Barbecued chicken thighs are a classic summer favorite. Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs do exceptionally well on the grill. When it comes to side dishes and other menu items that pair well with bbq chicken thighs, you have lots of options. Here are some of our favorite items to serve alongside grilled bbq chicken thighs for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Salads

Salads are a natural pairing with grilled meats. The fresh vegetables and lighter fare balance out the rich, savory chicken thighs. Try these salads with your bbq chicken thighs:

Green Salad

A simple green salad is always a good choice. Use a combination of lettuces like romaine, spinach, and arugula. Top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded carrots, and red onion. Serve with a light vinaigrette, ranch, or blue cheese dressing on the side. The fresh crispness pairs perfectly with hot-off-the-grill chicken.

Add some extra protein with chickpeas, bacon bits, or shredded cheese. You can also use fun add-ins like avocado, pickled onions, roasted beets, or candied nuts for extra flavor.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic pairing with bbq chicken. Opt for a mayonnaise-based potato salad or a vinegar-based version. Potatoes soak up all the great flavors and add creaminess to balance the barbecue sauce on the chicken.

Jazz it up with additions like hard boiled egg, sweet pickle relish, mustard, celery, red onion, herbs, and chopped cooked bacon. Serve the potato salad chilled for best results alongside hot chicken thighs.

Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy coleslaw is another excellent option for serving with bbq chicken thighs. The sweet, tart cabbage pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

Make it creamy with mayonnaise or tangy with apple cider vinegar. Customize it by adding shredded carrot, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and even fruit like diced apple or pineapple. Top with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Broccoli Salad

For a fun twist, serve a broccoli salad with your chicken thighs. In addition to chopped raw broccoli, this salad packs flavor and texture from ingredients like bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, red onion, and shredded cheese. The sweet and tangy dressing ties it all together.

Grilled Vegetables

Get your veggie fix alongside the chicken with grilled vegetable side dishes. Take advantage of summer produce with these ideas:

• Grilled corn on the cob – brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling. Serve with flavored butters.
• Grilled zucchini and summer squash – slice lengthwise and coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill on both sides until tender.
• Grilled eggplant – brush eggplant slices with olive oil and grill until soft. Top with basil and crumbled feta.
• Grilled sweet peppers – grill halved peppers of any color until skin blisters. Stuff with goat cheese.
• Grilled portobello mushrooms – remove stems and brush caps with balsamic vinaigrette before grilling.

Starch Side Dishes

Starchy sides like potatoes, rice, pasta, and breads are excellent for serving with saucy, grilled chicken thighs. The starches help soak up the delicious barbecue flavors.

Baked Potatoes

Large baked russet or sweet potatoes are easy to prep ahead of time. Serve them alongside the chicken with condiments like butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and shredded cheese.

Cornbread

Warm buttery cornbread is perfect for dipping in barbecue sauce. Serve it in a basket so guests can easily reach for it.

Rice Pilaf

Make a flavorful pilaf with rice, vegetables, and herbs. Try basmati, brown, or wild rice mixed with sautéed onions, peas, carrots, parsley, etc.

Pasta Salad

Chilled pasta salad with vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment. Rotini or bowtie pasta holds up well. Toss with chopped bell pepper, tomato, cucumber, onion, and Italian dressing.

Baked Beans

No barbecue is complete without baked beans! Opt for homemade or grill up a couple cans for an easy go-to side.

Other Tasty Pairings

Some other items that pair deliciously with bbq chicken thighs include:

• Biscuits – Fluffy, hot biscuits for soaking up the barbecue sauce.
• Corn on the cob – Brush grilled corn with flavored butter.
• Watermelon slices – Juicy, refreshing fruit to help balance the chicken.
• Pasta salad – Chilled pasta with vinaigrette and veggies.
• Macaroni and cheese – A classic comfort food pairing.
• Coleslaw – Cool cabbage slaw with tangy dressing.
• Fruit skewers – Grilled pineapple, peaches, etc brushed with honey.
• Caprese salad – Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
• Panzanella – Tomato and bread salad from Italy.
• Cornbread muffins – Spoonbread-style muffins for dipping.

FAQ about Serving Sides with BBQ Chicken Thighs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing and preparing side dishes for bbq chicken thighs:

What are the best side dishes to serve with bbq chicken thighs?

Some top side dish options include: salads like potato salad, coleslaw, or broccoli salad; grilled veggies like corn, zucchini, or peppers; starchy sides like rice, cornbread, or baked beans; and cooling fruits like watermelon or pineapple.

Should side dishes for bbq chicken be cold or hot?

You can offer both hot and cold side dishes with bbq chicken thighs. Cold options like salads and fruit balance nicely with the hot chicken. Hot grilled veggies and warm starches like cornbread are also excellent pairings.

How should I incorporate vegetables into the meal?

In addition to veggie-based salads, grilling vegetables like corn, eggplant, peppers, or zucchini makes a tasty side. You can also add veggies like peas, carrots, or onions to rice pilaf or pasta salads.

What kind of salad pairs best with bbq chicken?

Potato salad, coleslaw, broccoli salad, and green salads with vinaigrette are all fantastic choices. The tangy, sweet, and cooling flavors complement the barbecue chicken beautifully.

Should I make the side dishes ahead of time or cook them the same day?

You can make most side dishes 1-2 days ahead. exceptions are items like cornbread that are best served freshly baked. Grilled veggies and salads will also be crispest if prepared right before serving.

What can I serve for vegetarian guests?

Great meatless options include grilled vegetables like corn, eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. Roasted potatoes or potato salad, pasta salad, green salads, baked beans, and cornbread can all be made vegetarian easily.

What is a quick and easy side to pair with bbq chicken?

Baked beans from a can heated on the grill or stove are fast and tasty. You can also quickly boil corn on the cob to serve as an easy side.

Conclusion

Juicy, flavorful bbq chicken thighs deserve accompaniments with complementary textures, tastes, and flavors. Fresh salads, hot grilled vegetables, starchy sides, and cooling fruits all make excellent pairings. With so many options, you can mix and match for the perfect spread. Just be sure to include a variety of colors, flavors, and textures. Potatoes, corn, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread are classic simple sides. Or go all out with broccoli salad, grilled eggplant with feta, and zucchini pilaf. Your guests will love mixing and matching the piping hot chicken with the delicious array of sides on their plates.