Chicken shish kabobs are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for grilling season, family gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. But what truly elevates these flavorful skewers is what you serve alongside them. The perfect sides and accompaniments can transform a simple kabob into a complete and unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the best pairings for your chicken shish kabobs.
Complementary Side Dishes: The Foundation of a Great Meal
The sides you choose play a crucial role in balancing the flavors and textures of your chicken shish kabobs. Consider both traditional and innovative options to create a truly satisfying meal.
Grain-Based Goodness: Rice, Couscous, and Quinoa
Grains are a staple for a reason; they’re filling, versatile, and absorb the delicious flavors of the kabobs’ marinade and seasonings. Rice, particularly fluffy basmati rice, is a classic choice. Its subtle aroma complements the chicken without overpowering it. Couscous, with its light and airy texture, is another excellent option. It can be easily flavored with herbs, spices, or even dried fruits for added interest.
Quinoa, a protein-packed grain, offers a healthier alternative. Its nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture provide a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect complement to your kabob marinade. Consider adding lemon zest and fresh parsley for a bright, refreshing twist.
Vibrant Vegetables: A Symphony of Colors and Flavors
No meal is complete without a generous serving of vegetables. Grilled vegetables, in particular, are a natural pairing for chicken shish kabobs, echoing the smoky flavors of the grill. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and grill them alongside the kabobs.
A fresh salad offers a contrasting element of coolness and crispness. A Greek salad, with its combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette, is a classic choice. Alternatively, a simple green salad with a lemon-herb dressing can be just as satisfying. Consider using seasonal vegetables to create a salad that reflects the freshest flavors of the season. A cucumber and dill salad is especially refreshing.
Roasted vegetables also make a delicious and nutritious side dish. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes roast beautifully in the oven, becoming tender and caramelized. Toss them with olive oil, herbs, and spices, and roast them until they are tender and slightly browned. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables provides a lovely contrast to the savory chicken.
Potatoes: A Comforting Classic
Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be prepared in countless ways. Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, and potato salad are all excellent choices for pairing with chicken shish kabobs. Roasted potatoes with herbs and garlic are a simple yet satisfying option. They can be cooked alongside the kabobs on the grill or roasted in the oven.
Mashed potatoes, creamy and comforting, provide a delightful contrast to the grilled chicken. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tanginess. Potato salad, whether creamy or vinaigrette-based, is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Sauces and Dips: Adding Depth and Complexity
A flavorful sauce or dip can elevate your chicken shish kabobs from good to great. Consider sauces that complement the flavors of your marinade and add a touch of moisture to the dish.
Yogurt-Based Delights: Tzatziki and Raita
Yogurt-based sauces are a natural pairing for chicken shish kabobs, particularly those with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavors. Tzatziki, a Greek yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, is a classic choice. Its cool and refreshing flavor provides a perfect counterpoint to the grilled chicken.
Raita, an Indian yogurt sauce with cucumber, mint, and spices, offers a similar cooling effect. Both tzatziki and raita can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tanginess, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Tangy and Zesty: Lemon-Herb Sauce and Chimichurri
A bright and zesty lemon-herb sauce can add a burst of freshness to your chicken shish kabobs. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a simple yet flavorful sauce.
Chimichurri, an Argentinian herb sauce with parsley, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, offers a more robust flavor profile. Its vibrant green color and herbaceous flavor make it a visually appealing and delicious addition to your meal.
Peanut Sauce: An Unexpected Twist
For a more adventurous pairing, consider serving your chicken shish kabobs with peanut sauce. This nutty and slightly sweet sauce complements grilled chicken beautifully. Look for a pre-made peanut sauce or make your own by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and chili garlic sauce. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, adding more honey for sweetness or chili garlic sauce for heat.
Bread and Wraps: Creating a Complete Meal
Serving your chicken shish kabobs with bread or wraps allows your guests to create their own personalized meals. Pita bread, naan bread, and tortillas are all excellent choices.
Pita Perfection: Warm and Versatile
Warm pita bread is a classic accompaniment to chicken shish kabobs. Its soft and slightly chewy texture is perfect for wrapping around the chicken and your favorite side dishes. Toast the pita bread lightly on the grill for added flavor and texture.
Naan Bread: A Soft and Flavorful Option
Naan bread, with its soft and pillowy texture, is another excellent choice. Brush it with melted butter and garlic for added flavor. Naan bread is particularly well-suited for serving with yogurt-based sauces and Indian-inspired kabobs.
Tortillas: A Convenient and Customizable Choice
Tortillas offer a convenient and customizable option for serving chicken shish kabobs. Warm the tortillas slightly and let your guests fill them with chicken, vegetables, sauces, and their favorite toppings. Tortillas are a great choice for a casual and interactive meal.
Dessert Pairings: Sweet Endings
While not traditionally considered a side dish, a light and refreshing dessert can be the perfect way to end your meal.
Fruit Salad: A Light and Refreshing Choice
A simple fruit salad with seasonal fruits is a light and refreshing way to cleanse the palate after a savory meal. Watermelon, berries, and melon are all excellent choices.
Grilled Pineapple: A Tropical Treat
Grilled pineapple, with its caramelized sweetness, offers a tropical twist. The smoky flavor of the grill complements the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a delicious and satisfying dessert.
Drinks That Delight: Complementing the Flavors
The right beverage can significantly enhance your dining experience. Consider drinks that complement the flavors of your chicken shish kabobs and side dishes.
Refreshing Choices: Lemonade and Iced Tea
Lemonade, with its tart and sweet flavor, is a classic choice for a summer meal. Iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, offers a refreshing and hydrating option.
Wine Pairings: White and Rosé Wines
White wines, particularly crisp and dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pair well with chicken shish kabobs. Rosé wines, with their fruity and slightly sweet notes, are another excellent choice.
Beer Selections: Light and Refreshing
Light and refreshing beers, such as lagers or pilsners, are a good choice for pairing with grilled chicken. Avoid beers that are too heavy or hoppy, as they may overpower the flavors of the dish.
In conclusion, the possibilities for what goes good with chicken shish kabobs are endless. Experiment with different combinations of side dishes, sauces, breads, and drinks to create your own personalized culinary masterpiece. Remember to consider the flavors of your marinade and the overall balance of the meal. With a little creativity, you can transform a simple chicken shish kabob into an unforgettable dining experience. The key is to choose accompaniments that complement the chicken’s flavor and texture, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
What are some classic side dishes that complement chicken shish kabobs?
Classic side dishes that beautifully complement chicken shish kabobs often focus on providing textural and flavor contrasts. Think about options like rice pilaf, couscous, or quinoa. These grains offer a neutral base that soaks up the flavorful juices from the kabobs, while their light and fluffy texture balances the heartiness of the chicken and vegetables. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette is also a wonderful choice, adding brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the kabobs.
In addition to grains and salads, consider grilled or roasted vegetables as a side. Think asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, all of which can be seasoned similarly to the kabobs for a cohesive flavor profile. Alternatively, creamy potato salad or a Mediterranean orzo salad can offer a heartier, more substantial accompaniment for those seeking a fuller meal. These dishes provide a satisfying counterpoint to the leaner protein of the chicken.
What sauces or dips pair well with chicken shish kabobs?
When it comes to sauces and dips, the options are vast and depend heavily on the seasoning of your chicken shish kabobs. If your kabobs are Mediterranean-inspired, a creamy tzatziki sauce, with its cool cucumber and yogurt base, provides a refreshing contrast. A lemon-herb aioli can also be an excellent choice, adding brightness and richness. For spicier kabobs, a cooling yogurt-mint sauce can temper the heat and balance the flavors.
Beyond yogurt-based sauces, consider options like a vibrant chimichurri, a zesty pesto, or even a simple honey-mustard sauce for a touch of sweetness. If you’re aiming for an Asian-inspired flavor profile, a peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce would be a fantastic addition. Experiment with different sauces to find the perfect complement to your specific kabob recipe and desired taste experience.
What type of bread is best served with chicken shish kabobs?
The best type of bread to serve with chicken shish kabobs often depends on the cultural influences of your kabob recipe. For Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired kabobs, warm pita bread is an ideal choice. Its soft texture and subtle flavor allow it to soak up the delicious juices from the kabobs and sauces. Alternatively, naan bread, with its slightly chewy texture and buttery flavor, also works wonderfully.
If you’re serving kabobs with a more Western influence, crusty baguette slices or toasted ciabatta bread can be excellent options. These breads provide a sturdy base for piling on the chicken and vegetables, allowing you to create mini sandwiches or simply use them to mop up any remaining sauce. Consider grilling the bread lightly to enhance its flavor and add a touch of smoky char that complements the grilled kabobs.
Can you suggest some unique or less common side dishes for chicken shish kabobs?
For a unique and vibrant side dish, consider a watermelon and feta salad with mint. The sweet and salty combination, along with the refreshing mint, offers a surprising and delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Another less common option is a grilled corn salad with avocado and lime. The sweetness of the corn, the creaminess of the avocado, and the zesty lime dressing create a flavor explosion that complements the grilled flavors of the kabobs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving your chicken shish kabobs with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs well with the savory chicken, while the black beans add a hearty and nutritious element. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cilantro complete this satisfying and unique side dish. These unconventional pairings can elevate your kabob experience and impress your guests.
What kind of drinks pair well with chicken shish kabobs?
The ideal beverage pairing for chicken shish kabobs depends heavily on the flavor profile of the kabobs themselves. For Mediterranean-inspired kabobs, a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a refreshing choice. Alternatively, a light-bodied rosé wine can also complement the flavors without overpowering them. Consider a Greek white wine like Assyrtiko for an authentic pairing.
For spicier or more robustly flavored kabobs, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais is a good option. If you prefer beer, a pale ale or a crisp lager can cleanse the palate and balance the flavors. Non-alcoholic options like iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing cucumber-mint water can also be excellent choices, especially on a warm day. Ultimately, the best drink pairing is the one you enjoy most.
How can I prepare side dishes in advance when making chicken shish kabobs?
Preparing side dishes in advance when making chicken shish kabobs can significantly streamline your cooking process. Salads, such as potato salad or pasta salad, can often be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Dressings should be added just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Similarly, grain-based dishes like couscous or quinoa can be cooked in advance and reheated gently.
For vegetable-based sides, consider prepping the vegetables by chopping or grilling them ahead of time. Grilled vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated slightly before serving. Sauces and dips can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing their flavors to meld and deepen over time. By prepping ahead, you can focus on grilling the kabobs when it’s time to eat, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable meal.
Are there any dessert options that would complement a chicken shish kabob meal?
To complement a chicken shish kabob meal, consider desserts that are light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. A fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing is a perfect choice, offering a vibrant and healthy way to end the meal. Alternatively, a simple grilled fruit dessert, like grilled pineapple or peaches, can echo the grilled flavors of the kabobs while providing a touch of sweetness.
For a slightly more decadent option, consider a Greek yogurt parfait with berries and granola. The creamy yogurt, the tart berries, and the crunchy granola provide a satisfying and balanced dessert that won’t leave you feeling overly full. A small scoop of sorbet or gelato is another light and refreshing choice, especially on a warm day. Avoid heavy, rich desserts that might overwhelm the palate after a savory meal.