What To Serve With Shredded Chicken: 16 Tasty Side Dishes

Looking for a crowd-pleasing, versatile protein? Shredded chicken is the answer. Its subtle, tender flavor pairs well with a multitude of sides, making it a go-to for any occasion.

Whether you're piling it high on a sandwich, stirring it into soup, or simply serving it over rice, here are 16 amazing side dishes that complement shredded chicken wonderfully.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with shredded chicken are French fries, zucchini boats, taco soup, fettuccine Alfredo, garden salad, spinach artichoke dip, grilled asparagus, mashed sweet potatoes, pico de gallo, chicken Alfredo pizza, Asian coleslaw, stir-fried vegetables, guacamole, quinoa salad, sautéed green beans, and cornbread.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. French Fries

A classic side dish, French fries offer a satisfying crunch and saltiness that balance the tender texture of shredded chicken. Whether you opt for thick-cut steak fries or slender shoestring fries, their starchy, crispy goodness is sure to be a hit alongside the chicken.

2. Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats, hollowed out zucchinis filled with a variety of ingredients, make a nutritious and delightful side dish. The mild flavor of zucchini allows it to pair well with the chicken, while the added fillings can range from veggies to cheeses to complement the main dish.

3. Taco Soup with Ranch

Taco soup, packed with hearty beans, corn, and spicy flavors, provides a warm, comforting side dish to shredded chicken. The robust flavors of the soup wonderfully complement the chicken's subtlety, making for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy.

4. Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy, rich fettuccine Alfredo adds a touch of decadence to shredded chicken. The pasta's velvety, cheese-laden sauce pairs excellently with the lean protein, while the noodles provide a satisfyingly firm bite.

5. Garden Salad

A crisp, fresh garden salad adds a refreshing note to shredded chicken. The raw veggies provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken, while a zingy dressing helps to cut through the richness of the protein. It's a light, healthy side that rounds out the meal.

6. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Creamy, tangy spinach artichoke dip makes for a rich and flavorful side. It's a particularly good match if you're serving the shredded chicken in a sandwich or wrap. Alternatively, you can enjoy the dip with some crusty bread as a pre-meal appetizer.

7. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus, with its charred flavor and tender-crisp texture, adds a refined touch to shredded chicken. It brings a slightly sweet, earthy taste that works beautifully with the mild chicken, while the grilling process enhances the asparagus's natural flavors.

8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes bring a sweet and savory balance to the plate. Their creamy texture and natural sweetness offer a lovely counterpoint to the savory chicken, creating a harmonious pairing that feels comforting and homey.

9. Pico De Gallo

This fresh, chunky salsa brings a splash of vibrant flavor to the mix. The combination of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime provides a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken, while the heat from jalapenos adds a spicy kick.

10. Chicken Alfredo Pizza

For a deliciously meta combination, pair your shredded chicken with a chicken Alfredo pizza. The creamy, cheesy base of the pizza is elevated by additional chicken, resulting in a double-whammy of poultry goodness that's sure to satisfy.

11. Asian Coleslaw

A mix of fresh veggies in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, Asian coleslaw is an excellent side for shredded chicken. The slaw adds crunch and freshness, its tangy dressing a great contrast to the subtle flavor of the chicken.

12. Stir-Fried Vegetables

Packed with colorful veggies and flavorful sauces, a stir-fry makes a delightful side for shredded chicken. It offers a plethora of textures and flavors, creating a balance of sweet, sour, and savory that pairs well with the chicken.

13. Guacamole

Creamy, zesty guacamole is a match made in heaven for shredded chicken. The avocado-based dip brings richness, while lime juice and cilantro add freshness. Whether used as a topping or enjoyed on the side, guacamole enhances the chicken beautifully.

14. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad, whether loaded with veggies, cheese, or both, offers a nutritious, filling side. The grain's nutty flavor complements shredded chicken, while the ingredients in the salad can be adjusted to match your meal's flavor profile.

15. Cornbread

Sweet, crumbly cornbread offers a delightful contrast in texture to shredded chicken. Its sweetness balances the savory chicken, while its fluffy texture makes it a comforting accompaniment.

16. Sautéed Green Beans

Sautéed until just tender and seasoned with garlic, sautéed green beans are a simple yet satisfying side. Their inherent sweetness and the char from sautéing work well with the mild flavor of shredded chicken.

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