Shredded barbecue chicken is a versatile protein that can be incorporated into a variety of delicious dishes. With its tangy, smoky flavor, shredded BBQ chicken pairs well with many flavors and textures. When planning a meal featuring shredded BBQ chicken, consider complementary sides and ingredients that will enhance the BBQ flavor rather than overpower it. Here are some of our favorite ideas for what to serve with shredded barbecue chicken.
Salads
Coleslaw is a classic pairing with barbecue chicken. The crispy cabbage and carrots provide a refreshing crunch to contrast the tender chicken. Make a BBQ chicken cobb salad with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs and crumbled blue cheese. The cool, creamy textures balance the smoky chicken perfectly. For a lighter salad option, try a bbq chicken spinach salad with nuts, seeds and a zesty vinaigrette. The key is to use sturdy greens that can hold up to the chicken.
Favorites from the Baked Potato Bar
Loaded baked potatoes make a satisfying companion to shredded barbecue chicken. Top russet potatoes with shredded cheese, bacon, scallions, butter and sour cream. Or take inspiration from a baked potato bar and serve toppings like broccoli, chili, sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions on the side. Don’t forget the butter and sour cream!
Simple Roasted Vegetables
For an easy veggie side, roast seasonal vegetables tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs. Favorites like roasted Brussels sprouts, balsamic glazed carrots or herb roasted potatoes all pair well with shredded barbecue chicken. The high oven temperature caramelizes the vegetables and creates a nice contrast of textures.
Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a comforting side for shredded barbecue chicken. Kick it up a notch by stirring some of the shredded chicken directly into the mac and cheese. Or go for a dynamite duo of BBQ chicken and bacon mac and cheese. The indulgent flavors make each other even better.
Classic Breads
Bread sopped with barbecue sauce is a treat with shredded BBQ chicken. Good options include thick slices of crusty bread, soft dinner rolls or toasted cornbread. For sandwiches, try soft buns, pretzel rolls or ciabatta. Brioche and challah also make excellent vehicles for shredded barbecue chicken.
Easy Pasta Salad
For an easy make-ahead side, try an pasta salad with your shredded BBQ chicken. Good additions include chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, corn and diced bell pepper. Toss with a tangy vinaigrette while the pasta is warm so it absorbs maximum flavor. Chill before serving alongside the barbecue chicken. Bowtie, rotini and wagon wheel pastas work well.
Beans and Rice
No barbecue meal is complete without classic sides like baked beans and rice. The soft textures and mild flavors complement the shredded chicken without competing with it. Try traditional baked beans or switch it up with an heirloom bean salad. White and brown rice are safe choices. For variety, try rice pilaf or cheesy rice.
Fresh Tortillas
Warm flour or corn tortillas on the side are a nice addition to shredded barbecue chicken. Let guests build their own tacos or mini burritos filled with chicken, shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo and their choice of toppings like sliced avocado or salsa. The fresh ingredients and flavors pair perfectly with smoky shredded chicken in tortillas.
Coleslaw with a Tangy Twist
A crispy, tangy coleslaw is a perfect partner for shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches or plates. But basic coleslaw can use an upgrade. Take it to the next level with these easy add-ins:
- Shredded apple or jicama for sweet crunch
- Toasted nuts like pecans or peanuts
- Dried cranberries or cherries
- Shredded carrot for color and texture
- Crisp chopped celery
- Red onion or shallots for bite
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or dill
- Zesty dressing flavors – try honey-lime, maple ginger or buttermilk ranch
Twice Baked Potatoes
For the ultimate rich, hearty side to accompany shredded BBQ chicken, bake large russet potatoes and scoop out the insides. Reserve the skins. Mash the insides with butter, milk, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, scallions, salt and pepper. Spoon the cheesy potato mixture back into the potato skins and top with more cheese. Bake until melted and lightly browned. These flavor-packed twice baked potatoes check all the boxes.
Savory Pot Pie
Take shredded barbecue chicken to new heights by baking it into a homemade pot pie. Line a pie dish with your favorite savory pie crust. Fill with shredded BBQ chicken combined with roasted veggies like carrots, peas and corn. Top with a sauce made of chicken broth thickened with a roux. Add dollops of biscuit dough or top with the second pie crust. Bake until the crust is golden brown for the ultimate comfort food alongside shredded chicken.
Corn on the Cob
Don’t overlook simple boiled or grilled corn on the cob. The sweet kernels pair perfectly with smoky, saucy BBQ chicken. Brush shucked corn with oil or butter and grill over medium high heat until lightly charred on all sides. Or boil corn briefly until just tender. Serve with melted butter, salt and pepper or let guests dress their own corn with creative toppings – try cotija cheese, lime juice and chili powder or crumbled feta and chopped fresh herbs.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with shredded barbecue chicken is a go-to crowd pleaser. Chopped romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, buttery croutons and a creamy garlic dressing stand up well to the chicken. Turn it into a full meal by topping the salad with extra grilled chicken. Homemade Caesar dressing is easy but high-quality store-bought works too. Add homemade croutons for extra crunch.
Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is never a bad idea alongside saucy barbecue chicken. Bake a loaf of Italian bread brushed with butter and diced garlic. Or whip up a quick cheese version by layering sliced bread with butter, minced garlic and shredded mozzarella and Parm. Broil until melted and toasted. Serve slices of hot garlic bread with BBQ chicken for dipping in any extra sauce.
Skillet Cornbread
A southern-inspired meal needs cornbread alongside BBQ chicken. Bake cornbread from a mix or make it from scratch. For individual servings, heat a cast iron skillet, grease it and pour in cornbread batter. Bake until cooked through and top with butter. Allow the edges to get crispy for the best texture. Cornbread muffins also pair well with shredded chicken without the extra work of a full skillet.
Fried Okra
For a southern side to accompany BBQ chicken, fry up some fresh okra. Choose young, tender okra pods and coat them in seasoned cornmeal or flour. Fry in batches in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and serve the crispy okra bites hot alongside saucy shredded barbecue chicken. The texture contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken.
Tater Tots
Sometimes simple is best. A plate of shredded barbecue chicken is complete with classic tater tots on the side. Bake frozen tater tots until hot and crispy or make homemade tots for gourmet flavor. Season them with cajun spices or top with cheese, bacon, scallions and ranch dressing. They bring just enough comfort food flair.
Cheesy Grits
In the southern U.S., grits are a staple with BBQ. Opt for old-fashioned or instant grits and prepare according to package directions. Then stir in butter, cream and lots of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Top with crumbled bacon if desired. The rich, velvety texture pairs perfectly with saucy shredded chicken and satisfies any comfort food craving.
Fresh Green Salad
A fresh and simple green salad maintains balance alongside heavy BBQ chicken. Use a base of crisp lettuces like romaine, spinach or field greens. Top with fresh vegetables such as cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrot and red onion. Make it a meal by adding cheese, seeds, beans or hard boiled egg. Serve with a light vinaigrette, lemon juice, or buttermilk ranch dressing.
Foil Pack Veggies
For easy vegetable sides, make foil packets. Place chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, red onion and cherry tomatoes on a foil sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Fold the foil into a sealed packet and grill or bake until the vegetables are tender. Quick cooking and natural juices create lots of flavor.
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a quintessential pairing with saucy, savory shredded chicken. Boil russet or Yukon gold potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, milk and seasonings. Keep them chunky or whip until smooth. Loaded mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon and scallions are always a win alongside BBQ chicken.
Pickled Veggies
Pickled vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower or red onions provide zesty crunch on a BBQ chicken plate. Prepare a quick pickle by heating vinegar with salt, sugar and aromatics like garlic, mustard seed or red pepper flakes. Pour over raw sliced vegetables and refrigerate at least an hour before serving. The pickle flavor cuts rich barbecue sauce beautifully.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a fun twist on fries with BBQ chicken, make sweet potato fries. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and spices and bake on a lined sheet pan until crisped. For extra indulgence, dip the fries in a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing in addition to the barbecue sauce. Sweet potato fries offer great texture alongside tender shredded chicken.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Indulgent scalloped potatoes bake up creamy and irresistible next to your barbecue chicken. Thinly slice russet potatoes and layer in a baking dish with cream, cheese and seasonings. Dot with butter and bake covered until the potatoes are meltingly tender. The rich dish soaks up extra BBQ sauce deliciously. Try scattering crispy fried onions on top for some extra crunch.
Jalapeno Cornbread
Jazz up classic cornbread with fresh jalapeños for the perfect bite with saucy BBQ chicken. Stir chopped pickled jalapeños or small slivers of fresh peppers into your favorite cornbread batter before baking. The heat pairs beautifully with sweet, tangy barbecue sauce. Or make cheesy jalapeño cornbread muffins using a boxed mix. Just fold in diced peppers and cheddar cheese.
Macaroni Salad
Chilled elbow macaroni salad with a creamy dressing is a staple at any barbecue feast. Cook macaroni until just al dente, drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with diced celery, shredded carrots, red onion, cucumber and bell pepper. Fold in an easy creamy dressing like ranch, sour cream, or mayo-based. Chill the pasta salad before serving it alongside your shredded BBQ chicken.
Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad offers crisp texture and cooling contrast to rich BBQ chicken. Simply toss sliced cucumbers with red onion, vinegar, salt, pepper and a touch of sugar or honey. For variety, try dusting the cucumbers with sumac or za’atar seasoning. The light salad reenergizes the palate between bites of saucy shredded chicken.
Biscuits or Cornbread
Hot bread straight from the oven completes a backyard barbecue chicken dinner. Bake up fluffy buttermilk biscuits, savory cheese and herb biscuits or classic cornbread muffins. Brush with melted butter or honey butter after baking. Serve the warm biscuits in a basket alongside saucy shredded chicken for soaking up extra sauce and juice.
Baked Beans with Bacon
What’s better than classic baked beans? Baked beans with bacon! For next level flavor, cook diced bacon until crispy. Drain most of the grease, reserving a tablespoon or two. Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon fat, then stir in barbecue sauce. Add your favorite baked beans and simmer until thickened. Top with the crumbled bacon. Smoky, salty bacon amps up the flavor of sweet baked beans.
Cheesy Home Fries
Simple home fries get an indulgent upgrade when loaded with cheese, bacon and scallions. Dice russet or Yukon gold potatoes, toss with oil and oven roast until tender. Transfer to a skillet with bacon fat or butter. Cook until crisped. Top with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon and sliced scallions. The cheesy home fries make the perfect feast with shredded barbecue chicken.
Classic Potato Salad
No summer barbecue spread is complete without old-fashioned potato salad. Boil cubed potatoes until just tender, then toss gently with diced celery, red onion, pickles, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. The cool, creamy potato salad balances warm, saucy shredded chicken beautifully. Add crumbled bacon or swap in Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Load up colorful vegetable skewers and grill alongside BBQ chicken for extra flavor. Try skewering cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, summer squash and mushrooms. Brush with olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Grill over medium high heat until lightly charred. The smoky grilled veggies pair perfectly with shredded barbecue chicken.
Cheese and Crackers
An easy appetizer that goes great with shredded chicken is a meat and cheese board with crackers. Arrange sliced cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, brie or havarti with cured meats like salami, prosciutto, sopressata and capicola. Add crackers, grapes, nuts, and mustards. Let guests assemble small plates of charcuterie to enjoy alongside their shredded BBQ chicken meal.
Poppyseed Fruit Salad
Balance your barbecue plate with a vibrant fruit salad tossed in a sweet poppyseed dressing. Mix berries, melon, pineapple, grapes, orange segments and whatever fruit looks best. Whisk together oil, honey, lemon juice, and poppy seeds to drizzle over the top. The fresh, fruity side cools the palate between bites of saucy BBQ chicken and savory sides.
Broccoli Salad
For another fresh take on salad, try a broccoli slaw or salad with shredded BBQ chicken. Toss chopped raw broccoli florets with shredded carrots, raisins, sunflower seeds, red onion and crispy bacon. Add a creamy dressing made with mayo, vinegar and sugar or honey. The crunchy broccoli salad adds color and texture to your barbecue chicken plate.
Creamy Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is the perfect counterpoint to tender shredded barbecue chicken. For flavorful coleslaw, whisk mayo, buttermilk, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar and celery seeds. Toss with shredded green and red cabbage and carrots. Let the coleslaw chill before serving to allow flavors to meld. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds nice color.
Chicken Quesadillas
Leftover shredded chicken makes easy, amazing quesadillas. Layer shredded barbecue chicken, cheese like pepper jack or cheddar, bell peppers and onions between flour tortillas. Cook in a hot skillet with oil until the tortillas are toasted and cheese is fully melted. Slice and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a simple meal to use up leftover chicken.
Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Transform leftover shredded barbecue chicken into tasty BBQ chicken pizza. Spread sweet and tangy barbecue sauce over a prepared pizza crust. Top with shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese, chicken, red onion and cilantro. Cook until the cheese is bubbly and crust is crisp. BBQ chicken pizza is an easy, delicious way to repurpose shredded chicken.
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Warm flatbread piled high with toppings makes a great casual meal for using up extra barbecue chicken. Spread naan or other flatbread with a thin layer of barbecue sauce. Top with shredded chicken, cheese, diced red onion, pineapple, sliced jalapeños and cilantro. Bake or broil briefly until the cheese melts and flatbread is toasted. The zesty flatbreads put a fresh spin on leftover chicken.
Barbecue Chicken Salad Wraps
Lettuce wraps make the perfect portable meal for enjoying leftover BBQ chicken on-the-go. Fill large lettuce leaves or tortillas with shredded barbecue chicken, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, corn, black beans and ranch dressing. Wrap up