Chicken pie is a comforting and hearty dish loved by many, but the question of “what to serve with a chicken pie” can sometimes be challenging. The right side dishes enhance the flavors of your pie, offering contrasting textures, tastes, and colors. This comprehensive guide explores a variety of delicious accompaniments that pair well with chicken pie, from fresh salads to warm and hearty vegetables.
By the end of this article, you’ll have numerous ideas on sides to create a delightful dining experience with your chicken pie.
The Importance of Choosing the Perfect Sides for Chicken Pie
When selecting sides to serve with a chicken pie, the choice is crucial for balancing flavors. The pie itself is often rich and creamy, so serving it with the right sides, such as fresh vegetables or crunchy salads, can add a new dimension to your meal. Below, we provide ideas for the best sides to serve with chicken pie.
Hearty Vegetable Dishes
Roasted Vegetables to Serve with Chicken Pie
Roasted vegetables are an excellent side dish choice for chicken pie. Roasting carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, offering a pleasant contrast to the savory flavors of the pie. Consider preparing roasted carrots with honey and thyme or Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar as the perfect companion. Other great options include roasted asparagus or broccoli, which add a bit of green and a touch of bitterness to your plate, making them excellent sides for chicken pie.
To learn more about roasted vegetables, explore Southern Living’s guide on side dishes for pot pie.
Green Vegetables to Serve with Chicken Pie
For a healthier side to serve with chicken pie, steamed or sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or green beans can be perfect choices. These sides provide a light, healthy option that adds both color and nutritional value to your meal. A simple sauté with garlic and olive oil can enhance their natural flavors while preserving their vibrant color, making them an ideal match.
For more creative vegetable sides, explore Easy Side Dishes for Chicken Pie.
Salads That Go Well with Chicken Pie
Serving a Crisp Caesar Salad with Chicken Pie
A classic Caesar salad is an ideal accompaniment for chicken pie. The crunch and tanginess of a Caesar salad, made with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing, provide a refreshing bite that cuts through the rich, creamy textures of the pie.
Pairing Chicken Pie with Mixed Greens
Another great side dish idea is a mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette. Use ingredients like arugula, baby spinach, and a mix of seasonal greens, topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. This light salad serves as a refreshing counterbalance to the rich flavors of the chicken pie.
Starch-Based Sides to Serve with Chicken Pie
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Chicken Pie
Mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs wonderfully with chicken pie. Prepare them traditionally with butter and cream, or add a twist with garlic, chives, or cheese. For a healthier alternative, try mashed sweet potatoes, which bring a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to your meal. Garnish them with paprika or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Roasted Potatoes as a Side for Chicken Pie
Consider baked or roasted potatoes to serve with chicken pie. They provide a crisp and flavorful side that complements the creamy interior of the pie. Opt for small, new potatoes roasted with rosemary and sea salt, or a classic baked potato topped with sour cream, chives, and cheese.
Flavored Rice Dishes That Complement Chicken Pie
Rice dishes like pilaf, wild rice, or lemon rice are also great sides for chicken pie. They add a light and fluffy texture to your meal and can be flavored with herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste. Lemon rice, with its zesty flavor, pairs particularly well with the savory notes of chicken pie.
Bread and Baked Treats to Consider with Chicken Pie
Rustic Bread and Rolls
Warm slices of crusty sourdough bread or fluffy dinner rolls are perfect sides to serve with chicken pie. The slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture of sourdough complement the rich, creamy filling of the pie, while the soft, airy rolls provide a light contrast to the hearty dish. Both bread options can be enhanced with a dab of butter, herb-infused olive oil, or a flavorful dip such as garlic aioli or honey mustard.
For an extra touch, you could also serve garlic bread or cheese-topped rolls to add more flavor and richness to your meal. Bread is also ideal for soaking up any extra gravy or sauce from the chicken pie, ensuring that no delicious morsel is left behind. Additionally, you can consider serving a warm baguette or a rustic loaf, such as a multigrain or a whole wheat option, which offers a nutty flavor and added fiber to round out your plate.
Southern Cornbread and Biscuits
For a Southern twist, consider serving cornbread or flaky biscuits with your chicken pie. Cornbread, made from ground cornmeal, provides a slightly sweet flavor with a crumbly, golden crust that pairs beautifully with the savory, rich filling of the pie. You can enhance cornbread by adding ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, jalapeños, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor complexity.
Flaky biscuits, on the other hand, offer a buttery, tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. They are an excellent match for chicken pie, providing a light, fluffy counterpart to the pie’s hearty nature. Biscuits can be served plain, or with a pat of butter, honey, or jam for a sweet note. You might also consider adding ingredients like buttermilk, herbs, or cheddar to the biscuits to create a more savory or flavorful version that complements the pie’s filling.
For a twist, try making cheddar or herb biscuits, which add an extra layer of flavor, or honey butter cornbread, which provides a sweet balance to the savory pie. Both cornbread and biscuits are quick to make and bake, making them convenient options for a delicious and complete meal.
Sweet Breads and Muffins
If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your meal, consider serving sweet breads or muffins alongside your chicken pie. Blueberry muffins, apple cinnamon bread, or banana nut bread can provide a delightful sweet contrast to the savory dish. These sweet sides can act as a bridge between the main course and dessert, offering a gentle transition in flavors. The slight sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory and creamy components of the chicken pie, providing a unique taste experience.
How to Elevate Bread Sides with Toppings and Extras
To elevate these bread options, consider serving them with a variety of toppings and spreads. Compound butters infused with garlic, herbs, or honey can add a new dimension of flavor. Alternatively, try offering flavored olive oils, balsamic vinegar dips, or spreads like pesto, hummus, or tapenade. These additions will not only complement the bread but also enhance the overall flavor profile of your chicken pie meal.
Complementing Sauces and Dips
Gravies and Dips for Chicken Pie
Gravy is a popular side to serve with chicken pie, especially if you want to enhance the savory flavors. Consider making a chicken or mushroom gravy to serve on the side. You could also serve a garlic aioli or yogurt-based dip for a fresh, tangy contrast.
For different types of sauces that complement chicken pie, check out the chicken pot pie sauce ingredients.
Unique Pairings to Serve with Chicken Pie
Crunchy Sides from the Oven or Air Fryer
Use your air fryer or oven to create crispy onion rings, zucchini fries, or sweet potato wedges to serve with chicken pie. These sides provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy texture of the chicken pie.
Tangy Pickled and Marinated Vegetables
Quick-pickled vegetables like cucumbers, red onions, or radishes bring a bright and tangy flavor to your meal. Pickled vegetables balance the richness of the pie with their acidity.
Beverages and Desserts to Pair with Chicken Pie
Ideal Drink Pairings
A glass of dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with chicken pie. For non-alcoholic options, consider lemonade or iced tea, which offer a refreshing contrast to the savory pie.
Sweet Desserts to Serve After Chicken Pie
After enjoying your chicken pie, opt for a light dessert like a lemon tart, sorbet, or fresh fruit salad. These options cleanse the palate and provide a sweet ending to your meal.
FAQs: Common Questions About What to Serve with Chicken Pie
- Can you serve chicken pie with salad?
Absolutely! A fresh, crisp salad is a great option to serve with chicken pie. - What vegetables go best with chicken pie?
Roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts are excellent sides for chicken pie. - Is mashed potato a good side for chicken pie?
Yes, mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the creamy filling of chicken pie. - What is a good dessert to serve after chicken pie?
Light desserts like lemon sorbet, fruit salad, or a tart are ideal choices to serve after chicken pie.
Final Tips for Serving Chicken Pie with the Perfect Sides
Choosing the right side dishes to serve with chicken pie can make your meal even more enjoyable. Whether you opt for a crisp salad, hearty potatoes, or a unique twist like pickled vegetables, there are endless possibilities. Experiment with different combinations to create a meal everyone will love.
By incorporating these sides, your chicken pie dinner will be balanced and delicious.