Southern Sides That Pair with Fried Chicken | Holiday Comfort with Southern Fry Kings

Fried Chicken Deserves a Southern Feast

When the holidays roll around, there’s one dish that never fails to bring everyone to the table, fried chicken. Something about that golden crunch, that juicy bite, just feels like comfort and celebration in one. Maybe it’s the way it reminds us of family gatherings, the smell that fills the kitchen, or how everyone somehow reaches for the same last piece. Fried chicken has that kind of magic.

During the holidays, I like to think of it as the star of the table, and the sides are its best friends. You know the ones, creamy mashed potatoes, buttery biscuits, mac and cheese that stretches when you scoop it, and sweet cornbread that practically melts in your mouth. Those are the kind of sides that make fried chicken feel like home.

And if you’re using Southern Fry Kings mixes like King’s Chicken or Spicy King’s, then you already know how easy it is to get that perfect crispy crust without needing a long list of spices or fancy tricks. The flavor is all there, tucked into every scoop of that Creole fry batter. All you have to do is fry it up or even pop it in the air fryer and focus on the real question: what sides are you serving with it?

Creamy Comforts: Mac, Mashed and Gravy Love

Every Southern table has that one side that makes people close their eyes after the first bite. For me it is the mac and cheese. The kind that is thick and creamy and baked until the top is bubbling with golden cheese. It is not just a side dish, it is a hug in casserole form. When paired with hot fried chicken made using King’s Chicken or Spicy King’s mix, the buttery cheese blends perfectly with that crisp flavorful coating.

Then there are mashed potatoes. Smooth, rich and waiting for a good pour of brown gravy. Some folks like to keep it simple with butter and a sprinkle of salt, while others go all out with garlic, cream or even sour cream for that extra fluff. Either way, that velvety bite next to a crunchy drumstick feels like balance done right.

And let us not forget the gravy. It is the quiet star of every holiday meal. Spoon a little over your mashed potatoes, let some spill onto your fried chicken and suddenly you have a plate worth writing home about. It ties everything together like that one relative who always insists everyone takes seconds.

The Sweet and the Savory: Cornbread, Slaw and Greens

A plate of fried chicken never feels complete without something sweet and something fresh. That is where cornbread and slaw come in. The cornbread brings that golden sweetness that makes every bite of spicy fried chicken sing. I like mine warm from the oven, brushed with a little melted butter so it has that soft crumbly texture that almost melts when you bite into it. Some people add a drizzle of honey or a handful of sweet corn kernels for a little surprise in every piece. Either way, it is comfort food at its finest.

Then there is coleslaw. It is the crisp cool contrast that fried chicken craves. A good slaw should be creamy but not heavy, with just enough tang to cut through the richness of the chicken. I always toss mine with a touch of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sugar, so it hits that sweet and sour balance just right. When you take a bite of hot fried chicken followed by cold crunchy slaw, it feels like fireworks on your taste buds.

And because every Southern table needs a touch of green, collard greens or mustard greens simmered slow with garlic and a hint of smoke bring everything together. They add depth to the plate and that earthy flavor that feels like tradition passed down. When you set out your fried chicken made with Southern Fry Kings mixes like Down By The Bayou Seafood or Second Line Sunday, pair it with these sides and watch the plates come back clean.

Holiday Gatherings and Family Moments Around the Table

There is something special about the way food brings people together during the holidays. The kitchen feels warmer, the house smells like memories, and everyone ends up talking a little louder than usual. A plate of fried chicken at the center of the table somehow makes the whole scene feel complete. You can hear the crunch, see the smiles, and taste the comfort that only Southern cooking can bring.

Every family has its traditions. Some gather around the TV for the big game, others spend hours sharing stories while the little ones sneak bites before dinner. At my table there is always that one aunt who swears her potato salad is the best, and a cousin who hovers near the fryer pretending to “help.” It is all part of the rhythm of the season,  a mix of laughter, teasing, and second helpings.

Fried chicken fits right in with that kind of joy. Especially when it is made with Southern Fry Kings mixes like King’s Chicken or Spicy King’s, where the seasoning does all the work and you get to focus on the moments that really matter. The sizzling sound from the pan, the golden crust forming, and the first bite that reminds you what comfort tastes like that is what holidays should feel like.

Bringing It All Together with a Holiday Feast

When the table is full of food made with love, you can feel it in the air. The laughter sounds a little easier, the stories stretch a little longer, and nobody is in a rush to leave. Fried chicken, when it is golden and crispy and seasoned just right, has a way of pulling everyone in. It becomes the heart of the feast, surrounded by bowls of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, greens, slaw, and that sweet cornbread that everyone reaches for twice.

If you are cooking with Southern Fry Kings mixes, then you already know what I mean. King’s Chicken gives you that rich classic flavor that tastes like Sunday dinners done right. Spicy King’s turns up the heat for anyone who loves a little kick with their crunch. Down By The Bayou Seafood brings a coastal twist if you want to mix things up with fried fish or shrimp on the side. And Second Line Sunday adds that Creole touch that feels fancy without any extra effort.

Put it all together, and you have a meal that tastes like tradition and celebration at the same time. A meal that says welcome, sit down, and stay awhile. Because at the end of the day, that is what Southern cooking is all about, not just food that fills your plate, but food that fills your heart too.