Chicken and waffles, a beloved brunch staple, is a delightful combination of crispy, savory chicken and fluffy, often slightly sweet waffles. But what elevates this dish from good to exceptional are the side dishes that accompany it. If you’re planning a brunch gathering and chicken and waffles are on the menu, you might be wondering, “What should I serve with chicken and waffles?” Look no further! I’ve curated a list of 7 fantastic side dishes that will transform your chicken and waffles into a complete and unforgettable meal. These sides will not only complement the main dish but also introduce a variety of flavors and textures to your brunch spread, ensuring a truly satisfying culinary experience for everyone.
Before we dive into these mouthwatering side dish ideas, let’s briefly touch upon making your chicken and waffles a tad healthier without sacrificing any of the flavor.
air fried chicken and waffles
In my previous post, How to Make Low Carb Chicken and Waffles, I explored simple ways to reduce the calorie and fat content of this iconic dish. A typical serving of chicken and waffles at a brunch restaurant can easily reach a staggering 1100 calories with a macro breakdown that might include around 97g of carbs, 65g of fat, and 36g of protein. While indulging occasionally is part of a balanced lifestyle, making smarter choices can allow us to enjoy our favorite foods more often. Opting for a lighter version, like my low-carb chicken and waffles recipe which contains approximately 320 calories, 25g carbs, 16g fat, and 36g protein, is a great way to savor this classic without the heavy calorie load.
MAKING CHICKEN AND WAFFLES A HEALTHIER CHOICE
My approach to healthier waffles starts with using Kodiak Cakes Carb-Conscious Buttermilk Flapjack mix. It’s incredibly simple to use – just follow the package instructions, mix the ingredients, and pour the batter into your waffle maker until golden brown. For those who love to customize, waffles are a blank canvas for flavor! Consider these tasty variations:
Savory Waffles – For a delightful twist, savory waffles move away from traditional sweetness, incorporating savory ingredients for a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Cheddar Cheese and Green Onions: The sharp cheddar and mild onion create a comforting and flavorful waffle.
- Spinach, Ham, and Cheese: A more substantial savory waffle, perfect for a heartier brunch.
Sweet Waffles – Classic sweet waffles are a beloved brunch option, offering a perfect base for countless toppings and flavor combinations.
- Brown Sugar and Pecan: Warm brown sugar and crunchy pecans create a rich and nutty waffle.
- Strawberry and Chocolate Chip: Fruity strawberries and melty chocolate chips are a timeless sweet pairing.
Remember that any additions will alter the nutritional value of the base waffle mix.
For the chicken, my go-to is air-fried crispy chicken tenders. Air frying is an excellent method to drastically reduce calories and fat while still achieving incredibly crispy chicken. These tenders are packed with flavor and crunch, making them the perfect partner for waffles.
For detailed recipes for both low-carb waffles and air-fried chicken, be sure to check out my blog post: How to make low carb chicken and waffles + video.
BEST SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
Now that we’ve explored healthier options for the main course, let’s get to the exciting part: the side dishes! Being from the South, my side dish recommendations lean towards comforting and flavorful options. While these might not be the lightest choices, they are guaranteed to be delicious and perfectly complement the richness of chicken and waffles.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Mac N Cheese
Mac and cheese is a quintessential comfort food and an ideal side dish for chicken and waffles. The creamy, cheesy richness of mac and cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the crispy chicken and the slight sweetness of the waffles. Carita from Seasoned to Taste blog offers a particularly tempting Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese recipe. As Carita aptly puts it, “One thing about macaroni and cheese, it’s the gift that keeps on giving! I’ve yet to meet anyone that doesn’t love mac and cheese, do they exist? What I love most about macaroni and cheese is its versatility.” Her recipe is incredibly convenient, requiring minimal prep and no baking or boiling. Simply combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, stir, and in under an hour, you’ll have a pot of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The ease of preparation makes it a fantastic option when you’re hosting brunch and want a delicious side without spending hours in the kitchen.
Creamy Grits
Creamy Grits
For a truly Southern brunch experience, creamy grits are an absolute must-have side dish for chicken and waffles. Grits, especially when prepared with cream and butter, offer a smooth, comforting texture and a mild corn flavor that beautifully complements the savory chicken. Razzle Dazzle Life’s Buttery and Creamy Grits recipe perfectly embodies this Southern classic. Their recipe emphasizes using half-and-half and milk to achieve an extra smooth and flavorful result. The creamy texture of the grits provides a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Grits are also incredibly versatile; you can season them simply with salt and pepper or add cheese, herbs, or even a touch of spice for extra depth.
Collard Greens
Collard Greens
To balance the richness of chicken and waffles and add a touch of Southern soul food to your brunch, collard greens are an excellent choice. These leafy greens, when braised properly, become incredibly tender and flavorful, offering a slightly bitter and earthy counterpoint to the savory and sweet elements of the main dish. Grandbaby Cakes’ Collard Greens Recipe promises an authentic Southern experience, just like grandma used to make. Their recipe focuses on braising the collard greens in a savory, meat-flavored “pot liquor” with aromatic spices, resulting in a silky, tender texture and deep, complex flavor. Collard greens not only add a delicious savory element but also bring a welcome nutritional boost to your brunch, making it a slightly more balanced meal.
Roasted Sweet Potato
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For a touch of sweetness and vibrant color on your brunch table, consider serving roasted sweet potatoes as a side dish with chicken and waffles. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, especially when roasted, caramelizes beautifully and provides a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. EatWell101’s Garlic Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe takes sweet potatoes to another level with the addition of garlic and parmesan cheese. The savory parmesan and aromatic garlic complement the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly, creating a side dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Roasted sweet potatoes offer a different texture profile compared to the other sides, adding a slightly firmer and more substantial element to the meal.
Skillet Green Beans
Green Beans
If you’re looking for a lighter and quicker side dish option that still complements chicken and waffles, skillet green beans are a fantastic choice. Green beans offer a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and a mild, earthy flavor that can cut through the richness of the main dish. Healthy Seasonal Recipes’ Simple Skillet Green Beans recipe is perfect for busy brunch hosts. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe uses fresh green beans, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of spice to create a simple yet flavorful side dish. Skillet green beans provide a welcome vegetable component to the brunch spread, offering a lighter and brighter contrast to the more decadent options.
Scrambled Egg Whites
Scrambled Egg Whites
For a protein boost and a classic brunch element, consider serving scrambled egg whites alongside chicken and waffles. Egg whites are a lean source of protein and incredibly versatile. They offer a light and fluffy texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. Kelly from The Anthony Kitchen offers helpful tips in her Scrambled Egg Whites recipe to achieve perfectly cooked, non-watery scrambled eggs every time. Scrambled egg whites add a familiar and comforting element to the brunch, enhancing the overall meal with an extra dose of protein and a light, airy texture.
Fruit Salad
Fruit Salad
To brighten up your brunch and provide a refreshing palate cleanser, a vibrant fruit salad is an excellent side dish for chicken and waffles. The sweetness and slight tartness of fresh fruits provide a wonderful contrast to the richness of the chicken and waffles. Kristine’s Kitchen Blog’s Fruit Salad recipe with honey-lime dressing is a particularly delightful option. The honey-lime dressing adds a touch of sweetness and zest that enhances the natural flavors of the fruits. A fruit salad not only adds a burst of freshness and color to your brunch table but also offers a lighter and healthier counterpoint to the more indulgent side dishes.
I sincerely hope this roundup has answered your question of What To Serve With Chicken And Waffles! These side dishes are all fantastic options that will elevate your next brunch gathering and create a truly memorable meal. Don’t hesitate to try one (or more!) of these delicious sides at your next brunch.
If you decide to try any of these recipes, please feel free to leave a comment below! And let’s stay connected! Follow me on my social media for more healthy recipes, fitness inspiration, and glimpses into motherhood: Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest!
