What Goes with Fried Chicken: Unlocking the Secrets of Tasty Duos

Classic Comfort Sides

When it comes to side dishes for fried chicken, classic comfort sides are always a crowd pleaser. One of the all-time favorites is creamy mashed potatoes.

Picture velvety mounds of potatoes loaded with butter and cream, creating the perfect contrast to the crispy fried chicken. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes adds a luxurious element to every bite.

To make the perfect mashed potatoes:

1. Start with russet potatoes and boil them until they’re fork-tender.
2. Drain the water, then add butter, cream, and salt.
3. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.

For an extra kick of flavor, you can add garlic, chives, or cheese.

Another classic side dish for what goes with fried chicken is buttery corn on the cob. Imagine biting into the juicy kernels bursting with sweetness, perfectly balanced with a touch of butter. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.

To make seasoned and grilled corn on the cob:

1. Prepare the Corn:
   1. Start by husking the corn and removing any silk strands. Make sure the corn is clean and ready for grilling.
2. Melt the Butter:
   1. Melt a suitable amount of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop. The amount will depend on how many ears of corn you’re grilling.
3. Season the Corn:
   1. Brush the husked corn with the melted butter, ensuring an even coating on each ear.
4. Add Your Favorite Seasoning:
   1. Sprinkle your preferred seasonings over the buttered corn. You can use spices like paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or a seasoning blend. This step adds flavor and a hint of spice to the corn.
5. Preheat the Grill:
   1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure it’s clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the Corn:
   1. Place the seasoned corn on the hot grill grates. Grill the corn until it’s tender and slightly charred, typically for about 10-15 minutes, turning it occasionally to cook evenly.
7. Check for Doneness:
   1. Test the corn for doneness by piercing it with a fork. It should be tender when the fork easily goes through the kernels.
8. Serve:
   1. Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill. For a delectable meal, serve the seasoned and grilled corn on the cob alongside your fried chicken.

Enjoy your flavorful grilled corn as one of the best what goes with fried chicken side dishes.

Lastly, we can’t forget about coleslaw. This fresh and crunchy side dish provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken. Coleslaw adds flavor to every bite with its combination of cabbage, carrots, and tangy dressing.

1. Prepare the Coleslaw Base:
   1. Shred cabbage and grate carrots. You can adjust the quantities depending on the number of servings you need.
2. Create the Dressing:
   1. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the quantities to taste and the amount of coleslaw you’re making.
3. Combine Base and Dressing:
   1. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Toss the ingredients together to ensure an even coating of the dressing.
4. Experiment with Variations:
5. Get creative with your coleslaw by adding optional variations. For example:
   1. Apple Slices: Add thinly sliced apples for a sweet and crunchy twist.
   2. Raisins: Incorporate raisins for a burst of natural sweetness and texture.
   3. Jalapenos: If you like a bit of heat, include diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
6. Chill and Serve:
   1. Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. It gives the flavors time to meld and enhances the overall taste.
7. Serve:
   1. Serve your homemade coleslaw as a refreshing side dish to complement various meals, including fried chicken.

Enjoy your coleslaw with your preferred variations to suit your taste and add a unique twist to your meal.

These classic comfort sides are the perfect complement to what goes with fried chicken. Their flavors and textures elevate the meal to new heights, creating a truly satisfying dining experience.

So, next time you’re serving up some crispy fried chicken, remember to whip up some creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, and refreshing coleslaw. Your taste buds will thank you.

International Flair

When adding a global touch to your fried chicken feast, a few side dishes will transport your taste buds to different culinary destinations.

One international favorite is Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote.

Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice, Elote adds a Mexican twist to your meal.

1. Grill the Corn:
   1. Start by grilling the corn on a medium-high heat grill until it’s tender and slightly charred. Turn the corn occasionally to cook it evenly, typically for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Apply Mayonnaise:
   1. Once the corn is grilled to your satisfaction, spread a generous amount of mayonnaise over each ear. Ensure the mayonnaise coats the corn evenly.
3. Add Cotija Cheese:
   1. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the mayonnaise-covered corn. Cotija cheese is a crumbly, salty cheese that adds a delicious flavor to the Elote.
4. Sprinkle with Chili Powder:
   1. Lightly sprinkle chili powder over the cheese and mayonnaise. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
5. Squeeze Lime Juice:
   1. Finish your Elote by squeezing fresh lime juice over the corn. The lime juice adds a zesty kick to the dish.
6. Serve:
   1. Serve the Elote while it’s still warm, and enjoy this delightful Mexican street corn as a tasty side dish alongside your fried chicken or as a standalone treat.

The combination of creamy, salty, spicy, and tangy flavors creates a delightful experience. 

Each bite will be bursting with flavors that perfectly complement the what goes with fried chicken.

Another international side dish that pairs well with fried chicken is Korean Kimchi. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, with a spicy kick. The tangy and crunchy nature of kimchi provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken. 

You can make your kimchi by fermenting cabbage with salt, chili powder, garlic, and other spices. If you prefer a shortcut, you can find pre-made kimchi at Asian grocery stores.

Lastly, we have Indian Mango Chutney. This sweet and tangy condiment made from ripe mangoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices adds flavor to every bite of fried chicken. Combining the crispy chicken and the fruity and spicy mango chutney creates a mouthwatering fusion of flavors. To make your mango chutney:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   1. Dice fresh mangoes into small pieces.
   2. Gather sugar, vinegar, and an assortment of spices, such as ginger, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:
   1. In a saucepan, combine the diced mangoes, sugar, vinegar, and the spices you’ve chosen.
3. Simmer the Mixture:
   1. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
   2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Until Thickened:
   1. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mangoes soften and the chutney thickens to your desired consistency. It typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
5. Cool and Store:
   1. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mango chutney cool to room temperature.
6. Serve or Store:
   1. Once cooled, you can serve the mango chutney immediately as a side to your fried chicken or other dishes.
   2. Store any leftover chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use. It can last for several weeks when properly stored.

Now, you can make your delicious mango chutney to complement your what goes with fried chicken or other dishes.

These international side dishes to go with fried chicken will transport your taste buds worldwide while enjoying your favorite fried chicken.

Whether you’re savoring Mexican Street Corn, indulging in spicy Korean Kimchi, or relishing the flavors of Indian Mango Chutney, these side dishes will take your what goes with fried chicken experience to a whole new level of deliciousness.

So, the next time you wonder what goes well with fried chicken, consider adding international flair.