This article was updated on the 7th of September for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your chicken and waffles, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 17 of the most popular side dishes for chicken and waffles.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with chicken and waffles are cream cheese mashed potatoes, rainbow fruit salad, Korean slaw, and mac and cheese. Try arugula salad, roasted asparagus, and collard greens for healthier options. Go with apple compote, peach salsa, and candied bacon for unusual and tasty dishes.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Comfort Food
Chicken and waffles are plenty comforting on their own, but why not take them up a notch and enjoy them with other classic comfort dishes? Be warned though — you might head straight to the couch for a nap after this meal.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (19 ratings) | 25 mins
Tired of your predictable mashed potatoes? Why not try jazzing them up with cream cheese?
Not only will the cream cheese make your mashed potatoes extra rich and fluffy, but it also adds a delicious tangy flavor that keeps this mash from becoming too rich.
Whether you’re making chicken and waffles for brunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with whipping up these mashed potatoes for an indulgent meal.
What the chef says…
“Bring the butter and cream cheese to room temperature before mashing them into the potatoes. The softer the texture, the more easily they mash smoothly with no lumps.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
5.0 ⭐️ (23 ratings) | 25 mins
For the days when you want to have simple but delicious comfort food, this one-pot mac and cheese has your back.
This recipe is as traditional as it can get. It’s made of basic ingredients you already have and comes together in just 25 minutes.
And there’s no denying that serving this classic cheesy noodle dish with your chicken and waffles will make you feel like a kid again. Just imagine mopping up the creamy cheese sauce with your waffles — absolutely delish.
What readers are saying…
“From my son to my mom – everyone loves this recipe every time.”
“Spectacular basic stovetop mac and cheese, just made it. Enjoying now! Put tiny bit of turmeric for color but that’s because we’ve become used to the blue box look.“
“Great, straightforward recipe!! My boyfriend was craving Mac and cheese and I was able to whip this up for him!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Grits
5.0 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 25 mins
Want to add another classic Southern dish to your chicken and waffles? You can’t go wrong with these luscious grits.
The addition of cheddar cheese and jalapenos makes these grits extra rich and adds a lightly spicy kick that’ll tickle your taste buds.
Not a fan of cheddar? No worries, I’ve used other kinds like Parmesan and Monterey Jack and they all worked fabulously. Pepper Jack cheese is another excellent alternative for an extra kick.
Pro-tip: Use old-fashioned grits for the best results.
What readers are saying…
“Great recipe! I added crumbled bacon and three beaten raw eggs before adding the cheese. Makes a wonderful one-bowl meal.“
“I just made half of this recipe today and it was awesome!“
“These are really good, I had to go back to blog post to read instructions for stone ground grits. I am glad I did because they turned out really well with the extra cooking time and more milk. Will definitely make again.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sweet Potato Casserole
4.5 ⭐️ (472 ratings) | 1 hr 15 mins
Add a festive touch to your chicken and waffles with a generous serving of this sweet potato casserole on the side.
It’s a decadent combo, but you deserve a treat once in a while, right?
The mashed sweet potatoes are delightfully velvety and not overly sweet. But what really sets this recipe apart is the pecan streusel on top. It adds a delicious buttery crunch to every bite that’ll have guests coming back for more.
What readers are saying…
“…hands down, the best sweet potato casserole EVER. It had the bunch of us ooo-ing and ahhh-ing! SO delicious!”
“This is my FAVORITE casserole dish! Its been a family recipe for years! I now use coconut milk in place of milk & add organic cranberries to it!!”
“I made this last year for Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. I will definitely make it again this year“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Mashed Sweet Potatoes
🥬 Spinach Casserole
Homemade Tomato Soup
4.8 ⭐️ (90 ratings) | 25 mins
Pairing chicken and waffles with tomato soup isn’t traditional, but this combo is guaranteed to lift your mood!
The sweet-acidic notes of this luscious soup are an excellent contrast to the saltiness of your chicken. And you can even dunk your waffles straight into the soup for the perfect bite.
The Food Charlatan uses canned fire-roasted tomatoes for this homemade soup, which adds a subtle smoky twist. If you can’t find a can, stick with your regular diced tomatoes instead and add a bit of smoked paprika!
What readers are saying…
“My wife said that this was the best tomato soup she has ever had.”
“Absolutely AMAZING!!! My daughter keeps saying, I don’t know what to say, this is amazing, and can we have this every night?!?! She’s only 8.“
“This recipe is so simple and delicious! I’ve made it twice now, and it’s becoming a staple meal.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables and Salads
Chicken and waffles have your carbs and protein all covered, now all you need is a veggie side or a fresh salad for a complete and nourishing meal!
Rainbow Fruit Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (70 ratings) | 20 mins
Make this rainbow fruit salad if you want to lean more on the sweeter side of chicken and waffles for breakfast.
It’s loaded with fresh, perfectly ripe fruits tossed in a lime and honey dressing, which highlights their natural sweetness.
And what I love about this simple recipe is you can use any ripe fruit you have on hand. I’ve even made this with an all-berry medley, which looked and tasted fabulous with my chicken and waffles.
What readers are saying…
“Make this salad all the time for potlucks. People love it such a healthy alternative to all the mayo-heavy salads most people bring.”
“Beautiful and delicious. The dressing adds just enough extra flavor to make this fruit combo a hit!”
“The dressing is wonderful, not too sweet and the fresh lime adds such a nice touch and an interesting flavor! I love it! I’ll definitely be making this again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Korean Slaw
4.7 ⭐️ (46 ratings) | 20 mins
Spice up your chicken and waffles with this Korean slaw. Instead of a mayo dressing, the veggies are tossed in a vinaigrette seasoned with a dollop of gochujang (Korean chili paste), adding a prominent spicy flavor.
And this combination of spicy-tangy notes is exactly what you need to cut through the richness of your fried chicken and waffles.
This slaw can be served immediately, but I prefer making it ahead of time to allow it to rest and let the flavors develop.
What readers are saying…
“This is a wonderful variation on the traditional coleslaw.“
“I usually stay away from salad, but I absolutely adore this recipe! In fact, I have made this twice this month.“
“This salad is awesome! I was looking for some healthier salad options without mayo and I grow cabbage so I needed to use some up. This slaw is at the top of my list from now on.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Succotash
5.0 ⭐️ (12 ratings) | 25 mins
Add a fresh, healthy bite to your chicken and waffles with a serving of this succotash.
It’s a simple and easy dish that comes together in just one pan. Dinner At The Zoo uses bacon grease to cook the veggies, infusing them with a light savory flavor. But if you happen to not have bacon on hand, you can also use olive oil instead.
What I really love about this side dish is that not only is it healthy, but it also brings a splash of vibrant colors to your chicken and waffles. We eat with our eyes first, after all!
What readers are saying…
“You can’t go wrong with fresh veggies, beans and BACON!! My college kids and husband snacked on it all afternoon. SO yummy.”
“This is such a great side for a ton of meals. The mix of veggies is delish and it takes very little effort to pull it together. Fabulous!“
“This recipe has solved the ‘how do I get my family to eat more vegetables’ question! They ask for it at least once a week!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌶 Sweet and Spicy Edamame Corn Succotash
🥑 Avocado and Black Bean Salad
Spicy Collard Greens
4.1 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 1 hr 15 mins
Make your chicken and waffles dinner a complete, nourishing meal with a side of these spicy collard greens.
Their tangy, spicy kick is the ideal contrast to fried chicken and sweet waffles.
The only caveat is these collard greens take a little more time and effort than other side dishes, but they’re genuinely worth it. The long and slow cook makes the greens oh-so-tender and flavorful, plus you end up with a tasty pot likker you can drizzle over the chicken and waffles. Yum!
What readers are saying…
“This was so delicious! It was everyone’s favorite dish out of the whole meal.”
“Great flavors and easy to make, just be prepared for the aroma to fill your kitchen.”
“I have never used ACV in my greens. This was wonderful and the brown sugar help cut the tang.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Arugula Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (44 ratings) | 15 mins
Looking for something quick and easy to serve with your chicken and waffles? This arugula salad fits the bill.
There’s no cooking involved and you only need six ingredients to put together this salad. Most importantly, the combination of peppery arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, and lemon zest is the perfect palate cleanser in between the bites of your greasy chicken and buttery waffles.
Psst… think this salad is a little bare? Dress it up further by adding tomatoes and sliced pears to the mix.
What readers are saying…
“It was perfect the first time. Thank you so much for sharing!“
“Can’t get enough of your recipes!“
“These look absolutely delicious!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍓 Spinach and Strawberry Salad
🍊 Watercress Salad with Orange
Roasted Asparagus
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 25 mins
Turn your chicken and waffles into a classic brunch meal with this roasted asparagus recipe.
It’s straightforward to make, plus roasting the asparagus brings out their natural sweetness, making them a whole lot tastier.
To make it even more fitting for brunch, why not drizzle hollandaise over them too? Foodie Crush’s recipe already includes a quick 3-ingredient hollandaise sauce you can whip up in minutes.
What the chef says…
“Drizzle the warm butter into the blender slooooooowly. This is the most important step so the sauce doesn’t break and separate. Place a kitchen towel over the hole of the blender or cover with your hand as you add the butter so the sauce doesn’t splatter all over you and your kitchen.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Charred Broccoli with Lemon Zest
🍋 Lemon Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Spicy Refrigerator Pickled Okra
5.0 ⭐️ (15 ratings) | 20 mins
Try this quick-pickled okra to add another Southern cuisine favorite to your chicken and waffles!
This recipe starts off like any other quick pickle recipe, but what sets it apart is the addition of dried chili peppers in the brine. This gives the pickles a mildly spicy bite that goes nicely with your fried chicken. I’ve used fresh jalapenos for this and they also worked great.
Pro-tip: Always use fresh okra to avoid ending up with a slimy texture.
What readers are saying…
“My grandsons, ages 7 and 9, are CRAZY about your pickles okra. They even are growing some in their veggy patch this summer. The youngest asked for two jars for his birthday!“
“This is by far one of the most delicious things that I have put in my mouth. Salty, cold, fresh, acidic, crunchy – oh so crunchy.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Condiments and Toppings
These condiments and toppings are the perfect addition to your chicken and waffles if all you need is an extra flavor boost!
Tomato Bacon Jam
4.4 ⭐️ (90 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
Elevate your chicken and waffles with the help of this gorgeous tomato bacon jam. Aside from the tomatoes and bacon for that sweet-savory flair, it’s got vinegar for some tang and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat at the end.
And the best part? You can use any fresh ripe tomatoes for this recipe. Neighbor Food Blog even uses a mix of cherry and Roma tomatoes!
Spoon a dollop of this tomato bacon on your waffles — I can guarantee every bite will be a delight.
What readers are saying…
“It’s so flavorful with the sugar, tomatoes, and caramelized onions, and the texture is so shockingly good.“
“I just made some and this is absolutely fantastic!! I don’t know if any will even be left before my husband gets home from work! Made exactly as stated in the recipe.“
“Absolutely delish! I’m relieved to know that I’m not the only one who was tempted to eat it by the spoonful (I did have a few!).“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Peach Salsa
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 10 mins
Brighten up your chicken and waffles with a helping of this peach salsa.
Like your typical salsa, this is packed with red onions, jalapenos, and cilantro, but the peaches bring a dose of sweetness that works superbly with your buttery waffles and salty fried chicken.
I also like adding pineapple cubes whenever I can get a fresh one to make this salsa even more summery.
What readers are saying…
“My first time making peach salsa and boy was it good!“
“Yours is the first peach salsa I’ve made that I didn’t trash immediately. Thanks from my tastebuds and tummy!!“
“To me, there’s nothing that screams “summer” like the taste of peaches and this beautiful salsa looks like the perfect way to celebrate the season!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Maple Candied Bacon
Total Time: 35 mins
This maple-candied bacon will be a massive hit at your next brunch party.
Crispy, savory bacon covered in sweet maple syrup – it’ll be hard to find a meat-eater who can say no to this treat.
The good news is these bacon slices couldn’t be any easier to make. Simply baste the bacon with honey and brown sugar, then bake until crisp. And as a bonus, your kitchen will smell amazing as the bacon cooks!
Serve these maple-candied bacon strips alongside your chicken and waffles for the ultimate brunch meal.
What readers are saying…
I just made this for the first time. It’s going in the “keep” pile for sure! Truly delicious.“
“This stuff is addictive. Good on EVERYTHING!”
“This is SO good. I couldn’t stop snacking. I added a touch of cayenne for a little heat. It got gobbled up at the party.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Apple Compote
4.5 ⭐️ (34 ratings) | 20 mins
Skip the syrup and smother your waffles with this warm apple compote instead.
This easy dish features the warmth and sweetness of apples, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. I also like adding fresh ginger whenever I have it to make this compote feel even more autumnal.
Psst… got leftovers? No worries, you can use them for dinner, alongside a hearty serving of pork roast or pork chops. Or you can enjoy it over vanilla ice cream for an easy, cozy dessert.
What readers are saying…
“I love these–we just call them fried apples.”
“I made this last night in hopes of having some leftovers for breakfast this weekend. Well, the family got one taste of this and there is none left!! So, so good.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Hot Honey
4.5 ⭐️ (34 ratings) | mins
Think maple syrup is too predictable? Jazz up your chicken and waffles with a drizzle of homemade hot honey.
It’s one of the easiest condiments you’ll make. You simply have to heat the chili flakes and honey until simmering then leave the mixture to steep. After five minutes, your DIY hot honey is ready to use.
The Endless Meal also suggests adding vinegar to get a subtle tangy undernote, similar to what you’d taste in commercial hot honey.
What readers are saying…
“Delicious! Tastes better than anything I can buy at the store. I can’t wait to try this on so many things.“
“THANK YOU this wonderful recipe! Until now I was spending a lot on a lot of different brands of hot honey.”
“I wanted to try hot honey and I found your recipe. I love how it actually tasted like cinnamon honey.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Read Next: The Best Way To Reheat Waffles
What To Serve With Chicken And Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 portion rainbow fruit salad
- 1 portion Korean slaw
- 1 portion mac and cheese
- 1 portion quick-pickled okra
- 1 portion tomato bacon jam
- 1 portion spicy collard greens … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your chicken and waffles according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: cream cheese mashed potatoes, rainbow fruit salad, Korean slaw, mac and cheese, succotash, cheesy grits, sweet potato casserole, spicy collard greens, arugula salad, roasted asparagus, quick-pickled okra, tomato bacon chutney, peach salsa, maple candied bacon, and baked apples.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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