Barbecue chicken is a classic comfort food that is delicious and versatile. When using a honey barbecue sauce, the sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of the best side options to consider when making honey barbecue chicken.
Starch Sides
Starchy sides are a natural fit with saucy barbecue chicken. The starch soaks up the sauce and provides a pleasant contrast to the savory meat.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a barbecue staple. Their sweet and smoky flavor complements the honey barbecue chicken beautifully. Try baked beans with bacon or onions for extra flavor. Serve them hot right out of the oven.
Corn on the Cob
The natural sweetness of corn balances the sticky sauce on the chicken. Butter and a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne also enhances the flavor. Grilled corn on the cob makes an especially tasty pairing.
Cornbread
Warm homemade cornbread is ideal for sopping up honey barbecue sauce. For extra flavor, try adding corn kernels, jalapenos, or cheese to the cornbread batter. Serve it alongside the chicken or break off pieces to make mini sandwiches.
Mac and Cheese
Comforting, cheesy macaroni and cheese rounds out the meal nicely. Make it extra decadent by using a blend of cheddar, Monterey jack, and cream cheese. Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes work well with saucy barbecued chicken. Jazz them up by mixing in roasted garlic, cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Loaded mashed potatoes go great with a honey BBQ chicken dinner.
Rice
Rice is a versatile base for honey barbecue chicken. White rice, brown rice, wild rice, rice pilaf, and fried rice can all hit the spot. The rice soaks up the sauce nicely.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is perfect for summer barbecues. The mayonnaise-based dressing pairs nicely with the sweet and tangy chicken. Bacon, hard-boiled egg, celery, onion, mustard, and relish can all add extra flavor.
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salads with vinaigrette pair well with saucy chicken. Try pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or wagon wheels. Add vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers or broccoli. Top with shredded cheese.
Crisp Vegetable Sides
Fresh, crunchy vegetables add color and texture contrast. Their brightness balances the rich chicken and saucy barbecue flavor.
Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a classic partner for barbecue. The crisp cabbage and carrots cut through the richness nicely. Try variations like apple, bacon, avocado, or jalapeno.
Cucumber Salad
A vinegar-based cucumber salad offers a refreshing crunch. Simple vinaigrettes allow the cucumber’s mild flavor to shine. Red onion, dill, and feta cheese also enhance the salad.
Vegetable Skewers
Grilled vegetable skewers allow for interactive, finger-friendly nibbling. Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onion all work well. Brush with a light dressing or marinade.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
In addition to a starchy side, grilled corn on the cob makes a nice crunchy, vegetable side. Leave the husk on while grilling for extra smoky flavor.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad with mayonnaise, bacon, and raisins makes a tasty pairing with its mix of flavors and textures. Top with sunflower seeds or cheese for crunch.
Green Salad
A fresh green salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Top it with crunchy components like croutons, toasted nuts, or crispy bacon. Dress it with vinaigrette rather than creamy dressing.
Flavorful Add-Ons
Here are some extra sides that pack a flavor punch to complement the honey barbecue chicken.
Honey Glazed Carrots
For extra honey flavor, roast carrots with a honey glaze. Toasted sesame seeds or chopped pecans also enhance the dish.
Sweet Potato Fries
Crisp, sweet potato fries offer a tasty twist on classic french fries with the barbecue chicken.
Fried Okra
Crunchy breaded okra fries up nice and crisp. The subtle flavor doesn’t compete with the chicken.
Jalapeno Poppers
Spicy, cheesy jalapeno poppers served with a cooling ranch dip make a fun, flavorful side.
Corn Fritters
Savory corn fritters have a delightful sweet and salty flavor. They hold up well when dunked in barbecue sauce.
Baked Beans
In addition to a starch side, baked beans in sauce offer extra savory flavor. Try beans with bacon, chili sauce, or bourbon.
Perfect Pairings
Here are some recommended full meal pairings for honey barbecue chicken:
- Honey BBQ chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread
- Honey BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, roasted broccoli, and dinner rolls
- Honey BBQ chicken, potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, and green salad
- Honey BBQ chicken, cucumber salad, sweet potato fries, and biscuits
The sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce pairs well with a variety of sides. Starchy, vegetable, crunchy, creamy, and flavorful sides all complement the chicken nicely. Mix and match the options for a delicious backyard barbecue meal. Serve up some refreshing drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or beer. Add a fun summer dessert like banana pudding or strawberry shortcake. With the right combination of sides, honey barbecue chicken makes for a fully satisfying dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sides for Honey BBQ Chicken
What are the best starchy sides to serve with honey BBQ chicken?
Some top starchy sides include baked beans, cornbread, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, potato salad, and rice.
What vegetables go well with honey BBQ chicken?
Great vegetable sides include coleslaw, cucumber salad, grilled corn on the cob, broccoli salad, and green salad.
Should I pair crunchy or creamy sides with honey BBQ chicken?
Aim for a mix of textures. Crispy coleslaw or potato chips contrast nicely with creamy mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
What are good add-on sides for extra flavor?
Consider honey glazed carrots, sweet potato fries, fried okra, jalapeno poppers, corn fritters, or extra baked beans.
How can I plan a full meal around honey BBQ chicken?
Try chicken with 1-2 starchy sides, 1 crunchy vegetable, and cornbread or biscuits. Or do chicken with baked beans, slaw, and salad.
Conclusion
When cooking up honey barbecue chicken, don’t forget the importance of the side dishes. Starchy, vegetable-based, crunchy, creamy, and flavorful sides all pair nicely with the sweet and savory chicken. Cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese are just a few classic options. Mix and match different textures and flavors for a well-rounded backyard barbecue feast. With the right combination of sides, honey barbecue chicken becomes a full and satisfying meal.