Barbecue chicken sandwiches are a delicious and versatile meal. The juicy chicken pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings, making it easy to customize your sandwich experience. When planning your next BBQ chicken sandwich meal, consider these tasty options for accompaniments.
Salads and Slaws
A fresh salad or slaw adds crunch and flavor contrast to a barbecue chicken sandwich. Some excellent options include:
Cole Slaw
Tangy cole slaw is a BBQ classic. Shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in a creamy, vinegar-based dressing perfectly complement both the chicken and the smoke flavors in the sandwich. Try flavors like apple cider vinegar and honey mustard dressing to liven up traditional cole slaw.
Broccoli Slaw
For a fiber boost, broccoli slaw is a nutritious choice. The crunch of raw broccoli florets pairs nicely with shredded carrots, cabbage, and a light dressing like lemon juice and olive oil.
Macaroni Salad
Chilled macaroni salad is ideal for soaking up any delicious BBQ drippings from your chicken sandwich. Toss elbow macaroni with a mayo-based dressing, chopped celery, peppers, and onions for a classic picnic salad.
Leafy Green Salad
For a lighter option, build a salad with crisp lettuces like romaine or iceberg. Top with fresh vegetables like tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado and dress with a light vinaigrette.
Crunchy Toppings
Texture contrasts make sandwiches even more appealing. Here are some crunchy toppings to try on BBQ chicken sandwiches:
Pickles
Dill pickle chips are a classic sandwich topping. The briny vinegar flavor cuts through the richness of the chicken and BBQ sauce. For variety, use pickled veggies like jalapeños, carrots, or red onions instead.
Coleslaw
A scoop of chilled coleslaw on your sandwich adds satisfying crunch. The acidity of the slaw also balances the smoky meat.
Onion Rings
Crispy breaded onion rings are a tasty indulgence with BBQ. The sweet onion flavor pairs perfectly with smoky chicken.
Potato Chips
For an extra-crunchy sandwich, stack potato chips inside. BBQ and regular salted chips both make great options. Crushed chips on the outside add texture as well.
French Fries
French fries are another indulgent but delicious sandwich accompaniment. The starchy crunch plays off the juicy chicken beautifully. Sweet potato fries also pair well for a touch of sweetness.
Flavorful Sauces and Spreads
Sauces and spreads lend even more big, bold flavors to BBQ chicken sandwiches. Consider these tasty condiments:
BBQ Sauce
A tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy barbecue sauce is what brings everything together. Regional styles like Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, and Texas all make excellent sauces for chicken.
Ranch Dressing
Cool and creamy ranch dressing nicely balances hot, saucy chicken. Ranch also makes a great dip for fries or chips on the side.
Honey Mustard
Honey mustard has natural affinity for barbecue flavors. The sweet and tangy mustard-based sauce adds the perfect drizzle over chicken.
Blue Cheese Dressing
Tangy blue cheese dressing can stand up to the strong flavors in a barbecue chicken sandwich. The rich creaminess pairs beautifully with the juicy meat.
Aioli
Flavored aiolis or mayos make a great sandwich spread. Try chipotle, sriracha, roasted garlic, or lemon aioli for extra flavor.
Satisfying Sides
In addition to toppings and sauces, serve your barbecue chicken sandwiches with classic BBQ side dishes:
Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans make the perfect accompaniment for any barbecue. Pair classics like ranch style or bacon and brown sugar beans.
Potato Salad
Chilled, creamy potato salad is another quintessential BBQ side. The starchy potatoes pair well with the acidity of slaw and richness of chicken.
Corn on the Cob
For a fresh vegetable, grilled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side for BBQ. Roll the corn in a spice mix or smear with flavored butter.
Cornbread
Warm cornbread is ideal for sopping up BBQ sauce. Serve slices of sweet cornbread right alongside your chicken sandwiches.
Watermelon Slices
Chilled watermelon makes a refreshing sweet palette cleanser. The juicy melon also helps cut through the savory richness of the meal.
Chips and Dip
Crunchy chips and a creamy dip, like onion dip or artichoke dip, make an easy side to round out your spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Serving BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
What bread or bun is best for BBQ chicken sandwiches?
Brioche, potato rolls, Hawaiian rolls, and classic white or wheat sandwich bread all work well. Pick a bread that can stand up to the juicy chicken and sauce without getting soggy.
Should I put anything on the sandwich besides chicken?
Yes, toppings and sauces make the sandwich! Classic BBQ toppings like pickles, slaw, and melted cheese enhance the flavors. Sauces and condiments like BBQ sauce, ranch, aioli, etc. also livens up each bite.
What’s the best way to keep BBQ chicken sandwiches from getting soggy?
Let the chicken drain well after cooking before adding to the sandwich. Also avoid over-saucing, and don’t assemble the sandwiches until ready to eat so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
Can I make BBQ chicken sandwich sliders?
Absolutely! Mini slider rolls make perfect vehicles for individual BBQ chicken sandwiches. Top each mini bun with chicken, sauce, pickles, cheese, and other desired toppings.
Is BBQ chicken also good for salads?
Yes, chopped or shredded barbecue chicken makes an excellent salad topping. Pair it with lettuces, corn, beans, tomatoes, avocado and creamy ranch dressing for a satisfying main-dish salad.
What drinks go well with BBQ chicken sandwiches?
Bubble tea, lemonade, iced tea, beer, sparkling water with a twist of citrus, pineapple juice and soda, Shirley Temples, and fruit punch are all excellent beverage choices.
Conclusion
A barbecue chicken sandwich is a treat on its own, but the right sides and toppings can take it to the next level. Complete your BBQ chicken sandwich meal with delicious additions like crunchy slaws and salads, pickles, cheese, flavor-packed sauces and spreads, and classic sides like baked beans and cornbread. With so many tasty possibilities, you can customize your ideal chicken sandwich creation for an unforgettable barbecue feast.