Fried chicken is a beloved dish, perfect for family dinners, picnics, and gatherings. Its crispy, savory goodness is undeniably satisfying, but to truly elevate your fried chicken experience, choosing the right side dishes is key. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Fried Chicken, you’re in the right place. We’ll explore some classic and complementary sides that will turn your meal into a memorable feast.
Fried chicken, whether it’s oven-baked or traditionally fried, offers a rich and flavorful main course. Therefore, the best side dishes provide a balance of flavors and textures. Think about sides that offer freshness, acidity, or a different cooking method to contrast with the richness of the chicken. Let’s dive into some exceptional choices, drawing inspiration from a renowned oven-fried chicken recipe and its suggested pairings.
Classic Southern Sides to Complement Your Fried Chicken
When it comes to fried chicken, Southern cuisine offers a treasure trove of perfect side dish pairings. These sides are not just traditional; they’re delicious and designed to enhance the overall dining experience. Here are a few standout options that are especially delightful with fried chicken:
Southern Braised Mustard Greens with Ham
Mustard greens, braised slowly with ham, are a quintessential Southern side dish that provides a wonderful counterpoint to fried chicken. The slightly bitter and peppery notes of the greens are beautifully mellowed by the long braising process, and the smoky ham adds depth and richness that complements the savory chicken. This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about texture too. The tender greens offer a soft contrast to the crispy chicken skin.
Image of braised mustard greens with ham, showcasing the tender greens and ham pieces, perfect for a Southern-style meal.
To prepare this flavorful side, mustard greens are simmered in chicken stock with a ham hock until they become incredibly tender and flavorful. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth, while red wine vinegar and sugar balance the flavors beautifully. This is a make-ahead dish that gets even better with time, making it ideal for entertaining. Consider using kale or collard greens as alternatives, but mustard greens provide a unique bite that many find particularly appealing alongside fried chicken.
Creamed Corn: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Creamed corn is another fantastic side dish that brings a touch of sweetness and creamy texture to the fried chicken plate. The sweetness of the corn offers a lovely contrast to the savory fried chicken, and its creamy consistency is comforting and satisfying. Fresh corn, when in season, is the star of this dish, offering the best flavor and sweetness.
Image of creamy and vibrant creamed corn, highlighting the texture and inviting color of this classic side dish.
Making creamed corn from scratch involves pureeing some of the fresh corn kernels to create a creamy base, while leaving others whole for texture. Sautéed onion and scallions add savory depth, and a touch of fresh basil and lemon juice brightens the flavors. Simple yet elegant, creamed corn is a crowd-pleasing side that perfectly complements the richness of fried chicken.
Cream Biscuits: Warm, Fluffy, and Buttery
No Southern meal, especially one featuring fried chicken, is complete without biscuits. Cream biscuits are incredibly easy to make and provide a warm, fluffy, and buttery accompaniment. They are perfect for soaking up the juices from the chicken or enjoying with a smear of butter or honey. Their slightly crumbly texture and rich flavor make them an irresistible side.
Image of freshly baked cream biscuits, showcasing their golden-brown tops and fluffy interiors, ideal for pairing with fried chicken.
These biscuits are made with just a few simple ingredients – flour, baking powder, salt, and heavy cream. The cream adds richness and moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful biscuits. Whether you make sandwich-sized biscuits or smaller ones, they are a welcome addition to any fried chicken meal. Their neutral flavor profile allows them to pair seamlessly with both the chicken and the other side dishes.
Why These Sides Work So Well with Fried Chicken
These side dishes – mustard greens, creamed corn, and cream biscuits – are not just randomly chosen; they are thoughtfully selected to create a balanced and delicious meal when served with fried chicken.
- Flavor Contrast: The slight bitterness of the mustard greens and the sweetness of the creamed corn provide a delightful contrast to the savory and rich flavor of fried chicken.
- Texture Variety: The tender greens, creamy corn, and fluffy biscuits offer a range of textures that complement the crispy chicken, making each bite more interesting.
- Southern Harmony: These sides are deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, the same culinary tradition that perfected fried chicken, ensuring a natural and harmonious pairing.
Elevate Your Fried Chicken Meal Today
When you’re planning your next fried chicken dinner, remember that the sides are just as important as the main dish itself. Choosing the right accompaniments can transform a simple meal into a culinary experience. Consider these classic Southern sides – braised mustard greens, creamed corn, and cream biscuits – to discover just how perfectly they complement the crispy, savory delight of fried chicken. You’ll be amazed at how these pairings elevate your meal and leave everyone at the table wanting more.
