15 Tastiest Southern Side Dishes For Fried Chicken

15 Southern Side Dishes For Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is basically chicken coated in batter and then deep-fried until golden brown. Yet somehow, it tastes like heaven!

It’s got that crisp on the surface and juicy on the inside characteristic that’s just so enticing. With the proper gravy to go with it, it’s the ideal comfort food.

And when it comes to fried chicken, I always have to serve it with other Southern sides. There is simply no other option!

Here are 12 delectable side dishes to turn your fried chicken into a Southern feast!

1. Biscuits

Biscuits are a true Southern comfort food. I don't think you can call it a Southern lunch until there are biscuits on the table!

And the combination of fried chicken and biscuits is to die for. The flakiness of the biscuits matches the softness of the chicken wonderfully.

While there are other biscuit recipes available, simple buttermilk biscuits are always my favorite.

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2. Mac and Cheese

Fried chicken is mostly protein, so you'll need something starchy to balance it out. When it comes to Southern starches, nothing beats good old-fashioned mac & cheese.

Tender, juicy, flavorful chicken combined with rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta? That is just pure love.

3. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a traditional side dish for barbecue, but they also go well with fried chicken. Its sweet and smokey flavors perfectly complement the flavorful chicken.

Furthermore, baked beans are hearty, so it will readily appease those growling stomachs.

Oh, and here's a trick for making your baked beans even more delicious: top them with crisp and smoky bacon slices!

4. Cornbread

Aside from biscuits, cornbread is another baked dish that goes very well with chicken. Whether sweet or savory, the delicate and crumbly bread goes perfectly with fried chicken.

I like to soak up all of the creamy gravy for that melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

5. Mashed Potatoes

While mashed potatoes aren't really Southern, they go perfectly with southern fried chicken.

Make some mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and juicy fried chicken for a meal fit for a king (or queen!).

6. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies, like fried chicken, are a Southern delicacy that's deep-fried to perfection. That's most likely why they go so well together! True, it's sinful, but it's also completely enticing.

Here's some interesting trivia: They believe these cornmeal batter balls gained their name because a cook used them to quiet some barking dogs.

Now, I don't have the tapes to back up the story, but one thing is certain: hush puppies are delicious.

7. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a wonderful way to complete off your fried chicken meal, whether you choose the more classic mayo-based dressing or the tangier vinegar-based dressing.

It's crisp, refreshing, and acidic, and it goes nicely with the rich and flavorful fried chicken.

8. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a simple side dish, but sometimes simplicity is all you need. Especially when you're eating anything as delicious as fried chicken.

Instead of simply boiling corn on the cob in water, try cooking it in milk and butter! It enhances the flavor of the corn and adds a touch of Southern flair.

9. Fried Okra

You're already deep-frying chicken, so why not utilize the leftover oil to make fried okra? If you want to spice things up even more, add some crushed pecans to the cornmeal batter for an extra crispy side. This small addition is unbelievably delicious!

10. Fried Green Tomatoes

If you can't get enough of fried foods, here's another delicious option. Fried green tomatoes are the epitome of Southern cuisine.

Plus, they're delicious and simple to make! Simply dip green tomato slices into cornmeal batter and cook till golden brown.

They go nicely with fried chicken, but they can also be used in salads and sandwiches.

11. Green Beans

Green beans generally take 5 minutes to prepare, but if you can simmer this vegetable for a little longer, it will be even more delicious. Cook them for 2 hours for delicate green beans that are overflowing with juice. It goes great with fried chicken and cornbread!

12. Potato Salad

Aside from mashed potatoes, another Southern tradition is potato salad. This creamy side, with a hint of mustard, provides a wonderful sharpness to balance out the richness of the fried chicken.

To make that incredibly creamy salad, use only Duke's mayo to coat your potatoes!

13. Baked Potatoes

Another spud delicacy that goes great with fried chicken. It's creamy, rich, and full — just what you need to complete your dinner.

Load your baked potatoes with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions for a fantastic side.

14. Squash Casserole

If you want something sweet to offset the heaviness of the fried chicken, a summer squash casserole is the side for you. This delicious and refreshing southern staple. Plus, it's so simple to prepare that you can even cook it in the microwave!

15. Peach Cobbler

Let's finish on a pleasant note, shall we? Peach cobbler is possibly the most traditional Southern dish.

This dessert is the perfect way to end your meal, with sweet and juicy peaches, a flaky crust, a crunchy crumble topping, and plenty of butter and spices.

To make it even more delicious, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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