I Tried 6 Popeyes Sides. Here's Why Red Beans and Rice is No. 1

Side Chickens

Popeyes deals in comfort food, from the top of its menu to the bottom. The New Orleans-style chicken chain is known for its fried chicken, but we all know the truth: There’s no such thing as a great fried chicken dinner unless you’ve got side dishes that perfectly complement the star of the show. Popeyes knows this, too.

But if you've only got two slots to fill in a combo plate, what are you choosing? I tried them all, and I've got the answers you seek. Here are six Popeyes sides, ranked.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

red beans and rice from popeyes — Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

Best: Red Beans and Rice

$3.49

There are not many fast-food sides that can compare to Popeyes’ red beans and rice. The stuff is true, next-level umami. You’ve got smoky red beans, Cajun rice, and soulful, rich flavors to bring them all together. I’ve been to more than a few restaurants in the city of New Orleans that didn’t even have red beans and rice this good. If you leave Popeyes without it, you’re out of your mind.

homestyle mac and cheese from popeyes — Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

2. Homestyle Mac and Cheese

$3.99

This is the exact type of mac I dream about when the craving hits. It’s thick, it’s cheesy, and none of it tastes like fake cheese sauce. This tastes exactly how soulful, Southern mac and cheese should taste.

buttermilk biscuits from popeyes — Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

3. Buttermilk Biscuits

$1.29

Fast-food restaurants have done a good job figuring out biscuits, but Popeyes’ biscuits are some of the best. They hold together very nicely, and they’re even a little bit perforated for easy halving. Chicken sliders, here I come.

mashed potatoes with cajun gravy from popeyes — Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

4. Mashed Potatoes and Cajun Gravy

$3.49

Oh-so-buttery. Oh-so-peppery. The Cajun gravy brings a layer of extra flavor that those creamy mashed potatoes need, and really, no other fried chicken chain should bother competing.

popeyes cajun fries — Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

5. Cajun Fries

$3.49

Don’t take this fifth place ranking to mean Popeyes' Cajun fries are bad. They’re actually great, but I’ve never been a person who thinks fried chicken needs french fries on the side. You’re a lot better off grabbing any of the sides listed above, instead.

coleslaw from popeyes — Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

6. Coleslaw

$3.49

There’s a whole lot of dill going on in this slaw, and while I like it quite a bit, the dill becomes distracting. I’d stick it right under KFC’s slaw. Still doesn’t bother me too much.

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