When it comes to fried chicken, the main attraction deserves worthy companions. At Swiss Chalet, we believe that the perfect meal is a harmony of flavors and textures. That's why we've carefully crafted our side dishes to complement our signature fried chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience.
In this guide, we'll explore the art of pairing sides with fried chicken, helping you create the ultimate Swiss Chalet meal at home.
The Science of Food Pairing
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's understand what makes certain foods work well together. Successful food pairings typically balance contrasting elements:
- Texture contrasts: Crispy chicken pairs beautifully with creamy or soft sides
- Flavor balance: Rich, savory chicken benefits from acidic or slightly sweet accompaniments
- Temperature variety: Hot chicken with both hot and cold sides creates interest
- Color diversity: A visually appealing plate enhances the dining experience
Classic Sides: Timeless Companions
Some combinations have stood the test of time for good reason. These classic sides have earned their place alongside our fried chicken:
1. Poutine
Our Canadian classic features hand-cut fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy. The savory depth of the gravy complements the seasoned coating of our chicken, while the fries provide a different type of crispiness to contrast with the chicken's crunch.
Perfect with: Our original recipe fried chicken
2. Creamy Coleslaw
The cool, crisp texture and tangy flavor of our house-made coleslaw provides the perfect counterpoint to hot, crispy chicken. The slight sweetness and acidity cut through the richness of fried foods, cleansing the palate between bites.
Perfect with: Spicy fried chicken varieties
"The perfect side dish doesn't compete with the main attraction—it complements it, creating a more memorable meal than either component could achieve alone."— Emma Wilson, Culinary Director
3. Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, our buttermilk biscuits offer a neutral canvas that absorbs the flavors of the chicken while providing a different texture experience. Slather them with honey butter for an added sweet contrast.
Perfect with: Any chicken variety, especially when served with gravy
Seasonal Sides: Fresh Perspectives
At Swiss Chalet, we embrace seasonal ingredients to keep our menu fresh and exciting. These rotating sides bring new dimensions to our fried chicken:
1. Summer Corn Succotash
Available June through September, our succotash combines fresh corn, bell peppers, and lima beans in a light butter sauce. The natural sweetness of corn highlights the savory notes in our chicken coating.
Perfect with: Herb-seasoned fried chicken
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
Fall and winter bring these caramelized sprouts with a touch of Canadian maple syrup. The slightly bitter vegetables with sweet glaze create a sophisticated counterpoint to the chicken's richness.
Perfect with: Original recipe fried chicken
3. Spring Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Tender asparagus spears with bright citrus notes offer a light, refreshing side during spring months. The clean, grassy flavor and slight crunch provide elegant contrast to our hearty chicken.
Perfect with: Garlic butter fried chicken
Signature Sauces: The Final Touch
No discussion of sides would be complete without mentioning our signature sauces, which can transform both the chicken and accompanying sides:
1. Chalet Sauce
Our iconic dipping sauce with its unique blend of spices works wonderfully with both the chicken and as a drizzle over fries or mashed potatoes.
2. Maple Chipotle BBQ
Sweet, smoky, and with a gentle heat, this distinctly Canadian sauce adds complexity to any chicken meal and pairs particularly well with cornbread or mac and cheese.
3. Garlic Aioli
Creamy with a robust garlic punch, our house-made aioli elevates both the chicken and vegetable sides, adding richness to every bite.
Building Your Perfect Plate
When ordering Swiss Chalet delivery, consider these principles for creating a balanced meal:
- Include at least one fresh, vegetable-based side
- Balance temperatures with both hot and cold items
- Choose contrasting textures (crispy, creamy, etc.)
- Select at least one dipping sauce that works with both chicken and sides
- Consider your beverage pairing (we recommend our house-made lemonade or a Canadian craft beer)
Family-Style Recommendations
For family orders, we suggest a variety approach. Our Family Feast includes:
- 12-piece mixed fried chicken
- Large poutine
- Family-size coleslaw
- 6 buttermilk biscuits
- Choice of seasonal vegetable
- Three signature sauces
This combination ensures everyone finds their perfect pairing while sampling a range of complementary flavors.
Experience the Perfect Pairing Today
Ready to experience these perfect pairings for yourself? Order Swiss Chalet delivery today and elevate your fried chicken experience with our thoughtfully crafted sides. Use code PERFECTPAIR for 20% off any side when ordering a fried chicken meal through June 2023.
