12 Heart Healthy Sides for Chicken

By Andrea Cohen
Updated 4/6/2026
In This Article
12 Heart Healthy Sides for Chicken
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

If you’re following a heart healthy diet, chicken is likely a staple in your meal rotation since it’s lean, affordable, and easy to make. It’s also a versatile protein that pairs well with many options for heart healthy sides, so you can keep your meals interesting.  

At Health eCooks, our team of chefs and dietitians understand that often it’s the side dishes that make the meal. That’s why we’ve created hundreds of healthy side dish recipes for chicken that are easy to make. From healthy salad recipes and vegetable recipes to potato and healthy pasta sides, our heart healthy chicken sides are so good that you may even want to skip the bird and just feast on the side dishes (and we wouldn’t blame you if you do!).

Here are some of our favorite healthy sides to serve with chicken. Each follows heart healthy dietary guidelines so they’re lower in fat, sodium, and calories than more traditional fare. But there’s no need to limit your enjoyment of these tasty side dishes to nights you cook chicken. These easy healthy sides go well with just about any type of protein, whether beef, pork, or fish is what’s for dinner tonight.

12 Healthy Side Dishes for Chicken

Take your meal to the next level when you serve these heart healthy side dish recipes with chicken – or any high protein main course.

Vegetables are the unsung champions of heart healthy cooking and a great basis for any chicken side dish. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, they bring life and balance to your plate alongside lean chicken. Whether roasted to crispy perfection, tossed into vibrant salads, or baked into comforting casseroles, the veggies in our recipes are designed to delight your taste buds while supporting your heart health.

  1. 01

    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad
    Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing
    45 mins

    Whole wheat pasta, black beans, chickpeas, and an assortment of colorful fresh vegetables, including juicy tomatoes and crunchy bell pepper, get a boost of deliciousness from a creamy avocado-lime dressing. This zesty, high-fiber taco pasta salad adds a fun Tex-Mex twist to chicken.

    View Recipe
  2. 02

    Hasselback Potatoes

    Heart Healthy Hasselback Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    90 mins

    A lighter take on a classic favorite, these heart healthy hasselback potatoes feature crispy edges and soft centers. They look fancy and taste great with simple roasted chicken or just about any entrée. 

    View Recipe
  3. 03

    Squash Casserole

    Heart Healthy Squash Casserole
    60 mins

    This heart healthy yellow squash and zucchini casserole uses gluten-free bread crumbs, almond milk, and a small amount of reduced-fat cheese to create a dish that’s comforting but not heavy. It’s low in sodium, saturated fat, and calories.

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  4. 04

    Roasted Carrots

    Heart Healthy Roasted Carrots
    35 mins

    The delicious taste of roasted carrots takes center stage in this simple side dish that goes well with chicken or any type of protein. It’s naturally low in sodium and rich in antioxidants, making it good for your heart.

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  5. 05

    Elote

    Heart-Healthy Elote: Grilled Mexican Street Corn (No Mayo)
    20 mins

    This lightened-up healthy street corn recipe skips the heavy sauce but keeps all the flavor with a tangy lime-yogurt combination and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. It’s smoky, creamy, and spicy, and pairs especially well with grilled chicken.

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  6. 06

    Sweet Potato Salad

    Sweet Potato Salad Recipe (with Greek Yogurt & Dill)
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Roasted sweet potatoes, red onions, and a Dijon vinaigrette turn this heart healthy potato salad into a nutrient-rich, fiber-filled side. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making it a great option to serve with lean chicken at your next barbecue.

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  7. 07

    Crunchy Asian Ramen Salad

    Heart Healthy Crunchy Asian Ramen Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    With crunchy veggies and toasted ramen, this colorful Asian ramen salad is loaded with texture and flavor without piling on the sodium. Instead of eating it as a side, you can top the salad with chicken if you prefer an entrée-sized salad.

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  8. 08

    Garlic Roasted Broccoli

    Heart Healthy Garlic Roasted Broccoli
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    Roasted in olive oil and tossed with garlic and red pepper flakes, this healthy roasted broccoli recipe gets crisp on the edges and is full of flavor. It’s a simple, satisfying side that complements just about any chicken recipe.

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  9. 09

    Black Bean and Barley Salad

    Heart Healthy Black Bean and Barley Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    Loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, and colorful veggies, this heart healthy black bean salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. The lime dressing adds a refreshing zing that brightens up any chicken entrée. (If you don't have barley, you can use another whole grain like brown rice, or swap the barley for quinoa to add even more protein!)

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  10. 10

    Candied Sweet Potatoes

    Healthy Candied Sweet Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Citrus, cinnamon, and a bit of sugar give these sweet potatoes their quintessential flavor. They’re a deliciously sweet side that feels indulgent but still fits into a heart healthy diet.

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  11. 11

    Green Beans with Tomatoes

    Heart-Healthy Sautéed Green Beans with Tomatoes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    35 mins

    Fresh green beans, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of garlic come together in this Mediterranean recipe for green beans. It’s light, fresh, and just the thing to round out a plate of grilled chicken.

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  12. 12

    Butternut Squash Risotto

    Heart Healthy Butternut Squash Risotto
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    Creamy but still heart-friendly, this heart healthy risotto recipe relies on squash and sage to create a fresh take on risotto. Its rich texture and comforting flavor pairs beautifully with roasted, baked, or grilled chicken.

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FAQs About Heart Healthy Chicken and Chicken Side Dishes

Whether you are managing a heart condition or just looking to eat a bit cleaner, chicken is a versatile staple. Here is a quick guide to making the most of it for your cardiovascular health.

Why is chicken good for your heart?

Chicken is a lean protein source, meaning it provides the essential amino acids your body needs without the high levels of saturated fat found in many cuts of red meat.

  • Cholesterol Management: Opting for skinless white meat (like chicken breast) helps keep LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in check.

  • Weight Control: High protein content promotes satiety, which helps maintain a healthy weight—a key factor in reducing heart strain.

  • Essential Nutrients: It contains B vitamins and selenium, which play roles in energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress.

Pro Tip: Always remove the skin before eating. While it’s fine to cook chicken with the skin on to keep it moist, the skin is where the majority of the saturated fat is stored.

What healthy sides go with chicken?

Try one of the tasty chicken side dish recipes on this page! In general, to keep the meal balanced, aim for sides that are high in fiber and low in sodium:

  • Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, or beets tossed in olive oil.

  • Whole Grains: Quinoa, farro, or brown rice provide heart-healthy fiber.

  • Leafy Greens: Sautéed spinach or kale with garlic and lemon.

  • Cruciferous Veggies: Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts.

What is a good dinner for a heart patient?

A "gold standard" heart-healthy dinner focuses on baking, grilling, or poaching rather than frying. Lean chicken or other lean proteins, balanced with vegetables and whole grains, make a perfect plate. We've got dozens of dietitian-approved heart healthy dinner recipes for you to choose from, all easy and delicious, too!

What is a good heart-healthy menu?

A balanced daily menu focuses on whole foods and healthy fats. We've got healthy recipes from the Health eCooks test kitchen to keep you going all day long. Here are some ideas to get you started:

More Heart Healthy Sides We Think You’ll Love

If you’re looking for more ideas for healthy side dishes, check out these blogs:

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