A chicken wrap is one of the most versatile and satisfying meals you can enjoy. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or even a picnic staple, chicken wraps are delicious and adaptable to various flavors. However, while the chicken wrap itself can be filling, what truly enhances the experience is pairing it with the right side dishes. Furthermore, adding complementary sides not only elevates the wrap but also transforms it from a simple meal into a complete and well-balanced experience.
If you’re wondering what sides go with a chicken wrap, there are endless possibilities. From crispy fries and fresh salads to refreshing drinks, choosing the right sides can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the best sides to serve with chicken wraps, giving you plenty of ideas to create a memorable meal. According to Slimming Violet’s guide on chicken wrap pairings, sides like potato wedges or pasta salads are some of the most popular choices for adding variety and balance to your wrap meal.
What Are the Best Sides for Chicken Wraps?
Pairing a chicken wrap with tasty and complementary sides undoubtedly makes the meal more enjoyable. The key is balancing textures and flavors. For example, while the chicken wrap is soft and juicy, pairing it with something crispy or tangy enhances the overall meal. Therefore, let’s explore some of the top side dishes to serve with chicken wraps.
1. Crispy French Fries: A Classic Side for Chicken Wraps
French fries are a classic pairing with chicken wraps. They add the perfect crunch and a salty contrast to the tender chicken and fresh veggies in the wrap. You can either make them at home or, alternatively, pick up a bag of frozen fries for a quicker option.
- How to Make Crispy Fries: Use an air fryer to get crispy, golden fries in about 10-15 minutes. As a result, they come out crunchy, light, and delicious every time.
- Alternative: Sweet potato fries offer a healthier twist, providing additional fiber and vitamins. These are a great option if you’re looking for a slightly sweet flavor to complement the savory wrap.
2. Potato Wedges: Hearty Side Dish for Chicken Wraps
If you’re a fan of potatoes but want something a little different from fries, potato wedges are an excellent choice. They are easy to make at home and can be seasoned to perfection.
- Recipe for Potato Wedges: Start by cutting potatoes into wedges. Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up. After that, season them with olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika before roasting them in the oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
Potato wedges add heartiness to the meal, making them a perfect side dish for chicken wraps, especially for casual dinners or family meals.
3. Roast Potatoes: Comfort Food to Go With Chicken Wraps
Roast potatoes bring a comforting element to any meal. The crispy outer layer and fluffy inside make them a filling and delicious side to go with a chicken wrap. Additionally, they’re versatile enough for various occasions.
- How to Make Perfect Roast Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Chop your potatoes into chunks, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roast them for about 40 minutes. Furthermore, flipping them halfway ensures they are crispy on all sides. For a complete guide on perfecting this dish, you can refer to this roast potato recipe.
4. Italian Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Cold Side for Chicken Wraps
For a refreshing, cold side, Italian pasta salad offers a vibrant and colorful accompaniment to your chicken wrap. This side is especially great during summer and picnics.
- Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: Use two types of cheese, smoked salami, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables. Moreover, dressing the pasta in olive oil, vinegar, and herbs helps tie all the flavors together.
This pasta salad can be prepped ahead of time, making it a convenient quick side for chicken wraps and busy days.
5. Pesto Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Side for Chicken Wrap Meals
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated option, pesto pasta salad is a great choice. It’s rich in flavor and, best of all, easy to prepare.
- Pesto Pasta Recipe: Cook pasta like rotini or fusilli. Then, mix the pasta with pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and toasted pine nuts for added texture. You can make your own pesto or, alternatively, opt for store-bought to save time.
This flavorful side works well as a more “grown-up” pairing with chicken wraps and adds a gourmet touch.
6. Cowboy Rice Salad: Hearty Side Dish for Chicken Wraps
A hearty and flavorful cowboy rice salad adds a little adventure to your meal. Packed with vegetables and whole grains like brown rice, it is a healthy yet satisfying side dish.
- Recipe for Cowboy Rice Salad: Prepare brown rice, and toss it with black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers. Finally, finish with a zesty lime dressing to bring all the flavors together.
This side offers a wholesome addition, especially if you’re looking to add more nutrients and bulk to your meal.
7. Quinoa Salad: A Gluten-Free and High-Protein Side for Chicken Wraps
For those who want a healthy, gluten-free option, quinoa salad makes a perfect pairing with chicken wraps. Quinoa is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a fantastic base for a nutritious side dish.
- Quinoa Salad Recipe: Cook quinoa and mix it with chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Add black beans, corn, and crumbled feta for added flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro will further elevate the taste.
This salad pairs well with chicken wraps and adds variety to your meal.
8. Potato Salad: A Classic Side Dish to Serve With Chicken Wraps
A crowd-pleaser, potato salad is always a winning side for chicken wraps. It’s filling, easy to prepare, and can be made in advance, which is perfect for gatherings.
- Potato Salad Recipe: Boil potatoes and dress them in a lemon vinaigrette while they are still hot to absorb all the flavors. Add in some chopped celery and onions for crunch. For a lighter twist on potato salad, you can explore how Greek yogurt can be used instead of heavier ingredients by reading more about healthy alternatives like in this guide to using sour cream in sauces.
9. Greek Salad: A Mediterranean Side for Chicken Wraps
For a Mediterranean twist, pair your chicken wrap with a Greek salad. It’s light, refreshing, and complements the grilled flavors of the chicken.
- Greek Salad Recipe: Use ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and crumbled feta. Additionally, dress with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano.
This salad is perfect for summer and outdoor meals, adding brightness and zest to your plate.
10. Bean Salad: A High-Fiber Side Dish for Chicken Wraps
Bean salad is an easy and healthy side dish that can be made using pantry staples. It’s a protein-packed, fiber-rich option that goes well with chicken wraps.
- Bean Salad Recipe: Mix a variety of canned beans—like black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas—with diced peppers, onions, and fresh herbs. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice for a light, refreshing taste.
This is a quick and easy option that offers a hearty accompaniment to your meal.
11. Onion Rings: A Crispy Side Dish for Chicken Wraps
For a crispy and indulgent side, onion rings are always a hit. They pair well with chicken wraps and add a satisfying crunch.
- Homemade Onion Rings Recipe: Dip onion slices in batter and fry them until golden brown. If you want a lighter version, you can bake or air fry them for a similar crunch with fewer calories.
Store-bought onion rings are also a quick option if you’re in a hurry.
12. Soup: A Warm Side to Serve With Chicken Wraps
Soup and a wrap are a classic combination, especially for lunch. The warmth and comfort of the soup perfectly balance the freshness of a chicken wrap.
- Popular Soup Options: Tomato soup, minestrone, or chicken noodle soup are excellent choices to pair with wraps. If you’re making a wrap with Greek yogurt sauces, pairing it with a broth-based soup complements the lightness of the meal, much like in this sour cream dip recipe.
This versatile pairing is especially comforting during colder months and works for both casual and more formal meals.
13. Broccoli Slaw: A Crunchy and Healthy Side Dish for Chicken Wraps
Broccoli slaw is a nutritious, crunchy side that pairs well with the softness of a chicken wrap. It’s a lighter option, perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their meal.
- Recipe for Broccoli Slaw: Shred broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage. Toss them with a dressing made from Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
This side is both healthy and satisfying, and it adds texture to your meal.
14. Corn on the Cob: A Simple and Sweet Side for Chicken Wraps
Corn on the cob is a fun and interactive side dish that pairs well with chicken wraps. It’s easy to prepare and adds a sweet, buttery flavor to the meal.
- How to Cook Corn on the Cob: Boil corn in salted water for about 10 minutes. Once done, serve with salted butter.
Corn on the cob is great for family meals or BBQs, adding a summery vibe to your spread.
15. Chips and Dips: Quick and Easy Sides for Chicken Wraps
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, pairing your chicken wrap with chips and dips is a great option. It’s perfect for casual meals and parties.
- Popular Dip Options: Guacamole, salsa, hummus, and queso are all popular choices.
These can either be homemade or store-bought, depending on the time you have.
16. Fresh Fruit Salad: A Light and Sweet Side Dish for Chicken Wraps
For a sweet but light option, a fruit salad is a perfect side dish. It adds freshness and color to the meal, while also providing natural sweetness.
- Fruit Salad Recipe: Mix a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple. Dress the fruit with a light honey-lime dressing and garnish with fresh mint.
This salad pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of a chicken wrap, balancing out the meal.
17. Baked Apple Slices: A Warm Sweet Side for Chicken Wraps
If you’re looking for something a little sweeter but still healthy, baked apple slices are a great option. They add warmth and a hint of sweetness to your meal.
- How to Make Baked Apple Slices: Slice apples and bake them in the oven with cinnamon and a touch of sugar. Serve warm for a satisfying side.
This is a great alternative to dessert when you want something light and healthy.
18. Homemade Cookies: A Sweet Treat for Chicken Wrap Meals
If you want to finish off your meal with a sweet treat, homemade cookies are the perfect option. They’re easy to make and bring a comforting, homey vibe to the table.
- Cookie Recipe: Chocolate chip cookies are a crowd favorite. You can also try oatmeal cookies for a healthier option.
Serve these cookies after your chicken wrap meal to bring the whole experience full circle.
19. Fresh Lemonade: A Refreshing Drink to Go With Chicken Wraps
Lastly, don’t forget about the beverages! Fresh lemonade is an ideal drink to pair with chicken wraps, especially during the warmer months. It’s refreshing, tangy, and complements the flavors of your meal.
- How to Make Fresh Lemonade: Combine fresh-squeezed lemon juice with water and sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. For a fun twist, add a few mint leaves or berries.
Lemonade brings lightness to the meal and pairs well with savory and spicy chicken wraps.
FAQs About Chicken Wrap Pairings
What vegetables go well with chicken wraps?
The most popular vegetables include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, and avocado. These veggies add freshness, crunch, and flavor.
What sauces complement chicken wraps?
Popular sauces include Greek yogurt-based dressings, ranch, chipotle sauce, hummus, or salsa. You can also use guacamole for added richness.
Can you prepare chicken wraps ahead of time?
Yes, chicken wraps are great for meal prep. You can prepare the wraps and refrigerate them, then simply add the sauce and fresh veggies right before serving.
Are chicken wraps a good choice for parties?
Absolutely. Chicken wraps are easy to assemble and can be paired with a variety of sides. Set up a wrap station where guests can choose their fillings and sides.
What are some healthy side options for chicken wraps?
Healthier sides include quinoa salad, broccoli slaw, or grilled vegetables. These options add nutrients while keeping the meal light and balanced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pairing your chicken wrap with the right sides can turn a simple meal into a full, satisfying experience. Whether you prefer the crispness of French fries or the freshness of a Greek salad, there are countless options to choose from. By mixing and matching different sides like quinoa salad or Italian pasta salad, you can create endless meal combinations that cater to your taste and nutritional preferences.
Chicken wraps are not only versatile but also easy to customize, making them perfect for everything from family dinners to lunch parties. Next time you prepare chicken wraps, try experimenting with some of these sides to create a well-balanced and delicious meal.