A Collection of Great Side Dishes to Order with Chicken

Cheese balls are one of the most popular sides for chicken. Their crispy coating, sweet batter, and savory cheese complement the saltiness of the chicken perfectly. Especially when eating spicy chicken, adding cheese balls can slightly tone down the heat. However, since both chicken and cheese balls are fried, it can become greasy quickly, so pairing them with a refreshing drink or chicken radish is a good idea.

Cheese balls go particularly well with spicy chicken or salty soy sauce chicken. The creamy cheese and sweet batter help temper the intensity of the sauces. Just be aware that as they cool, the texture of the cheese can become less appealing and greasy, so it’s best to eat them right away when the chicken arrives. If dining with multiple people, be sure to order enough based on the number of pieces to avoid running short.

French fries are a classic side that pairs well with chicken. Their crispy texture matches fried chicken nicely, and they are perfect for dipping in leftover sauces from soy sauce chicken or seasoned chicken. Thick wedge fries are hearty, while thin fries provide extra crunch. When dining with a group, if the amount of chicken feels insufficient, french fries satisfy those hunger pangs.

French fries are a great option for using up leftover chicken sauces. Dipping fries in seasoned chicken sauce or soy sauce chicken sauce tastes delicious even without a separate sauce. Thick wedge fries give a more substantial meal feel, while thin french fries deliver a crisp snacking experience. If the delivery takes a while, they can lose their crunch, so a quick refresh in the air fryer can bring back their texture.

Tteokbokki is a perfect side when you want a meal-like experience with your chicken. Dipping fried chicken in the tteokbokki sauce delivers a different sweet and spicy flavor compared to seasoned chicken. Pairing boneless chicken with tteokbokki allows for easy eating with a fork, making it great for watching movies or games together. However, since both the chicken and tteokbokki can be quite rich in flavor, managing the spice level is important.

Tteokbokki greatly enhances the satisfaction of a late-night snack enjoyed with chicken. Dipping fried chicken into its sauce results in a unique sweet and spicy flavor distinct from seasoned chicken. Do note that if both the tteokbokki and chicken are spicy, the overall experience might become overwhelmingly rich. If you order spicy chicken, opting for rose tteokbokki or a milder version is a good way to balance the flavors.

Corn salad is a side that gently balances the greasiness and spiciness of chicken. The sweetness of corn and the creaminess of mayonnaise help to refresh your palate amidst the strong flavors of chicken. It pairs exceptionally well with intense dishes like spicy chicken or garlic chicken. While it's not a large serving, adding a couple of spoonfuls enhances the overall meal balance.

Corn salad, although small, plays a significant role at the table. When eating spicy chicken, it softly tones down the heat, and with salty items like soy sauce chicken or garlic chicken, its sweetness creates a nice balance. It’s a lighter accompaniment compared to heartier sides like cheese balls or french fries. When eating at home, you could prepare a similar version with canned corn and mayonnaise.

Although chicken radish may seem small, it plays an important role in a chicken meal. It provides a tart contrast to the greasiness of fried chicken and the sweetness of the sauce, making the next piece all the more enjoyable. If dining with multiple people or ordering heavily flavored dishes like seasoned or garlic chicken, adding chicken radish can be quite beneficial. Crunchy radish has a higher satisfaction level than overly sweet or watery varieties.

Chicken radish is a classic side that pairs with all types of chicken. Especially when enjoying flavorful items like seasoned chicken, garlic chicken, or spicy chicken, the tartness of radish resets your palate. If chicken radish is in short supply, the latter portions of the meal can feel greasy. When dining in a group, it’s a good idea to order extra chicken radish or supplement with pickles or pickled radish at home.

Cabbage salad brings back the nostalgic vibe of traditional chicken shops. Adding ketchup-mayo or sesame dressing to finely chopped cabbage lightly controls the oiliness of fried foods. It's softer and more filling than chicken radish, making it a great fit for family meals. When enjoying chicken at home, just preparing cabbage separately makes the table feel much less heavy.

Cabbage salad contributes to a more balanced chicken meal. When crunchy vegetables are introduced to a table heavy with fried foods and sauces, it diminishes greasiness and stabilizes fullness. The ketchup-mayo style evokes the traditional chicken shop feel, while sesame dressing adds a nutty flavor. It pairs well with spicy chicken as the mayo-based dressings help to soften the heat.

Sotdak sotdak adds a snack-like feel when ordered alongside chicken. The chewy texture of rice cakes combined with the savoriness of sausages makes it popular among kids and a reliable option for beer pairings. However, if the sauce is sweet and thick, it may clash with the flavors of seasoned chicken. It pairs better with cleaner dishes like fried or soy sauce chicken.

Sotdak sotdak fills in the textures and satisfaction that mere chicken might lack. The chewy rice cakes and savory sausages are great for snacking, making them very popular for late-night gatherings. Just be aware that a sweet and thick sauce might overlap with the flavors of seasoned chicken, so it’s better paired with relatively cleaner choices like fried or soy sauce chicken.

Onion rings are a flavored fried side that offers more aroma than french fries. The sweetness of onion and the crunchy batter pair beautifully with chicken and have a strong beer snack appeal. They work well with cleaner dishes like fried chicken or wings. However, when paired with heavily seasoned chicken, the overall meal may feel greasy and sweet, so it's beneficial to have drinks or salads on the side.

Onion rings provide the sweetness of onion along with crunchy batter, making them a more aromatic side than french fries. If you are enjoying chicken with beer, the snack vibe is amplified. Yet, since both chicken and onion rings are fried, it can feel greasy, so pairing them with chicken radish or salad is advisable. They work well with sauces like ranch, mustard, and spicy mayo.