There are days when fried chicken is the answer to everything. Pagod ka? Fried chicken. Craving comfort food? Fried chicken. Walang energy magluto ng bongga? Fried chicken. 😂
And let’s be honest — Filipinos take fried chicken VERY seriously. Whether it’s homemade, air-fried, Jollibee-style, Korean-style, garlic butter-style, or your classic Sunday ulam… we all have our favorites. But there’s one thing that can make or break the meal:
THE SIDE DISHES.
I realized this years ago when I made a big batch of fried chicken for the family and Ykaie said, “Mommy, ano pong kasabay nito? Hindi kumpleto!” And syempre, she was right. Fried chicken + a good side dish = a complete, happy, sulit meal.
So I created this 2025 Filipino guide to the very BEST side dishes for fried chicken —
from classic Pinoy sides to restaurant-inspired picks, budget-friendly options, and new trendy pairings everyone is loving right now.
Let’s plate up!
1. Classic Filipino Sides (Comfort + Tradition)
Garlic Rice
Nothing beats crispy fried chicken paired with buttery, toasted garlic rice.
Mas mabango, mas masarap, and super sulit if you’re feeding kids or teens.
Why it works:
✔ Fried chicken loves bold flavors
✔ Easy to make
✔ Budget-friendly
Atchara (Papaya Pickles)
A refreshing, sweet-tangy side that cuts through the richness of fried chicken.
Perfect for:
✔ oily dishes
✔ those who love a little asim-tamis
✔ balancing heavy flavors
Pinoy Coleslaw
Creamier, sweeter, more refreshing than Western versions.
Think KFC-style, pero homemade. 😉
Ingredients to keep on hand:
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Pineapple tidbits
• Mayo
2. Restaurant-Style Sides (Air Fryer + Home Café Vibes)
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
A forever classic.
And yes, you can make this Filipino-style—creamier, simpler, and with that peppery gravy we grew up loving.
Try with:
• Mushroom gravy
• Poutine-style toppings
• Crispy chicken bits on top
Buttered Corn
Kids LOVE this.
It’s sweet, buttery, and the easiest 5-minute side you can make.
Add-ons:
• cheese powder
• honey butter
• garlic butter
Macaroni Salad (Pinoy Style)
If you grew up attending fiesta food tables, you know this is legit.
Sarap nya with fried chicken, trust me!
Pro tip:
Chill before serving — para mas refreshing.
3. New Trending Sides (2025 Favorites!)
Kimchi Fried Rice
Korean flavors are still big this year.
Spicy, tangy, buttery rice + crispy fried chicken = BOOM. Good luck resisting.
Roasted Potatoes (Air Fryer)
For those avoiding rice (kunwari 😂),
air-fried potatoes seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and pepper are chef’s kiss.
Cucumber Salad (Asian Style)
Refreshing, sweet, slightly spicy.
Perfect to balance fried dishes.
Ingredients:
cucumber, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, chili flakes
4. Budget-Friendly Sides (₱20–₱60 Only!)
Egg Fried Rice
Kung tight ang budget but want something masarap and complete, this is the go-to.
Just leftover rice + egg + soy sauce + konting butter.
Chopped Tomatoes with Salt + Pepper
Simple, refreshing, healthy.
Pairs so well with crispy chicken — parang home-cooked lunch sa probinsya.
Instant Gravy Packets
Yes!
Brands like Knorr, McCormick, and Royco now offer instant gravy mixes that taste surprisingly good.
Perfect for:
• student meals
• quick dinner nights
• fried chicken partie
5. Sauces & Dips (The REAL MVPs)
Sometimes the side dish is actually the sauce.
And these are the ones Filipinos are obsessed with in 2025:
• Mang Tomas All-Around Sarsa
• Kewpie Roasted Sesame Dressing
• Lady’s Choice Garlic Mayo
• Sweet Chili Sauce (Thai brands)
• Honey Butter Drizzle
• Gravy + Hot Sauce Combo
Dips make or break the fried chicken experience — swear!
6. Bonus: Side Dish Combos That Always Work
If you want your fried chicken meal to feel “complete,” try these:
Combo A (Filipino Pack):
Garlic rice + atchara + gravy
Combo B (Kids’ Favorite):
Buttered corn + mashed potatoes
Combo C (Trendy 2025 Plate):
Kimchi rice + cucumber salad
Combo D (Budget Meal):
Egg fried rice + tomatoes
Fried chicken is already a crowd-pleaser, pero the right side dish turns it into a full, happy, comforting meal. As a mom, I’ve learned that it’s not the chicken that makes the kids excited…
it’s the complete plate. 💛
And honestly, even I feel more “accomplished” kapag maayos ang pairing — parang restaurant at home!
