Everyone knows it’s really the sides that shine.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Chicken is the ultimateweeknight dinnercomponent.

It’s budget-friendly, healthy, and easy to cook.

Southern Living Ranch Green Beans on a platter to serve

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Plus, you might prepare it dozens of ways.

There’s truly a chicken side dish for everyone on this list.

The result is a hardy dish perfect for roast chicken, baked cutlets, and more.

copper pennies in a bowl

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Pro tip: Remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the batter for a milder cornbread.

They’re well worth setting aside 45 minutes to make.

This step will ensure that the whole surface becomes crispy.

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We must warn you, this side dish just may outshine the chicken when served on the same plate.

Roasted Broccoli

Transform broccoli into a flavorful (and healthy!)

side dish with just the addition of salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Carrot Raisin Salad

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The flavors of these green beans will develop as they cook with the bacon and onion.

Plus, in addition to the broccolini you’ll need just a handful of ingredients.

you could also use whatever fresh or dried herbs you have on hand for an extra dose of flavor.

Southern Living Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread after baking

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These asparagus bundles are no exception.

Just be sure to trim off any woody ends.

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Enjoy the richness of a loadedbaked potatoin casserole form with this easy recipe.

Southern Living Fennel and Orange Salad on a platter to serve

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According to readers, this side dish is even better when you add garlic to the mashed potato mixture.

Together, they pack plenty of flavor into every bite of this easy recipe.

The farfalle pasta and sweet, tangy, creamy dressing ties all those ingredients together into a crowd-pleasing combination.

melting potatoes on a plate and baking sheet

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Just check that to serve it immediately.

Serve it as a standalone side or over grits or cornbread.

Bonus: This five-ingredient dish is ready in under 30 minutes.

Southern Living Kale Caesar Salad tossed and ready to serve

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The croutons are a great way to use up stale, leftover cornbread.

This salad can play a supporting role alongside a platter of fried chicken.

Not a fan of broccoli?

Southern Living Roasted Brussels Sprouts on a platter to serve

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We have tons ofmacaroni and cheese recipesthat will go with chicken just as well.

This no-fail, no-fuss recipe will win every time, and can be customized with endless toppings.

Keep it basic with olive oil, salt, and butter or set up an extensive topping bar.

Southern Living Tennessee Onions in the dish ready to serve

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Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots

These carrots are pretty enough for a company-is-coming spread and equally as delicious.

A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper give them more spark than the typical glazed carrots.

Choose young, slender carrots for the best flavor.

Roasted Broccoli

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It would specifically go great with barbecue chicken and would also be a hit on taco night.

Harvest Salad

This stunning green salad is the best way to show off fall’s bounty.

Let this recipe prove it to you.

Southern Living Slow Cooker Green beans in a bowl to serve

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If you cant find baby red potatoes, any new potatoes or small creamy potatoes will work great.

Tomatoes, onion, celery, and green pepper load this hearty rice dish up with flavor.

Use a little hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Southern Living Roasted Broccolini with Pecans and Lemon

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This recipe elevates canned beans with extra baked bean flavor.

This simple method involves pulling back the husks to use as a handle.

After they’re lightly charred, wrap the ears in foil with butter and any seasonings you choose.

Southern Living Roasted Fingerling Potatoes in a serving bowl with forks

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Fried Skillet Potatoes

No peeling is necessary to serve up these crispy potatoes.

Boiling the potatoes before browning them in a skillet will ensure that they’re both tender and crispy.

Add the dressing just before serving.

Southern Living Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus on a platter to serve

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Skillet-Toasted Gnocchi with Peas

Pasta night meets chicken dinner.

Add in somegrilled chicken, and you’ve gotthe complete package.

twice-baked potato casserole with toppings bacon green onions - southern living

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garlic parmesan green beans

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Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad in a white bowl with golden spoon

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Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs

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Southern Living Smashed Potatoes on a platter to serve

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Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

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Creamed Spinach

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Southern Cobb Salad with Cornbread Croutons

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southern living roasted broccoli macaroni and cheese

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Smashed Potatoes on a blue tray

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a skillet of best-ever succotash

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Southern Living Quick Baked Potato on plates to serve

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Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots

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Spicy Pineapple Slaw

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Southern Living Black Eyed Pea Salad in a bowl to serve with glasses of sparkling water

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Harvest Salad

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Smashed Baby Red Potatoes

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Savannah Red Rice

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Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal Recipe

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Southern Living Homemade Baked Beans in the dish after baking ready to serve

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Grilled Corn On The Cob

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Fried Skillet Potatoes

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Southern Living Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad in a bowl to serve

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Skillet-Toasted Gnocchi with Peas

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Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions Recipe

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