Especially when we've got something fancy like apricot chicken (a sweet-and-savory glazed chicken made with apricot preserves and soy sauce) on our plates.
We've got you covered! Our palate have been through the ups and downs, and we know just the right sides to improve your meal.
Let's be real, a well-paired side dish can steal the show. Are you ready to whip up some tempting combos?
Let's get to it!
Top 10 Side Dishes for Apricot Chicken
Here are our top 10 picks for the best side dishes to serve with apricot chicken. Get ready to take your palate on a wild ride!
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Roasted Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, salt, pepper | Savory, slightly sweet | Easy | 20 mins |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, butter, milk, salt, pepper | Creamy, garlicky | Moderate | 30 mins |
| Buttered Egg Noodles | Egg noodles, butter, parsley, salt, pepper | Buttery, comforting | Easy | 15 mins |
| Steamed Broccoli | Broccoli, water, salt | Crisp, lightly seasoned | Easy | 10 mins |
| Herbed Rice Pilaf | Rice, herbs, onion, garlic, broth | Fragrant, flavorful | Moderate | 30 mins |
| Baked Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, oil, salt, pepper | Sweet, crispy | Easy | 25 mins |
| Sautéed Spinach with Garlic | Spinach, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper | Garlicky, fresh | Easy | 10 mins |
| Quinoa Salad with Feta | Quinoa, feta, vegetables, herbs, lemon | Tangy, refreshing | Easy | 20 mins |
| Dinner Rolls | Flour, yeast, milk, butter, sugar, salt | Soft, buttery | Moderate | 1 hour |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, oil, salt, pepper | Nutty, caramelized | Easy | 25 mins |
1 - Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a fantastic side dish (Asparagus officinalis), with tender spears and charred tips. We love its slightly nutty flavor and crispy tips.
This veggie shines next to apricot chicken, providing a perfect balance - see roasted vegetable sides for balance.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle some sea salt, and roast. It's easy and delicious.
Once you try it, you'll crave it for every meal.
Plus, it's healthy!
2 - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Remember how we said side dishes could steal the show? Garlic mashed potatoes are a prime example.
They bring a creamy, buttery, garlicky goodness to the table.
Imagine that smooth texture and rich flavor, complementing the sweet-and-savory notes of apricot chicken (the roasted garlic helps cut through the sweetness).
Mash cooked potatoes with roasted garlic and butter; for similar pairings, see garlicky sides for buttery shrimp.
We've tried this combo many times. It never disappoints.
Your palate will thank you.
3 - Buttered Egg Noodles
Buttered egg noodles, simple yet profound (made with egg-rich pasta for a tender bite). They are buttery, soft, and slightly chewy.
They are perfect with apricot chicken - also lovely alongside egg-based sides for egg bites.
The buttery richness of the noodles goes with the chicken, giving a full mouthfeel.
As kids, we loved them! They're easy to make and always delicious.
4 - Steamed Broccoli
We all know steamed broccoli. It's healthy, right?
Broccoli brings freshness to the table - see broccoli casserole side ideas.
Toss it with lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon per 2 cups of broccoli). Sprinkle some salt.
The green goodness balances the sweetness of apricot chicken.
As kids, we hated broccoli. Now, it's a favorite.
It just works. Steamed, seasoned, and simple.
5 - Herbed Rice Pilaf
Butter goes with everything (unsalted butter lets you better control seasoning). Especially egg noodles.
They're buttery, soft, and slightly chewy.
They're perfect with apricot chicken - for a heartier grain option, see wild rice side options for depth.
The buttery richness goes with the chicken, giving a full mouthfeel.
We loved them as kids! They're easy to make and always delicious.
It's a win-win in our book.
6 - Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are crispy, slightly sweet, and utterly satisfying. They're perfect with apricot chicken because they balance the dish's sweetness with their earthiness.
Slice, toss in olive oil, and bake until golden. The natural sugars caramelize, creating a delicious crust.
We love these fries for their texture and flavor. They're healthier than regular fries, too (higher in vitamin A and fiber).
7 - Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Spinach has never tasted better (Spinacia oleracea, a leafy green rich in iron and folate). It's simple yet flavorful.
We sauté fresh spinach with minced garlic. The garlic gives a nice punch against the savoriness of the spinach.
This dish goes well with the sweet apricot chicken. Plus, it's quick to make and super nutritious.
We used to hate spinach, but this changed our minds.
8 - Quinoa Salad with Feta
We're loving this Quinoa Salad with Feta.
Quinoa's (a South American pseudocereal) nutty flavor melds beautifully with the tangy feta. The texture is light yet hearty, offering a nice crunch.
The crisp veggies give it that refreshing bite. This side is both nutritious and satisfying.
Personal fave from our past potlucks. It's easy to make and always a hit.
9 - Dinner Rolls
They go great with apricot chicken by adding an earthy taste (slice ¼-inch thick for best crisping).
We slice and toss them in olive oil, then bake until golden. The natural sugars caramelize, making a delicious crust.
Plus, they're healthier than regular fries.
We can't get enough of their texture and flavor.
10 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a useful. They're slightly crispy, a bit nutty, and don't feel super heavy (caramelized edges add a tangy finish).
They pair brilliantly with apricot chicken. The sprouts' tangy caramelized edges balance the chicken's sweetness.
We initially avoided Brussels sprouts. Then, we roasted them with olive oil and a hint of balsamic vinegar.
Now we're hooked.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
