What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles (23 Perfect Sides)

Wondering what to serve with chicken and waffles? Look no further. I have you covered with 23 side dishes to complement this classic Southern favorite.

There’s something irresistible about the crispy chicken and fluffy waffles combo. But the real question is, what should you pair with it?

From cheesy grits to zesty coleslaw, this list of sides will take your meal to the next level.

Get ready to dig into these perfect pairings for chicken and waffles!

1. Onion Rings

Let’s kick things off with onion rings.

With a similar texture profile as chicken and waffles, they complement each other well.

The sweetness and savoriness of the onions add a new layer of flavor. Together, they make the perfect combination.

2. Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a crowd-pleaser with its sweet and crisp exterior. 

Picture succulent shrimp coated in a coconut breadcrumb topping, fried to perfection.

This side dish pairs well with anything, chicken and waffles included. 

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

3. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are thickly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce. 

They offer a rich, velvety texture and a delightful blend of flavors. 

Why are they the perfect side for chicken and waffles? They add a luxurious creaminess to the plate, making every bite even more indulgent.

4. Stuffed Peppers

This dish features bell peppers filled with beef and rice and topped with tomato sauce. 

It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance and surprisingly easy to whip up. 

Their flavorful explosion and irresistible appeal will elevate your meal to new heights. 

5. Cheese Grits

Meet cheese grits, the perfect Southern side dish. They’re creamy, cheesy, and comforting. 

They’re downright glorious with butter, salt, pepper, sharp cheddar, and garlic. 

The creamy, cheesy goodness complements chicken tenders and fluffy waffles like a charm!

6. Cornbread

This next Southern classic is moist, crumbly, and irresistibly tasty. 

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, buttery, and corn-flavored. 

Its crumbly yet moist texture makes it the ideal side. It adds a playful flavor and texture contrast to your chicken and waffles.

7. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic. It’s made with crisp cabbage and creamy mayo. It has a touch of sweetness and a hint of nutty poppy seeds. 

This sidekick’s crunch and sweet-savory profile perfectly complement chicken tenders and waffles. It adds texture and balance to your meal.

8. Green Beans

Green beans drenched in brown sugar and soy sauce get crispy with bacon and baked to perfection. 

The beans are the star, with a hint of smoky, salty bacon and a sauce that clings, creating a perfect pairing.

It’s a sweet and savory delight that elevates chicken and waffles. 

9. Smashed Potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes are my new favorite side dish. Smashing potatoes for a crispier outer crust is pure genius! 

If you haven’t tried this method yet, you’re in for a treat.

Perfect with chicken and waffles, it creates a satisfying meal. 

10. Collard Greens

Collard greens are braised to perfection and infused with savory flavors and spices. 

Their silky texture and Southern comfort make them a perfect complement to chicken and waffles. 

They add depth and a touch of tradition to your meal, leveling up the experience with every bite.

11. Fried Zucchini

Zucchini slices are transformed into crispy, golden medallions with a parmesan breadcrumb coating. 

They offer a satisfying crunch and a savory, slightly nutty flavor. 

They complement the tender chicken and fluffy waffles with their crunch. 

12. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and smooth, these mashed potatoes practically melt in your mouth. 

The secret is sour cream. It adds richness, tartness, and creamy texture, making these mashed potatoes a standout. 

Their creamy, flavorful nature complements the crispy chicken and fluffy waffles. Together, they create a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.

13. Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is bursting with vibrant colors and flavors! It’s a delightful mix of peaches, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, and bananas. 

The peach pie filling dressing adds a sweet, tangy twist. 

This salad is a visual treat and a flavor-packed companion to chicken and waffles.

14. Steamed Vegetables

Steamed veggies are a fresh, crunchy, and healthy side dish.

They’re perfectly steamed to retain their vibrant colors and nutrients.

They offer a delightful contrast to the indulgent flavors of chicken and waffles.

Steaming preserves their natural taste and texture, making them a nutritious side dish.

15. Sauteed Spinach

It doesn’t sound exciting, but wait until you try the first bite. Sautéed spinach is unexpectedly delicious. 

The leaves are tender, silky, and bright with lemon, with a savory, garlicky kick. 

The freshness of the spinach pairs perfectly with the indulgent flavors of chicken and waffles. 

16. Macaroni and Cheese

Need a little extra loving? Nothing can make you feel better than this combo of carbs on carbs. 

Level up mac and cheese from the box with this upgraded Kraft mac and cheese! It’s too good not to try.

The added cheese and sour cream take the sauce to a new level of richness and cheesiness.

17. Candied Carrots

These candied carrots will get everyone to devour their veggies. Fork-tender and sweet, they taste as good as candy.

The brown sugar glaze turns the carrots into a caramelized treat that’ll win over any crowd.

Buttery, tender, and mildly sweet, they’re a delightful surprise.

18. Buttermilk Biscuits

These warm, buttery buttermilk biscuits are the perfect accent to chicken and waffles. 

Imagine biscuits and waffles sharing a plate. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven.

This copycat recipe brings that famous homemade taste right into your kitchen. 

19. Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is the savory, creamy companion your chicken and waffles crave. It’s hearty, rich, and flavorful.

This classic country gravy is simple yet bursting with taste. 

Rich, thick, and creamy, it’s the perfect sauce for drizzling over chicken and waffles.

20. Potato Salad

This potato salad is a delightful variation of the classic. 

It features starchy potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, all smothered in a rich dressing.

The dressing is where the magic happens. It offers a deeper, sweeter, and tangier flavor than typical potato salad.

21. Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad embodies the comforting flavors of grandma’s kitchen.

Imagine tender elbow macaroni mixed with crisp and fresh vegetables.

Here comes the magic: a creamy dressing with mayo, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. 

The result is a slightly tangy macaroni salad that’s delightfully refreshing.

22. Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Imagine fresh summer corn, perfectly caramelized and drenched in garlic butter.

There’s no need for complicated preparations or firing up the grill. This recipe lets you enjoy the best of corn without the fuss. 

The oven does all the work! 

23. Fried Okra

Fried okra is a Southern delight that makes an excellent pairing with chicken and waffles.

Each piece of okra is crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with umami flavor. 

One bite, and you’ll be hooked. I’ll bet you can’t stop at one serving!