Serve Chicken & Waffles alongside Sautéed Spinach, Bacon Jam, Cornbread, Macaroni and Cheese, and Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sautéed spinach is perfect for serving chicken and waffles because it adds a dose of green to your meal.
For a lighter option, try Sweet Potato Casserole. You don't even have to make your sweet potato casserole.
Chicken and waffles: it sounds like an odd couple until you take that first heavenly bite.
This dynamic duo has taken brunch menus by storm, marrying the savory punch of fried chicken with the sweet, comforting embrace of waffles.
But what improves this classic combo from good to unforgettable? It's all about the sides.
From smokey collard greens to a fresh fruit salad, picking the right accompaniment can turn your meal into a feast for the senses.
Ready to discover the perfect complements to your chicken and waffles?
Dig in as we reveal seven tasty side dishes that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
7 Delicious Sides to Serve with Chicken & Waffles
If you love chicken and waffles, but you want to make your meal a little more interesting, try serving one of these side dishes with your main course.
They'll add the right amount of flavour and crunch to complement your fluffy waffle and crispy fried chicken.
And the best part is that they're all easy to make in no time at all - many can be made from frozen vegetables for quick sides.
Is there anything better than a fresh stack of hot, crispy chicken and waffles? Not in our book.
But some of us aren't as lucky as others to have it as a brunch option at every corner.
When you're craving this soul food staple, here are 7 side dishes that will be sure to hit the spot.
1 - Sautéed Spinach
Spinach is one of those vegetables that taste delicious prepared just about any way you can imagine.
Sautéed spinach is perfect for serving chicken and waffles because it adds a dose of green to your meal - or try spinach dip side ideas for parties if guests are coming.
Just make sure that the greens you choose are fresh and not wilted.
Sautéing spinach allows its flavour to shine while losing its bitterness.
You'll find that this dish complements your breakfast perfectly.
2 - Bacon Jam
Bacon jam might be one of the best condiments in the world.
It's sweet, smoky, spicy and addicting.
It goes great with eggs for breakfast, burgers for lunch or steaks for dinner, but it also tastes amazing with chicken and waffles at any mealtime as well - or paired with bacon-wrapped dates side suggestions for a sweet-salty starter.
The added smokiness goes with the crispy fried chicken, while the sweetness balances the savoury waffles.
3 - Cornbread
Cornbread isn't just a side dish; it's also an accompaniment.
Spoon honey over warm cornbread when serving honey-glazed chicken and waffles - it's a match made in heaven.
It's often served alongside fried chicken, so it's a natural fit - add cornbread side ideas for comfort meals to round out the plate.
You can make cornbread from scratch or use a mix.
Either way, bake it in the oven until it's golden brown.
4 - Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a portion of classic comfort food that goes well with chicken and waffles.
Both dishes are sweet, savoury, creamy, and filling, so they each make a great partner for the other - consider lighter options like macaroni salad side ideas for contrast if the meal needs balance.
Regular macaroni will work just fine, but if you want to make it extra special, you can use cavatappi (also known as elbow pasta or corkscrew pasta).
Cavatappi cooks more evenly than regular macaroni and has a fun shape that goes with the meal nicely.
This decadent dish is a surefire winner.
Use your favourite homemade recipe or a quality boxed version for an extra special treat.
5 - Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes have become increasingly popular over the last few years - especially sweet potato casserole.
This cold-weather comfort food is loaded with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a perfect match for your soul food dinner - pair with heartier mains and sweet and sour meatball side pairings when the menu leans bold.
You don't even have to make your sweet potato casserole.
Just pick up a ready-to-eat one from the store, heat it in the microwave until it's warm, and slap it on your plate.
Pour some syrup over the top and enjoy.
The combination of sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, marshmallows and pecans will make your palate sing.
6 - Grilled Vegetables
Grilling your vegetables gives them a smoky flavour that will go with the sweet taste of the waffle.
You can also top your grilled vegetables with a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for even more flavour - similar finishing ideas appear in grilled swordfish side suggestions and finishes.
It is a refreshing way to complete your Southern feast.
It can have a unique combination of sweetness from the mangoes, tartness from the balsamic vinegar, crunch from the almonds and creaminess from the feta cheese.
This is an easy side dish that you can whip up in no time.
7 - Homemade Biscuits
Biscuits are a perfect side for chicken and waffles because they're both sweet and savoury.
They also have a more substantial texture than your typical cake or muffin-type breakfast loaves of bread.
These biscuits are easy to make and taste amazing; no one will ever know you didn't pick them up from the local bakery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sautéed spinach is perfect for serving chicken and waffles because it adds a dose of green to your meal. Bacon Jam Bacon jam might be one of the best condiments in the world.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. Sautéed spinach is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.
Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
For poultry pairings, see beer can chicken side pairings and for versatile options that suit many roasts check rotisserie chicken side suggestions.