What to Serve with Chicken Kiev

You’ve decided to prepare a delicious chicken kiev for dinner, and now it’s time to pick the perfect side dishes to complement your main course. With its crispy outer crust and flavourful garlic-butter filling, chicken kiev has it all, making it a favourite dish for many. That said, choosing sides that enhance the taste and bring balance to your plate is essential. This post will give you lots of delicious ideas for what to serve with chicken kiev. From vibrant and zesty options to warm and indulgent comfort food, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. 

Classic Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a classic side dish. Sometimes, less is more, and the simpler the side, the more the flavours of the chicken kiev will stand out.

Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with serving creamy and delicious mashed potatoes alongside your chicken kiev. Start by boiling your potatoes until they’re soft, then drain and mash them. Add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt to achieve the desired consistency. Add crushed garlic or freshly ground pepper for an extra punch of flavour. This comforting side dish will be the perfect companion for your chicken kiev.

Steamed Vegetables

For a lighter and healthier side, steamed vegetables are an excellent choice. They add a pop of colour and freshness to your meal, easily making your plate more appealing. You could go for a mix of vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and runner beans. Lightly season with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, or toss them with herbs like parsley or thyme for added depth. Steamed vegetables offer vital nutrients and enhance the overall taste of your meal.

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf can be a lovely fluffy side to accompany your chicken kiev. Start by sautéing onions in a bit of butter or olive oil until they’re soft and translucent. Add your rice to the pan and stir it for a couple of minutes, getting it nicely coated in the butter and onions. Then, add your liquid (usually chicken stock), season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked through. For extra flavour, throw in some minced garlic or other herbs of your choice. This versatile side dish is satisfying and complementary to the flavours of your chicken kiev.

What Veg to Serve with Chicken Kiev

I love to chop and change the veg I serve with our meals depending on what kind of mood I’m in and which vegetables the kids aren’t refusing to eat at the time!

Roasted Vegetables

You can’t go wrong with a side of roasted vegetables. Not only are they healthy and delicious, but they also add a burst of colour to your plate. Toss your veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender. For a flavourful and satisfying side, try these:

• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onions
• Courgettes

Tenderstem Broccoli

Another scrumptious veg to pair with chicken kiev is tenderstem broccoli. Lightly steamed or blanched, this veggie is a healthy choice that’s also full of flavour. Toss the tenderstem broccoli in a bit of butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing. The vibrant green colour will beautifully complement the dish.

Baby Corn

Baby corn is another fabulous side dish for chicken kiev. Simply steam or boil the baby corn until cooked, then toss in a pan with a little butter, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra excitement, wrap the baby corn in streaky bacon and roast in the oven for a perfect combination of sweet and smoky flavours.

Green Beans

Finally, green beans are a classic side dish to serve with chicken kiev. You can steam, blanch, or sauté them. I love to sauté them with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Then season with salt and pepper for a balanced taste.

Salads

In the summer months, a nice crisp salad goes perfectly with chicken kievs.

Mixed Green Salad

Gather a variety of fresh lettuce, such as romaine, butterhead, and arugula. Don’t forget to add crunchy elements like cucumber, radishes, and cherry tomatoes to amp up the freshness.

Toss your greens in a tangy lemon vinaigrette to enhance the flavours. For the dressing, all you need is lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. It’s a simple yet flavourful way to add zing to the salad, which will complement your chicken kiev.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is another all-time classic that works well with chicken kiev. This mouth-watering option offers a delightful combination of crunchy textures and flavours.

Making your own coleslaw is really easy:

• 1/2 small head of white cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/4 small head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• A handful of chopped parsley

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix the cabbage, carrot, and parsley in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasoning in a separate bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well, ensuring that everything is well coated.

This coleslaw brings a wonderful combination of sweetness from the carrot, creaminess from the mayonnaise, and tanginess from the lemon to your meal.

What Potatoes to Serve with Chicken Kiev

Dauphinoise Potatoes

When thinking about what potatoes to serve with chicken kiev, it’s hard to resist the allure of creamy, cheesy dauphinoise potatoes. To make an amazing dauphinoise, thinly slice your favourite kind of potatoes (even fingerling potatoes work!) and layer them in a baking dish with grated cheddar, parmesan, and a generous seasoning of spices. Bake until golden and bubbling, and you’ll have a delectable accompaniment to your chicken kiev.

If you would prefer not to use cream, try my recipe for dauphinoise potatoes without cream.

Fried Potatoes

Another delicious option is good old-fashioned fried potatoes. Dice your potatoes and fry them in a hot pan until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Toss your fried potatoes in a blend of spices, garlic, and herbs to add extra flavour. 

Mashed Potatoes

I’ve already mentioned mashed potatoes as one of the classic side dishes, but it definitely deserves another mention here. 

I love soaking up the garlicky, creamy sauce from the kievs with the creamy mashed potatoes. It’s definitely the perfect comfort meal.

Homemade Chips

Fancy some delectable homemade chips to go with your chicken kiev? Cut your potatoes into chunky fries or slender French fries, toss them in oil and your preferred seasoning, then roast them in the oven until crispy and golden. 

Potato Salad

A classic British favourite, potato salad is a fantastic option for pairing with chicken kiev. To make your own potato salad, boil your chosen potatoes, let them cool, and then toss with mayo or your preferred dressing, chopped herbs, and spices. A refreshing potato salad will cut through the richness of your chicken kiev, balancing the flavours beautifully. 

What to Serve with Chicken Kiev – Unique Sides

If you fancy trying something different, then I’ve got some delicious, unique side dish ideas.

Couscous Salad

You’ll need couscous, cherry tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives to make this. To start, cook the couscous according to the package instructions, then set aside to cool.

Chop the tomatoes and onions into small pieces, and finely chop the parsley and chives. Mix the couscous, vegetables, and herbs in a large bowl. Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made of lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Creamed Spinach

A classic choice for pairing with Chicken kiev is a creamy and comforting side of creamed spinach. Begin by sautéing finely chopped shallots and garlic in a pan with a bit of olive oil. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, then drain to remove any excess water.

In another pan, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add a generous dollop of sour cream as the sauce thickens and stir in the wilted spinach. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.

Breaded Mushrooms

Breaded mushrooms are one of my favourite starters or side dishes. Here’s how you can prepare these irresistible bites:

1. Clean and dry your mushrooms thoroughly, leaving the stems intact.
2. In a shallow dish, beat an egg with a splash of milk.
3. In another dish, mix together breadcrumbs and chopped fresh dill.
4. Dip each mushroom first into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Shallow fry the breaded mushrooms in oil until golden brown and crispy.

Serve these unique side dishes alongside your Chicken kiev and enjoy a delicious and well-rounded meal.

Italian Inspiration

If you fancy adding an Italian twist to your meal, then these options work really well.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This simple yet delicious side dish uses only a few ingredients, letting the star of the show (your chicken kiev) shine through. Here are the key components of this dish:

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Parsley

To prepare, simply cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes, and then toss in the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavours.

Risotto

For another Italian-inspired option, why not try a creamy risotto alongside your Chicken kiev? This rich, creamy dish made from short-grain white rice can provide a comforting base, complementing your chicken’s crispy, garlicky flavours. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Short-grain white rice (such as Arborio)
• Onion
• Chicken or vegetable stock
• Butter
• White wine (optional)
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese (optional)

First, sauté the onion in butter until softened. Add the rice, stirring until fully coated in the butter-onion mixture. Slowly add the stock, one ladleful at a time, making sure the liquid is absorbed before adding more. You can also include a splash of white wine for an extra depth of flavour. Once the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and for an extra touch of indulgence, add some diced mozzarella to make it even creamier. Serve the risotto alongside your Chicken kiev for a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Healthy Alternatives

These days, we are far more conscious of what we put into our bodies, and rightly so! If you’re being mindful about what you eat, here are a few healthier options.

Cauliflower Rice

Swapping out your traditional rice for cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative. Not only does cauliflower rice provide a burst of essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, but it’s also gluten-free and a great source of fibre. To enhance its flavour, consider adding some steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.

Making cauliflower rice is a breeze; you only need to grate or process a cauliflower head in a food processor until it resembles rice grains. Next, sauté the cauliflower rice in a pan with a little olive oil and seasonings until it reaches your desired tenderness. Here’s a quick recipe you can follow:

• 1 cauliflower head
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Process the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Roasted Carrot

Another fantastic side dish to accompany your chicken kiev is roasted carrots. They provide a satisfying crunch and are rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin C. Plus, they’re high in fibre, which is great for your digestive system.

To create mouth-watering roasted carrots, simply follow this easy recipe:

• 4-6 large carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Peel and cut the carrots into evenly sized sticks.
3. Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and golden brown.

Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to just these alternatives. Feel free to explore other options like steamed broccoli or even a creamy polenta for added variety. The key is to balance your meal with nutrient-dense, flavourful sides that complement the star of the show—your chicken kiev!