Crack chicken has become a beloved dish for many due to its creamy, cheesy, and savory flavor profile. It’s indulgent and satisfying, but like any rich dish, it needs the right side dishes to balance and elevate the meal. The key is choosing sides that either complement its creamy richness or contrast with lighter, fresher textures and flavors. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of side dishes to pair with crack chicken, answering the question of what to serve with Crack Chicken, each designed to enhance the dining experience. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a larger gathering, this guide will help you choose sides that turn your meal into a feast.
Why Knowing What to Serve with Crack Chicken is Important
When serving crack chicken, the side dishes you choose can make or break the meal. Crack chicken is typically made with a base of shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. The result is a rich and creamy texture that can easily overwhelm the palate if not balanced with the right sides. That’s why side dishes are so important they provide a variety of flavors, textures, and temperatures that contrast or complement the main dish.
For example, serving a fresh, crunchy salad can offset the heaviness of the chicken, while a starchy side like mashed potatoes or pasta can enhance its comforting qualities. The goal is to create a harmonious plate where every element works together.
Below, we’ll delve into the best side dishes for crack chicken, breaking them down by categories such as vegetables, potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread. We’ll also provide tips and variations to help you customize your meal to suit your tastes.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crack Chicken
Here’s a detailed list of ideas for what to serve with crack chicken:
Vegetable-Based Sides for Crack Chicken
Grilled or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, zucchini, or asparagus, offer a fresh contrast. Roasted veggies also work well when deciding what to serve with crack chicken.
Grilled or Steamed Vegetables
Grilled or steamed vegetables are simple yet effective sides that pair wonderfully with crack chicken. The lightness and crunch of vegetables like green beans, asparagus, and zucchini contrast beautifully with the creamy chicken. Grilling the vegetables adds a smoky flavor that complements the chicken’s richness, while steaming keeps things light and fresh. Want to learn more? Here’s a guide on how to grill vegetables.
- How to Make It:
- Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables like asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- For grilling, place the vegetables on a hot grill for about 5–10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender with slight char marks.
- If steaming, cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, just until they’re crisp-tender.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle with lemon juice and chopped herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is another excellent option, as it brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior that contrasts with the creaminess of crack chicken. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower are all great choices for roasting. The key is to roast them until they develop a deep golden-brown color and slightly crispy edges.
- How to Roast Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve warm, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs.
Salads
A light, refreshing salad can provide the perfect balance to the richness of crack chicken. Whether you go for a crisp garden salad or a more robust Caesar salad, the freshness of the greens and vegetables offers a nice contrast to the heavy main dish.
- Garden Salad:
- Mix fresh lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and radishes.
- Toss with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt.
- For added crunch, top with croutons or seeds, and for creaminess, add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Caesar Salad:
- Use crisp Romaine lettuce, and toss it with homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing.
- Add croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Optional: Add bacon bits or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Both salads are perfect companions to crack chicken, especially when you’re looking for something light to contrast the creamy, heavy main course.
Potato-Based Sides to Serve with Crack Chicken
Whether it’s creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes, they are classic pairings. Potatoes are always an excellent choice when figuring out what to serve with crack chicken.
Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing like a big scoop of mashed potatoes to go with a creamy dish like crack chicken. The softness and creaminess of mashed potatoes match the texture of the chicken, creating a comforting, cohesive meal. You can stick with classic mashed potatoes or elevate them with garlic, herbs, or even cheese. If you love mashed potatoes, check out this best garlic mashed potatoes recipe for inspiration.
- How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil peeled potatoes until they’re tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain and mash them with butter, cream, and roasted garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper, and whip until smooth and creamy.
- For extra flavor, stir in Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like chives.
Roasted Potatoes
If you prefer something with more texture, roasted potatoes are an excellent choice. They have a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, which pairs well with the soft, creamy chicken.
- How to Make Perfect Roasted Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut potatoes into cubes and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Baked Potatoes
Another option is a simple baked potato. The fluffy interior is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from the crack chicken, and you can load it with toppings to customize the flavor.
- Baked Potato Topping Ideas:
- Sour cream and chives.
- Cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
- Steamed broccoli and melted cheese.
- Butter and herbs.
Baked potatoes are easy to make and can be customized to suit individual preferences, making them a versatile side dish option.
Rice and Grain-Based Sides for Crack Chicken
Rice and other grains are another fantastic option for serving with crack chicken. They provide a neutral base that allows the chicken’s flavors to shine, while also absorbing the sauce for maximum flavor.
White or Jasmine Rice
The simplicity of white rice or jasmine rice is often all you need to complement the rich flavors of crack chicken. It serves as a neutral backdrop that lets the creamy sauce shine. Follow this guide on how to cook perfect white rice for the best results.
- How to Make Perfect White Rice:
- Rinse the rice to remove excess starch.
- Cook 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 18–20 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Brown Rice or Quinoa
For a heartier and more nutritious option, brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice. Both grains have a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with crack chicken, while also providing more fiber and nutrients.
- How to Cook Quinoa:
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
- Combine with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Pasta-Based Sides
Pasta is another comforting side dish that pairs well with crack chicken. Its neutral flavor allows the creamy sauce to take center stage, while the variety of shapes and sizes means there’s something for everyone.
Macaroni and Cheese
For those who can’t get enough cheese, macaroni and cheese is the ultimate side dish for crack chicken. It’s rich, creamy, and indulgent just like the chicken itself making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese:
- Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine with the cooked macaroni and serve hot.
Penne or Fettuccine
If you prefer a more sophisticated pasta side, consider penne or fettuccine. These pasta shapes work well with light butter or pesto sauces, which can provide a subtle contrast to the rich chicken.
- Simple Butter Sauce for Pasta:
- Cook pasta until al dente and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in a bit of garlic.
- Toss the pasta in the butter sauce and season with salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Bread-Based Sides
Bread is a great way to round out your crack chicken meal, especially if you’re serving the chicken with extra sauce. Bread can be used to mop up the sauce, adding even more flavor to the meal.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with crack chicken. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy chicken, while the crispy texture provides a nice contrast.
- How to Make Garlic Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice a loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the garlic butter over the bread halves and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For extra crunch, broil the bread for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Dinner Rolls or Biscuits
Dinner rolls or biscuits are another excellent bread option for serving with crack chicken. Their soft, fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Tips for Making the Fluffiest Dinner Rolls:
- Use warm milk to activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Bake until golden brown and brush with melted butter before serving.
Cornbread
For a slightly sweeter bread option, cornbread is a great choice. Its sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory, creamy chicken, making for a well-rounded meal.
- How to Make Easy Cornbread:
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, and pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Low-Carb Sides
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, there are plenty of side dish options that pair well with crack chicken while keeping the meal low in carbs. Below are some delicious low-carb alternatives to traditional sides.
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It has a similar texture and can absorb the creamy sauce from the crack chicken, making it a satisfying side dish.
- How to Make Cauliflower Rice:
- Grate a head of cauliflower using a box grater or pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash
If you’re looking for a low-carb pasta alternative, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are excellent options. Both have a light texture that pairs well with the creamy crack chicken.
- How to Cook Zucchini Noodles:
- Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles.
- Sauté the noodles in a skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes, just until tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- How to Cook Spaghetti Squash:
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Roast the squash, cut-side down, at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes.
- Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands.
Both of these options provide a satisfying, low-carb alternative to pasta or rice, making them ideal for those watching their carb intake.
Frequently Asked Questions for Serving Crack Chicken
1. What is Crack Chicken?
Crack chicken is a creamy, cheesy dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. It’s called “crack” chicken because it’s so addictive due to its rich flavor and satisfying texture.
2. Can I Make Side Dishes in Advance?
Yes! Many side dishes can be made in advance to save time. For example, mashed potatoes, pasta salads, and roasted vegetables can all be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving. This makes meal prep easier, especially if you’re hosting a large gathering.
3. What Are Some Gluten-Free Sides for Crack Chicken?
There are plenty of gluten-free side options for crack chicken. Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and potatoes are all naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check any packaged ingredients, like salad dressings or sauces, to ensure they are also gluten-free.
4. What Desserts Pair Well with Crack Chicken?
Since crack chicken is a rich and heavy dish, it’s best to pair it with a light dessert. Fruit salad, sorbet, or lemon bars can provide a refreshing end to the meal without being too filling. Alternatively, a simple vanilla ice cream or pudding can be a great way to finish the meal on a sweet note.
Conclusion
When deciding what to serve with crack chicken, the goal is to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the dish with sides that provide contrast and complement. Whether you choose light and fresh options like grilled vegetables and salads or hearty comfort foods like mashed potatoes and garlic bread, there are endless possibilities to explore.
In summary, knowing what to serve with crack chicken can turn a good meal into a great one. The right combination of fresh, starchy, or even low-carb sides can elevate your dish and make it perfect for any occasion. Consider your preferences and the tastes of your guests when selecting what to serve with crack chicken, and you’ll create a delicious, memorable dining experience.