Baked chicken is a versatile and beloved main course, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. But finding the perfect side dishes to complement it can sometimes be a culinary puzzle. If you’re looking to elevate your baked chicken dinner from ordinary to extraordinary, you’ve come to the right place. Inspired by classic French cuisine, we’ve compiled a list of 15 delectable side dishes that will not only enhance your meal but also keep your menu exciting and flavorful.
Whether you’ve baked a whole chicken, are serving rotisserie chicken for ease, or have prepared simple baked chicken breasts, these side dishes are designed to bring out the best in your poultry and create a truly memorable dining experience. Say goodbye to boring chicken dinners and hello to a world of delicious possibilities!
roast chicken close up 2
Elevating Your Baked Chicken Dinner with French-Inspired Sides
Roast chicken, or Poulet Rôti as it’s known in French, is a dish that embodies simplicity and elegance. The beauty lies in its ease of preparation and the consistently satisfying results – juicy meat with beautifully browned skin. Discovering how straightforward it is to create such a flavorful dish can be truly transformative in the kitchen. This simplicity encourages us to explore equally uncomplicated yet sophisticated side dishes to complete the meal.
Forget the standard, and sometimes uninspired, sides. Instead, let’s transport our taste buds to the French countryside with side dishes that are both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Think beyond basic steamed vegetables and consider dishes that incorporate fresh herbs, garlic, and butter – staples of French cooking that elevate even the simplest ingredients. Let’s delve into some side dish inspiration that will make your baked chicken dinner a culinary delight.
French spinach recipe with garlic and butter on a plate with roast chicken, rice and broccoli
Top Side Dishes to Pair with Baked Chicken
Here are 15 exceptional side dishes, drawing inspiration from French culinary traditions, that will perfectly complement your baked chicken, transforming it into a gourmet meal.
1. Sautéed Haricots Verts (French Green Beans)
haricots verts (green beans) with butter, garlic and fresh herbs
Sautéed Haricots Verts, or French Green Beans, are an ideal side dish due to their delicate texture and vibrant flavor. Cooked quickly to maintain a slight crispness, these green beans are elevated with the simple addition of garlic butter and fresh herbs. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth side that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to make. The subtle garlic and herb notes enhance the savory flavor of baked chicken without overpowering it.
2. French Mashed Potatoes
French Mashed Potatoes
French Mashed Potatoes, or Pommes Purée, are not your average mashed potatoes. This recipe focuses on creating incredibly decadent, buttery, and smooth mashed potatoes that will impress everyone at the table. The richness and creamy texture provide a comforting contrast to the baked chicken, making each bite a delightful experience. These are the ultimate comfort food side dish, refined with French technique.
3. Asparagus with Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette
Asparagus with Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette
For a lighter and more vibrant option, French Asparagus with a Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The bright, zesty flavors of citrus and the celebratory touch of champagne vinaigrette perfectly complement the tender asparagus. This vegan side dish adds a touch of elegance and freshness to your baked chicken meal, especially wonderful during spring.
4. La Salade Mentonnaise – Fennel, Orange, and Artichoke Salad
la salade mentonnaise : fennel, oranges, pine nuts, artichokes and greens in a serving bowl
La Salade Mentonnaise is a refreshing and flavorful salad featuring fennel, orange, artichoke, and pine nuts, all dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. This salad offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes – crisp fennel, juicy oranges, and tender artichokes. Its bright and slightly sweet profile makes it a wonderful counterpoint to savory baked chicken, especially during warmer months.
5. Roasted Fennel
roasted fennel with tomatoes
Roasted Fennel is a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with both chicken and fish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of fennel, transforming its slightly licorice flavor into a mellow and caramelized delight. This light yet satisfying dish is perfect for those seeking a healthy and delicious accompaniment to baked chicken.
6. Smashed Mini Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
smashed roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic
These Smashed Mini Potatoes with rosemary and roasted garlic are incredibly addictive. Crispy and flavorful on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The aromatic rosemary and garlic infuse the potatoes with savory notes that complement baked chicken perfectly. They are an ideal alternative to traditional roast potatoes and offer a delightful textural contrast.
7. Tomato Burrata Salad with Basil and Orange Zest
tomato basil salad in a blue bowl on a marble table with a napkin and a knife
A fresh twist on a classic, this Tomato Burrata Salad with basil and orange zest is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Creamy burrata cheese, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of orange zest create a symphony of flavors. The richness of the burrata and the bright citrus notes make this salad a luxurious and refreshing side for baked chicken, perfect for a special occasion or a simple yet elegant meal.
8. Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Dressing
fresh figs salad with goat cheese on a blue plate
This Fresh Fig and Goat Cheese Salad is an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures. Sweet fresh figs, creamy goat cheese, and a luscious honey dressing create a salad that is both decadent and refreshing. The sweetness of the figs offers a wonderful contrast to the savory baked chicken, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even an elegant cheese course.
9. Authentic Ratatouille Recipe
ratatouille topped with fresh basil
Authentic Ratatouille is a classic Provençal vegetable stew that is both healthy and bursting with flavor. Made with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onions, seasoned with Herbes de Provence, Ratatouille is a robust and satisfying side dish. The medley of vegetables provides a hearty and flavorful counterpoint to baked chicken, offering a taste of the French countryside.
10. Simple Confit Bayaldi Recipe
Confit Bayaldi a dish of layered eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and onions
Confit Bayaldi is a visually stunning and incredibly flavorful vegetarian dish that shares many ingredients with Ratatouille. This French Riviera specialty features thinly sliced vegetables – eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes – arranged in a beautiful rose shape and slow-cooked to perfection. Its elegant presentation and rich, savory flavors make it a show-stopping side dish for baked chicken, perfect for impressing guests.
11. French Spinach with Garlic and Butter
French spinach recipe with garlic and butter on a plate with roast chicken, rice and broccoli
French Spinach, or Épinards Sautés, is a bistro classic that is both incredibly easy and remarkably flavorful. Sautéed with garlic and butter, spinach transforms into a tender and delicious side dish in just minutes. This simple preparation enhances the natural flavor of spinach, making it a healthy and tasty accompaniment to baked chicken for a quick weeknight meal.
12. Fresh Fennel and Tomato Salad
tomatoes and sliced fennel in a clear bowl
For a light and refreshing summer side, Fresh Fennel and Tomato Salad is an excellent choice. With just two main ingredients – raw fennel and ripe tomatoes – this salad is all about simplicity and fresh flavors. The crisp fennel and juicy tomatoes create a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with baked chicken, especially in warmer weather.
13. Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary
roast potatoes
Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary are a classic and beloved side dish for good reason. Crispy and golden brown on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and rosemary. Their robust flavor and satisfying texture make them an ideal pairing for baked chicken, offering a hearty and comforting element to the meal.
14. La Salade Parisienne – French Potato Salad
Parisian Potato salad on a plate with mixed greens and a glass of white wine
La Salade Parisienne is a sophisticated French Potato Salad that elevates the classic picnic staple. This version often includes additions like ham, cheese, and cornichons, adding layers of flavor and texture. It’s a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying side dish that offers a delightful contrast to baked chicken, perfect for summer barbecues or elegant lunches.
15. Taboulé: Couscous Salad
taboule salad with cous cous and vegetables close up
Taboulé, or Couscous Salad, is a simple and healthy side dish packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Made with couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, Taboulé is a light and refreshing option. Its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a fantastic accompaniment to baked chicken, especially for a lighter meal or a summer gathering.
Beyond Savory: Consider Sweet Pairings
While savory side dishes are a natural choice for baked chicken, don’t overlook the magic of sweet complements. Just as cranberry sauce enhances roast turkey, fruits like figs or apples can create a delightful harmony with baked chicken. Consider adding a touch of sweetness to your side dish selection to create a more complex and exciting flavor profile.
a blue pot with orzo, olives, chicken and mozzarella cheese
Hosting a Baked Chicken Dinner Party
Baked chicken is an excellent choice for a dinner party main course. It’s approachable, crowd-pleasing, and allows you to focus on your guests rather than complicated cooking during the event. Pair your baked chicken with a selection of these make-ahead French-inspired side dishes for a stress-free and elegant dinner party.
A suggested French Dinner Party Menu:
- Starter: La Salade Mentonnaise or a light French soup like asparagus soup.
- Main Course: Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken served with Roasted Fennel and French Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes.
- Dessert: Mousse au Chocolat or Crème Brûlée.
- Bread: Freshly baked baguette or sliced sourdough.
2 pots of French chocolate mousse with chocolate shavings
Wine Pairing for Baked Chicken
Selecting the right wine can further enhance your baked chicken dinner. Here are some excellent wine pairings to consider:
- Champagne: Its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds a celebratory touch.
- Viognier: The apricot notes in Viognier complement the savory chicken beautifully.
- Rosé: A dry Provençal Rosé offers a refreshing and classic French pairing.
- Pinot Noir: A fruity Pinot Noir, whether from Burgundy or Oregon, is a perfect red wine choice that complements without overpowering the chicken.
Le Chef loves the Roast Chicken!
With these 15 side dish ideas, you’re well-equipped to create countless delicious and exciting baked chicken dinners. Experiment with different combinations and find your own perfect pairings to make every baked chicken meal a special occasion.
