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 elevates 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.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Chicken and Waffles?
Side dish- It’s an afterthought, an add-on, a complement to the main course, but not the main course itself.
We’re here to change that.
Chicken and waffles, as a concept and a pairing, deserve better than a side of mashed potatoes or a cup of coleslaw.
The best chicken and waffles come together on the plate: crisp at their edges, covered in syrup or powdered sugar, and fatty enough to make your cardiologist cringe.
They should be served hot, and they should be served often.
But one thing they shouldn’t be is lonely.
We’ve put together a list of seven side dishes that are worthy of being served along with your chicken and waffles — no judgment if you choose them over your chicken and waffles.
— because some days we need both in our lives.
What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles? 7 BEST Side Dishes
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.
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.
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.
The added smokiness complements 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.
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 pairs wonderfully with chicken and waffles.
Both dishes are sweet, savoury, creamy, and filling, so they each make a great partner for the other.
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 complements 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.
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 taste buds sing.
6 – Grilled Vegetables
Grilling your vegetables gives them a smoky flavour that will complement 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.
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.
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