Barbecued chicken is a classic summer favorite. The smoky, sweet and sticky chicken is delicious, but don’t forget about the sides! Having the right side dishes can take your barbecue meal from great to fantastic. Here are some of our favorite options for what to serve with bbq chicken.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a barbecue essential. The sweet and smokey beans pair perfectly with bbq chicken. Try making your beans from scratch or jazz up a can with brown sugar, onion, mustard and your favorite spices. Bacon or ham chunks add even more flavor. Some delicious options include:
- Traditional Baked Beans – Sweetened with brown sugar and molasses, flavored with mustard and onion.
- Cowboy Baked Beans – Bacon, ground beef and beans cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Bourbon Baked Beans – Brown sugar baked beans with bourbon, bacon and spices.
Baked beans complement the flavor of bbq chicken beautifully. They are easy to make in bulk and feed a crowd.
Coleslaw
Cool and creamy coleslaw balances the spicy and charred flavors of bbq chicken. The crunchy cabbage also adds great texture. Coleslaw comes in all different styles:
- Creamy Coleslaw – Shredded cabbage and carrots in a mayo or sour cream based dressing.
- Vinegar-Based Coleslaw – Cabbage tossed in a zingy vinaigrette.
- Fruited Coleslaw – Dried cranberries, apples or pineapple add sweetness.
- Spicy Coleslaw – Jalapeno, red pepper flakes or sriracha amp up the heat.
From classic to new twists, coleslaw is one of the best sides for bbq chicken. The tart, crispy slaw balances each saucy tender bite.
Corn on the Cob
What is more symbolic of summer than grilled corn on the cob? The sweet juicy corn complements smoked barbecue chicken perfectly. Leave the husks on while grilling for the most flavorful corn. Consider flavoring your corn with:
- Compound Butter – Whip together melted butter with herbs, garlic, lime juice or other flavors.
- Cheesy Corn – Brush on mayo, Parmesan and spices before grilling.
- Mexican Street Corn – Top with creamy cotija cheese, chili powder and fresh lime.
The natural sweetness of corn is the ideal match for a plate of barbecue chicken. Grilled corn on the cob is one of the best things to serve alongside it.
Macaroni and Cheese
Rich and cheesy mac and cheese rounds out your bbq chicken dinner. The creamy comforting pasta pairs so well with smoky barbecue. Make it from scratch or a favorite boxed version. Top with crispy breadcrumbs or baked until golden and bubbly.
Consider mixing in:
- Smoked Gouda or cheddar for extra flavor
- Caramelized onions
- Chopped bacon
- Diced grilled chicken
Mac and cheese may seem like an unexpected choice but it complements bbq chicken wonderfully. The cheesy pasta and saucy chicken is comfort food at its finest.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is right at home at any barbecue. The cool potatoes paired with a creamy dressing perfectly offset hot-off-the-grill chicken. Traditional mayo-based or mustard-spiked, there are so many ways to prepare it:
- Classic Potato Salad – Potatoes, mayo, mustard, celery, onions, eggs and relish.
- German Potato Salad – Warm bacon vinaigrette over sliced potatoes.
- Southern-Style Potato Salad – A mayo dressing with egg, pickle relish, pimento and mustard.
Creamy, tangy and satisfying, potato salad is one of the most popular choices alongside bbq chicken. Keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Fruit Salad
Add a refreshing touch with a fruit salad. The natural sweetness balances the savory chicken and smoky flavors. Use a mix of your favorite fruits like:
- Melon – Honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon
- Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries
- Stone Fruit – Peaches, nectarines, plums
- Citrus – Oranges, grapefruit
- Grapes, kiwi, mango, pineapple
Top with a honey, lime or mint dressing. Fruit salad adds great color, texture and flavor variety to your bbq chicken dinner. It also makes a lighter alternative to heavier sides.
Rolls
No barbecue is complete without bread for soaking up sauce. And what better than rolls or biscuits hot from the oven? Offer an assortment of:
- Yeast Rolls – Parker House, cloverleaf or crescents.
- Biscuits – Flaky, fluffy and irresistible.
- Cornbread – Southern-style or jalapeno cheddar.
- Garlic Bread – For dipping in the leftover sauce.
Fresh bread is essential for pulling chicken and sopping up the best sauce. Rolls and biscuits round out the meal when serving bbq chicken.
Green Salad
For balance, serve bbq chicken with a fresh green salad. The veggies and crisp greens offset the richer flavors. building a salad with seasonal fresh produce keeps it interesting. Toppings like:
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers
- Carrots, radishes, shreds beets
- Corn, beans, peas
- Nuts, seeds, croutons
Light dressing options include vinaigrettes, lemon juice or herb-infused olive oil. Make it a side salad or veggie-packed main dish option by adding proteins like chickpeas or grilled tofu. A green salad with bbq chicken offers color and freshness.
FAQs About Sides for BBQ Chicken
What are the best classic sides to serve with bbq chicken?
The most traditional sides for bbq chicken are baked beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and bread or rolls. These classic options pair wonderfully with the barbecue flavors.
What kinds of salads work well with bbq chicken?
Fruit salads and green salads balance bbq chicken nicely. Vinaigrettes or light dressings work best. Toppings like melon, berries, tomatoes, cucumber, nuts and seeds add great flavor and texture.
What are some creative, unique sides I can try with barbecue chicken?
Get creative with loaded baked potatoes, mac and cheese, Mexican street corn or German potato salad. Side options like grilled veggies, caprese salad and pasta or grain dishes also pair well.
What are good sodium-free sides to serve with bbq chicken?
Focus on fresh produce like salads, grilled vegetables and fruits. Also try lighter options like roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa or homemade baked beans. Avoid heavily salted sides.
Should sides for bbq chicken be hot or cold?
Offer a mix of both! Cold sides like salads and slaws balance the hot chicken well. But warm sides like baked beans, grilled veggies and cheesy dishes also pair deliciously. Having options is best.
What are easy sides to make for a bbq chicken crowd?
For feeding a crowd, baked beans, coleslaw, pasta salads and fruit salads are all easy to make in bulk. Grilled corn and bread are also simple. Mac and cheese or loaded baked potatoes can be prepared ahead too.
Conclusion
Barbecued chicken deserves flavorful, hearty sides that complement (rather than compete with) the tangy, sweet and smoky meat. That’s why comfort foods like baked beans, creamy coleslaw, cheesy mac and cheese and buttery rolls are all perfect matches. Fresh corn, salads and grilled veggies balance the meal. Use this guide to choose your favorites or get creative with global inspiration. With tender chicken hot off the grill, focus on sides that soak up sauce or add crunch. Whatever options you decide, resist the urge to skip the sides – they make all the difference in a spectacular bbq chicken dinner.