What To Serve With Chicken Paprikash? 17 BEST Side Dishes

Chicken paprikash is a hearty and rich dish, filled with the warmth of paprika and the tenderness of slow-cooked chicken. But what do you serve on the side to round out this classic meal?

Here are 17 amazing side dishes that make chicken paprikash even better. Each side brings something different to the table, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with chicken paprikash are jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, caramelized carrots, polenta, steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini noodles, green beans, butter lettuce salad, garlic bread, roasted cauliflower, sweet corn, orzo pasta, cucumber pickles, red cabbage slaw, herb biscuits, and egg noodles.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is aromatic and has a slightly sticky texture that's great for soaking up the flavorsome sauce of your chicken paprikash. Boil it with a dash of salt until it's tender and fluffy. The subtle fragrance and lightness of jasmine rice make it an excellent side that doesn't overpower the main dish.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a creamy delight that pairs incredibly well with the richness of chicken paprikash. Boil some potatoes until they're tender, and mash them up with some butter and a splash of milk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. They're like a fluffy pillow for that delicious paprikash sauce.

3. Caramelized Carrots

Peel and slice some carrots and cook them slowly in a pan with a bit of sugar and butter. The result is a sweet and tender side dish that offers a different kind of sweetness compared to the paprikash. The color also brightens up your plate.

4. Polenta

Polenta is cornmeal that's been boiled into a creamy consistency. It's a different kind of base that can soak up all that lovely paprikash sauce. Stir in some butter and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Its smooth texture complements the chunky nature of the chicken.

5. Steamed Broccoli

Sometimes you just need something green to balance out a hearty meal. Steamed broccoli does just that. It's easy to make and adds both color and a different texture to your plate. Plus, it's a healthy option that still tastes great.

6. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sauté some sliced mushrooms in a pan with a little bit of garlic and your choice of herbs. Mushrooms have a meaty texture and earthy flavor that work well with the complexity of the paprikash sauce. They're a great way to add some extra heartiness to your meal without overpowering it.

7. Zucchini Noodles

If you're looking for a lighter option, zucchini noodles are a great choice. Spiralize some zucchinis into noodles and sauté them quickly in a pan. They have a tender, yet firm texture and a mild flavor that doesn't clash with the robust flavors of chicken paprikash.

8. Green Beans

Blanch some green beans and toss them in olive oil and a bit of garlic. The crunch and bright color of green beans add a fresh contrast to the rich and warm tones of the chicken paprikash.

9. Egg Noodles

A classic with chicken paprikash, egg noodles offer a chewy, satisfying base that's perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Boil them until they're just tender and toss them in a bit of butter to prevent sticking. They have a way of making the chicken and rich sauce shine, pulling the whole dish together into comfort food bliss.

10. Butter Lettuce Salad

Butter lettuce has a delicate, almost sweet flavor and a soft texture. Toss some butter lettuce leaves with sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and lemon juice. The salad adds a light and refreshing element that balances out the richness of chicken paprikash.

11. Garlic Bread

Slice a baguette or any bread of your choice and toast it in the oven. While it's still warm, rub a garlic clove over the surface and spread some butter on top. Garlic bread adds a crispy, flavorful touch to the meal and is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

12. Roasted Cauliflower

Cut cauliflower into florets and toss them in olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. Roast them in the oven until they turn golden brown. The roasted cauliflower is both nutritious and tasty, with a hint of caramelization that pairs wonderfully with chicken paprikash.

13. Sweet Corn

Boil or grill some sweet corn and season with butter, salt, and a sprinkle of paprika. The sweetness of the corn complements the spicy, rich sauce of the chicken paprikash, and the kernels add a fun texture to each bite.

14. Orzo Pasta

Cook orzo pasta until al dente and mix with a little olive oil, salt, and maybe some parmesan. The small, rice-like shape of the pasta fits well on a fork with chunks of chicken, making it easy to get a bit of everything in each bite.

15. Cucumber Pickles

For something tangy, a side of cucumber pickles can add a refreshing bite. The vinegary snap of the pickles can cleanse your palate between bites, making each taste of chicken paprikash feel like the first.

16. Red Cabbage Slaw

Shred some red cabbage and mix with a tangy vinaigrette. The slaw adds a burst of color and a different type of crunch to the meal. It's a bright and lively contrast to the deeper flavors of chicken paprikash.

17. Herb Biscuits

Bake some biscuits infused with herbs like rosemary or thyme. The flaky, buttery layers make these biscuits irresistible and offer another way to enjoy the delicious sauce of your chicken paprikash.