This article was updated on the 11th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your crack chicken, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 16 of the most popular side dishes for crack chicken.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with crack chicken are baked potatoes, sauteed broccoli, baked mushroom rice, and Greek farro salad. For healthier options, try mango slaw, grilled romaine, keto tortilla chips, and roasted cauliflower. For unusual yet tasty options, try Belgian waffles and corn ribs.
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.
Starchy Sides
Crack chicken comes with a rich, creamy sauce and what better side dish to help you soak it all up than something hearty and starchy? You’ll likely need a nap right after this meal, though!
Baked Potato
4.8 ⭐️ (245 ratings) | 52 mins
Make your crack chicken a heartier meal with a side of these baked potatoes.
They’re easy to make, and the most work you’ll be doing is prepping the potatoes. The rest is playing the waiting game. After 50 minutes, you’ll get potatoes with crispy exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors.
Scoop a heaping serving of your crack chicken over the freshly baked potatoes to get that perfect bite. Delicious!
What readers are saying…
“Made these exactly the way you did. Awesome, the best baked potatoes ever. Thanks for sharing!“
“OMG! My potatoes turned out perfect! My go to recipe for baked potatoes.“
“My first time baking potatoes. I followed your instructions. Results were ‘Perfect Baked Potato ‘! Thank you!!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Baked Mushroom Rice
4.9 ⭐️ (69 ratings) | 45 mins
Making crack chicken for a crowd? This baked mushroom rice is an excellent side dish that’s a breeze to prepare.
And you don’t have to do any hands-on cooking. The oven does it for you! You only need to layer the mushrooms over the rice and broth, and then you’re ready to bake! After about 35 minutes, you’ll have a fluffy, buttery rice dish loaded with flavors and juicy, golden brown mushrooms.
Pro-tip: Use long-grain rice for best results.
What readers are saying…
“Made this for dinner tonight and with all you recipes it was totally delicious.”
“Loved, loved, loved this. It was so delicious. The aroma of the garlic and mushrooms cooking in the oven was amazing.”
“Wow! Umm…. Extremely tasty not gonna lie. I love every recipe made with rice and this one is definitely one of my favorites.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧅 Wild Rice with Cranberries and Caramelized Onions
🌾 Quinoa Pilaf with Crimini Mushrooms
Lemon Garlic Pasta
5.0 ⭐️ (17 ratings) | 25 mins
This lemon garlic pasta is a great starchy side to serve with your crack chicken.
The noodles are tossed in a bright, citrusy butter sauce that helps cut through the richness of your crack chicken, making each bite well-balanced. The recipe also includes seared shrimp and scallops that bring a mild sweetness that rounds out the entire dish.
Pssst… If you want a crack chicken pasta dish, check out this crack chicken pasta bake.
What readers are saying…
“Very light and fluffy!”
“These rolls turned out beautifully! Perfectly tender crumb and lovely flavor.“
“Great recipe! They turned out perfect! Didn’t have potato flour so I used bread flour, and I used fast acting yeast instead of instant yeast and let it proof 30 minutes longer…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Hawaiian Rolls
4.6 ⭐️ (47 ratings) | 3 hrs 35 mins
These Hawaiian rolls aren’t exactly a side dish, but we can all agree that creamy shredded crack chicken pairs well with them.
Imagine your soft, fluffy, sweet rolls smothered in creamy, cheesy crack chicken? They also have a subtle sweetness that make each bite a delight.
If you ever crave crack chicken sliders, go the extra mile and make the rolls yourself. They’re easier to make than you think, but you’ll need a bit of patience because they require an hour and a half of proofing time.
What readers are saying…
“Very light and fluffy!”
“These rolls turned out beautifully! Perfectly tender crumb and lovely flavor.“
“Great recipe! They turned out perfect! Didn’t have potato flour so I used bread flour, and I used fast-acting yeast instead of instant yeast and let it proof 30 minutes longer…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sweet Potato Fries
4.4 ⭐️ (86 ratings) | 75 mins
If you want to shake things up, whip up these baked sweet potato fries to go with your crack chicken.
These take a little bit of work, but I think the effort is worth it. You’ll get crispy, healthy fries with a lip-smacking combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
And you won’t need a dip when serving them with your crack chicken — the creamy sauce is perfect for dipping!
What readers are saying…
“I made this the last night, I had a few fries left so now I’m making again tonight! I must say this is the best fries! This is now my GO -TO – DISH pefect for lazy night or just snacking!!“
“Best thing I’ve made in weeks.”
“I made these last night, following your recipe down to each precise detail … and the results were totally delicious! No more soggy sweet potato chips for us…“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥕 Carrot Fries
🧘♀️ Zucchini Fries
Vegetable Sides
Crack chicken has your protein quota covered, but you’ll still need a veggie side to get your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients. Plus, with all the yellow and beige colors of your chicken, you need something bright and fresh on the plate!
Sauteed Broccoli
5.0 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 15 mins
If you want to avoid carbs, sauteed broccoli is an excellent accompaniment to your crack chicken.
It’s a simple, healthy side dish that’ll only take you 15 minutes to cook. Plus, the lemon juice and garlic powder do wonders in elevating the flavors of the broccoli.
But I like to take things up a notch by adding freshly grated lemon zest and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The zest amps up the citrusy notes even more, while the pepper flakes bring a touch of heat that’ll make your taste buds tingle.
What readers are saying…
“Sooo good!! 😋”
“I am now a convert, this is superior to oven roast, and quicker, I LOVE this way to cook broccoli and have passed the recipe to many.”
“This has become my new go-to method! Saves so much time over roasting.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥦 Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
🌱 Broccoli Rabe with Garlic
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
4.8 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 50 mins
Hate brussels sprouts? This dish might just change your opinion about them.
Reminiscent of smashed potatoes, your boiled Brussels sprouts are seasoned and roasted until they become crispy on the outside. No mushy and bland Brussels sprouts in sight with this dish!
Serve a plate of these with your crack chicken for a healthy snack or a low-carb dinner that feels indulgent in every bite.
What readers are saying…
“Looks so dang good!!!”
“This recipe was so delicious and easy to follow… Finally they turned out great and my wife enjoyed them as well!”
“I love this cooking method! Pro tip- cover the Brussels with parchment paper, and then smash with a rubber mallet. You’ll save a lot of time, and pain on your wrist lol.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍯 Brussels Sprouts with Warm Honey Glaze
⌚ Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Green Beans Almondine
4.5 ⭐️ (270 ratings) | 20 mins
Make your crack chicken a healthier meal by adding this green bean almondine. It’s a quick and easy dish you can cook and serve within 20 minutes.
The green beans are crisp-tender, and the almonds are crunchy, providing a welcome textural contrast to the crack chicken. The lemon juice and zest also add a refreshing, zesty note to this dish. And the brown butter sauce adds a nutty note that pairs well with the creaminess of your crack chicken.
Psst… Don’t overcook the green beans or they’ll turn soggy and limp!
What readers are saying…
I’ve made these twice now with garden fresh green beans. Fabulous!
“These are terrific!! I cheated a bit and microwaved my bag of haricot verts for a few minutes and finished them up in the skillet.“
“I’ve made these a few times and everyone loves them! The lemon zest adds a zing to the garlic/shallot flavor, and I always add more almonds.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Maple Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower
Total Time: 30 mins
This isn’t your usual roasted cauliflower dish. It features a maple sriracha glaze that takes your humble cauliflower florets up another flavor level.
The glaze helps caramelize the florets and develop those irresistibly crisp edges. And it’s also responsible for that sweet, spicy, salty flavor combination that perfectly contrasts with your creamy crack chicken and will have your guests coming back for more.
I like finishing these sticky cauliflower florets with freshly chopped parsley, but you can also go with cilantro if you want.
What readers are saying…
“This was delicious!! A bit spicy for my kiddos, but I’m thinking I’ll do half the sriracha on their portion next time. It was a hit with my husband too!“
“Loved this recipe! So much flavor and easy to make. I will double it next time.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Salads
Your palate can easily get overwhelmed with the different kinds of cheese in crack chicken. So you’ll need something fresh and light on the side to offset all the richness!
Greek Farro Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 35 mins
Thinking of a healthy dish to go with your crack chicken? This Greek farro salad is an excellent choice.
It’s loaded with vegetables, farro, and chickpeas, making it chock full of vitamins, fiber, and protein. It’s hearty, but won’t weigh you down, making it the perfect dish to complete your low-carb meal.
Got leftovers? No worries, this salad lasts for up to three days so you can enjoy it for the next day’s lunch or dinner.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe was delicious! I usually use romaine for Greek salads, but I loved the arugula. The pepperiness like you said complemented all the other toppings!”
“Great go-to marinated salad!“
“This was so delicious! Will be a staple.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mango Slaw
4.4 ⭐️ (77 ratings) | 20 mins
Looking for something light and fresh to serve alongside your crack chicken?
This mango slaw is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a staple in fish tacos, but it works as a side dish for crack chicken too.
Unlike traditional coleslaw, it features a vinegar-based dressing that provides a delicious contrast to the creaminess of the crack chicken. And the mangoes add a bit of sweetness to balance the tart dressing.
Psst… Turn your crack chicken into wraps with flour tortillas and top them with this slaw for a delicious summer treat.
What readers are saying…
“This is the best receipe ever! Love it and it makes me feel good after eating! Super healthy.”
“Made as directed! Was delicious on chunky chicken tacos. I omitted the cilantro cause of an allergy. Will make again, so good!“
“I LOVE this mango slaw! So fresh and flavorful! Try adding lime zest if you love the taste of lime.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (85 ratings) | 15 mins
If you hate kale salads because of the tough, bitter leaves, this recipe is a game-changer.
The secret is to massage the kale leaves with the dressing. Sounds odd, I know, but this technique softens the leaves and infuses them with bright, citrusy flavors that mellow out their bitterness.And if that’s not enough, Peas and Crayons add buttery breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, bringing a nutty twist and a crunchy bite to the once-boring kale salad.
What readers are saying…
“Such a simple yet awesome Kale Salad! Definitely use fresh squeezed lemon juice and good-quality parmesan.”
“This was delicious! Great salad recipe and great way to incorporate kale into my diet. Fresh, light and tasty!!”
“I’ve been obsessed with this salad! Made a batch last weekend and I’m making more today. Such an easy but delicious salad.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fun Sides
Think outside the box and enjoy your crack chicken with some fun sides to switch things up. These dishes may not be a traditional accompaniment, but I guarantee you they taste delicious with crack chicken.
Belgian Waffles
4.7 ⭐️ (48 ratings) | 30 mins
Got leftover crack chicken from last night’s dinner? Enjoy them over these Belgian waffles!
These waffles are crispier than your typical waffles and have deeper pockets too, making them the perfect base for your crack chicken. They’re also extra fluffy, thanks to the addition of egg whites in the batter.
You can serve these waffles on the side, but I prefer smothering them with the crack chicken for that irresistible sweet and savory flavor combination.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe is easy to follow and comes out great every time. Everyone enjoys the delicious waffles.”
“Made these for the family. They just raved about them and told me this recipe is a keeper.“
“The best waffles… I’ve made these several times. My family loves them!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Garlic Grilled Romaine
5.0 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 10 mins
Serving crack chicken at a barbecue? Take advantage of the fired-up grill and throw on a couple of heads of romaine lettuce for a spin on your usual fresh salad.
If you haven’t tried these yet, you’re missing out. The greens get an irresistible smoky flavor that’s further enhanced with a dash of parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice.
I also like finishing the grilled greens off with a pinch of red pepper flakes for the slightest hint of kick.
What the chef says…
“This dish won’t keep well so make sure you serve immediately. If you leave it too long the lettuce will start to wilt and the flavor will go off.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Grilled Caesar Salad
🥰 Grilled Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Feta
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
4.9 ⭐️ (16 ratings) | 10 mins
Add a fun twist to your crack chicken with these internet-famous corn ribs.
They’re like corn on the cob, except these are cut into quarters, so they’re crispier, easier to eat and pick up.
Plus, the best part is you can flavor these with whatever you like – this recipe from Upstate Ramblings uses a classic garlic powder, paprika, and butter combo. But I personally prefer an Italian seasoning blend.
What the chef says…
“Microwaving before slicing the ears softens the cob and makes cutting easier. But still, be extremely careful when cutting it into fourths… Use a sharp knife, and do not rush through the cutting. If it isn’t working, cut the ears in half horizontally and make shorter ribs.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌽 Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
🇲🇽 Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
Keto Tortilla Chips
5.0 ⭐️ (188 ratings) | 17 mins
If you’re making a keto-friendly version of crack chicken, you should also whip up a batch of these keto tortilla chips.
This pairing makes for the perfect guilt-free afternoon snack.
These chips are like your regular tortilla chips – extra crispy and dippable, but with far fewer carbs and calories. And the best part? You only need 3 ingredients to make these low-carb tortilla chips.
What readers are saying…
“I made this morning for the Super Bowl tonight. They are so good, I can hardly stay out of them! So nice to have a chip I can eat.“
“I just made these and we really like the flavor when used with a salsa/dip.“
“I made 1/2 batch of this recipe and still got 40 tortilla chips! The dough was so thin it was translucent. The chips are cooling on a rack but I snuck one and it was so good!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Crack Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 portion crack chicken
Instructions
- Prepare your crack chicken according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: baked potatoes, sauteed broccoli, baked mushroom rice, Hawaiian rolls, greek farro salad, mango slaw, smashed brussels sprouts, Belgian waffles, lemon garlic pasta, green bean almondine, roasted cauliflower, grilled romaine, sweet potato fries, air fryer corn ribs, and keto tortilla chips.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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