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From a planet filled with fried chicken lovers, there are more than some ways to enjoy a crispy, juicy, and tender fried chicken. You could do the automatic thing, and slide the fried chicken between two slices of bread and voila you have a chicken sandwich. But I bet you’re wondering what sides to make with your chicken sandwich, have no fear you’re curiosity shall be cured shortly.
Table of Contents
- What Is Fried Chicken?
- Side Dishes For Chicken Sandwiches
- What Can I Cook With Fried Chicken?
- Don’t Stop Drooling
- FAQs
What Is Fried Chicken?
Fried chicken, also referred to as Southern fried chicken, is a dish consisting of chicken pieces that have been dunked in a batter and deep-fried, pressure fried, or air fried to perfection. The breading is what gives the fried chicken its crisp and crunchy outer layer whilst still retaining its gorgeous interior juices.
Side Dishes For Chicken Sandwiches
A chicken sandwich is a simple yet delicious way to eat fried chicken, you can make the sandwich by adding fresh salad such as lettuce, onions or tomatoes on top of the fried chicken, followed by a generous drizzle of mayonnaise, and yum. But you aren’t limited to a chicken sandwich on its own, no way! Here are a few suggestions on what would pair wonderfully with a chicken sandwich:
- Crisps
- Veggie Strips
- Potato Salad
- Coleslaw
- Fish Fingers
- Tea
- Pickle
Crisps
My favourite side to eat with a chicken sandwich is almost always with a bowl of my favourite flavoured crisps. The added crunch to the crispy tenderness of the chicken in the sandwich, which contrasts beautifully with the crispiness of the salad, is just irresistible. And it doesn’t even take any additional effort, I mean how hard is it to rip open a packet of crisps, and empty them into a bowl, pop yourself on a comfy couch and tuck into the juicy goodness?
Veggie Strips
You’ve heard of chicken strips, and tasted how good they are, well how about trying the vegetable version? Equal amounts of deliciousness, but in a very different way. This is the type of finger food that just makes sense to have with a cold sandwich, a bite of vegetable goodness that is quite heartily satisfying.
Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is just a brilliant side to go with your chicken sandwich, a bite of your sandwich followed by a spoonful of creamy potato heaven. Using white or red potatoes, set them in a pot of water, add salt and let the water begin to boil, then the heat low so that the potatoes simmer in the water.
Push a fork through the centre of the potatoes to check if they are cooked, then drain the water and peel the skin off of them. Dice the cooked potatoes and place them in a large bowl, drop a tablespoon of vinegar on them, and squeeze some mayonnaise, and a little bit of sour cream over the top of them. And because we want that extra added deliciousness, chop a red onion and add it to the bowl, followed by chopped celery, hard boiled eggs and fresh herbs to finish.
Mix well and refrigerate, or eat immediately for a tremendous creamy addition to your sandwich.
Coleslaw
Use this as a topping in your sandwich, or keep it in a bowl beside you whilst you munch your chicken sandwich, either way this little bowl of magic is enough to make anyone’s heart sing.
Using a knife for both red and white cabbage, start by removing any tattered or bruised outer leaves, then cut the cabbage into quarters, and cut out the core. Slice the cabbage quarters into thin shreds, or alternatively you can buy a bag of shredded cabbage from your local supermarket.
The most common coleslaw dressing is mayonnaise, as this is what makes the coleslaw creamy, then apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt and pepper for flavour. Mix them all together in a bowl of shredded cabbage, and carrots and let it sit in the fridge for about an hour.
Then when you’re ready to make yourself a chicken sandwich, use the coleslaw in place of mayonnaise, or enjoy a spoonful of coleslaw with every bite of your chicken sandwich.
Fish Fingers
These are a delightful addition to your meal, and a favourite amongst both adults and kids, fish fingers can be brought frozen from the supermarket, or made at home,
Use a combination of fish, and breadcrumbs to make this incredibly delicious finger food that will compliment your chicken sandwich wonderfully.
Tea
An unexpected item you’d think to find on a list of side dishes to have with a chicken sandwich, but let me tell you it’s not as uncommon as you think. If you love a cup of English tea after every meal, you’d definitely love it after a deliciously refreshing chicken sandwich.
The warmth of the tea sloshing down your throat, is such a satisfying addition to the meal.
Pickle
Thinly sliced pickles sat beside your chicken sandwich is the perfect way to combine the tangy tastes with tender juicy and crispy heaven that is in your sandwich.
If you already have a jar of gherkin pickles, then you can start to thinly slice them with a knife, alternatively, you could simply buy a jar of sliced gherkins from your nearest supermarket, the taste is the same, and the satisfaction is extraordinary.
What Can I Cook With Fried Chicken?
Fried chicken can be eaten alongside almost anything, the most common type of food to be eaten with fried chicken is chips or fries. These would be coated in your favourite sauce, whether that is tomato sauce, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce or sweet and chilli. But here are some amazing and incredibly delicious alternatives:
- Baked Beans
- Egg Fried Rice
- Corn On The Cob
- Roast Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Wedges
- Macaroni Coleslaw
- Salad
Baked Beans
A can of baked beans when eaten on it’s own, tastes wonderful when warmed in a pan, and sprinkled with chilli flakes, salt and even a couple of chopped green chillies.
With fried chicken the combination of flavours are undoubtedly phenomenal. You could be cheeky and rip off the crispy chicken into little chunks and put them in your bowl of baked beans for a party in your mouth, with each bite.
Or you could simply dunk your fried chicken into the beans, and use it as a sauce to eat with it.
Egg Fried Rice
This is such an amazing dish to make because it allows you to use left overs and create something beautiful to eat with any main dish. If you have left over rice then this is the one for you, but if you don’t there’s no harm in making some fresh brown or plain white rice as well.
In a pan chop half an onion and let it simmer in olive oil, once the aroma of the onions start to waft in your nostrils dunk your cooked rice into the pan, and let it soak up the flavours of the onion, sprinkle a little salt, then make a hold in the middle of the pan, and this is where you’re going to crack your eggs.
You can use one egg or two, it really depends on how many people plan to eat this meal with you, once you’ve mixed the egg in the rice, sprinkle some red chilli flakes, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, break off the pieces of fried chicken and add them to the mix.
The crispy juicy chicken combined with the smoky flavours of the egg and rice is like a magic spell that will make you fight for seconds.
Corn On The Cob
A common favourite amongst all those who love their veggies, corn on the cob does not disappoint. Not only is it a beautiful colour that is sure to brighten any grey day, but the tenderness of the corn when boiled and buttered works wonderfully with your main meal of crunchy fried chicken.
Both pack a crunch, one sweet one savoury, don’t they make a delightful pair?
Roast Potatoes
A rightful favourite amongst many food lovers, roast potatoes just have to be added to the list. Homemade roast potatoes mean that you’re in charge of their level of crispiness – so much power!
If you think fried chicken tastes amazing with chips, then imagine how they taste with roast potatoes! A crispy outer layer with flavours that make your stomach gurgle in appreciation, followed by a bite of fried chicken, mmmmm.
You can dip your roast potatoes, and fried chicken into any sauce you fancy, like tomato sauce, sweet and chilli sauce, or just a simple glop of mayonnaise could hit the spot.
Mashed Potatoes
What could possibly go wrong with a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes? Boil your potatoes in salted water till they’re tender, then transfer them to a bowl, where you can start to mash them with a potato masher or a fork. Then splash some milk, or cream, add cheese and voila your side dish is ready to be devoured by the hungriest person on the planet.
For added deliciousness try ripping a piece of fried chicken off and dunking it into the mashed potatoes for a heavenly combination of flavours.
Potato Wedges
Without avoiding fried chicken with chips, try making some thick potato wedges. Wash your potatoes, and cut them into thick wedges, then place them in a pot of boiling water, once their tender, remove them from the water and place on a baking tray. Drizzle the wedges with olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper for taste. Shake the wedges so that they’re coated in the oil evenly, then place in the oven.
Once cooked serve with fried chicken, and a dipping sauce of your choice, for a scrumptious meal.
Macaroni Coleslaw
A brilliant way to combine two separate side dishes into one, is by making macaroni coleslaw. From its name you can already tell how scrumptious it’ll taste. You can make this by using packaged macaroni.
Cook your macaroni according to the package directions, then transfer to a large bowl and add the coleslaw mix like onions, celery, cucumber, green peppers, and water chestnut.
In another bowl mix mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper, then add this to the large bowl and mix them all together. Serve alongside your fried chicken, for some finger-licking satisfaction.
Salad
A simple effortless addition to your main meal of fried chicken is no better than a fresh cut salad. Slice red onion, baby spinach, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and a dash of lemon juice for that added kick.
Eat this with savoury fried chicken, for a scrumptious meal to end a long day.
Don’t Stop Drooling
Delicious ways to add a side to an already scrumptious meal of tender, juicy, and crispy fried chicken don’t go unappreciated. A combination of flavours contrasting with the chicken is a perfect way to enjoy the meal because even though fried chicken is beautifully delectable all on its own, it’s more drool-worthy when eaten alongside a bowl of macaroni coleslaw!
FAQs
What Side Dish Goes Good With Fried Chicken?
Creamy coleslaw, salad, potato wedges, roast potatoes, macaroni coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, egg fried rice, baked beans, and potato salad.