17 Old School Sides No Fried Chicken Dinner Goes Without

No fried chicken dinner feels complete without the old school sides that make every bite worth it. These 17 old school sides bring back the comfort, warmth, and nostalgia every fried chicken meal deserves. They’re simple enough for any weeknight and familiar enough to feel like home. Scroll through and find the flavors that bring back memories and make your table feel full.

A glass baking dish filled with a baked stuffing sits on a wooden cutting board. A serving spoon is in the stuffing, and a red cloth is draped to the left, perfect for cozy fall recipes. — Cranberry Apple Stuffing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steak topped with tomatoes, bacon, goat cheese, and more. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a nod to the old school sides every fried chicken dinner should have. Thick cabbage slices roasted in bacon fat add comfort and depth, making them a hearty companion. The creamy garlic dressing and toppings turn this humble vegetable into something everyone reaches for. Nothing says “pass the plate” like these savory cabbage steaks alongside fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices are a comforting pick for old school sides to serve with fried chicken. With a hint of cinnamon and ginger, they add warmth that rounds out the meal. These slices bake up soft inside with caramelized edges that kids and grown-ups love. Sweet potato sides keep the tradition alive one bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables are one of those hearty old school sides that balance fried chicken beautifully. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roast together in under 40 minutes for a colorful, cozy mix. The herbs and caramelized edges bring familiar flavors to the plate. Nothing rounds out crispy chicken like a dish of roots straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Brioche Rolls

Brioche Rolls are the soft, pillowy old school sides no fried chicken dinner should skip. Rich, slightly sweet, and golden brown, these rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy and drippings. A batch of these warm from the oven makes any fried chicken spread feel complete. Every bite brings back the cozy charm of family dinners gone by.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans join the ranks of old school sides no fried chicken meal goes without. Sauteed to a crisp-tender finish in a tangy sauce, they add a bright note that cuts through rich flavors. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy evenings. These green beans keep every bite of chicken feeling fresh and classic.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots bring sweetness to the mix of old school sides that go hand in hand with fried chicken. These carrots roast up tender with a shiny glaze that hints of thyme. Easy to pull together, they bring balance to any plate of golden fried chicken. Each forkful tastes like a bite of a memory.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes belong on the table when it comes to old school sides for fried chicken. Yukon gold potatoes meet nutty brown butter and garlic for a mash that’s smooth and full of depth. They’re quick enough for any weeknight yet special enough for Sunday dinner. Spoon up a serving that brings back the heart of a classic family meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots add just the right touch of sweetness to old school sides that round out fried chicken dinners. Glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, they roast up tender with a glossy finish. Ready in about 25 minutes, they fit right into busy meal plans. A plate of these carrots brings color and comfort all at once.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts bring the old school sides feel to any fried chicken dinner. Roasted until tender and coated with a tangy balsamic glaze, they add a touch of nostalgia to the table. This classic vegetable side pairs perfectly with crispy fried chicken, balancing rich flavors with a pop of brightness. Bring back Sunday suppers with a side that’s as dependable as grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate. — Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce make a standout addition to old school sides for fried chicken. Pan-fried until golden, these fritters add crunch and warmth to the meal. The dipping sauce ties it all together for a bite that keeps folks reaching back for more. They bring just the right hit of nostalgia with a crispy edge.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad brings something fresh yet timeless to old school sides for fried chicken dinners. Crunchy Brussels sprouts mix with creamy toppings and a tangy mustard balsamic dressing. It’s crisp, satisfying, and quick to toss together for any gathering. This salad keeps the table feeling complete without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a must-have when old school sides are on the menu for fried chicken night. Whipped with cream cheese for extra fluffiness, they deliver pure comfort in every spoonful. Quick to prep and sure to please, they soak up gravy like a dream. Classic mashed potatoes like these keep any fried chicken dinner grounded in tradition.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Mashed cauliflower in a white bowl. — Loaded Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a modern nod to old school sides that fried chicken dinners still crave. Packed with cheddar, bacon, and green onions, it hits the same notes as a loaded potato mash. It comes together quickly and always draws second helpings. This mash proves you don’t need spuds to keep tradition alive.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Easy Oven Asparagus

Cooked asparagus in a white bowl. — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Oven Asparagus makes a simple, reliable choice for old school sides next to fried chicken. Oven-roasted until crisp-tender, it’s ready in minutes with hardly any cleanup. This green side cuts through the richness of fried chicken without stealing the show. There’s always room on the plate for this timeless veggie staple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans earn a place among old school sides for fried chicken with their quick skillet charm. Flash-cooked with garlic and a splash of wine, they come out crisp yet tender. Their simplicity keeps the focus on the main dish while still adding a pop of fresh green. Keep this side in rotation for meals that feel like a step back in time.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A delightful side dish of green beans topped with crispy fried onions, perfect for pleasing both adults and kids alike. — Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are old school sides that fried chicken meals practically demand. Crisp green beans tossed with garlic and topped with crispy onions bring back memories of holiday casseroles. They’re easy to prepare yet feel like something special when passed around the table. Bring this dish out and watch it disappear before the last drumstick is gone.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Cranberry Apple Stuffing stands out among old school sides that complete a fried chicken dinner. Slightly sweet and tangy, it’s hearty enough to serve alongside crispy chicken pieces. Baked in a dish, this stuffing brings a familiar holiday feel to any meal of the week. This is the dish that makes the table feel dressed for family moments.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing