What To Serve With Popcorn Chicken? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Popcorn chicken is a crunchy, bite-sized treat that everyone loves. These little nuggets of fried goodness are perfect for snacking but can also be the star of your meal.

The question is, what side dishes can elevate this crispy classic? Here are 15 sides that go amazingly well with popcorn chicken, offering a range of flavors and textures to keep every bite exciting.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with popcorn chicken are potato wedges, korean corn dogs, blooming onion, mac and cheese, mashed sweet potatoes, blistered tomatoes, hush puppies, Popeyes Sweet Heat Sauce, garden salad, coleslaw, Buffalo cauliflower bites, garlic bread, French fries, and Greek yogurt dip.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Potato Wedges

There's something incredibly satisfying about pairing two kinds of potatoes together. Potato wedges are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and serve as the perfect vessel for dips. The hearty texture of these wedges pairs wonderfully with the crunchy popcorn chicken, making for a delightful combo of comfort foods.

2. Korean Corn Dogs

Why not add a bit of international flair? Korean corn dogs, unlike their American counterparts, often feature a crust of panko or even fries. The sweet and spicy sauces drizzled on top can offer a flavor contrast that makes the popcorn chicken even more delectable.

3. Blooming Onion

The blooming onion is a fun and shareable side dish that matches the finger-food vibe of popcorn chicken. Its crispy layers and spiced batter offer additional crunch, while the tangy dipping sauce that usually accompanies it adds a splash of zest to your meal.

4. Mac and Cheese

Good old mac and cheese can be a heartwarming side to popcorn chicken. The creaminess of the cheese sauce and the tender pasta offer a textural contrast to the crunchy chicken. Plus, the richness of the dish perfectly balances the light, crispy bites of chicken.

5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and velvety texture that pair perfectly with crunchy, savory popcorn chicken. The contrasting flavors create a harmonious blend in each bite. A touch of butter and cinnamon can add an extra layer of warmth to this comforting side dish.

6. Blistered Tomatoes

If you're looking for something lighter, blistered tomatoes can be a wonderful choice. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes, accentuated by the blistering process, provides a juicy, refreshing counterpoint to the fried chicken. A sprinkle of herbs can add an extra layer of flavor.

7. Hush Puppies

These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a Southern staple that can bring a touch of down-home comfort to your popcorn chicken meal. With their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, hush puppies offer a similar yet distinctly different texture and taste that complements the chicken beautifully.

8. Popeyes Sweet Heat Sauce

For a dipping sauce that packs a punch, Popeyes Sweet Heat Sauce brings a blend of sweetness and spiciness that can elevate your popcorn chicken to the next level. It's the perfect sauce for those who like a little kick without overpowering the original flavor of the chicken.

9. Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad brings a burst of color and lightness to a meal filled with fried delights. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette offer a refreshing palate cleanser. The light, fresh elements of the salad complement the richness of the popcorn chicken, creating a well-rounded meal.

10. Coleslaw

Coleslaw offers a creamy, tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with fried foods. Its mixture of cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing brings an element of acidity that balances the heaviness of fried chicken, making each bite feel lighter and more balanced.

11. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

For a spicy twist, consider adding Buffalo cauliflower bites to the mix. The soft, flavorful cauliflower florets covered in a spicy Buffalo sauce offer a different take on the heat and crunch found in popcorn chicken.

12. Garlic Bread

What's not to love about buttery, garlicky bread? This side dish offers a flavorful, aromatic element that complements the savory popcorn chicken. A slice or two provides a lovely texture contrast and makes the meal even more satisfying.

13. French Fries

If you're all about that fry life, you can't go wrong with adding French fries to the mix. Perfect for dipping in ketchup or any other sauce, these crispy, salty sticks of goodness offer a familiar and comforting touch.

14. Baked Zucchini Fries

If you're looking for a healthier option that still offers a crunch, baked zucchini fries are a great choice. Lightly breaded and baked until golden, these veggie sticks offer a different but delightful form of crunch that works well with popcorn chicken.

15. Greek Yogurt Dip

A creamy Greek yogurt dip, flavored with herbs and a squeeze of lemon, can serve as an excellent condiment. It's lighter than most creamy dips but offers a tangy, flavorful experience that pairs well with the crunchy chicken.

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