If you are wondering “what goes good with chicken and rice,” the list below will help you answer this question effortlessly. It includes a wide range of side dishes divided into four categories: dessert, soup, vegetable, sauce, and drink.
- Baklava [Dessert]
- Chocolate Mousse [Dessert]
- Mochi Ice Cream [Dessert]
- Fresh Berries With Whipped Cream [Dessert]
- Miso Soup [Soup]
- Tomato Soup [Soup]
- Thai Coconut Soup [Soup]
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup [Soup]
- Lentil Soup [Soup]
- Gazpacho [Soup]
- Minestrone Soup [Soup]
- Green Beans [Vegetable]
- Asparagus [Vegetable]
- Bell Peppers [Vegetable]
- Eggplant [Vegetable]
- Spinach [Vegetable]
- Cabbage [Vegetable]
- Potatoes [Vegetable]
- Teriyaki Sauce [Sauce]
- Curry Sauce [Sauce]
- Pesto [Sauce]
- Lemon Butter Sauce [Sauce]
- Soy-Ginger Sauce [Sauce]
- Tahini Sauce [Sauce]
- White Wine [Drink]
- Red Wine [Drink]
- Lemonade [Drink]
Baklava [Dessert]
If you’re serving a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean-inspired chicken and rice dish, baklava is an excellent choice. Its layers of flaky pastry, honey, and nut filling provide a sweet and crunchy contrast.
Chocolate Mousse [Dessert]
If you love chocolate, a rich and velvety chocolate mousse can be a decadent way to finish your meal. It’s especially great if you’re serving a creamy chicken dish.
Mochi Ice Cream [Dessert]
These small, chewy rice flour balls filled with ice cream come in various flavors and can be a fun and unique way to serve with chicken and rice.
Fresh Berries With Whipped Cream [Dessert]
Sometimes, simplicity is best. Serve a bowl of fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and nutritious dessert.
Miso Soup [Soup]
If you’re serving a chicken and rice dish with Asian flavors, miso soup can be an excellent choice. Its savory and umami-rich broth complements the meal nicely.
Tomato Soup [Soup]
A classic tomato soup, whether creamy or chunky, can contrast the chicken and rice. You can serve it with a grilled chicken and rice dish for a comforting combination.
Thai Coconut Soup [Soup]
It is also known as Tom Kha Gai. This Thai soup is made with coconut milk, chicken, and aromatic herbs like lemongrass and galangal. It pairs well with a chicken and rice dish that has Thai-inspired flavors.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup [Soup]
This Mediterranean-inspired soup combines chicken, orzo pasta, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a bright, flavorful option that goes perfectly with chicken and rice.
Lentil Soup [Soup]
Lentil soup is a nutritious option that pairs well with various main dishes, including chicken and rice. Its earthy flavors can be a nice contrast to the meal.
Gazpacho [Soup]
If you’re looking for a cold soup option, gazpacho, a Spanish tomato-based soup, can be a refreshing choice, especially on a warm day. Serving chicken and rice with gazpacho can be an unusual but intriguing pairing.
Minestrone Soup [Soup]
A hearty Italian minestrone with beans, pasta, and vegetables can be a satisfying choice when serving chicken and rice. Its rich, flavorful broth and the medley of beans and vegetables offer a hearty contrast to the simplicity of chicken and rice.
Green Beans [Vegetable]
Green beans are a favorite choice because of their vibrant color and crisp texture. They can be blanched, steamed, or sautéed, adding freshness and a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Asparagus [Vegetable]
Asparagus, whether roasted or steamed, offers an elegant and flavorful accompaniment to chicken and rice. The tender spears add a touch of sophistication to the meal.
Bell Peppers [Vegetable]
Bell peppers are a versatile vegetable choice that imparts vibrant colors and adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the dish. They are often featured in stir-fries, fajitas, and grilled chicken and rice recipes.
Eggplant [Vegetable]
Sliced and grilled or roasted eggplant provides a creamy texture and a subtle smoky flavor to chicken and rice dishes, making it a distinctive choice. Its ability to absorb and enhance the dish’s flavors and unique character add depth and complexity to the meal, creating a memorable culinary experience for those who appreciate its delicious contribution.
Spinach [Vegetable]
If you’re trying to figure out what goes well with chicken and rice, especially if you’re having chicken breast, a spinach salad can be a refreshing and satisfying choice. It adds a light, nutritious touch that can take your chicken and rice dinner menu to a new level. This perfect side dish with chicken can go great with the main course.
Cabbage [Vegetable]
When shredded or thinly sliced, cabbage adds a refreshing and slightly peppery component to the dish. It can be employed in coleslaws, stir-fries, and various international cuisines. Cabbage also pairs well with orange chicken.
Potatoes [Vegetable]
If you’re wondering what goes good with chicken and rice, look no further than roasted potatoes. This side dish adds a hearty component to any meal. Season them just right and give them some time, and you’ll surely have a side dish that will taste great with cooked chicken and rice.
Teriyaki Sauce [Sauce]
With its sweet and savory profile, teriyaki sauce pairs excellently with chicken and rice dishes with Asian or Japanese flavors. It’s particularly good with grilled or stir-fried chicken.
Curry Sauce [Sauce]
If you’re serving a chicken and rice dish with Indian or Thai influences, consider a curry sauce. It can be mild or spicy, depending on your preference, and adds depth of flavor to the meal.
Pesto [Sauce]
A basil or sun-dried tomato pesto can be a delicious addition to chicken and rice. It provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. The vibrant green basil or the intense, concentrated notes of sun-dried tomatoes in the pesto can uplift the entire dish, adding layers of aromatic richness that perfectly complement the simplicity of chicken and rice.
Lemon Butter Sauce [Sauce]
A simple lemon butter sauce, made with lemon juice, butter, and herbs like parsley, can brighten up your chicken and rice dish with a burst of citrusy freshness.
Soy-Ginger Sauce [Sauce]
Combining soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar can make a delightful sauce with an Asian-inspired twist. It’s great for drizzling over chicken and rice.
Tahini Sauce [Sauce]
If you’re serving a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern chicken and rice dish, tahini sauce, made from sesame paste, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, can be a creamy and nutty complement.
White Wine [Drink]
White wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio work well with chicken and rice dishes. They provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the flavors of the meal.
Red Wine [Drink]
If your chicken dish has rich, hearty flavors or includes red meat (e.g., chicken with red wine sauce), consider a light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot.
Lemonade [Drink]
Lemonade is a bright and tangy option that complements dishes with citrusy or zesty flavors. It’s especially great with lemon or citrus-infused chicken and rice dishes.
References:
- Yahoo! – 15+ Side Dishes for Chicken and Rice Casserole – https://autos.yahoo.com/15-side-dishes-chicken-rice-161554158.html
- Quora – What are some easy to cook side dishes for chicken and rice? – https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-easy-to-cook-side-dishes-for-chicken-and-rice