Introduction
Looking for the best pot pie sides to complete your meal? Pot pie sides like roasted vegetables, fluffy biscuits, and fresh salads can enhance the rich, creamy flavors of chicken pot pie. Choosing the right pot pie sides brings balance, texture, and variety, making your meal even more satisfying. Whether you prefer healthy options or indulgent comfort foods, the right pot pie sides can transform your meal into a comforting feast.
This article will guide you through an array of options to pair with chicken pot pie, from classic vegetable sides to fresh salads, savory bread, potato dishes, and more. We’ll also explore healthy sides and offer tips for creating the perfect meal experience. By the end, you’ll have a complete toolkit of side dishes that will elevate your chicken pot pie into a well-rounded feast.
Classic Vegetable Pot Pie Sides
Adding classic vegetable pot pie sides like roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or steamed broccoli brings balance and nutrition to your meal. These pot pie sides are easy to prepare and add a splash of color to your plate..
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken pot pie. Try a mix of:
- Carrots: Roasted carrots develop a sweet, almost candy-like flavor.
- Brussels Sprouts: These get a nutty, crispy edge when roasted, enhancing their earthy taste.
- Parsnips: Slightly sweet and hearty, roasted parsnips offer a unique twist.
How to Make Simple Roasted Vegetables:
- Ingredients: 2 cups of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips (cut into similar sizes), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Roast: Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender.
The roasted vegetables’ crisp edges and sweet flavor make them an excellent counterbalance to the creamy pot pie filling.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a simple yet nutritious side dish that brings a pop of green to your meal. The mild bitterness of broccoli provides a refreshing contrast to chicken pot pie’s richness.
How to Make Perfect Steamed Broccoli:
- Ingredients: 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets; salt; lemon zest; optional butter.
- Preparation: Steam the broccoli for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Finish: Toss with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, and a dab of butter for added flavor.
This side is quick, easy, and adds a healthy component to your meal without overpowering the main dish.
Sautéed Green Beans
For a side that’s both quick and flavorful, sautéed green beans with garlic make a fantastic pairing. Their crunchy texture and garlicky notes offer a delightful contrast to chicken pot pie’s soft filling and flaky crust.
Recipe for Sautéed Green Beans:
- Ingredients: 2 cups of trimmed green beans, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and green beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
The lightness and crunch of green beans make them an ideal side dish, offering a burst of freshness.
Fresh Salad Pot Pie Sides
Sometimes, light and refreshing pot pie sides are the perfect contrast to a rich dish. Salads like Caesar salad, garden salad, or kale salad make excellent pot pie sides that cleanse your palate and keep the meal balanced.
Garden Salad
A classic garden salad is always a safe bet. It’s light, versatile, and adds a splash of color to your plate.
Ingredients for a Basic Garden Salad:
- Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Cucumber (sliced)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Carrot (shredded)
Dressing: Make a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Preparation: Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl and drizzle with the vinaigrette before serving.
The fresh, crisp flavors of a garden salad cleanse the palate, making each bite of chicken pot pie feel just as indulgent as the first.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad adds a touch of elegance to your meal. Its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons make it a satisfying side without being too heavy.
Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce (chopped)
- Fresh croutons
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan.
Preparation: Toss the lettuce with dressing, top with croutons, and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan.
The rich, garlicky flavors of a Caesar salad complement the creamy chicken pot pie beautifully.
Kale and Cranberry Salad
If you want something a bit different, a kale and cranberry salad offers a unique blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- Chopped kale
- Dried cranberries
- Almond slices
- Lemon vinaigrette (lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper)
Preparation: Massage the kale with the vinaigrette to soften it, then add cranberries and almonds for sweetness and crunch.
This salad adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of nutrients to balance the meal.
Bread and Biscuit Pot Pie Sides
Bread-based pot pie sides such as garlic bread, buttermilk biscuits, or cheddar cornbread are great for soaking up the creamy filling. These comforting pot pie sides make your meal even more satisfying.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy texture of chicken pot pie. The buttery, garlicky flavors bring a savory kick that complements the dish beautifully.
How to Make Buttery Garlic Bread:
- Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- A pinch of salt
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt.
- Slice the bread into thick pieces but avoid cutting all the way through the loaf. Spread the garlic butter mixture between the slices.
- Bake:
- Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Open the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the edges.
The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into any leftover pot pie filling and adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
Hearty Potato-Based Pot Pie Sides
If you love a hearty meal, potato-based pot pie sides like mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes are perfect choices. These pot pie sides complement the creaminess of chicken pot pie beautifully.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that pairs seamlessly with chicken pot pie. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor echo the richness of the pot pie while adding a velvety mouthfeel.
Recipe for Perfect Mashed Potatoes:
- Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preparation:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and milk.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
These fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are ideal for a classic, hearty meal.
Sweet Potato Casserole
For a sweet-savory option, sweet potato casserole brings warmth and richness to the meal, complementing the flavors of chicken pot pie.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Preparation:
- Mix sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.
- Top with chopped pecans and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
This dish adds a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that pairs well with chicken pot pie while adding a health-conscious touch to your meal. A light quinoa salad with lemon and herbs can refresh the palate and provide a nutritious boost.
Recipe for Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preparation:
- Cook the quinoa in water or broth by bringing it to a boil, then reducing to a simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Let it cool slightly, then mix with cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
This light, zesty quinoa salad adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken pot pie.
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is another cozy, comforting option. Its natural sweetness and smooth texture pair wonderfully with chicken pot pie, adding a hint of autumnal warmth to the meal.
Recipe for Velvety Butternut Squash Soup:
- Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
- Preparation:
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the cubed butternut squash and stir for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 25 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Blend until smooth and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
This soup’s creamy texture and sweet notes harmonize perfectly with chicken pot pie’s savory richness.
Unique and Unexpected Sides
Sometimes, a unique side dish can take your meal to the next level. These unexpected pairings offer creative flavors and textures to contrast with chicken pot pie.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers filled with couscous, veggies, and herbs add a burst of flavor and color to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked couscous
- ¼ cup chopped mushrooms
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Preparation:
- Stuff each pepper half with the couscous mixture and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a decadent side that pairs beautifully with chicken pot pie. Its velvety texture and rich flavor create a harmonious, indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Preparation:
- Sauté garlic in butter, add spinach, then stir in heavy cream until thickened.
FAQs on Side Dishes for Chicken Pot Pie
Choosing the right side dish for chicken pot pie can sometimes be tricky, especially with so many options to consider. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the best decision for your meal.
What’s the Best Healthy Side Dish for Chicken Pot Pie?
The best healthy side dish for chicken pot pie would be steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. A fresh salad, like a garden salad or kale salad, also makes a great choice. These options are light, nutritious, and provide a balance to the rich, creamy pot pie.
Can You Serve Chicken Pot Pie with Salad?
Yes, absolutely! A fresh, crisp salad is an excellent choice to serve with chicken pot pie. The lightness of a salad, especially one with a tangy vinaigrette, balances the heaviness of the pot pie. Options like a garden salad, Caesar salad, or kale and cranberry salad work particularly well.
What Bread Goes Well with Chicken Pot Pie?
Garlic bread, buttermilk biscuits, and cheddar cornbread are classic choices that pair beautifully with chicken pot pie. These bread options offer different textures and flavors, from crispy and buttery to soft and fluffy, making them ideal for soaking up any extra filling.
Can I Prepare Side Dishes Ahead of Time?
Yes, many side dishes can be prepared ahead of time. Roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, and mashed potatoes can be made in advance and reheated before serving. Salads can also be prepped ahead, but it’s best to add dressing just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.What’s a Good Side Dish for a Cozy Dinner?
For a cozy dinner, consider comfort food sides like creamy mashed potatoes, butternut squash soup, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits. These warm, hearty options create a satisfying and indulgent meal experience that pairs perfectly with chicken pot pie.
Can I Serve Chicken Pot Pie with Soup?
Yes, serving chicken pot pie with soup is a fantastic idea! Creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup are both excellent choices. The warmth and texture of the soup complement the pot pie’s flaky crust and creamy filling, creating a comforting and cohesive meal.
Conclusion
Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food that can be made even more delightful with the perfect side dish. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing, like a garden salad or steamed broccoli, or something more indulgent, like garlic bread or mashed potatoes, there are countless options to suit your taste and occasion.
The key to choosing the right side dish is to consider balance — the richness of chicken pot pie pairs well with lighter, fresher sides, while heartier sides can create an extra cozy meal. Classic vegetable sides, grain-based dishes, warm soups, and comforting breads all offer unique ways to enhance your dining experience.
With these delicious pot pie sides, you can transform a simple meal into a complete, satisfying feast. Whether you prefer vegetables, bread, or salads, there are endless options for the perfect pot pie sides.