Nashville hot chicken is a spicy fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It is typically served with white bread to help temper the heat, along with pickles. Finding the right side dish to pair with Nashville hot chicken can enhance the meal and help balance the spiciness. When choosing sides for this dish, there are a few things to consider.
Look for sides that complement the flavors
Nashville hot chicken has a spicy and tangy flavor profile thanks to the cayenne pepper and other seasonings used in the breading. Sides that have some sweetness, acidity, or creaminess help balance out the heat. Here are some side dish ideas in this category:
- Coleslaw: The sweetness and creaminess of coleslaw is a classic pairing. Try making a vinegar-based coleslaw rather than a mayo-based one to echo the acidic flavors.
- Baked beans: Sweet and tangy baked beans are a popular Southern side dish that complements Nashville hot chicken well.
- Cornbread: Buttery, slightly sweet cornbread can help temper the heat.
- Macaroni and cheese: The rich, creamy comfort food is a popular choice.
- Potato salad: Mayonnaise-based potato salads have cooling creaminess.
- Collard greens: Slow-cooked collards with ham hocks or bacon are a classic Southern side.
Consider sides that won’t compete with the heat
Extremely spicy or acidic sides may clash with the flavor of the chicken. It’s best to avoid sides like:
- Spicy chili or buffalo wings
- Jalapeno poppers or other spicy appetizers
- Citrus-based salads with vinaigrettes
Sides that are mild in flavor complement Nashville hot chicken without overwhelming the palate. Some options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- French fries
- Biscuits
- Corn on the cob
- Dinner rolls
- Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli
Pick sides that add nutrition and texture
Nashville hot chicken is typically fried, so it’s beneficial to incorporate some fresh, lighter sides into your meal. Crunchy and creamy textures also help contrast with the crispy chicken. Some nutrient-packed sides to consider:
- Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Fruit salad
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
- Quinoa salad
- Roasted sweet potatoes
Sample menu ideas
Here are some sample side dish menus to give you inspiration for serving Nashville hot chicken:
| Menu 1 | Coleslaw | Baked beans | Cornbread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu 2 | Macaroni and cheese | Collard greens | Biscuits |
| Menu 3 | Fruit salad | Potato salad | Green salad |
Side recommendations by Nashville hot chicken spice level
The side dishes you choose may vary depending on the spice level of the hot chicken. Here are suggestions for mild, medium, hot, and extra hot chicken:
| Spice Level | Recommended Sides |
|---|---|
| Mild | Coleslaw, cornbread, mashed potatoes, macaroni salad |
| Medium | Potato salad, collard greens, fruit salad, dinner rolls |
| Hot | Baked beans, coleslaw, biscuits, green salad |
| Extra Hot | Collard greens, cornbread, mashed potatoes, pickle spears |
Top side dish choices
In summary, the most complementary and popular side dishes to serve with Nashville hot chicken include:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Macaroni and cheese
- Collard greens
- Potato salad
- Biscuits
- Mashed potatoes
These sides have the right balance of flavor, texture, nutrition, and ability to counteract spicy heat. As you experiment with making Nashville hot chicken at home, taste test different side dishes to find your ideal pairings.
Cooking tips for side dishes
To get the most flavor and texture out of your sides, keep these cooking tips in mind:
- For coleslaw, use a combination of shredded cabbage and carrots and toss in a creamy vinegar-based dressing. Let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Make baked beans full of flavor by cooking navy beans low and slow with smoked ham hocks and sweet molasses.
- When making macaroni and cheese, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, and fontina for rich creaminess.
- For collard greens, sauté smoked turkey, onions, and garlic before simmering the greens for 1-2 hours with chicken broth.
- Season mashed potatoes with butter, cream, and roasted garlic for velvety texture.
- Jazz up cornbread with creamed corn in the batter and jalapenos for a little kick.
Conclusion
Nashville hot chicken packs some serious heat. Having the right combination of side dishes can make sure your meal is balanced, cooled down a bit, and has a variety of flavors and textures. Classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread are safe bets. For variation, try lighter sides like fruit and veggie salads. Adjust your selections based on the spiciness of your chicken. With the right spreads, your Nashville hot chicken dinner will be a well-rounded meal and a true taste of Tennessee.