【Many friends often ask me, “What are some easy side dishes that can make chicken even more delicious? How do you make dishes more interesting？” We’re having chicken as our main dish, but do you think it’ll get boring after a while? Well, if the side dishes are done right, we could eat chicken every day without getting tired of it. Side dishes not only add nutrition but also bring freshness to our taste buds and enhance our visual experience. So let’s check out the side dishes and secret recipes I frequently use.】
Chicken wings are absolutely delicious and incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed alongside a variety of mouthwatering side dishes that perfectly complement their spicy, sweet, or tangy flavors. From nutritious salads to indulgent fries, here are some top-notch options for pairing with your chicken wings.
√ Salads:
Salads are a great way to add some freshness and crunch to your chicken wing meal, while also balancing out the richness and spiciness of the wings with light and refreshing flavors. For example, a colorful Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt can pair well with any kind of chicken wings , especially Mediterranean-inspired ones. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying to go with buffalo wings or honey garlic wings or barbecue wings, then try a classic Caesar salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons Parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing of mayonnaise garlic anchovies lemon juice Worcestershire sauce.
– Coleslaw: This crunchy salad is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It’s a classic side dish for fried chicken and goes great with crispy chicken wings too. To enhance the flavor and texture of your coleslaw, you can also add some blue cheese, apple slices or nuts.
√ Fries:
Fries are a classic side dish for chicken wings because they’re crispy, salty, and satisfying. You can whip up your fries at home or grab some frozen or ready-made ones from the store. Plus, you’ve got options when it comes to potatoes – choose between russet, sweet, or red varieties.
– French fries: These are the most common type of fries, and they’re made by cutting potatoes into thin strips and deep-frying them until they turn golden and crispy. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs, and serve them with ketchup, mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. They go well with any kind of chicken wings, whether spicy or sweet.
– Potato wedges: These fries are thicker and chunkier than regular french fries, and they’re usually baked in the oven instead of being fried. They have a soft and fluffy inside with a crispy outside. You can season them with salt, pepper, paprika, or cheese, and serve them with sour cream, salsa, or ranch dressing. They go well with barbecue wings, teriyaki wings, or lemon pepper wings.
– Sweet potato fries: These are kinda like french fries, but they’re made with sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. They’ve got this sweet and savory flavor and a slightly softer texture. You can season ’em up with some salt, pepper, cinnamon, or nutmeg and serve ’em alongside honey, maple syrup, or aioli. They go really nice with honey mustard wings, jerk wings, or Thai chili wings.
√ Vegetables:
Vegetables are a great and delicious side dish for chicken wings, as they can add some vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal. Plus, they bring a nice contrast and variety to the meaty and saucy wings. You have various options for cooking your veggies too, like roasting, steaming, or stir-frying them.
– Roasted bell peppers: These colorful and sweet veggies can be roasted in the oven until they’re soft and slightly charred. You can season them with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Serve them alongside fresh basil, parsley, or even some cheese to enhance their taste. They pair perfectly with Italian wings, garlic parmesan wings, or tangy balsamic wings.
– Steamed broccoli: This is a simple and nutritious veggie that you can easily steam in a pot or microwave until it’s tender and vibrant green. You can add some flavor with salt, pepper, butter, or lemon juice and serve it alongside cheese, bacon, or almonds. It goes well with ranch wings, buffalo wings, or sesame wings.
– Stir-fried green beans: These veggies are super crunchy and packed with flavor! Just toss them in a skillet or wok with some oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. For an extra kick, sprinkle on some sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of honey. They’re the perfect side dish for Asian wings like teriyaki, hoisin, or kung pao.
Tips:
【Greek salad】
You can jazz up the Greek salad with some extra feta cheese, olives, or fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill. You can also drizzle on more olive oil or lemon juice to give it an added burst of flavor and moisture.
To make the Greek salad even more scrumptious, opt for juicy ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, top-notch olive oil and feta cheese, and authentic Greek olives. For a refreshing twist, toss in some chopped fresh mint.
If you want to take the Greek salad up a notch in terms of excitement, throw in some cooked chickpeas, quinoa, or chicken for that extra protein punch and texture boost.
【Caesar salad】
You can jazz up the Caesar salad with extra Parmesan cheese, croutons, or lemon wedges. Sprinkle some black pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of spice and color.
Make the Caesar salad even more delicious by using fresh and crispy romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
For an intensified flavor, consider adding anchovy paste to the dressing. To make the Caesar salad more exciting, throw in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for added protein and flavor.
【Coleslaw】
You can jazz up the coleslaw by adding a dollop extra of mayo, vinegar, or sugar to suit your taste buds.
For an extra kick and freshness, toss in some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives.
To take it up a notch in flavor town, opt for crisp and crunchy cabbage and carrots while adjusting the dressing to your liking.
Consider incorporating apple cider vinegar or lemon juice into the mix for a tangy twist.
And if you want to make things more exciting on the plate, throw in shredded purple cabbage, radishes, or apples for added color and crunchiness.
【French fries】
You can jazz up the french fries by adding some extra salt, pepper, or herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
For an added burst of flavor and texture, you can also sprinkle some cheese, bacon, or green onions on top.
To make the french fries even more delicious, soak the potato strips in cold water for an hour before frying them to remove excess starch and achieve a crispy texture.
Another trick is to double-fry the potato strips for a golden and crunchy result.
If you want to make the french fries more interesting, try cutting them into different shapes like waffle-cut, curly-cut, or crinkle-cut.
Additionally, experiment with various types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, or red potatoes for a special twist.
【Potato wedges】
You can jazz up potato wedges with more cheese, sour cream, or salsa, depending on your taste. You can also sprinkle some chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives for a pop of freshness and color.
To make the potato wedges even more delectable, boil them for 10 minutes before baking to achieve a soft and fluffy interior.
For a golden and crispy result, halfway through baking you can brush some melted butter or oil over the wedges. And to add an extra kick of flavor and texture after baking, top them off with cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.
【Sweet potato fries】
You can jazz up the sweet potato fries with a drizzle of extra honey, maple syrup, or aioli, depending on your taste buds.
For an added touch of sweetness and aroma, sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar over the fries.
To take these fries to another level of deliciousness, coat the sweet potato strips with cornstarch or arrowroot flour before baking them.
This will give them a satisfying crunch and prevent any sticking to the baking sheet. For an even more caramelized result, don’t forget to flip those sweet potato strips halfway through baking.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some spices like cumin, chili powder, or curry to amp up the heat and flavor in these delightful fries.
【Roasted bell peppers】
Depending on your taste buds, you can jazz up the roasted bell peppers with a drizzle of more balsamic vinegar, some fresh basil, or even a sprinkle of cheese.
For an extra burst of flavor and texture, consider tossing in some capers, pine nuts, or raisins.
To make the roasted bell peppers even more delectable, opt for a mix of vibrant colors like reds, yellows, oranges, or greens – this will not only enhance their visual appeal but also elevate their taste profile. For a smokier and charred result that adds depth to the dish, try roasting the bell peppers over an open flame or grill.
And if you’re craving some creamy indulgence after peeling them off the skin post-roasting, go ahead and top them with your choice of cheese like mozzarella, goat cheese or feta – it’ll add that extra touch of melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
【Steamed broccoli】
You can jazz up the steamed broccoli by adding a bit more butter, lemon juice, or cheese to suit your taste.
For an extra kick of flavor and spice, sprinkle salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes over the broccoli. To make the steamed broccoli even more delectable, try seasoning the water with a pinch of salt while steaming it.
This will enhance its flavor and give it a savory touch. If you prefer a crispier and brighter result, steam the broccoli for around 5 minutes instead of longer.
For an added crunch and nutty goodness, top off the steamed broccoli with some almonds, walnuts, or pistachios.
【Stir-fried green beans】
You can jazz up the stir-fried green beans with a drizzle of extra soy sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a dash of red pepper flakes, depending on your taste.
For an added crunch and nutty flavor, toss in some chopped peanuts, cashews, or almonds. To enhance the texture and vibrancy of the dish, blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes before giving them a quick stir-fry.
If you prefer a crispy and slightly charred result, crank up the heat and cook the green beans for about 10 minutes. For an exciting twist, throw in some meat like pork, beef or chicken to amp up both protein content and taste sensation.
Stories for each side dish:
【Greek salad】
The Greek translation of this salad is “village salad.” It’s a traditional dish that you can find in most Greek taverns and homes.
People typically make it with fresh and seasonal ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. The dressing is light and simple olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt.
Some people might also add lettuce, onion, peppers or capers to the salad based on their preference. Usually, people enjoy this salad with bread or alongside meat or fish dishes.
【Caesar salad】
This salad is named after Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American guy who owned a restaurant and came up with it back in 1924.
He was running his joint down in Tijuana, Mexico when he realized he didn’t have all the usual ingredients for his salads.
But being the resourceful dude that he was, he decided to make do with what he had on hand – romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese – you know, the works!
And then there’s this dressing that he whipped up using eggs, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Turns out his customers loved it! And before you knew it, this salad became a total hit not only in America but all over the world.
【Coleslaw】
This salad comes from the Dutch word koolsla, which means “cabbage salad”. It’s been around for centuries and has many variations in different countries and regions.
The basic recipe includes shredded cabbage with a dressing made of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Some people also add carrots, onions, apples, raisins or nuts to suit their taste.
This salad is usually served alongside fried chicken, barbecue or sandwiches.
【French fries】
These fries are also called chips, fries, or fruits depending on where you’re at. They truly originated in Belgium, where people used to fry up little fish as a snack. But when the rivers froze over during winter, they started frying potatoes instead. The fries became super popular in France during the French Revolution when street vendors sold them to hungry crowds. And then they made their way to America and other countries where they’re usually served with ketchup, mayo, or vinegar.