What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles for a Perfect Meal

Chicken and waffles are a beloved comfort food combination that blends crispy, savory chicken with soft, fluffy waffles. Whether you’re making this dish at home or ordering it from a restaurant, it’s important to know what to serve with chicken and waffles to elevate the meal and balance the flavors. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of sides, drinks, and sauces that perfectly complement the rich and savory profile of chicken and waffles.

Table of Contents

Why Chicken and Waffles is a Match Made in Heaven

Before diving into the details of what to serve with chicken and waffles, let’s take a quick look at why this dish works so well together. The contrast between the sweet waffles and the savory, crispy chicken is what makes this dish a fan favorite. The waffles provide a soft, buttery base, while the chicken offers crunch and flavor, often enhanced by a hint of spice or seasoning.

But what to serve with chicken and waffles can take this dish to the next level. By pairing it with the right sides, you can create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that complement each bite.

Sides that Complement the Sweet and Savory Flavor

When considering what to serve with chicken and waffles, the key is to focus on sides that will either complement or contrast the sweet, savory, and rich flavors of the dish. Consider adding items that provide freshness, acidity, or a bit of heat to balance the heavier components. Here are a few options:

Green Beans Almondine: This classic side dish offers a crunchy texture and a light, buttery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chicken and waffles.
Coleslaw: The tanginess of coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish, with its creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables.
Fried Green Tomatoes: If you want something with a little more bite, fried green tomatoes are a perfect addition. The acidity of the green tomatoes balances the sweetness of the waffles.

Each of these sides works to add texture, flavor, and balance to the plate. When you’re thinking about what to serve with chicken and waffles, remember that variety is key!

How to Add Freshness with Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are a great way to lighten up the dish and provide a contrast to the richness of the chicken and waffles. Think of vegetables that offer a crunchy or refreshing texture, or those that have a slight bitterness to balance out the sweetness of the waffles.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

A favorite side dish to serve with chicken and waffles is roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon. The Brussels sprouts’ natural bitterness and the salty bacon create a balanced flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the waffles. Plus, the crispy texture of the bacon adds an extra layer of crunch that contrasts with the soft waffles and crispy chicken.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

For a lighter and fresher side, grilled asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon zest is a fantastic option. Asparagus has a slightly earthy taste, which pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the chicken. The lemon zest provides a citrusy kick that adds freshness to the entire meal, making it a perfect companion to what to serve with chicken and waffles.

Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Another excellent vegetable side for what to serve with chicken and waffles is corn on the cob with a generous amount of herb butter. The sweetness of the corn complements the waffles, while the butter gives a rich, flavorful finish to the meal. You can even sprinkle some chili powder or smoked paprika on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Sauces and Condiments to Elevate Your Chicken and Waffles

When it comes to what to serve with chicken and waffles, the right sauce or condiment can take your dish from good to great. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a tangy twist, or a sweet drizzle, there are plenty of sauces and condiments to enhance the flavors of chicken and waffles.

Classic Maple Syrup

The most common condiment for what to serve with chicken and waffles is, of course, maple syrup. The sweetness of the syrup pairs wonderfully with the savory fried chicken and adds a smooth, caramel-like flavor to the waffles. While it’s simple, it’s undeniably delicious and provides a comforting, traditional touch.

Spicy Honey Butter

For those who enjoy a little heat, spicy honey butter is an excellent choice. The sweetness of honey and butter mixes with cayenne pepper or chili powder to give the chicken and waffles an exciting flavor. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, and adds a rich creaminess to every bite.

Barbecue Sauce for a Bold Flavor

If you’re looking for something more intense, a smoky barbecue sauce is a great addition to your chicken and waffles meal. The deep, rich flavor of the sauce complements the crispy chicken and enhances its savory profile. Whether you choose a sweet and tangy sauce or one with a spicy kick, barbecue sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.

Drinks to Pair with Chicken and Waffles

The right drink can round out your meal and make it even more satisfying. When deciding what to serve with chicken and waffles, don’t overlook the beverage options. From refreshing drinks to hearty options, your choice of beverage will help to balance the flavors and refresh your palate.

Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

A classic drink to serve with chicken and waffles is freshly squeezed lemonade. The tartness of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the meal, offering a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the waffles and chicken. Plus, the bright, citrusy notes add an extra layer of freshness to the meal.

Iced Tea with Mint

For a more subtle, less tangy option, iced tea with fresh mint is another excellent drink to serve with chicken and waffles. The herbal notes of mint infuse the tea, making it a refreshing and cooling beverage to enjoy with your meal. Sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea pairs perfectly with the savory and sweet elements of the dish.

Sparkling Water with Lime

If you’re looking for a light and bubbly drink to pair with your meal, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime can offer the perfect refreshing note. The slight acidity of lime complements the sweetness of the waffles, while the carbonation helps cleanse your palate between bites of chicken and waffles.

Sweet Side Dishes for an Extra Treat

While traditional sides are great for balancing the flavors of chicken and waffles, sometimes a little extra sweetness can enhance the experience. For those with a sweet tooth, these options will give your meal an extra indulgent touch.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a fantastic option when considering what to serve with chicken and waffles. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory chicken, and the crispy exterior adds a nice contrast to the soft waffles. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or drizzle honey for an added layer of flavor.

Fruit Salad with Berries and Mint

Another sweet side dish to complement chicken and waffles is a fresh fruit salad. A medley of berries, citrus fruits, and mint adds a refreshing, sweet, and tangy element to the meal. The natural sweetness of the fruit offsets the richness of the chicken, making this a great side dish to balance the overall flavor profile.

Cinnamon Roll Waffles

For a decadent treat, cinnamon roll waffles are a perfect addition. These waffles are infused with cinnamon and topped with glaze, creating a sweet, indulgent flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken. It’s an extra indulgence that brings the best of both worlds—sweet and savory.

Breakfast Sides for Chicken and Waffles

Since chicken and waffles is often considered a breakfast or brunch dish, you might be wondering what to serve with chicken and waffles for a more complete breakfast experience. Here are a few breakfast-themed sides that will make your meal even more satisfying.

Scrambled Eggs with Cheese

Soft, cheesy scrambled eggs are a classic breakfast side that pairs perfectly with chicken and waffles. The creamy texture of the eggs complements the crispness of the chicken, while the cheese adds richness to the overall flavor. It’s a filling and delicious choice for those looking to enhance their breakfast spread.

Bacon or Sausage Links

For a hearty addition to your chicken and waffles meal, serve crispy bacon or sausage links on the side. The saltiness of the bacon or sausage enhances the flavor of the waffles and chicken, while the savory notes balance the sweetness of the dish.

Hash Browns

Crispy hash browns are another excellent breakfast side that pairs well with chicken and waffles. The golden, crispy exterior and soft interior of hash browns add a satisfying texture contrast to the meal, and their mild flavor makes them a perfect accompaniment to the flavorful chicken.

Conclusion: The Perfect Pairings for Chicken and Waffles

When it comes to what to serve with chicken and waffles, there’s no shortage of delicious options. From fresh vegetables and tangy coleslaw to savory sauces and refreshing drinks, the key is to find pairings that balance the rich flavors of the dish. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying this iconic comfort food at home, these sides and beverages will ensure that your chicken and waffles meal is a crowd-pleaser.

FAQ’s

What are the best side dishes to serve with chicken and waffles?

When deciding what to serve with chicken and waffles, try sides like coleslaw, green beans almondine, or fried green tomatoes. These provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

How do I balance the sweetness of waffles with savory sides?

To balance the sweetness of waffles, consider serving what to serve with chicken and waffles like roasted Brussels sprouts or tangy coleslaw. These sides provide a contrast with their savory or acidic notes.

What drink goes well with chicken and waffles?

Great drinks to pair with chicken and waffles include freshly squeezed lemonade, iced tea with mint, or sparkling water with lime. These beverages refresh the palate and complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Can I serve fruit with chicken and waffles?

Yes! Fresh fruit salad with berries, citrus fruits, and mint is a fantastic side to serve with chicken and waffles. The sweetness and freshness of the fruit balance the dish’s richness.

What is the best sauce for chicken and waffles?

Spicy honey butter, classic maple syrup, and barbecue sauce are all popular choices. Each enhances the flavor profile of chicken and waffles with its sweetness, richness, or smoky kick.

What vegetables go well with chicken and waffles?

Roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus with lemon zest, and corn on the cob with herb butter are great vegetable sides that complement chicken and waffles.

Can I serve breakfast sides with chicken and waffles?

Yes! Scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon or sausage links, and crispy hash browns are perfect breakfast sides to serve with chicken and waffles for a complete meal.

What are some spicy options to serve with chicken and waffles?

For a spicy twist, try serving chicken and waffles with spicy honey butter, sriracha sauce, or jalapeño cornbread to add heat and complement the dish’s sweetness.

What kind of potatoes go well with chicken and waffles?

Sweet potato fries or regular crispy French fries are excellent options when deciding what to serve with chicken and waffles. Their savory taste and crispy texture balance out the sweet waffles.

Is it okay to serve dessert with chicken and waffles?

Absolutely! Cinnamon roll waffles or a sweet fruit compote are perfect ways to add an extra touch of sweetness to what to serve with chicken and waffles, turning your meal into a delightful treat.

What sauces should I avoid serving with chicken and waffles?

Avoid overly creamy sauces or those that are too rich, as they might overwhelm the delicate balance between the chicken and waffles. Stick with lighter options like honey mustard or hot sauce.

How do I make chicken and waffles more nutritious?

For a healthier twist on what to serve with chicken and waffles, try pairing the dish with grilled vegetables, a fresh fruit salad, or a light vinaigrette coleslaw to add fiber and nutrients.

Can I serve chicken and waffles for brunch?

Yes, chicken and waffles is an iconic brunch dish! Pair it with light sides like fruit, salads, or lighter cocktails for a well-rounded and filling brunch experience.

What can I serve with chicken and waffles for a large group?

When serving chicken and waffles for a crowd, opt for large batches of sides like macaroni and cheese, green beans almondine, and mashed potatoes. These can easily feed multiple guests while complementing the dish.

Can I make chicken and waffles gluten-free?

Yes! You can make gluten-free waffles and serve them with gluten-free chicken or a plant-based protein to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Pair with sides like roasted vegetables and a tangy coleslaw for a complete meal.