Chicken pot pie with sides on a wooden table

Complete Your Meal: Top Sides to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie

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Introduction

Chicken pot pie sides are the key to creating a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy, savory filling of chicken pot pie pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Whether you choose hearty classics or light and refreshing options, the right sides can balance the richness and enhance the overall dining experience.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sides to serve with chicken pot pie. From hearty comfort food options to light and refreshing salads, you’ll find ideas that enhance your meal without overshadowing the main dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a weeknight meal, these sides will ensure your chicken pot pie feast is complete.

Hearty and Comforting Chicken Pot Pie Sides

Chicken pot pie is rich, creamy, and filling. Pairing it with other comforting sides can make your meal feel even more indulgent. Here are some classic, hearty sides that perfectly complement chicken pot pie.

Classic Chicken Pot Pie Sides: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that pairs beautifully with chicken pot pie. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor enhance the savory goodness of the pot pie without competing with it. A spoonful of mashed potatoes alongside a bite of chicken pot pie creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes:

  • Use russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for a fluffy texture.
  • Add plenty of butter, cream, or milk for richness.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding garlic or chives for extra flavor.
  • For a tangy twist, mix in a spoonful of sour cream.

Mashed potatoes are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient side for a busy meal.

Flaky Biscuits – A Perfect Chicken Pot Pie Side

Biscuits are another classic choice to serve with chicken pot pie. Their light, flaky texture and buttery flavor complement the creamy filling of the pie. Biscuits are perfect for scooping up extra sauce or gravy, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Why Biscuits Work Well:

  • They share the same comforting, homey vibe as chicken pot pie.
  • Their texture contrasts nicely with the smooth filling of the pie.
  • They are quick to make, especially if you use a simple drop-biscuit recipe.

For extra flavor, consider adding cheddar cheese or herbs like rosemary or thyme to your biscuit dough.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread adds a savory, crunchy element to your meal, making it a great side for chicken pot pie. The robust garlic flavor helps cut through the richness of the pot pie, while the crispy texture contrasts with the creamy filling.

How to Make Easy Garlic Bread:

  1. Slice a fresh baguette or Italian bread.
  2. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Spread the butter mixture generously over the bread slices.
  4. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Garlic bread is simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a fantastic choice. This dish consists of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until golden and bubbly.

Why Scalloped Potatoes Pair Well:

  • They add a layer of cheesy richness that complements the pot pie.
  • The crispy, golden top adds texture to the meal.
  • The dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.

For the best results, use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a burst of flavor.

Fresh and Crunchy Sides for Chicken Pot Pie

While chicken pot pie is rich and creamy, a fresh salad can provide a light, refreshing contrast. The crisp textures and vibrant flavors of these salads balance out the heaviness of the pie, making your meal feel well-rounded. Here are some salad options that work perfectly with chicken pot pie.

Classic Caesar Salad

Caesar salad served alongside chicken pot pie

A Caesar salad is a timeless side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken pot pie. The combination of crunchy romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, and crispy croutons provides a refreshing bite. The creamy Caesar dressing adds flavor without overpowering the pot pie.

Quick Caesar Salad Recipe:

  1. Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
  2. Preparation: Toss chopped romaine lettuce with freshly grated Parmesan and croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Optional Add-Ins: For extra flair, add bacon bits or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.

This salad is quick to prepare and brings a crisp, tangy element that balances the richness of the chicken pot pie.

Mixed Green Salad – A Light Chicken Pot Pie Side

A mixed green salad is versatile, simple, and light. The variety of greens provides texture and color, while a light vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess of the pot pie.

Ingredients for a Mixed Green Salad:

  • Greens: A combination of arugula, spinach, and mixed lettuces.
  • Toppings: Cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion.
  • Dressing: Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Combine your favorite greens in a large bowl.
  2. Add toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions.
  3. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

This salad is quick, healthy, and adds a much-needed crispness to the meal.

Apple Walnut Salad – A Sweet and Crunchy Chicken Pot Pie Side

For a sweet and crunchy option, an apple walnut salad adds brightness and texture to your meal. The combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a light dressing creates a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken pot pie.

How to Make an Apple Walnut Salad:

  1. Ingredients: Mixed greens, sliced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), walnuts, and crumbled feta or blue cheese.
  2. Dressing: A simple honey vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Preparation: Toss the greens with apple slices and walnuts. Drizzle with honey vinaigrette and sprinkle with cheese.

The sweet-tart apples and crunchy walnuts provide a delightful balance to the savory pot pie.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that offers a refreshing crunch and a hint of tanginess. Its creamy or vinegar-based dressing can balance the richness of chicken pot pie.

Quick Coleslaw Recipe:

  1. Ingredients: Shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
  2. Dressing: For a creamy coleslaw, mix mayonnaise, a splash of apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. For a vinegar-based option, use olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey.
  3. Preparation: Toss the cabbage and carrots with the dressing and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Coleslaw adds a crisp, tangy contrast to the meal, making it a refreshing and satisfying side dish.

Classic Vegetable Sides

Adding classic vegetable sides to your chicken pot pie meal can enhance the flavors while offering a touch of healthy freshness. These simple, nutritious sides provide a balance to the creamy, savory pot pie filling.

Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots are a timeless side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken pot pie. Their natural sweetness, enhanced by roasting, complements the savory flavors of the pot pie. Plus, their bright color adds visual appeal to your plate.

How to Make Roasted Carrots:

  1. Ingredients: Carrots, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
  2. Preparation:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Peel and slice the carrots into sticks or rounds.
    • Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Roast for 25-30 minutes until they are tender and caramelized.

Flavor Variations:

  • Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
  • Sprinkle with fresh herbs or a touch of garlic powder for added flavor.

Roasted carrots are easy to prepare and offer a sweet-savory balance that enhances the richness of chicken pot pie.

Steamed Green Beans

Steamed green beans are a quick, healthy side that adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. Their bright, fresh taste balances the creamy chicken pot pie filling.

How to Make Perfect Steamed Green Beans:

  1. Ingredients: Fresh green beans, salt, and optional butter or lemon juice.
  2. Preparation:
    • Trim the ends off the green beans.
    • Steam them for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
    • Season with a sprinkle of salt and a pat of butter, or drizzle with lemon juice for added zest.

Optional Additions:

  • Toss with sliced almonds for extra crunch.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder for a savory twist.

Steamed green beans are simple, nutritious, and a perfect way to lighten up your meal.

Buttered Peas

Buttered peas are a classic comfort side dish that pairs well with chicken pot pie. Their vibrant green color and sweet flavor add a burst of freshness to your plate.

Quick Recipe for Buttered Peas:

  1. Ingredients: Frozen or fresh peas, butter, salt, and pepper.
  2. Preparation:
    • Boil the peas for 2-3 minutes until tender.
    • Drain and toss with a tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper.

Enhancements:

  • Add a sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley for a refreshing twist.
  • For extra richness, mix in a splash of cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

This simple dish comes together in minutes and provides a touch of sweetness and color to balance your meal.

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Sauteed spinach is a healthy and flavorful side that offers a rich, earthy contrast to chicken pot pie. The addition of garlic enhances the flavor, making it a satisfying yet light option.

How to Make Sauteed Spinach:

  1. Ingredients: Fresh spinach, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Preparation:
    • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
    • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Optional Additions:

  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Sauteed spinach is a quick, nutritious side dish that helps balance the richness of chicken pot pie.

Light and Refreshing Fruit Sides

Fruit-based sides are a delightful way to add a burst of sweetness and freshness to your chicken pot pie meal. These dishes help balance the richness of the pot pie while introducing a lighter element to your plate. Here are a few options that work perfectly.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad is a versatile and easy side that complements the warm, savory flavors of chicken pot pie. The natural sweetness of the fruit provides a refreshing contrast, making your meal feel lighter and more balanced.

Ingredients for a Simple Fruit Salad:

  • Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, and oranges.
  • Dressing: A light drizzle of honey and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix in a large bowl and drizzle with honey and lime juice.
  3. Chill for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Fresh mint leaves for added freshness.
  • A sprinkle of toasted coconut for texture.

This fruit salad is quick to prepare and adds a colorful, vibrant touch to your meal.

Baked Apples

Baked apples are a warm, slightly sweet side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken pot pie. Their tender texture and spiced flavor provide a comforting yet refreshing contrast to the creamy pie filling.

How to Make Baked Apples:

  1. Ingredients: Apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), cinnamon, sugar, and a pat of butter.
  2. Preparation:
    • Core the apples and place them in a baking dish.
    • Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and add a small piece of butter inside each apple.
    • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.

Serving Suggestion:

  • Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Baked apples are simple, satisfying, and bring a cozy, sweet note to your meal.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving! Its tart, slightly sweet flavor adds a delightful contrast to the creamy richness of chicken pot pie.

Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe:

  1. Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and a splash of orange juice.
  2. Preparation:
    • Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
    • Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
    • Add a splash of orange juice for a bright, citrusy note.

Serving Tip:

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm pot pie.

Cranberry sauce is a quick and easy way to introduce a punch of flavor and color to your meal.

Quick and Easy Chicken Pot Pie Sides

Sometimes, you need a side dish that comes together quickly without much fuss. These quick and easy sides are perfect for busy nights when you want a complete meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Steamed Broccoli – A Simple Chicken Pot Pie Side

Steamed broccoli is a simple and healthy side that adds a touch of green to your plate. Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor balances the richness of chicken pot pie.

How to Steam Broccoli:

  1. Ingredients: Fresh broccoli florets, salt, and optional butter or lemon juice.
  2. Preparation:
    • Steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
    • Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice, or add a pat of butter for richness.

Optional Enhancements:

  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Steamed broccoli is quick, nutritious, and complements the creamy pot pie perfectly.

Simple Garden Salad

A simple garden salad is a fuss-free way to add freshness and crunch to your meal. It’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Basic Ingredients:

  • Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber slices
  • Red onion

Dressing: Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Toss the greens with your chosen vegetables.
  2. Drizzle with a light dressing and serve immediately.

This salad is light, refreshing, and takes just minutes to prepare.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables are a tangy, crunchy side that pairs surprisingly well with chicken pot pie. Their acidity helps cut through the richness of the pie filling.

Quick Pickled Vegetables Recipe:

  1. Ingredients: Carrots, cucumbers, radishes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and water.
  2. Preparation:
    • Slice the vegetables thinly.
    • Combine equal parts vinegar and water, a spoonful of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
    • Submerge the vegetables in the mixture and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.

These quick pickles add a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch to your meal.

FAQs

Here are some quick answers to common questions about sides for chicken pot pie.

What vegetables go well with chicken pot pie?

Vegetables like roasted carrots, steamed green beans, buttered peas, and sauteed spinach pair well by adding freshness and texture to the meal.

Can you serve bread with chicken pot pie?

Yes! Flaky biscuits or garlic bread are excellent choices to soak up the pie’s creamy filling.

What’s a quick side dish for chicken pot pie?

Quick options include steamed broccoli, a simple garden salad, or buttered peas. These sides are easy to prepare and complement the meal.

Where can I find more side dish ideas for chicken pot pie?

For more inspiration, check out this detailed guide on the best side dish for chicken pot pie. It offers a variety of side dish options to complete your meal.

Conclusion

Chicken pot pie is a versatile comfort food that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. From hearty options like mashed potatoes to lighter choices like mixed green salads or fruit sides, there’s something to suit every preference. By balancing rich and refreshing flavors, you can create a well-rounded, satisfying meal for any occasion.