From Classic to Creative: 13 Fried Chicken Sides

Are you looking for alpha-gal friendly fried chicken sides? You’ve come to the right place! From comforting potato dishes to creamy, dairy-free sides, this collection of recipes perfectly complements the golden crunch of fried chicken.

The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.

Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.

If you ask me, crispy fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food. The crunch of the skin, followed by the tender, juicy meat inside makes it a beloved dish for good reason. Thankfully, as long as the marinade and breading are dairy-free and the chicken is fried in plant-based oil, fried chicken is alpha-gal friendly. Take that, cheeseburgers!

But whether you’ve scored a drumstick, wing, or breast, fried chicken by itself is just a snack. Make it a meal by adding one of these tasty side dishes that complement the savory chicken and turn each bite into an impressive feast.

NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.

1

Dizzy Busy and Hungry

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Thick, fluffy potato wedges are the perfect side dish for a fried chicken feast. Made in less than half the frying time and oil than the traditional recipe, these wedges turn out flawlessly in the air fryer.

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2

Cook Eat Live Love

Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes

These creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes skip the butter and milk to deliver a delicious dairy-free dish. They’re ready to star alongside any hearty chicken dinner in under 30 minutes, using simple ingredients like olive oil and garlic to layer in extra flavor.

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3

Corrie Cooks

Dairy Free Potato Salad

The Instant Pot simplifies a classic dish, using a pressure cooker to perfectly cook potatoes and hard-boiled eggs in just minutes. Packed with flavor from fresh dill and a duo of mustards, this creamy potato salad is a crowd-pleasing side for fried chicken that stands out at a potluck.

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4

Sunglow Kitchen

Sweet Potato Salad

Try this sweet potato beet salad for a hearty side dish that’s colorful and packed with fresh flavors. Roast sweet potatoes and beets, toss them with walnuts and feta, and drizzle them with honey balsamic dressing. It’s a feast of fall colors for the eyes and a perfect match for fried chicken.

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5

Three Olives Branch

Macaroni Salad

This classic, homemade macaroni salad blends simple, traditional flavors into a perfect side dish for fried chicken. Featuring a mix of eggs, celery, onion, and a tangy mayo-based dressing, this versatile side pairs wonderfully with any chicken dish.

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6

Joyfully Mad

Grilled Squash

Balance the decadence of crispy fried chicken with this quick and healthy grilled Squash. Ready in just 15 minutes, it features simple ingredients like yellow summer squash, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

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7

A Little and a Lot

Jicama Salad with Apples

This refreshing jicama salad is tossed with crisp apples, radishes, and a tangy honey lime dressing. Its vibrant flavors and delightful crunch make it a delicious dish to complement fried chicken.

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8

Sourdough Brandon

Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits

These flaky and fluffy biscuits deliver a delicious twist on a Southern staple. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are made with sourdough discard, making them a smart and tasty way to use leftover starter.

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9

What's Smoking

Smoked Corn-on-the-Cob

Instead of making roasted sweet corn to accompany your fried chicken, try this smoked corn-on-the-cob recipe. It’s easy to make and delivers deliciously seasoned corn that’s perfectly smoked, making it a standout side dish.

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10

Two bowls of creamy coleslaw with shredded red and white cabbage and carrots, served on a wooden table.

Classic Coleslaw

This classic coleslaw is easy to whip up using basic ingredients like green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and a tangy dressing. Make it ahead of time for a creamy, crunchy side dish for fried chicken that’s dairy-free.

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11

Christina's Cucina

Spicy Coleslaw

For a tantalizing twist on a classic, try this spicy slaw that’s borderline addictive. It combines shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing spiced up with green pepper Tabasco, a splash of vinegar, and a bit of mayo. This easy-to-make side adds a kick to any meal and is perfect for those who like their fried chicken paired with a bit of heat.

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12

The Short Order Cook

Air Fryer Green Beans

These crispy air fryer green beans are a quick and healthy fresh vegetable side dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Toss fresh green beans with avocado oil and a special blend of seasonings, air fry to perfection, and then finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

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13

Lara Clevenger

Easy Blackstone Broccoli

This broccoli recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy side dish. After seasoning the broccoli, grill it on your Blackstone Griddle to achieve a delightful charred yet tender finish. It's a versatile dish that complements fried chicken and just about any other protein, making it an easy and nutritious addition to any other chicken meal.

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Looking for More Chicken Side Dishes?

Alpha gals tend to eat a lot of chicken. Fortunately, I’ve got you covered with even more delicious side dishes! Be sure to also check out these flavorful options:

What Are Your Favorite Fried Chicken Sides?

Is fried chicken one of your favorite comfort foods? What do you like to eat with it? Do you prefer starchy sides, veggie sides, or salad side dishes with your fried chicken? Do you have favorite sides for fried chicken not listed here? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section below.

April 15, 2024 at 10:05 pm

Grilled Squash is my new favorite side dish for fried chicken. It’s light, flavorful, and cooks up so quickly. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Sage Scott
April 16, 2024 at 7:42 am

One of my son’s favorites!

Melissa

May 2, 2024 at 9:35 am

Love these sides! I cannot wait to try them. Pasta salad has been my go-to, but I also like cole slaw.

Sage Scott
May 6, 2024 at 4:59 pm

I’m making the vegan coleslaw next week when my whole family is town for my daughter’s graduation!