What to serve with chicken and waffles is a question many of us ponder when trying to create the perfect meal. You’re not alone in this quest! Finding the right sides to complement this classic duo can turn a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience. Chicken and waffles are already a delightful combination, but with the right accompaniments, you can take your meal to new heights. Let’s keep it simple, delicious, and satisfying with easy-to-make sides that will impress everyone at the table.
Now, picture this: your table adorned with a variety of dishes that balance the flavors of chicken and waffles perfectly. First, consider adding a fresh salad or creamy mac and cheese for variety. In addition, the perfect drink can make your meal even more enjoyable. You’re going to love how these additions can transform your dining experience into something extraordinary. Keep reading to discover the perfect pairings for your next chicken and waffles feast!
Savory Side Dishes to Complement Chicken and Waffles
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs perfectly with chicken and waffles. The creamy, cheesy sauce contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken and sweet waffles. To make it, boil your pasta, melt some butter, and then add milk, cheese, and seasoning. Bake until bubbly and golden. This dish is so easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy nights. Whether you like your mac and cheese plain or with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it adds a rich, filling element to your meal.
Collard Greens with Garlic and Onion
Collard greens bring a savory depth to your meal. The slight bitterness of the greens works well to balance out the sweetness of the waffles. Begin by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil until softened, then toss in chopped collard greens. Cook until tender. You can even spice things up by adding chili flakes or smoked paprika. This dish offers great nutritional value, too, with its high vitamin content. It’s easy, flavorful, and a great way to add some greens to your plate.
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Collard greens | 4 cups | Chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
Light and Refreshing Salads for a Balanced Meal
Tangy Coleslaw with Vinegar Dressing
A tangy coleslaw with vinegar dressing is the perfect complement to the rich chicken and waffles. It’s crunchy, light, and refreshing, offering a burst of flavor between bites of the hearty main dish. To make it, simply shred cabbage and carrots, then toss them in a tangy vinegar-based dressing. If you want to switch it up, add a touch of honey or mustard for extra flavor. This salad is quick to prepare, and it offers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy to complement your meal. Plus, it’s packed with fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy addition.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This fresh and crisp salad is another great choice to pair with chicken and waffles. The combination of cucumbers and tomatoes is naturally refreshing, and the lemon vinaigrette adds a tangy kick. Simply slice the cucumbers and tomatoes, then mix with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Drizzle over some lemon vinaigrette, and your salad is ready to serve. It’s the perfect light addition to keep things balanced!
- Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes: 2 cups each
- Lemon vinaigrette: 3 tbsp
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill: 1 tbsp
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 2 cups | Sliced thin |
| Tomatoes | 2 cups | Chopped |
| Lemon vinaigrette | 3 tbsp | Homemade or store-bought |
| Fresh herbs | 1 tbsp | Optional garnish |
Sweet Accompaniments to Enhance the Flavor Profile
Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots
If you love sweet and savory combinations, maple-glazed roasted carrots are an excellent side dish for your chicken and waffles. The natural sweetness of the maple syrup enhances the earthiness of the carrots, making them a perfect contrast to the savory chicken. Toss the carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with maple syrup. Roast them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. This dish brings a nice balance of flavors and adds a beautiful color to your plate.
Honey Butter Cornbread
Cornbread is another classic side dish, and when topped with honey butter, it’s an irresistible addition to your chicken and waffles spread. The soft, slightly crumbly texture of the cornbread contrasts nicely with the crunch of the waffles. And the honey butter? It adds a delightful sweetness to the cornbread that pairs beautifully with the chicken. It’s comforting, warm, and perfect for serving with a hearty meal like this one. Serve it fresh from the oven, and it will melt in your mouth.
- Make sure your cornbread is golden brown on top.
- Use real honey for the best flavor in your butter!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cornbread mix | 1 box | Follow box instructions |
| Honey | 3 tbsp | For butter |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Melted |
Beverage Pairings to Complete the Experience
Classic Iced Tea with a Lemon Twist
Iced tea is a classic beverage that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, including chicken and waffles. The crisp, cool tea helps balance the richness of the waffles and chicken, while the lemon adds a refreshing touch. Brew your tea and chill it, then add a slice of lemon to each glass for an extra burst of flavor. It’s easy to make ahead and serve to guests, making it a great choice for any occasion. You can even experiment with flavored iced teas, such as peach or raspberry, to change things up a bit.
Freshly Squeezed Lemonade
Lemonade is another refreshing option that pairs beautifully with chicken and waffles. The tangy, sweet drink provides a wonderful contrast to the savory and sweet flavors of your meal. The best part is that it’s so easy to make from scratch! Simply squeeze some fresh lemons, mix with sugar and water, and you’ve got a delicious homemade drink. For an added twist, try adding a few fresh mint leaves or even a splash of sparkling water for some bubbles!
- Fresh lemons work best for maximum flavor!
- Add mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lemons | 4-5 | Freshly squeezed |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Adjust to taste |
| Water | 4 cups | Chilled |
Ready to add some sweetness? Let’s make Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Fries to perfectly complement your chicken and waffles
Ingredients
Olive Oil – First, we start with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. This will add a smooth, rich flavor that’s perfect for cooking the sweet potatoes. Plus, it helps create that golden, crispy texture on the outside!
Sweet Potatoes – Next, we’ve got our star ingredient: sweet potatoes. These natural beauties are not only sweet but also packed with nutrients. Their soft interior and slightly crispy exterior make them the perfect companion to chicken and waffles.
Maple Syrup – Then, we drizzle in some maple syrup. This adds the perfect balance of sweetness and depth to our potatoes. It enhances the natural flavors and gives that caramelized finish everyone loves.
Hot Sauce – For a bit of heat, we add a tablespoon of vinegar-based hot sauce (think Frank’s or Louisiana). Don’t worry; it’s not too spicy, just enough to complement the sweetness of the potatoes.
Water – Also, don’t forget about the water! This helps thin out the glaze and makes sure the potatoes are coated evenly.
Smoked Paprika – Smoked paprika gives the dish that delicious smoky flavor. It’s the perfect balance to the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Cinnamon – Last but not least, a dash of cinnamon adds a warm, comforting aroma. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Start by washing and trimming the ends of your sweet potatoes. Then, slice them into wedges. These wedges will cook faster and get nice and crispy.
Step 2 – Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over low heat. Add the sweet potato wedges in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. This will make the potatoes nice and flavorful!
Step 3 – Cover the skillet with a lid (or a baking sheet if you don’t have one) and cook the potatoes for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re tender. The potatoes should be easy to pierce with a knife at this point.
Step 4 – Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Let the potatoes cook uncovered for about 5 minutes. Flip them over and cook the other side until it’s golden and crispy.
Step 5 – While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, hot sauce, water, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. This glaze will bring all the flavors together. Once the potatoes are crispy, add the glaze to the skillet and toss to coat. Let the glaze thicken for just a few seconds before serving.
Serving
This recipe serves 4 people and makes a perfect side dish to complement your chicken and waffles. Serve these maple-glazed sweet potatoes alongside your crispy chicken for the ultimate comfort meal.
Optional garnishes or pairings – You can top them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor. Pair with a light salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
For a fun twist, try adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor!
For a sweet addition, serve some Strawberry Waffles: Delicious and Easy Recipe as a fun twist alongside your chicken and waffles.
Tips and Hacks
Tip 1 – Want extra crispiness? Try baking the sweet potato wedges in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes before tossing them in the glaze. They’ll get a crispy texture without the skillet.
Tip 2 – Add a little extra heat by mixing in some cayenne pepper with the smoked paprika. This will kick up the spice level just enough to balance the sweetness.
Tip 3 – Make it a full meal! Serve the glazed sweet potatoes on a bed of greens or toss them into a quinoa salad for a more filling option.
Tip 4 – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep that crispy texture!
Want to add a side of banana pudding? Learn What Keeps Bananas From Turning Brown In Banana Pudding for that perfect touch.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 160
Fat: 3g
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 120mg
Fiber: 4g
Please note: These estimates are based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Prep Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Please note: These times may vary based on your equipment and the size of your sweet potato wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do you eat chicken and waffles with?
When thinking about what to serve with chicken and waffles, consider pairing it with savory sides like mac and cheese or collard greens. First, mac and cheese adds a creamy richness to balance the crispiness of the chicken. Also, collard greens offer a savory contrast that perfectly complements the sweetness of the waffles. You’ll love how these sides enhance the overall experience!
What side dishes go with waffles?
Looking for what to serve with chicken and waffles? Try serving waffles with light, refreshing salads like tangy coleslaw or a cucumber-tomato salad. First, coleslaw offers crunch and a burst of tanginess, perfect alongside waffles. Also, a cucumber-tomato salad is refreshing and pairs well with the sweetness of the waffles. These sides keep your meal balanced and super flavorful. You’re going to love this combination!
Do you serve chicken and waffles with syrup?
Yes, serving syrup with chicken and waffles is a must! The syrup brings a sweet contrast to the savory chicken. First, drizzle a little over your waffles. Then, dip your crispy chicken in it for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. In addition, you can try maple-glazed sweet potatoes as a side to amplify the sweetness. It’s a delicious combo you can’t miss!
What to pair with breaded chicken?
If you’re wondering what to serve with chicken and waffles, breaded chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes or a tangy salad. First, mashed potatoes add a creamy, comforting base to balance the crunch of the chicken. Then, a tangy salad, like coleslaw, complements the breaded chicken perfectly. With these additions, your meal will feel complete. These pairings make the chicken even more enjoyable!