Once again I am writing with a love of food and now it’s time to talk about what I like to serve with my roast chicken.
I have had many heated arguments (usually in a pub garden) regarding the best meat to be served for a Sunday roast dinner.
As you can imagine, ale was spilled but with no real end in sight to the conversation.
Want to see a declious roast chicken recipe? See my fav here.
I am of course writing about the best side dishes today however I ought to quickly include a few techniques for creating a tasty roast chicken.
- Season the cavity well and add a lemon or some stuffing.
- Release the breast meat from the skin without pulling it off and massage garlic butter and thyme between them.
- Salt the skin well and roast on a higher heat for the first 30 mins for a crispy result!
- Brine the chicken in a salt solution the day before cooking or even try smoking it on a pellet grill.
I Want The Sides To Be The Star Of The Show!
The whole idea of this post came to me from a certain sadness when my friend left a copious amount of veg on her plate after I had spent all day preparing a roast.
When I asked her why she left them, her answer was “they are cold and you only spent 5 minutes boiling them”.
This made me a little sad.
Sides have every right to be a centerpiece for a roast and I hope that my list gives you some creative ideas.
No sides will be left uneaten again!
My Favorite 8 Side Dishes To Serve Up With Roast Chicken!
I have had certain inspiration from my British heritage and I do say that we do any roast a good deed!
I have also included the recipe links for the ones I approve of, so you can try them for yourself.
Happy eating.
Oh, and I have also included the cooking time as the key to a great roast is the timings!
Ohh most people like to serve chicken with gravy but I think you need to try Greek tzatiki with it!
It works perfectly together! Here is my favorite tzatiki recipe
Buttered Asapagas Wrapped in Ham With Sea Salt Flakes (15mins)
My first pick is simple but still a show-stopper.
Asparagus has a certain earthy taste and when cooked correctly and a firmer texture is always welcomed in the green vegetable family.
I found this delicious recipe that starts by steaming them for 5 minutes then wrapping them in ham!
Put them in a dish and layer with cheese and sauce and sprinkle with sea salt to serve.
They should have a charred taste that compliments the butter with still a slight firmness to hold their own.
Have Some Leftover Roast Chicken?
The best thing about roasting a whole chicken is the leftovers! The recipes below are perfect for lunches and dinner!
Below are some of my favorite ways to use leftover chicken!
Spicy Cashew Chicken Vermicelli
Greek Basil And Cherry Tomato Quinoa Salad With Tamari Chicken
Homemade French Fries
Everyone serves chicken with roast potatoes!
Why not try something different!
These french fries are super simple and tasty!
Greek Pasteli Salad
Looking for something different to serve with your chicken?
This Greek reecipe is super simple to make but is really delcious and pairs well with roast chicken!
You can either make your own pasteli or but it at a Greek supermarket!
Want something a little lighter? Try this delicious Greek salad!
Have Some Leftover Roast Chicken?
The best thing about roasting a whole chicken is the leftovers!
Below are some of my favorite ways to use leftover chicken!
Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup
Malfouf Salad (10 mins)
This is another light and fresh salad!
Cabbage works so well with chicken especially when the lovely Middle Eastern flavors are added to this salad!
Most people serve roast potatoes with there chicken but this is a nice alternative if you want the punchy flavor but not the heavy carbs!
Air Fryer Aloo Gobi
Looking for something different to serve with your chicken?
This recipe makes delish little morsels of well seasoned bits of potato and cauliflower that the whole family will looove to eat!
Plus it comes out nice and crispy!
Sweet Chilli and Maple Roasted Butternut
Want to branch out from roast potatoes?
You have try pumpkin instead!
It goes perfectly with chicken!
Plus the sweet and spicy flavors give it a delicious kick!
See the recipe here
Have Some Leftover Roast Chicken?
The best thing about roasting a whole chicken is the leftovers!
Below are some of my favorite ways to use leftover chicken!
Chicken and Sweet Corn Pasta Salad
Cheesy Garlic & Potato Creme Gratin (70mins)
The layers of potato with nutmeg cream & roasted garlic are the stuff of dreams.
Who wouldn’t tuck into this first?
Make sure you have a tray with depth as multiple layering is key to the correct density. It will also take less time if you have a mandolin to cut them precisely.
If you don’t, be careful with a very sharp knife to cut them evenly.
I use russet potatoes as they contain less starch and you won’t need to boil them first as much.
Be creative with the cheese you use and layer up every ingredient to ensure the whole dish is covered in creamy delights.
Serve hot with a little crust on the top.
Bon Appétit!
Brussel Sprouts With Garlic Butter and Pancetta (15 mins)
When I found this delicious recipe I was so excited to try it! I added in the pancetta as an extra!
If you’re like my brother and hate these smelly little cabbages I would ask you to try frying them with salty pancetta before starting to make a judgment.
We have all too often eaten boiled or steamed mush that once resembled a Brussel sprout although I implore they are more than this!
Make sure you have removed any loose outer leaves and cut off the hard stalk part at the bottom center of the spout.
Cut them in half before frying.
Once these have been part cooked, add pancetta to a hot frying pan and brown with some butter. You can even add some shallots or chili.
When the spouts start charing, remove from heat and serve with grated lemon zest on top!
Airfryed Crispy Potatoes (23 mins)
Everyone loves roast potatoes with a roast chook!
But have you tired air frying your potatoes?
It takes half the time and they always come out super fluffy inside and crispy on the outside (without the need for oodles of oil!)
We jazzed up the recipe below takes it to the next level of adding some deeelish truffle salt (for that hint of poshness)
Chicken Gravy Filled Yorkshire Pudding (30mins)
A Yorkshire pudding originates from Yorkshire in the UK (I know, who would’ve guessed)?
Imagine a pancake batter added to hot goose fat in an oven tray and subsequently rises when cooking.
It might be strange for you to imagine having a large pancake with your roast but just hear me out.
It is great to soak up the gravy which I am also including!
The flour, egg, and milk batter can be made the night before and stored in the fridge.
The trick is using a small muffin tray that has been in the oven with your fat of choice (I use duck).
Adding the batter to hot fat will create the rising effect and for god sake, don’t open the oven until they are ready!
A good gravy will make a roast dinner.
Ensure this by using the meat juices and a bay leaf for extra flavor.
Cornflour will always help thicken but make sure it gets dissolved properly.
Green Tomato Chutney
A yummy chutney always goes well with chicken!
I really love whipping my this green tomato chutney with my end of season tomatoes!
I think it is best to make it a week before as the flavors will develop.
Roast Pumpkin Salad (50mins)
Looking for a light dinner? Rather than heavy roast potatoes why not turn a roast pumpkin salad with your chicken?
Throw the pumpkin in the roasting pan with your meat and let then cook!
All you need to do then is throw then with some spinach and feta and you have a delicious light meal
See the recipe here
Caesar Salad (30mins)
They is nothing like a classic caesar salad!
Its perfect with roast chicken and makes for a easy summer meal!
Pork, Onion & Leek Stuffing (40mins)
Stuffing is a sure way to incorporate fresh herbs and flavor into a roast dinner. I always like to use sausage meat and leek as it goes well with chicken.
Choose whether to make it before and put it into the chicken cavity or roast it in the oven as little balls of taste heaven.
I like using fresh sage and sourdough breadcrumbs from bread that has been left out of the packaging for a day or 2!
The best thing about stuffing is that you can get creative. Why not try adding some citrus fruit zest or even some fennel seeds for an aromatic surprise!
Stuff yourself with stuffing!
I’m a traditionalist so I will wait for Sunday to start my roast dinner side adventure!
I hope that wherever day and wherever you are there is a tasty side next to your roast dinner to be explored.
Until next time.
Thank you! This is very handy!
I love roast chicken, and these sides all sound amazing! I agree with you that leftover roast chicken is the best!
What a great collection of recipes. I need to give that pho a try, it sounds easy and delicious.
So many wonderful ideas here! Save this article for some great recipes!
I love all the ideas for what to do with leftover roast chicken! It’s so versatile and easy to make into so many delicious recipes.