What to Serve With Chicken Kebabs: 15 Best Sides, Salads & Sauces

Chicken kebabs are a crowd-pleasing dish that work just as well for a summer BBQ as they do for a mid-week family dinner. Tender, flavourful, and easy to cook, they’re a versatile main – but the big question is: what do you serve with chicken kebabs?

From fresh salads to hearty potatoes and flavour-packed sauces, there are endless side dish ideas to make your kebab meal complete. Below, we’ve put together the best accompaniments to serve with chicken kebabs to suit every taste.

1. Fresh & Vibrant Salads

Light salads are the perfect balance to smoky, spiced kebabs. They add crunch, freshness, and colour to your plate.

• Fruit salad – pineapple, watermelon, and berries cut through the richness of grilled chicken.
• Carrot salad – shredded carrots with a yoghurt or mayo dressing, plus onions and celery for crunch.
• Mixed salads with extras – add nuts, dried cranberries, or apple chunks for extra texture and sweetness.

👉 Pair a fruity salad with spicy kebabs for a refreshing contrast.

2. Fluffy Rice & Grain Dishes

Rice is a classic side for kebabs, soaking up all the marinades and juices.

• Basmati or jasmine rice – simple and traditional.
• Herbed couscous – light, fluffy, and quick to prepare.
• Grain salads – try quinoa with dried fruit, seeds, and a lemon dressing.

Rice dishes like Pilau Rice are especially delicious when served alongside grilled vegetables for extra depth of flavour.

3. Grilled Vegetables

Kebabs and grilled veggies are a match made in heaven – especially if you’re already firing up the BBQ.

• Zucchini (courgette) slices – mild and tender, perfect with smoky marinades.
• Bell peppers – colourful and sweet, grilled whole or in chunks.
• Aubergine (eggplant) wedges – earthy and rich when charred.
• Mediterranean couscous with roasted tomatoes and scallions – a side that doubles as a salad.

👉 Pro tip: drizzle grilled veg with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist.reate their own unique kebab plate - now let’s explore how potatoes can take it to the next level.

4. Hearty Potato Dishes

If you’re after something more filling, potatoes make the perfect partner to kebabs.

• Herb-roasted potatoes – crispy, golden, and flavoured with rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
• Lemon garlic potatoes – wedges roasted with olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
• Potato salad – creamy or light with a vinaigrette dressing.

These are perfect for BBQs, parties, or when you want a comfort-food feel with your chicken kebabs.

5. Sauces & Dips

No kebab meal is complete without a selection of sauces for dipping or drizzling.

• Tzatziki – refreshing Greek yoghurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill.
• Hummus – creamy and nutty, a classic Middle Eastern side.
• Garlic mayo – rich and indulgent.
• Mango chutney – sweet, spicy, and perfect with chicken.
• Avocado dip/guacamole – creamy with a fresh zing.

Quick marinades also work brilliantly – simply mix olive oil with lemon juice, herbs, and spices to serve as a dip or dressing.

Extra Tips for Serving Chicken Kebabs

• Skewers – wooden skewers work well but always soak them before grilling; metal skewers are reusable and heat evenly.
• Cooking time – kebabs usually take 4–7 minutes on a hot grill, turning every 2 minutes.
• Marinades – experiment with citrus, herbs, yoghurt, or smoky spices to match your chosen side dishes.
• Presentation – serve kebabs on a platter with sides in colourful bowls for a sharing-style feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best side dishes to serve with chicken kebabs?
Some of the most popular side dishes for chicken kebabs include fresh salads, rice dishes, grilled vegetables, potato sides (like roasted or lemon-garlic potatoes), and dips such as tzatziki or hummus. These balance out the smoky, savoury flavours of the kebabs.

2. Can I serve chicken kebabs with bread?
Yes! Flatbreads, pitta bread, or naan make excellent accompaniments. They’re great for scooping up dips or wrapping around kebabs to create a handheld meal.

3. What sauces go best with chicken kebabs?
Traditional options like tzatziki, garlic mayo, and hummus pair perfectly with kebabs. For a sweeter twist, you could serve them with mango chutney or a yoghurt-based dip.

4. Are chicken kebabs healthy?
Chicken kebabs can be a healthy meal option, especially if you use lean cuts of chicken breast, minimal oil, and serve them with lighter sides like grilled vegetables or salads. Avoid heavy cream-based sauces if you want to keep the dish low in calories.

5. What drinks go well with chicken kebabs?
For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon, mint lemonade, or iced tea pair nicely. If you prefer alcohol, light beers, crisp white wines, or refreshing cocktails like Aperol Spritz complement the flavours well.

6. Can I make chicken kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare your skewers ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Cooked kebabs can also be reheated, though they taste best fresh from the grill.

7. What vegetarian sides can I serve with chicken kebabs?
Vegetarian-friendly sides include couscous salad, roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or stuffed peppers. These make your meal more versatile for mixed-diet households.

Final Thoughts

Chicken kebabs are versatile, delicious, and easy to prepare – and with the right side dishes, they become the star of any meal. Whether you prefer fresh salads, fluffy rice, smoky grilled vegetables, crispy potatoes, or creamy dips, there’s no shortage of tasty accompaniments.

Mix and match these ideas, and you’ll have the perfect menu to serve with chicken kebabs – from casual mid-week dinners to BBQ parties with friends.