Cajun chicken and rice is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion.
But what do you serve with it?
Well, I’m here to help! I’ve rounded up 13 of the best side dishes to serve with cajun chicken and rice.
Whether you are looking for a vegetable side dish, a potato side dish, or something else, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.
So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try the next time you make cajun chicken and rice!
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken and Rice?
There are many options for what to serve with cajun chicken and rice. A classic choice would be green beans, but you could also go for a salad, roasted vegetables, or even sweet potato fries. For something heartier, try serving it with sausage or shrimp.
Still looking for ideas?
Then keep scrolling!
Here are 13 side dishes that go well with cajun chicken and rice:
Roasted Veggies
Are you getting enough vegetables in your diet?
No?
Well, this side dish is for you!
It’s easy to make and is packed with nutrients.
Plus, it’s delicious!
The roasted veggies add a great flavor to the dish and the texture is perfect.
How I’d Add More Flavor
If you want to add more flavor to this side dish, try roasting the veggies with some garlic.
This will give the dish an extra boost of flavor that you’re sure to love.
Mashed Potatoes
It can be a lot of fun to experiment with different flavors in your mashed potatoes, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to adding different herbs and spices.
I also love the creamy texture of mashed potatoes, and they pairs perfectly with the heartiness of cajun chicken and rice.
How I’d Add More Flavor
To add more flavor to my mashed potatoes, I would start by adding some chopped garlic to the mix.
I would also add a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat, and some chopped green onions for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
Garden Salad
How about a simple salad to round out your Cajun chicken and rice dish?
A garden salad is an easy way to add some more veggies to your meal, and it can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.
I like to keep my salads simple with just some greens, tomatoes, and a light dressing.
This way, the flavors of the Cajun chicken and rice can really shine through.
How I’d Add More Flavor
If you want to add a little more flavor to your garden salad, try topping it with some crumbled bacon or shredded cheese.
Or, you could change up the dressing and go for something a little bolder, like a vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is known for being a summer dish, but I love it year-round.
I find that it’s the perfect side to anything grilled, and its light crunch pairs well with heavier dishes like cajun chicken and rice.
As for difficulty, this dish couldn’t be simpler.
And, if you’re looking to add more flavor, read on for my tips.
How I’d Add More Flavor
- To add more flavor to my coleslaw, I would start by adding a few dashes of hot sauce.
- I would also add more vinegar, as this will help to cut through the richness of the cajun chicken and rice.
- Finally, I would add some chopped scallions for a bit of sweetness and sharpness.
Baked Beans
Everybody knows baked beans, and most folks have a soft spot for them.
They’re easy to eat, and have a homey, comforting flavor.
They’re also a cinch to make.
Just pop a can open, pour them into a pot, and heat them up.
Done and done.
In terms of texture, baked beans are soft and creamy.
They’re not too mushy, and have a nice bite to them.
They’re also easy to chew, which is always a plus.
As for difficulty, like I said, baked beans are about as easy as it gets.
You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make them. Just a can opener and a pot.
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
If you want to add a little more flavor to your baked beans, there are a few things you can do.
- First, you can add some chopped onion to the pot when you’re heating them up. This will give them a nice, savory flavor.
- Second, you can swap out the water for chicken or beef broth. This will give the beans a richer flavor.
- Finally, you can add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the pot. This will give the beans a touch of sweetness.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you don’t mind a little prep work, stuffed bell peppers make for a great side dish to cajun chicken and rice.
I love the contrast in textures between the rice, chicken, and bell peppers, and the flavor is spot on.
This dish is also pretty easy to make, which is always a bonus.
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
If you want to add a little more flavor to your stuffed bell peppers, try adding some diced tomatoes to the mix.
You could also top them with a little bit of shredded cheese before baking.
Potato Salad
You really can’t go wrong with a potato salad.
It’s a classic side dish that goes great with just about anything, and it’s usually pretty easy to make.
I like that it’s got a good mix of textures and flavors, and it’s not too difficult to throw together.
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
I would add more flavor to it by adding more herbs and spices.
I would also add some chopped up bacon or pancetta for a bit of salty, smoky flavor.
Roasted Carrots
What can be easier than throwing some carrots on a baking sheet and roasting them in the oven?
I like that this dish is healthy and relatively low in calories, but still has a good amount of flavor.
The carrots come out nicely roasted with a bit of a crunch.
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
I would add more flavor to this dish by adding some seasonings to the carrots before roasting them.
I would mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and then toss the carrots in the mixture.
This would give the carrots a nice flavor without adding too many extra calories.
Sweet Potato Fries
I love having something crunchy and savory with my cajun chicken and rice.
The sweet potato fries are the perfect addition to this dish.
They are easy to make and can be cooked to your liking.
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
I would add more flavor to the sweet potato fries by seasoning them with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
I would also add a little bit of cayenne pepper to give them a little bit of a kick.
Caesar Salad
How about a simple salad to go with your cajun chicken and rice?
I think a Caesar salad would be a great option because it is light and refreshing, but also has a bit of a zing to it from the dressing.
Plus, it’s easy to make and can be thrown together quickly.
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
If you want to add a bit more flavor to your salad, you could try adding some crumbled bacon or grilled chicken.
You could also switch up the dressing a bit and use a ranch or vinaigrette instead of the traditional Caesar dressing.
Tater Tots
Tater tots might sound like a side dish that would be heavy and greasy, but they’re actually quite light and fluffy.
They have a great crispy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
They’re also really easy to make – just pop them in the oven and bake!
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
I would add more flavor to tater tots by seasoning them with some Cajun spices.
This would give them a bit of a kick and really complement the flavors in the cajun chicken and rice.
Macaroni Salad
Not just for kids, this creamy macaroni salad is the perfect addition to your Cajun chicken and rice.
The elbow noodles have a satisfying bite, and the mayonnaise-based dressing is rich and tangy.
I like to add a little bit of mustard to my dressing for extra zing.
This salad is also easy to make ahead of time, which is always a bonus.
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
I would add more flavor to this dish by adding some chopped celery and red onion to the mix.
I would also up the ante on the mustard, and maybe add a touch of hot sauce to the dressing.
Roasted Cauliflower
- Grab a baking sheet and some parchment paper.
- Cut a head of cauliflower into bite-size pieces, drizzle with olive oil and a little bit of salt.
- Roast in a 400-degree oven for 25 minutes.
That’s it!
The result is a delicious, slightly charred side dish that pairs perfectly with cajun chicken and rice.
I love the contrast of the crispy edges with the soft centers of the cauliflower. And it’s so easy to make!
How I’d Add More Flavor To It
If you want to add more flavor to this side dish, try roasting the cauliflower with some garlic cloves.
You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken and Rice? (13 Easy Sides)
Ingredients
- Roasted Veggies
- Mashed Potatoes
- Garden Salad
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Potato Salad
- Roasted Carrots
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Caesar Salad
- Tater Tots
- Macaroni Salad
- Roasted Cauliflower
Instructions
- Pick any of these tasty sides to serve with your Cajun Chicken and Rice.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy in no time!