What Goes Good With Chicken And Rice: 27+ Best Side Dishes [With Pictures]

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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.

  1. Baklava [Dessert]
  2. Chocolate Mousse [Dessert]
  3. Mochi Ice Cream [Dessert]
  4. Fresh Berries With Whipped Cream [Dessert]
  5. Miso Soup [Soup]
  6. Tomato Soup [Soup]
  7. Thai Coconut Soup [Soup]
  8. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup [Soup]
  9. Lentil Soup [Soup]
  10. Gazpacho [Soup]
  11. Minestrone Soup [Soup]
  12. Green Beans [Vegetable]
  13. Asparagus [Vegetable]
  14. Bell Peppers [Vegetable]
  15. Eggplant [Vegetable]
  16. Spinach [Vegetable]
  17. Cabbage [Vegetable]
  18. Potatoes [Vegetable]
  19. Teriyaki Sauce [Sauce]
  20. Curry Sauce [Sauce]
  21. Pesto [Sauce]
  22. Lemon Butter Sauce [Sauce]
  23. Soy-Ginger Sauce [Sauce]
  24. Tahini Sauce [Sauce]
  25. White Wine [Drink]
  26. Red Wine [Drink]
  27. Lemonade [Drink]

Baklava [Dessert]

baklava
Baklava

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]

chocolate mousse
Chocolate mousse

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]

mochi ice cream
Mochi ice cream

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]

fresh berries with whipped cream
Fresh berries with whipped cream

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]

miso soup
Miso 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]

tomato soup
Tomato 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]

thai coconut soup
Thai coconut 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]

lemon chicken orzo soup
Lemon chicken orzo 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
Lentil 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]

gazpacho
Gazpacho

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]

minestrone soup
Minestrone 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]

sautéed green beans
Sautéed green beans

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]

roasted asparagus
Roasted asparagus

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
Bell peppers

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]

grilled eggplant
Grilled eggplant

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]

spinach salad
Spinach salad

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]

coleslaw
Coleslaw

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]

roasted potatoes
Roasted potatoes

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]

teriyaki chicken
Teriyaki chicken

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]

chicken curry
Chicken curry

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]

pesto chicken
Pesto chicken

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]

lemon butter sauce
Lemon butter 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]

soy ginger sauce
Soy-ginger 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]

tahini sauce
Tahini 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]

chardonnay white wine
Chardonnay white wine

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]

pinot noir red wine
Pinot Noir red wine

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
Lemonade

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.

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