What To Serve With Chicken – Top German Side Dishes For Chicken

by: Lydia Fulson  /  Writer, Artist, Traveler, Granddaughter & Ever-Learning German Cook

Chicken is a classic main meat, and finding the right sides to pair alongside, may be a challenge for some. That's totally okay! But worry no more. Here you can find loads of side ideas that will pair perfectly, but keep the chicken in the spotlight!

Chicken is a great option for a main dish. If you're hunting for something versatile and easy to whip up, chicken should be your go-to. There are so many ways to cook, roast, and fry chicken, so that you can never get tired of it! There's always something new to try.

Like this oven fried chicken recipe!

Let's kick off our Top Sides To Serve With Chicken by starting with ...

Salad sides

1. Creamy Cucumber Salad

Prepare to hear lots of "oos' and "aahs" with this traditional German Cucumber Salad, aka Gurkensalat. The northern version, made with cream.

Green salads are common and for good reason, but why not switch it up this time with something traditionally German, inexpensive, and unique!

2. Corn Salad

Go to Corn Salad recipe >

This German recipe for corn salad, aka Maissalat is colorful and quick, a great addition to a summer buffet or picnic. It's among the best unusual salad recipes because it really is so easy - and hey, trying new and unusual things is what keeps life interesting! 

The perfect addition to your chicken dinner. It's like a colorful fruit salad, but with veggies!

3. German Potato Salad

If you're on the look out for a truly authentic German salad, this potato salad recipe, aka Kartoffelsalat is it! The whole family will be reaching for seconds with this recipe.

Traditionally, you will see this salad served alongside sausage or bratwurst. But the great thing about this side is that it pairs well with other meats as well, like chicken! 

Potato sides

4. Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes are a great way to WOW your guests. 

This healthy side is easy to make, easy to dress, and easy to chop. Drizzle with ketchup, sour cream, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese or keep it classy and eat it by itself so you can indulge in all of those seasoning flavors!

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another great potato side. They're so easy, with just a few simple steps. Boil your potatoes, mash them with milk and butter to get them creamy, and season as you wish. Add shredded cheese and bacon bits for a real treat.

Chicken and creamy mashed potatoes are like two peas in a pod!

6. Fried Potatoes

German fried potatoes, aka, Bratkartoffeln, are the way to go. The best side dishes can be done quickly, and this one can be on your plate in 15 minutes!

These can be done quick and easy on the barbecue too. Everyone loves a good potato side. No matter the shape, size, or how it's served, you know it's a choice that will be loved!

7. Sweet Potatoes 

Here's one for all you air fryer lovers out there. My air-fried sweet potato recipe, aka Luftfritteuse Süßkartoffeln. I often make this as a snack because it's just that good.

It just takes a few easy steps to make. Simply brush olive oil, sprinkle seasonings, lay on air fryer pan, and VOILA ... delicious sweet potatoes! The brush of olive oil gives the skin such an irresistible crispness. 

Sweet potatoes may not be traditionally German, but this veggie has gained popularity for good reason. Give this a try and serve alongside your favorite chicken dish for an easy weeknight dinner. This perfect paired meal will become the star of the show.

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Vegetable sides 

Vegetable sides! Serve one, two, or more. For our family dinners, Oma always chooses two veggies. 

First up, let's start with another air fryer favorite.

8. Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower

Go to AF Buffalo Cauliflower recipe >

My air-fried buffalo cauliflower bites are something a little different. They're spicy, flavorful, and pair perfectly with chicken and a simple array of veggies like celery and carrots. Don't forget some blue cheese dressing to dip them in! 

Air fryers are all the rage nowadays, and these cauliflower bites are starting to climb their way to popularity too! You can often find them on menus as a newer healthy alternative to wings. It's a great way to use up those cauliflower florets sitting in your crisper drawer.

But if you're just looking for a fun and new cauliflower recipe to serve alongside chicken, this is it! They also make a great snack by themselves if you want a late night spicy snack.

9. Creamy Brussels Sprouts

Go to reamy Brussels Sprouts recipe >

Looking for a bold, brave and creamy side dish to pair with your chicken? Well, these Brussel sprouts, aka Rosenkohl, with a creamy sauce would be an excellent choice.

I never used to enjoy brussel sprouts growing up until I had Oma's. This is a great way to get the kids to eat their sprouts. That extra creaminess kind of mutes the boldness of the veggie itself and gives it a lovely flavor. When Oma adds in the cream, it's a game-changer!

Looking for something a little different? Maybe vegan? Check out my Aunt Sylvie's brussels sprouts with balsalmic vinegar. Made with maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and cooked to perfection!

10. Roasted Carrots

Go to Roasted Carrots recipe >

Last but not least is Oma's pan-cooked carrot recipe, aka Karotten. This is another super quick side, taking just 20 minutes of your time! A real traditional German treat for your taste buds and a real simple recipe that makes one delicious side.

Pan-frying the carrots is one of the simplest ways of cooking them quickly. This was how my Oma's Mutti loved to make them. So for our family, it's another classic comfort food. They taste just as good as being done in the oven! 

Don't those all look so easy and lecker? Now that we've made it to the end of our top sides to serve with chicken, it's time to get cooking, frying and creating!

Just follow the links, get your favorite apron out and enjoy some kitchen time.

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.