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Here are 30+ family favorite side dishes to serve with Chicken and Rice Casserole! Who doesn’t love a steaming plate of Chicken and Rice Casserole? It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day of the week. But here’s the fun part: what are the best side dishes to serve with it to make the meal even more amazing? Well, that’s what we’re here to talk about. We’ve got a bunch of tasty sidekicks that’ll turn your chicken and rice casserole recipe into a full-on feast that the whole family will devour!
Creating a delicious, comforting meal with a chicken and rice casserole is a breeze. You’ve got the tender rotisserie chicken (or leftover chicken) and nutty wild rice (or use white rice or brown rice if you wish), all smothered in a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sautéed onions and celery along with heavy cream. Add in a mix of colorful frozen veggies, and as it bakes, the cheesy crust turns golden, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. But what should you serve alongside this delectable dish? Well, whether you’re after a fresh, crunchy side, or something with a burst of flavor, we’ve got some great options for a complete meal. Let’s see if we can find your perfect side dish.
What To Serve With Chicken and Rice Casserole (Over 30 Ideas!)
Veggie Mix: Some steamed or roasted veggies, like broccoli, carrots, green beans, or asparagus, make the casserole even better. These colorful veggies jazz up your meal with some extra flavor and healthy vibes.
Salad: You could try this Broccoli Salad with Bacon, it’s sweet, creamy, and crunchy with fresh broccoli, homemade dressing, and lots of bacon. Or maybe this refreshing Kale Salad is more your style! Even a simple side salad would be an easy side dish.
Bread Options: Pair your casserole with some crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread. It’s great for mopping up the tasty sauce or for crafting yummy chicken and rice sandwich bites.
Soup: I love to add a soup to my dinners for that extra touch of warmth. You can try this classic Cream of Mushroom Soup or this Pumpkin Soup for a bowl full of fall goodness!
Salsa and Guacamole: If you want to add a bit of a Tex-Mex twist to your meal, serve your chicken and rice casserole with some Homemade Salsa and Classic Guacamole.
Yogurt or Sour Cream: A little scoop of yogurt or sour cream is a great way to add a cool and tangy twist to your casserole.
Cheese: I used cheddar cheese in my chicken wild rice casserole as an optional topping, but you can substitute parmesan cheese, colby jack or any other cheese your heart desires. Your casserole dish would be so sad without a little cheese added to it, wouldn’t you say?
Fried Plantains: Want a taste of the Caribbean? Try pairing your casserole with some crispy, sweet fried plantains. They bring that awesome mix of sweet and savory to the party.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw has so much more potential than a simple pre-made salad mix and can taste so much better when made from scratch. And it can add a satisfying crunch and a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that complements the casserole well.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: If it’s the grilling season, some corn on the cob with butter and herbs can be a tasty side dish.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are smooth, silky, and have that extra creamy texture. They taste just as delicious as the stovetop version, but made easier because we used the crockpot! Talk about comfort food!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: If you love sweet potatoes, you’re going to love Mashed Sweet Potatoes! This is one of those side dishes that could go with literally any main dish, has rich flavor, and is such an easy recipe to make.
Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad: Just as delicious as a typical Caesar salad just made with shaved Brussel sprouts! Give this Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad a try!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A brown, crispy exterior with a tender middle. They are a perfect and simple accompaniment to any dinner.
Cornbread: Fluffy, buttery, moist and easy, this homemade Cornbread Recipe is the perfect addition to your family dinner table.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: Made with sweet english cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and a simple homemade dressing, you will want add this into your regular meal rotation, regardless of the time of year.
Creamed Spinach: Creamed spinach is a rich and comforting side that goes hand-in-hand with the casserole’s creamy texture.
Fruit Salad: Try my Ambrosia Salad for an even more nostalgic experience.
Roasted Asparagus: You’ll only need three ingredients to make perfect roasted asparagus. Green vegetables are always a great side dish to a hearty casserole.
Cold Quinoa Salad: This tasty cold Quinoa Salad recipe is versatile and delicious! Add your favorite veggies and meat for the taste you’ll crave.
Baked Beans: You can whip up some baked beans for a hearty side, or if you want some more flavor you should try my Boston Baked Beans Recipe!
Kale Avocado Salad: Kale Avocado Salad is the healthiest and tastiest salad on the block! Loaded with creamy, crispy, crunchy, and cold health foods that will make your taste buds sing.
Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet, buttery and crunchy, and made with simple ingredients. After one bite you’ll forget you’re eating vegetables.
Roasted Green Beans: Simply toss your prepared beans in olive oil, salt and pepper and place into a hot oven to roast. Roasted Green Beans will become your new favorite and super simple side dish!
Roasted Red Potatoes: Seasoned with herbs and roasted until crispy, these potatoes are a great complement to the casserole.
Broccoli Cheese Soup: Creamy, cheesy and oh so yummy, this Broccoli Cheese Soup will knock your socks off! Grab some broccoli and cheese and get cooking!
Greek Salad: A Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil provides a Mediterranean twist.
Sweet Potato Fries: You could make some of these Sweet Potato Fries, or you if you want some more flavor you can make Garlic Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Dip!
Hummus and Pita Bread: A plate of Classic Hummus with warm pita bread is an excellent choice for a light, Middle Eastern-inspired side.
Roasted Mushrooms: Roasted mushrooms with garlic and herbs offer an earthy and savory accompaniment.
Spicy Slaw: Add a kick to your meal with a spicy coleslaw, featuring hot sauce or jalapeños for some heat.
Zucchini Noodles: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb, healthy twist.
Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze provides a light and flavorful side. If you’re looking for a refreshing side in the warmer months, try this Watermelon Caprese Salad!
Cajun Corn: Sauté corn with Cajun spices for a zesty and spicy side dish.
Mixed Bean Salad: A mixed bean salad with kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas in a vinaigrette dressing can add protein and texture to your meal.
So there you have it – a bunch of fantastic sidekicks for your easy chicken rice casserole! Whether you go for the classics or experiment with something new, remember that the beauty of these sides is how they turn an ordinary meal into something special. So, grab a fork and dive in! We’d love to hear about your favorite combos.
If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
