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.

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.

Why You’ll Love These Fried Chicken Side Dish Recipes

• Comfort-food classics and fresh choices. Pair fried chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy macaroni salad, flaky biscuits, crisp coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or colorful salads.
• Plenty of contrasting textures. Crunchy slaws, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, smoky corn, and soft biscuits balance the crispy coating and juicy chicken.
• Options for every season. Fresh squash, jicama salad, and corn fit warm-weather meals, while sweet potato salad, mashed potatoes, and biscuits bring cozy fall and winter flavor.
• Several quick and easy recipes. Air fryer green beans, grilled squash, and other sides are ready in 15 minutes or less when the fried chicken has already demanded enough attention.
• Easy to adjust for your dairy tolerance. Choose naturally dairy-free recipes or replace butter, milk, and cheese with plant-based alternatives based on your personal alpha-gal needs.

Before We Get to the Good Stuff

Medical disclaimer: The information provided on Sage Alpha Gal is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. Although I cite and link to expert sources, nothing published here is medical advice. Because alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person, my alpha-gal is not necessarily your alpha-gal, so be sure you understand your dietary restrictions and work with your healthcare provider as needed.

Affiliate disclosure: Sage Alpha Gal is a reader-supported site, and this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a teeny tiny commission at no additional cost to you. That income helps offset the costs of running this site. You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the full disclosure page.

NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some recipes 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.

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:

• Chicken Marsala Side Dishes
• Sides for Grilled Chicken
• BBQ Chicken Sides

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.

Thank you for sharing!