Food is our love language, and chicken thighs have a special place in our hearts. They are juicy, tender, and practically scream, “Celebrate me at the dinner table!”
It’s hard to go wrong when we toss them on the grill or bake them with our favourite spices.
What’s the secret to making chicken thighs even better? It’s all about the sides. We’ve had our fair share of not-so-great pairings that turned the meal into a bit of a flop.
So, let’s make sure our chicken shines by giving it some tasty company. Here are the best side dishes that will have your dinner plate looking like a feast!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Chicken Thighs
Here are the top 13 side dishes that will make your chicken thigh dinner complete:
1 – Lemon Garlic Orzo
What’s our go-to for a zesty side? Lemon garlic orzo, hands down. This dish brings quick comfort with its buttery goodness and citrus kick.
Cooking orzo is a breeze. Just boil, drain, and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Add some herbs, and you’re in business. We often sprinkle parsley or basil for freshness.
It pairs well with nearly everything. Chicken thighs, fish, or a hearty salad—it’s a match made in mealtime heaven.
2 – Roasted Root Vegetables
Ever notice how roasting vegetables takes them to another level? They get all caramelized and sweet, and it’s just magic.
We often toss carrots, potatoes, and parsnips together. Chop them up, hit them with some olive oil, and add salt and pepper.
Roasting brings out their natural flavours. Keep an eye on them so they cook evenly.
Add some rosemary for a fragrant boost. Great with chicken thighs or alone as a light snack. Simple and totally a winner.
3 – Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
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Another classic side dish on our list: creamy spinach and artichoke casserole. This dish has all the gooey goodness we crave. Spinach, artichokes, cream, and cheese—what’s not to enjoy?
We simply mix these ingredients and bake until it’s bubbly.
You can serve this as a dip or a side. A great addition to chicken thighs or just scooped up with chips.
4 – Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrots can be pretty bland without a little magic. Honey glazed carrots change that.
We peel and chop, then toss them in a pan.
A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of salt make all the difference.
We cook them on medium heat until they’re tender and that glaze sticks.
These carrots add color to any meal and work well on the plate.
They’re sweet, vibrant, and a wonderful side.
5 – Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet potato mash is like a warm hug on a plate. This dish offers creamy goodness that’s hard to resist. We boil or steam sweet potatoes until soft and mash them with some butter or cream.
A pinch of salt makes everything pop. Mix in brown sugar or cinnamon for that extra kick. It’s simple to whip up and pairs well with almost anything.
This side dish is also a great alternative to regular mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes give us that vibrant colour and a touch of sweetness.
6 – Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan
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Grilled zucchini—it’s like summer on a plate. We slice it up, toss it with some olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper.
Grilling makes it smoky and tender. Add parmesan for a cheesy twist.
We love to serve it alongside chicken.
Zucchini is super low in calories, so we can munch away guilt-free.
If we get extra creative, a balsamic drizzle takes it to another level.
It’s quick to whip up and never gets boring on our plates.
7 – Saffron Rice
Saffron rice is like sunshine for your plate. It’s all about the vibrant colour and aroma.
We start with white or brown rice. A pinch of saffron threads infuses everything with a lovely golden hue.
Add some broth for richness and cook it all together. It pairs well with various dishes.
Leftovers also reheat well, keeping that beautiful colour. A touch of lemon or herbs can give it an extra kick.
We often make extra because it’s just that good.
8 – Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Couscous sounds fancy, but it’s just tiny pasta. This salad is a delightful mix of fresh veggies and herbs.
We toss in tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, making it bright and refreshing.
Add a lemony dressing and you’ve got a winner.
It’s super versatile. Goes well with chicken or just on its own.
We usually prep it ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting awhile.
Experiment with spices or nuts for extra crunch. It’s a colorful addition to any table.
9 – Parmesan Polenta
What’s more comforting than creamy polenta topped with parmesan?
Polenta is simple to whip up. We cook it in water or broth until it’s smooth.
Adding parmesan gives it a rich flavor. It thickens up nicely and can be served soft or let it set and slice.
We often pair it with roasted veggies or grilled meats for a tasty meal.
This dish is flexible; it can be a side or a base for anything.
Sometimes we mix in herbs for a fresh twist. Easy to make and totally filling.
10 – Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Ready for some thick, roasted cauliflower steaks? These guys bring bold flavor.
We slice cauliflower into hefty steaks, which makes them feel hearty.
Season well with salt, pepper, and spices.
Roasting caramelizes the edges, giving them a nice crunch.
We often drizzle them with balsamic or tahini to amp up the flavor.
These steaks are great on their own or swiped up with a sauce.
This dish fits well with any protein we’re cooking. Keep a close eye; they cook quick!
11 – Quinoa Pilaf with Herbs
Quinoa pilaf with herbs? It’s like a fancy grain party on our plates. This dish is protein-packed and super easy to make. We just cook quinoa in broth, then toss in our favorite herbs.
Add some sautéed veggies for color. This pilaf can stand alone or complement chicken. We often whip it up for meal prep. It’s tasty hot or cold, making leftovers a plus. Don’t forget to check for seasoning; a sprinkle of salt takes it up a notch.
12 – Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Grilled asparagus with lemon zest is a real winner when it comes to adding brightness to meals.
We simply toss the spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Then we toss them on the grill until they get those lovely char marks.
A touch of lemon zest right before serving takes it to a new level.
Great for summer barbecues or as a quick side during the week.
We often keep them on the grill for just the right crunch.
Overall, it’s a super easy way to sneak in veggies and impress guests.
13 – Garlic Butter Mushrooms
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Why do mushrooms get all the love? Garlic butter mushrooms are simple yet tasty. They cook up quickly and taste amazing.
Just heat some butter in a skillet, toss in the mushrooms, and add garlic.
Season them up with salt and pepper. Nothing fancy, just good eats.
We appreciate that they work as a side or a topping. Pair them with steaks or serve as a stand-alone snack.
These mushrooms are known for their rich flavor. They give every meal a little extra something.
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.