What To Serve With Chicken – Top German Side Dishes For Chicken

by: Lydia Fulson  /  Writer, Artist, Traveler, Granddaughter & Ever-Learning German Cook

Chicken is a classic main meat, and finding the right sides to pair alongside, may be a challenge for some. That's totally okay! But worry no more. Here you can find loads of side ideas that Oma shared with me to serve with chicken. 

As you scroll through these side dishes, you're guaranteed to find one that's to your liking. Veggies, potatoes, you name it, you'll find them here! Some sides may be more German than others. However, they're all too lecker not to mention.

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Oma's oven-fried chicken above is tender and seasoned to perfection!

Chicken is a great option for a main dish. If you're hunting for something versatile and easy to whip up, chicken should be your go-to. There are so many ways to cook, roast, and fry chicken, so that you can never get tired of it! There's always something new to try.

That's what makes it so great for family dinners, cozy weeknight snacks, and barbecue season.

Take a look at this oven fried chicken recipe made by my Oma. While this may not seem traditionally German, just add some paprika into the rub to make it so!

Paprika is very German to add into recipes. Make this to serve with one or more of the delicious sides below for a scrumptious German meal.

Or, if you're an air fryer lover like me, Lydia, here's my air fryer rotisserie chicken recipe. The rub on this one is similar to Oma's oven fried chicken, only this roast chicken is made in the rotisserie basket of the air fryer! It's so handy!

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Let's get started on these delicious recipes!

Let's kick off our Top Sides To Serve With Chicken by starting with ...

Salad Sides

Salads are a classic side. They go with anything and give a fresh feeling to your regular weeknight dinner. Here are some of my favorites to pair with chicken. Green salads like Greek salad are common, but why not change it up with these super traditional German ones instead?

1. Creamy Cucumber Salad

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Prepare to hear lots of "oos' and "aahs" with this traditional German Cucumber Salad, aka Gurkensalat. The Northern version, made with cream.

Using any type of cream in recipes is very common in Northern german heritage. It's always a staple at our summertime family get-togethers and special occasions. Oma grew up eating this one all the time, since she's from Northern Germany, and because it was a favorite of her Mutti.

I was skeptical of this salad at first growing up I thought, 'Cucumbers? In a salad?'. But once I gave it a try, it became one that I too loved. 

2. Corn Salad

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This German recipe for corn salad, aka Maissalat is colorful and quick, a great addition to a summer buffet or picnic. It's among the best unusual salad recipes because it really is so easy. 

This can be made with fresh or canned corn, making it super easy to find the ingredients. Adding in the bright peppers and tomatoes makes it a feast for the eyes as well. The perfect addition to your chicken dinner. It's like a colorful fruit salad, but with veggies.

This is another one that I had never heard of before Oma introduced it to me. She said it was a 'new' addition to German cuisine. But trying new and unusual things is what keeps life interesting! 

3. German Potato Salad

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If you're on the look out for a truly authentic German salad, this potato salad recipe, aka Kartoffelsalat is it! The whole family will be reaching for seconds with this recipe. It's the type that Oma grew up with, the one that's common in northern Germany (yes, that means it's made with mayo!)

Traditionally, you will see this salad served alongside sausage or bratwurst. But the great thing about this side is that it pairs well with other meats as well, like chicken! 

The dash of dill gives that kick that makes the salad complete. Take a look at my air-fried bratwurst recipe if you are looking to make that traditional meal. It's a quick one!

Potato Sides

Everyone loves a good potato side. No matter the shape, size, or how it's served, you know it's a choice that will be loved!

4. Hasselback Potatoes

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Hasselback potatoes, aka Fächerkartoffeln! Hasselbacks are a great way to WOW your guests. They will quickly become a family favorite. They've certainly become a favorite recipe of mine.

This healthy side is easy to make, easy to dress, and easy to chop. I know, it may look like an intimidating recipe to make, but the cutting part is a lot simpler than it looks. Hasselbacks are a great way to still get that comforting feeling from the classic potatoes, but make it look fancy and fun.

Drizzle with ketchup, sour cream, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese or keep it classy and eat it by itself so you can indulge in all of those seasoning flavors!

This next one is an honorable potato mention. This recipe may not be on the website, but it's a top contender as one of the easiest chicken side dishes out there.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another great potato side. They have been a top side dish for centuries, and is one that I always choose in a restaurant. They're so easy, with just a few simple steps. Boil your potatoes, mash them with milk and butter to get them creamy, and season as you wish.

I can't just not mention such a great side that can be made in so many delicious ways.

Chicken and creamy mashed potatoes go together in such a comforting way. Add some roasted garlic and black pepper for a little kick, or add shredded cheese and bacon bits! That's my go-to. Don't forget to top with one of Oma's gravies, like the famous gravy from her German rouladen recipe! What? A beef gravy on chicken? Why not? It's yummy! Trust me on that.

6. Fried Potatoes

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German fried potatoes, aka, Bratkartoffeln, are the way to go. The best side dishes can be done quickly, and this one can be on your plate in 15 minutes!

Fried potatoes have been my family's go-to camping dish for years. The best part was that they could be done quick and easy, over the fire or on the barbecue. This made them the perfect side dish in our eyes.

You can even turn these into a light dinner or a more filling side. Simply pour beaten eggs into frying pan over the potatoes, toss and let them cook together. Now you have something very similar to Hoppel Poppel! My Dad does this with shredded cheese on top! Lecker!

7. Sweet Potatoes 

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Here's one for all you air fryer lovers out there. My air-fried sweet potato recipe, aka Luftfritteuse Süßkartoffeln. I often make this as a snack because it's just that good.

It just takes a few easy steps to make. Simply brush olive oil, sprinkle seasonings, lay on air fryer pan, and VOILA ... delicious sweet potatoes! The brush of olive oil gives the skin such an irresistible crispness. 

Sweet potatoes may not be traditionally German, but this veggie has gained popularity for good reason. Give this a try and serve alongside your favorite chicken dish for an easy weeknight dinner. This perfect paired meal will become the star of the show.

Now, let's move onto our last category.

Want to know which recipes are Oma's favorites? Grab your copy of her very favorite recipes in Favorite German Recipes eCookbook.

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

Vegetable Sides 

Vegetable sides! Serve one, two, or more. For our family dinners, Oma always chooses two veggies. 

First up, let's start with another air fryer favorite.

8. Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower

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My air-fried buffalo cauliflower bites are something a little different. They're spicy, flavorful, and pair perfectly with chicken and a simple array of veggies like celery and carrots. Don't forget some blue cheese dressing to dip them in! 

Air fryers are all the rage nowadays, and these cauliflower bites are starting to climb their way to popularity too! You can often find them on menus as a newer healthy alternative to wings. It's a great way to use up those cauliflower florets sitting in your crisper drawer.

But if you're just looking for a fun and new cauliflower recipe to serve alongside chicken, this is it! They also make a great snack by themselves if you want a late night spicy snack.

9. Creamy Brussels Sprouts

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Looking for a bold, brave and creamy side dish to pair with your chicken? Well, these Brussel sprouts, aka Rosenkohl, with a creamy sauce would be an excellent choice.

I never used to enjoy brussel sprouts growing up until I had Oma's. This is a great way to get the kids to eat their sprouts. That extra creaminess kind of mutes the boldness of the veggie itself and gives it a lovely flavor. When Oma adds in the cream, it's a game-changer!

Looking for something a little different? Maybe vegan? Check out my Aunt Sylvie's brussels sprouts with balsalmic vinegar. Made with maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and cooked to perfection!

10. Roasted Carrots

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Last but not least is Oma's pan-cooked carrot recipe, aka Karotten. This is another super quick side, taking just 20 minutes of your time! A real traditional German treat for your taste buds and a real simple recipe that makes one delicious side.

Pan-frying the carrots is one of the simplest ways of cooking them quickly. This was how my Oma's Mutti loved to make them. So for our family, it's another classic comfort food. They taste just as good as being done in the oven! 

Don't those all look so easy and lecker? Now that we've made it to the end of our top sides to serve with chicken, it's time to get cooking, frying and creating!

Just follow the links, get your favorite apron out and enjoy some kitchen time.

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.