Finding the perfect side dishes to accompany your barbecued chicken is key to creating a mouthwatering and well-rounded meal. While grilled chicken on its own is tasty, pairing it with complementary sides enhances the flavor and provides a variety of textures and flavors. From classics like cornbread and coleslaw to creative options like grilled vegetables and macaroni salad, the possibilities are endless. This comprehensive guide will explore many delicious side dish ideas that go great with barbecued chicken.
Traditional BBQ Sides
Some traditional sides have become beloved staples at backyard barbecues and cookouts. These classics complement the smoky, savory flavor of chicken cooked over an open flame. They add comfort, nostalgia, and Americana charm to a meal.
Sweet and Tangy: BBQ Baked Beans
No barbecue is complete without a hearty scoop of baked beans. These sweet, sticky, and slightly smoky beans are a filling complement to grilled chicken. The molasses and brown sugar add welcoming sweetness, while ketchup and mustard provide tang. Onions, garlic and bacon bits add richness and texture. Baked beans offer the comfort of nostalgic flavors paired with the joy of whimsy that comes from finding the odd leftover bit of bacon in each bite. For an extra smoky flavor, bake the beans in a smoker or add liquid smoke seasoning.
Cool and Crisp: Coleslaw
The crunchy, cooling crunch of coleslaw balances beautifully with tender, juicy grilled chicken. The lightly dressed lettuce and cabbage provide a fresh contrast to the char and caramelization from the grill. For classic coleslaw, thinly slice green and red cabbage and toss gently with a mayonnaise or vinaigrette dressing and salt and pepper. For variety, add shredded carrots, onions, bell peppers or apple. Top with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless for crafting the perfect coleslaw.
Corny Goodness: Grilled Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer barbecue quite like grilled corn on the cob. The sweet kernels lightly charred over the grill are a perfect complement to smoky chicken. Leave the husks on while grilling for extra moisture and flavor. Consider adding spices like cayenne, paprika or cumin for extra flair. For those who want to skip the grill hassle, boil corn cobs for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Then coat with melted butter, lime juice and desired seasonings.
Classically Southern: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a comforting, indulgent side dish with widespread appeal. The rich, velvety cheese sauce hugs each noodle and complements the smoky chicken beautifully. To bake, simply toss cooked macaroni with an easy cheese sauce of milk, cheddar, parmesan and/or velveeta. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with bread crumbs or more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. For a southern flair, add diced ham or crumbled bacon. Mac and cheese is sure to satisfy!
Perfect Pickles: Dill Pickle Spears
For a tart, crunchy accent, look no further than classic dill pickle spears. These briny, vinegary cucumbers cut through rich and fatty foods like grilled chicken skin beautifully. The cooling quality also balances the heat from any spicy rubs or sauces paired with the meat. Serve ice cold pickles as the perfect palette cleanser in between bites. Opt for old-fashioned fermented dills for the most authentic flavor.
Veggie Sides
In addition to classic sides, grilled and fresh vegetables make excellent complements to chicken off the barbecue. Their bright colors and flavors lend vibrant contrast. Take advantage of summer’s bounty by selecting in-season produce at its peak.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Slide colorful diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms onto skewers and grill to perfection. A simple marinade of oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs and spices adds a flavor boost. The charring from the grill provides a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Make sure to coat the veggies lightly to prevent sticking. Turn the skewers frequently for even cooking. Serve the veggie skewers atop a bed of leafy greens for a complete meal.
Caprese Salad
A fresh caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil is simple Italian comfort food. The juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese and fragrant basil complement grilled chicken handsomely. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch. Caprese salad comes together quickly while letting high quality ingredients shine.
Grilled Corn, Zucchini and Tomato Salad
For a show-stopping side, toss grilled corn, zucchini and cherry tomatoes with a red wine vinaigrette. The interplay of hot and cold, crunchy and juicy provides intrigue and nuance. Consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy element. The salad holds up well so can be made ahead if needed for bbq prep.
Green Bean Amandine
For an elegant and easy vegetable side, look no further than green beans amandine. Simply steam green beans until just tender. Sauté slivered almonds in butter until toasted and toss with the green beans. The buttery, nutty flavors pair perfectly with the smoky chicken. Sprinkling the almonds on top adds appealing crunch. For variety, use different nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
For an easy oven-roasted veggie, toss bite-size broccoli and cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400F until lightly browned around the edges, about 15-20 minutes. The high heat caramelizes natural sugars for a depth of flavor. The vegetables pair nicely with the protein from the chicken and add color to the plate. Add spices like garlic powder, paprika or red pepper for a kick.
Fresh and Light: Garden Salad
A simple green garden salad is a go-to option for its freshness and versatility. Crisp lettuce, spinach or mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette provide balance alongside rich BBQ chicken. Top with preferred veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots and red onion for a nutritional boost. For texture, add croutons or toasted nuts. Round it out by topping with grilled chicken breast slices or shredded chicken. The possibilities for creative salads are endless!
More Unique BBQ Chicken Sides
Beyond the classics, consider creative side dishes that add intrigue and variety to your barbecue chicken. Branch out with unexpected flavors, textures and techniques for memorable results.
Tasty Tabouli Salad
Tabouli salad offers a refreshing and exotic change of pace featuring bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley and mint. The combination of chewy grains, bright herbs and vegetables pops beautifully with grilled chicken. Dress with lemon, olive oil and garlic. Tabouli transports the palate to the Mediterranean with its zesty flavors. Serve chilled for maximum refreshment.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For an indulgent spin on traditional potato salad, try scalloped potatoes au gratin. Sliced russet potatoes are layered with cream, garlic and a mixture of cheeses like cheddar, gruyere and parmesan. Baked until bubbly and browned, this dish is comfort food at its finest. The tender potatoes complement the chicken perfectly. Mix in cooked bacon for over-the-top richness.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
For island flair, prepare Hawaiian macaroni salad with elbow pasta, mayo, shredded carrots, onion and bell pepper. The special ingredients that make it “Hawaiian” include canned pineapple tidbits, apple cider vinegar and a hint of curry powder. The sweet and savory flavors pair wonderfully with the smoky barbecue chicken. Aloha!
Grilled Peach Salad
For a summery side, toss grilled peach slices with mixed greens, goat cheese crumbles, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with a red wine vinaigrette. The juicy sweetness of the fruit balanced by the cheese and nuts is delightful. Grilled fruit caramelizes for incredible depth of flavor. The salad’s blend of flavors and textures perfectly complements your barbecue feast.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
For Mexican inspiration, make an easy salad with grilled corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion and cilantro. Dress with lime, olive oil and spices like cumin and chili powder. The cool, crunchy vegetables contrast with the sweet and smoky grilled corn. The salad would pair wonderfully with chicken cooked with Mexican dry rub. Top with avocado and cotija cheese. Olé!
Grilled Vegetables Galore
For the ultimate grilled veggie extravaganza, try an array including asparagus, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, onions and zucchini. Toss in olive oil and your favorite seasoning blend. Grill until tender and lightly charred. The variety of colors, textures and flavors will thrill your guests and pair beautifully with the chicken. Get creative with your veggie kabobs!
Creamy Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a staple for potlucks and picnics for good reason – they hold up well at room temperature. Cooked pasta tossed with crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing is simple to prepare ahead of time. Consider fun pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle or cavatappi. Add whatever chopped vegetables appeal – cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, grape tomatoes, etc. Creamy dressing options are endless, whether mayo-based, yogurt-based or a vinaigrette.
Toppings and Extras
In addition to side dishes, extra toppings, sauces and seasonings can take your grilled chicken to the next level.
Saucy BBQ Chicken
What’s chicken without the BBQ sauce? Brush your favorite sweet, tangy barbecue sauce onto chicken pieces during the last 5-10 minutes on the grill. The char from the flames caramelizes the sugars in the sauce for finger-lickin’ results. Serve additional warmed sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Herbed Butters and Aiolis
Flavored butters add a richness and creaminess that begs to be paired with smoky grilled chicken. Blend softened butter with herbs like parsley, dill or chives. Other options are lemon zest, roasted garlic or chipotle peppers. Spread the compound butter generously over chicken hot off the grill. Flavored aiolis made with mayo, garlic and herbs accomplish the same goal deliciously.
Sprinkle of Spices
Seasonings can take your grilled chicken to new heights. Create a signature blend to coat the chicken before grilling. Ideas include chili powder, cumin, paprika, curry powder, cayenne, oregano, five spice powder, Old Bay Seasoning or jerk seasoning. The possibilities are infinite for a custom spice mix!
Crunchy Toppers
Textured toppings add interest to basic grilled chicken. Toasted almonds, cashews or pepitas lend nutty crunch. Toasted bread crumbs or panko provide irresistible rasp. Crumbled bacon or diced ham deliver smoky, meaty punctuation. Shredded cheeses like cheddar, parmesan or cotija offer richness. Get creative with your favorite add-ons!
Tantalizing Sauces
Serve grilled chicken with an array of delectable sauces for dipping or drizzling. Options include chimichurri, teriyaki, honey mustard, ranch and blue cheese dressings. Or try fresh options like pesto, salsa verde or chutneys. Whip up a quick maple dijon sauce by whisking together maple syrup, dijon mustard, lemon juice and pepper. The sauces provide great flavor contrast and moisture.
Quench Their Thirst
After all that smoky, mouthwatering chicken and tempting sides, your guests will be parched. Offering beverages is an important component of any successful bbq. Cool drinks perfectly balance the experience.
Classic Lemonade or Iced Tea
For quintessential backyard beverages, lemonade and iced tea are hard to beat. Make them from scratch using simple syrup for the ideal sweetness level. Offer classic versions or get creative with fruit purees, herbal teas, or fun add-ins like basil. Provide the drinks in pitchers allowing guests to refill glasses as needed. Addmint sprigs for a refreshing touch.
Assorted Sodas or Sparkling Waters
Offer a variety of chilled canned or bottled beverages so guests can choose their favorites. Be sure to have crowd pleasers like Coca-cola, Sprite and root beer. Providing options like ginger ale, fruit-flavored sodas and sparkling waters satisfies diverse preferences. Add slices of citrus for a decorative effect. Keep the cooler nearby and bountifully stocked!
Light & Refreshing: Arnold Palmer
For a thirst-quenching, low-alcohol option, whip up a batch of Arnold Palmers. Simply combine equal parts iced tea and lemonade, adjusting sweetness as desired. The iconic combinationnamed aftergolferArnold Palmeris the perfect drink for cooling down after grubbing on BBQ. Garnish with lemon slices. For a touch of happy hour, add a splash of vodka or rum!
Adult-Friendly: Sangria or Wine Spritzers
For relaxed backyard hangouts with friends, festive wine-based drinks hit the spot after indulging in chicken and sides. Create homemade sangria by combining wine with brandy, fruit juice, slices of citrus and fruit like peaches or berries. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld. Serve over ice garnished with fruit. For easy wine spritzers, top up glasses of white wine with a splash of soda water and fresh fruit. ¡Salud!
Beer Bonanza
Offering a selection of chilled beers is always a fool-proof option when grilling. Stock the cooler with easy-drinking lagers, crisp ales, fruity wheats and refreshing pilsners to make everyone happy. Consider seasonal varieties like märzen in the fall or saison in the summer. Don’t forget the bottle openers! Playing beer pong and other backyard games encourages guests to responsibly enjoy more drinks together.
Perfecting Your BBQ Chicken and Sides
When crafting side dishes for your succulent barbecue chicken, keep these key tips in mind:
- Think color and texture. Aim for a vibrant variety of colors, temperatures, and textures. Crisp, cool sides balance tender, hot chicken perfectly.
- Make it ahead. Take advantage of dishes that can be prepared ahead of time to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment of guests. Pasta salads, coleslaw and grilled veggies all hold up well.
- Buy quality ingredients. Use seasonal, locally sourced produce at the peak of freshness for optimized flavors. Higher quality chicken also makes a difference.
- Offer a mix. Cater to diverse preferences by providing an array of side dish options. Vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan guests will appreciate inclusiveness.
- Keep food safety in mind. Use separate plates and utensils for raw meat. Discard any food sitting out over 2 hours. Keep cold foods chilled on ice below 40°F.
With a well-stocked arsenal of sid
e dishes in mind, you can relax, knowing your guests will be thoroughly sated. The perfect accompaniments elevate a basic chicken into a feast. Choose tried-and-true classics along with creative variations for a menu full of harmony. Now fire up those grills, mix a batch of lemonade, and get ready to wow your guests with mouthwatering BBQ chicken and sensational sides!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Sides
Sides are key to rounding out and enhancing a barbecue chicken meal. Here are answers to some common questions about choosing complementary side dishes:
What are the best classic BBQ sides to make?
The most traditional BBQ sides to pair with chicken are baked beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, and dill pickle spears. These classics complement the chicken wonderfully in terms of flavor, texture and nostalgic charm.
What kinds of salads work well?
Fresh salads with crispy greens, colorful vegetables, and zesty dressings are excellent options. Great choices include garden salads, caprese salads, broccoli slaw, pea salad, grilled vegetable salads, pasta salads, and potato salads. Topping salads with grilled chicken is delicious!
How do I grill vegetables perfectly?
Chop dense vegetables like potatoes into smaller pieces for more thorough cooking. Brush or toss vegetables lightly in olive oil and seasonings. Use metal skewers to prevent burning. Grill over direct medium heat, turning occasionally until evenly charred and tender.
What are good drink options for BBQs?
Provide a variety of refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, soda, beer, sangria or wine spritzers. Let guests self-serve from coolers or pitchers. Make sure there are non-alcoholic options for kids and designated drivers. Keep drinks chilled in coolers or over ice.
What are easy make-ahead sides?
Coleslaw, pasta and potato salads, baked beans, grilled veggies, and chilled side dishes can all be made 1-2 days ahead. Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve. Macaroni and cheese and scalloped potatoes can be assembled and then baked just before eating for optimal freshness.
How can I ensure food safety with sides?
Avoid cross contamination by using separate prep tools and plates for raw and cooked foods. Keep cold foods chilled below 40°F like in a cooler. Don’t let any dishes sit at room temperature over 2 hours – keep hot foods heated above 140°F. Discard any questionable leftovers.
With a balanced variety of fresh, flavorful sides and cooling drinks, you’re guaranteed success at your next BBQ chicken feast! Don’t be afraid to try new twists on classics and get creative. The possibilities are endless for crafting the perfect spread to satisfy family and friends.