
Grilled Cantaloupe Recipe
Make-Ahead Grilled Vegetables
Planning a BBQ or gathering? These Make-Ahead Grilled Vegetables are your solution for a healthy and delicious side dish with minimal stress. You can grill a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and asparagus ahead of time and serve them at room temperature or slightly warmed. Marinating them beforehand enhances their flavor and tenderness.
Vegan Hors D’oeuvres Recipe
Grilled Vegetable Antipasto with Burrata
Take your grilled vegetables to the next level with this Grilled Vegetable Antipasto with Burrata. Perfectly grilled vegetables are paired with creamy burrata cheese for an elegant and flavorful appetizer or side dish. The smoky grilled vegetables and rich burrata create a delightful contrast that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
Grilled BBQ Appetizers Recipe
Other Fantastic Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken
Beyond salads and grilled options, there are many other side dishes that pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, offering a variety of flavors and textures to round out your meal.
Summer Squash Pasta
Celebrate summer’s bounty with this Summer Squash Pasta. Fresh corn and zucchini are the stars of this light and flavorful pasta dish. It’s a simple yet satisfying side dish that can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
Summer Squash Pasta Recipe
Cherry Tomato Pasta
Let the sweetness of summer tomatoes shine in this Cherry Tomato Pasta dish. Fresh cherry tomatoes are lightly cooked and tossed with pasta and ricotta cheese. It’s a simple and quick side dish that highlights the fresh flavors of summer produce.
Fresh Tomato Pasta recipe for side dish with grilled chicken
Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Whipped Goat Cheese Appetizer with Grilled Peaches
While technically an appetizer, this Whipped Goat Cheese with Grilled Peaches also makes a delightful and sophisticated side dish, especially for a special occasion. Creamy whipped goat cheese is topped with sweet grilled peaches and other stone fruits. The combination of creamy, sweet, and smoky flavors is simply irresistible.
Grilled Peach Goat Cheese Appetizer recipe for side dish with grilled chicken
Whipped Goat Cheese & Peaches Recipe
Conclusion
Grilled chicken is a fantastic blank canvas, ready to be paired with a multitude of delicious side dishes. From refreshing cold salads perfect for hot days to flavorful gluten-free options and exciting grilled vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or something special to impress guests at a BBQ, this guide provides a diverse range of ideas to elevate your grilled chicken meals. Experiment with these recipes and discover your own perfect pairings to make every grilled chicken dinner a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy!
