A roast chicken can be a show-stopping main event for such a wide variety of meals, from a traditional and comforting Sunday roast on a rainy day, to a summertime lunch enjoyed al fresco.
But what about the accompaniments? A serving of satisfying carbs is always a good idea, and you can’t beat the humble potato when it comes to taking your meal up to the next level.
Let’s take a look at the most delicious options for potato side dishes for roast chicken…
The best potato sides for roast chicken include lemon roast potatoes, creamy garlicky mashed potatoes, fondant potatoes, French fries, paprika sweet potato wedges, tzatziki potato salad, cheese and bacon potato skins, and baby potatoes with butter and herbs.
Best of all, many of these options are super simple to make, even for beginner home cooks! I’m going to share my favourite tried and tested recipes for you to check out…
Roast potatoes are always a treat, and this recipe for lemon roast potatoes combines beautifully zesty flavours with the earthy, tart, and sweet taste of coriander seeds.
These take around an hour and twenty minutes in total to make, but they’re really easy to prepare and don’t require too much in the way of hands-on time. Don’t be tempted to skip the parboiling stage though. This ensures that you get perfect roasties that are soft and fluffy on the inside, and crispy and crunchy on the outside!
This potato side for roast chicken is really versatile, and works just as well for a Sunday roast as it does for a summertime buffet.
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate in comfort food, and they definitely deserve a mention when we’re considering the best potato side dishes for roast chicken!
Every family has their own go-to recipe for mash, and my favourite is this creamy garlicky mashed potatoes. It combines roasted garlic with Yukon Gold spuds, and the addition of olive oil, butter, and cream makes for the most indulgent, luxurious mash that you’ve ever tasted.
This one might not be top of the list if you’re looking for something super healthy, but if it’s a special occasion or you just fancy something extra special, you really can’t beat this side.
Fondant potatoes are popular with chefs are often found on the menu in fancy restaurants, so if you’re searching for potato side dishes for roast chicken that will impress dinner party guests, this one could be the right choice for you!
The word ‘fondant’ comes from the French word for ‘melting’, and they have a fluffy interior and a crisp top and slightly chewy base.
Though they offer the wow factor, they’re easier than you might think to prepare. You’ll peel your potatoes and cut into squat cylinders, before browning in oil in a pan and then roasting in the oven in butter and stock.
Let’s move on and consider the potato sides for chicken that aren’t part of your typical roast dinner! Cooking a whole chicken is one of my favourite things to do in the kitchen, and the beauty of it is that it’s just so wonderfully versatile.
Give your dinner a modern twist by serving it with a portion of hot, crispy French fries. I like to cook mine in the air fryer for best results.
To complete the meal, add your favourite sauce and some crusty bread. This homemade aioli is just beautiful, and brings a sophisticated vibe to the table.
Wedges are a little more substantial than fries, and they’re fantastic with a roast chicken alongside some homemade coleslaw.
They’re also really easy to make. Just cut your potatoes into wedges (you can leave the skins on), toss with olive oil and paprika, and roast in the oven for around 25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly crisped on the outside.
For perfect wedges every time, there are a few things to be mindful of. Firstly, make sure that you cut your wedges so they’re all approximately the same size. Next, make sure that they have plenty of room on the baking tray and that there’s no overlapping. If necessary, it may be better to cook in batches.
If you love Greek food, you really need to try tzatziki potato salad! It delivers some seriously delicious Mediterranean vibes, and it’s wonderfully creamy without being too heavy on the mayonnaise front.
It has the fresh and vibrant flavours of lemon, dill, cucumber, yoghurt, and red onion, and a little optional MSG is used to really make the flavours sing.
Make it a meal by adding your roast chicken and a big sharing bowl full of Greek salad. Delicious!
Stuffed potato skins are a great side dish to have in your personal recipe book! They’re a little different to the usual chips and roasties that often appear on menus, and they’re always a big hit with the whole family.
Good filling ideas include cheese, bacon, spring onions, and soured cream, though of course you can tailor them depending on your own personal tastes. A sprinkling of chilli flakes is a lovely addition if you enjoy food with a little bit of a kick!
For a simple and elegant potato side dish for roast chicken, try these baby potatoes with butter and herbs. You only need a little bit of butter, but lots of fresh herbs is what really makes this side dish special!
Choose small baby potatoes if you can, and try to find a bag that are roughly all the same size. This will help you to ensure that they’re all cooked evenly, without any skins bursting during the process.
Add some greens, and you’ve created a meal that’s perfect for a special lunch for friends and family.
Whether you’re aiming for a traditional roast dinner or something a little different, there are so many delicious choices for potato dishes to serve with roast chicken. Choose from:
If you’re looking for more meal planning inspiration, you might also want to check out the best pasta side dishes for chicken, and my collection of recipes for what to serve with rotisserie chicken!
