When it comes to pairing side dishes with your mouth-watering BBQ chicken, the options are endless! From classic comfort foods to fresh and healthy alternatives, we’ve got you covered with thirty-one finger-licking ideas that cater to every taste bud.
Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a formal gathering, these delectable sides will elevate your BBQ chicken game and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Potato Sides for Chicken
When it comes to pairing potatoes with chicken for a holiday feast, busy weeknight dinner, or backyard BBQ, there’s no denying that this classic combination is a winner. But what really elevates the meal is serving those spuds alongside some delicious and complementary sides. For your next BBQ poultry gathering, consider these top-notch options:
Greek Potato Salad
This scrumptious potato salad eschews traditional mayo and eggs in favor of a lighter, creamier texture that pairs equally well with red potatoes, Yukon golds, or even yams. The dish is elevated by the bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors of kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and an abundance of fresh parsley and dill.
Pan Roasted Potato Salad
A symphony of flavors and textures comes together with pan-roasted sliced potatoes, smoky prosciutto cubes, peppery arugula, and briny olives. The dual texture of crispy and soft from the roasted potatoes provides a delightful contrast, while the subtle tanginess of pesto and lemon vinaigrette elevates the dish to new heights. This delectable combination makes it an excellent accompaniment to rich chicken wings.
Hasselback Baked Potatoes
If you’re torn between the comfort of roasted potatoes and the crunch of French fries, Hasselback potatoes are an excellent alternative. This classic side dish boasts a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with generous brushstrokes of butter, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a dollop of tangy sour cream on top.
Not only is this a timeless favorite in traditional cuisine, but it also lends itself well to Mexican-inspired flavor profiles, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add some excitement to their meal.
Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
When it comes to pairing a crowd-pleasing side with your BBQ chicken, few options can match the appeal of these delectable potatoes. The harmonious balance of chives and lemons adds a delightful freshness that complements the pungency of garlic perfectly. For an unparalleled taste experience, opt for baby potatoes – their natural sweetness and tender texture making them an ideal choice to elevate this dish.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in the perfect pairing with these irresistible sweet potato fries, ideally suited as a complement to your barbecue chicken dinner or even a richly flavored brisket. With only a few essential ingredients – oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon – this side dish is remarkably effortless and packed with flavor, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes
A delectable combination of sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, and butter yields a rich and creamy potato dish. The crowning glory lies in the addition of crispy bacon pieces and fresh green onions that add an irresistible depth to this mouthwatering side dish. When you take a bite, the satisfying crunch of the skin gives way to a velvety interior that will leave you yearning for more. This delightful accompaniment is perfect not only as a standalone side but also pairs exceptionally well with hearty bowls of chili.
Grilled Baby Potatoes
Pairing grilled root vegetables with BBQ chicken is a match made in heaven. To create this delightful combination, start by chopping the root veggies into 2- to 4-centimeter pieces. Brush them with olive oil, thread them onto skewers, and then grill until they’re slightly charred on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside. Serve these lovely potato skewers with a refreshing lemony and herby salsa spooned generously on top.
Apple Sweet Potato Bake
Savor the essence of the holidays with a delectable sweet potato and apple cube dish, elevated by the sweetness of raisins, crunch of walnuts, and richness of buttery dollops. The aroma of warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg wafts through each bite, making it an ideal accompaniment to any festive feast. Pair this side with a hearty chuck steak recipe for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Healthy Sides for BBQ Chicken
For those seeking a harmonious pairing with their smoked chicken meal, consider the following wholesome side dish options that can elevate your culinary experience.
Mexican Bean Salad
Indulging in smoky and barbecue meat is always a surefire way to satisfy your cravings, and what better pairs it with than a vibrant Mexican bean salad? This delectable side dish is overflowing with the most iconic Mexican veggies and spices, guaranteeing an explosion of authentic flavors. The best part? You can enjoy this salad alongside fresh herbs or pair it with a savory steak for a truly satisfying meal.
Rainbow Slaw with Lemon Garlic Tahini Dressing
Combining the best of fall’s bounty, a medley of shredded veggies yields a hearty, nutrient-rich salad that pairs exquisitely with well-seasoned chicken. The result is a symphony of textures – crunchy, sweet, and tangy – making it an ideal accompaniment to your favorite protein. Meanwhile, substituting traditional apples with no mayo ensures a sweeter, healthier take on coleslaw, elevated by a zesty lemon-tahini dressing that will surely delight even the most discerning palates.
Whole30 Pineapple Salsa
This delightful salsa bowl radiates warmth and energy, filled to the brim with an array of colors and flavors that will leave you wanting more. The harmonious blend of pineapples, jalapenos, tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers creates a delightful contrast between textures, offering a satisfying snacking experience.
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Heirloom tomatoes are a cut above the rest when it comes to flavor and nutritional value. Compared to their conventional counterparts, they boast a more complex taste profile and lower acidity levels. When you combine these traits with the creamy richness of feta cheese, the bright freshness of basil, and the tangy zip of Italian dressing, you’ll be left with a dish that’s nothing short of irresistible. The result is a culinary experience that will leave your guests eagerly seeking seconds.
Low Carb Sides for BBQ Chicken
When planning meals for friends and family, it’s common to want options that cater to various dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting guests who follow a Keto diet or simply looking for lighter, low-carb alternatives to serve at your summer gatherings, these adaptable recipes are sure to please. They pair perfectly with grilled chicken and can be enjoyed at your next dinner party or BBQ.
Sauteed Onions and Peppers
Indulge in the sweet and savory fusion of caramelized onions and peppers, a match made in heaven that perfectly complements any grilled meat or serves as an excellent addition to sandwiches, salads, and even pairs well with ground lamb dishes.
Sugar-Free Low Carb Coleslaw
This sweet-free and tangy creamy coleslaw, bursting with crunchy sunflower and poppy seeds, is an innovative take to elevate your BBQ gatherings. Its unique flavor profile is further enhanced by adding some green onion slices as garnish, providing a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Loaded Mock Keto Potato Salad
Indulge in the rich flavors of this delectable cauliflower salad, crafted with a medley of ingredients including cauliflower, eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar. A tangy and creamy dressing, masterfully blended with mayonnaise and sour cream, elevates the dish to new heights. This indulgent treat is not only a feast for the taste buds but also surprisingly low in carbs, boasting an impressive 5.5 grams of net carbs per serving – making it an excellent option as a side dish.
Grilled Broccoli
This delectable grilled broccoli boasts an irresistible umami flavor and satisfyingly charred texture, making it an ideal accompaniment to any BBQ meat. To elevate its flavor profile, feel encouraged to modify the seasoning or introduce a spicy twist to the florets. Additionally, this side dish pairs delightfully with griddle meals, offering a harmonious combination of flavors.
Sauteed Mushrooms in Garlic Butter
When it comes to pairing ingredients with your BBQ chicken dinner, few combinations are as divine as those garlicky mushroom slices. The key to their success lies in the double-cooking process, which yields a rich, buttery flavor that’s simply sublime. To achieve this level of culinary excellence, be sure to sauté the mushrooms until they reach a deep brown perfection. This not only adds texture but also concentrates the flavors within. And don’t forget to deglaze the pan with some broth afterwards, as this will help to release any remaining flavors that may have stuck to the pan, adding an extra layer of depth to your dish.
Mashed Cauliflower
The game-changer here is not just the cauliflower itself, but rather the thoughtful approach taken in its preparation. By slowly simmering the florets in a rich vegetable broth infused with added flavor, the dish is elevated to new heights. To maximize the benefits, be sure to reserve some of that savory liquid for blending into a creamy sauce later on. A key component in this process is the strategic addition of spices, which should be generously sprinkled throughout. For an extra boost of flavor and texture, consider incorporating more butter or sour cream as well.
Easy Sides for BBQ Chicken
Looking to elevate your backyard barbecue experience without sacrificing too much time or effort? Worry not! We’ve got you covered with these effortless yet tantalizing side dish ideas that perfectly complement the rich flavors of your BBQ chicken.
Creamy Coleslaw
Savoring the delightful fusion of flavors in this cabbage and carrot bowl, it’s a match made in heaven for a classic BBQ gathering. The harmonious blend of crispy textures, tangy notes, subtle sweetness, and a hint of spiciness creates a creamy and refreshing delight that pairs perfectly with your main course. What’s more, the minimal 5-minute preparation time allows you to prioritize the stars of the show – your main dish – while still enjoying this delightful side.
Classic Macaroni Salad
In this delectable salad, elbow macaroni is paired with savory ham, melted cheese, and scrambled eggs, all generously accompanied by an abundance of fresh vegetables. The crowning glory is a tangy and rich mayonnaise-based dressing that brings a silky smoothness to each bite. While the ingredient combination itself is already impressive, this dish is remarkably adaptable, allowing you to easily tweak it to suit your personal taste preferences.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
The star of the show in this delectable mac and cheese recipe is the smoked gouda, which lends a bold, smoky flavor that pairs exquisitely with the tanginess of BBQ chicken. This creamy, buttery sauce is so satisfying, you’ll find yourself returning to it time and again.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the velvety smoothness and natural sweetness of this rich cheese-filled side dish, elevated by the tanginess of buttery creaminess. While it’s already incredibly flavorful, those who crave a spicy kick may wish to add a pinch of seasonings to take it to the next level. And don’t be afraid to repurpose these potatoes as a complement to your leftover griddle creations – they’ll pair perfectly with whatever deliciousness you’re serving up.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
When it comes to pairing grilled ears of corn with BBQ meats, there’s no better way to bring out their natural sweetness than by cooking them until they’re charred and develop an almost caramelized flavor profile. This simple yet effective technique is a game-changer for any backyard cookout or family gathering. To take it to the next level, a flavorful spread made from melted butter infused with minced garlic, thyme, and parsley adds a depth of taste that’s both savory and aromatic.
BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad
This vegetable-packed pasta salad boasts an impressive array of nutrients from its star ingredients: broccoli, zucchini, summer squash, corn, and spinach. With such a diverse selection of vitamins and minerals, this indulgent treat can be savored without a hint of guilt.
A tangy ranch dressing and rich barbecue sauce add depth to the mix of rotini pasta and an abundance of vegetables, making it a showstopper for any gathering.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience by serving up a side dish that’s both nutritious and delightful – cheesy macaroni with squash is sure to please everyone at the table, including the kids! The added crunch from cashews and an abundance of spices will tantalize your taste buds, while the creamy sauce provides a rich and satisfying flavor profile. For an extra layer of indulgence, be sure to sprinkle a generous helping of shredded Parmesan on top – it’s a game-changer!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
While some people may not be fans of Brussels sprouts, it’s possible they just haven’t experienced them in the right way. When prepared with toasted pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup, these humble vegetables can transform into a culinary delight that pairs surprisingly well with BBQ-seasoned chicken. The combination yields a flavor profile that’s both smoky and nutty, with hints of sweetness and earthiness that will leave you wanting more.
Easy Cornbread
When it comes to cornbread, the perfect texture is crucial – you want it to be simultaneously moist, fluffy, and crispy around the edges, while remaining soft on the inside. Additionally, a generous helping of butter is essential, but only if it’s balanced so that the bread doesn’t feel greasy to the touch. In essence, the ideal cornbread should strike a harmonious balance between sweet and savory flavors, making for a truly delightful experience. This recipe’s simplicity belies its ability to deliver on all these fronts, resulting in a delightfully versatile and scrumptious treat.