Cheap, flavorful and totally versatile, chicken thighs are the unsung hero of any busy kitchen (including ours). But what to make on the side? Good news: Chicken thighs lend themselves well to almost any flavor profile, so basically, anything goes. From roasted vegetables to creamy potato recipes, here are our 31 favorite side dishes for chicken thighs that will complete your dinner.
31 Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Thighs
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Published Apr 15, 2020
1. Brussels Sprouts Skillet With Crispy Pancetta Breadcrumbs
A guaranteed winner dished alongside crispy chicken thighs.
2. Slow-cooker Garlic-herb Mashed Cauliflower
Set it and forget it, then devour it.
3. Roasted Squash With Pomegranate And Goat Cheese
This colorful side dish looks (and tastes!) fancy, but is deceptively quick and easy to make.
4. Zoodle Stir-fry
Serve with soy-glazed bone-in chicken thighs, or cut up some boneless thighs and throw them right in the wok.
5. Tabbouleh
Add some toasted pita triangles and hummus and you’ve got yourself a perfect Middle Eastern dinner.
6. Sweet Potato Fries
Bonus: The kids will love them.
7. Quinoa Brussels Sprout Gratin With Smoked Cheddar
All of our favorite things, in one gooey casserole. (Thanks, Phoebe Lapine.)
8. Cold Lemon Zoodles
Serve with grilled chicken thighs for a perfect summer meal.
9. Kimchi Fried Rice
It’s great with cauliflower rice, too.
10. Whole Roasted Carrots
Bugs Bunny was clearly on to something.
11. Cucumber Quinoa Salad
This recipe by Maria Lichty is refreshing and fabulous with barbecued chicken thighs.
12. Spicy Whole-roasted Cauliflower
Our favorite veggie strikes again.
13. Sesame Noodle Salad
We love a good miso- or soy-glazed chicken thigh, and this would make an amazing accompaniment. (Thanks, Gaby Dalkin.)
14. Avocado Rice
Fact: Avocado makes everything better. And the creamy texture of this rice pairs perfectly with crispy-skinned roasted chicken thighs.
15. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Smoky, crunchy and totally delicious.
16. Kale Salad With Persimmons, Crispy Chickpeas And Fried Shallots
This showstopper of a salad just might upstage the main dish.
17. Baked Garlic Herb Potato Wedges
We’d take these over French fries any day.
18. Green Beans With Browned Butter Almondine
Thanks to Heidi Larsen, you’ll never have to tell us to eat our veggies again.
19. Cacio E Pepe Cauliflower
Like everyone’s favorite decadent pasta dish, but without the carbs.
20. Sautéed Swiss Chard
Feel free to jazz up this simple recipe by Katie Workman with lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan or soy sauce, depending on how you’re preparing the chicken.
21. Oven Roasted Beets And Potatoes
Easy, tasty and drop-dead gorgeous.
22. Roasted Beet And Citrus Salad
A simple herby citrus dressing brings everything together.
23. Mushroom And Leek Bread Pudding
Who said bread pudding was just for dessert? We love this savory version with some simple roasted chicken thighs.
24. Watermelon, Tomato, And Feta Farro Salad
A weekly summertime staple by Aida Mollenkamp.
25. Cauliflower Tots
These crispy treats are delicious and healthy (but don’t tell the kids).
26. Three Bean Salad With Wild Rice
This dish is full of kitchen staples like garbanzo beans, frozen peas and onions—plus rice from last night’s dinner. (We won’t tell.)
27. Minty-fresh Zucchini Salad With Marinated Feta
If you thought the humble zucchini was only good for quick breads and zoodle bowls, we’ve got news. It happens to make an excellent—and lightning-fast—salad.
28. Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Horseradish And Sea Salt
Complete your meal with these tasty potatoes covered with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and herbs.
29. Broccoli And Cauliflower Gratin
The most delicious way to eat more greens? Smother them with Gruyère cheese and heavy cream.
30. Greek Wedge Salad
There’s nothing wrong with a classic—we just lightened it up a touch, with a homemade vinaigrette and tons of vegetable toppings in place of the usual bacon.
31. Coconut Creamed Spinach
Contrary to popular belief, there is a way to make rich creamed spinach without cream. “How?” you ask? Use coconut milk instead.