BBQ chicken is a tasty summer favorite. The smoky, sweet flavors of barbecue sauce pair well with many side dishes. Picking the right sides can turn your meal into a real feast.
You can serve 18 different sides with BBQ chicken to make your meal complete. These sides range from classic options to more creative choices. They add variety in taste and texture to your plate. With so many options, you’re sure to find sides that your family and guests will love.
To prepare, soak corn in water for 30 minutes. This keeps the husks from burning. Place corn on a hot grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning often.
For extra flavor, peel back the husks and remove silk before grilling. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap husks back around corn.
Once done, the kernels will be tender and slightly charred. Serve hot with butter and salt for a classic summer treat.
Cornbread is a tasty sidekick for BBQ chicken. Its sweet, crumbly texture balances out the savory meat perfectly. You can make it from scratch or use a mix for convenience.
Try adding jalapenos or cheese to your cornbread for extra flavor. Serve it warm with a pat of butter on top. It’s great for soaking up extra BBQ sauce too.
Cornbread is filling and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy. You can even make mini cornbread muffins for easy serving at your next cookout.
Macaroni and cheese is a perfect side for BBQ chicken. Its creamy texture complements the smoky flavors of the meat.
You can make a classic version with cheddar cheese or try a smoked gouda for a deeper taste. Add cooked pasta to a cheese sauce made with milk and butter.
For extra flavor, mix in some BBQ sauce or hot sauce. You can also top it with crispy breadcrumbs before baking.
Serve your mac and cheese hot alongside your BBQ chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Garlic bread is a tasty side for BBQ chicken. Its crispy texture and rich flavor make it a hit at any cookout.
You can buy garlic bread from the store or make it at home. To make it, spread butter mixed with garlic, herbs, and cheese on sliced bread. Then bake until golden and crispy.
For a twist, try adding BBQ chicken on top of the garlic bread. This creates a delicious open-faced sandwich. The garlic and cheese flavors blend well with the smoky BBQ taste.
Caesar salad is a tasty side dish for BBQ chicken. It brings a fresh, crisp contrast to the smoky meat. The cool lettuce and tangy dressing balance the chicken’s flavors.
You can make a classic Caesar or try variations. Add grilled corn for sweetness and crunch. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
For a heartier meal, top the salad with croutons or garlic bread pieces. This adds texture and soaks up the dressing. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for more savory taste.
Roasted vegetables are a tasty and healthy side for BBQ chicken. You can use a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions.
Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
The high heat brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. They get crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Roasting also adds a nice smoky flavor that goes well with BBQ chicken.
Green beans almondine is a tasty side dish that pairs well with BBQ chicken. You’ll love the mix of tender green beans and crunchy almonds.
This dish is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Fresh green beans and toasted almonds create a nice contrast in textures.
You can dress up your green beans almondine with garlic and butter for extra flavor. The bright green color looks great next to golden BBQ chicken on your plate.
This versatile side goes with many main courses. It adds a touch of elegance to your BBQ meal without being too fancy.
Sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on regular fries that pair well with BBQ chicken. They offer a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors.
You can bake or fry these orange-hued treats. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor. Some people like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a hint of sweetness.
Serve your sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce. BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard are good choices. For a spicy kick, try serving them with arrabbiata sauce.
These fries make a great side dish that both kids and adults will enjoy. They’re a fun way to add color and nutrition to your BBQ chicken meal.
Cucumber salad is a refreshing side for BBQ chicken. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients. Slice cucumbers thinly and mix them with red onions.
Add a tangy dressing of vinegar, sugar, and dill. This creates a crisp and zesty flavor. The cool cucumbers balance the smoky taste of BBQ chicken nicely.
For extra crunch, you can add bell peppers or carrots. Some people like to include tomatoes for color. Serve it chilled for the best taste on a hot day.
Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect side for BBQ chicken. To make them, boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic or herbs like chives or parsley. You can also mix in some shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
Mashed potatoes pair well with the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with crispy chicken skin. Serve a generous scoop alongside your chicken for a classic comfort food combo.
Stuffed peppers make a tasty side dish for BBQ chicken. You can fill bell peppers with rice, ground meat, vegetables, and cheese.
Bake the stuffed peppers until they’re tender and the filling is hot. The peppers add color and nutrition to your plate.
For a lighter option, try stuffing peppers with quinoa and vegetables instead of meat. You can customize the fillings based on your preferences.
Stuffed peppers complement the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken nicely. They’re filling enough to be a meal on their own, but work well as a hearty side too.
A garden salad is a great side for BBQ chicken. You can make it with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add some crunch with carrots or bell peppers.
For extra flavor, toss in some herbs like basil or parsley. A light dressing works best. Try a simple vinaigrette or just olive oil and lemon juice.
This salad gives a cool, crisp contrast to your hot BBQ chicken. It’s also quick to make and healthy. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies too.
Fruit salad brings a refreshing contrast to BBQ chicken. You can mix together a variety of colorful fruits for a sweet and tangy side dish.
Choose fruits that complement the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken. Watermelon, pineapple, and grapes work well. Add some berries for extra sweetness.
For a tropical twist, include mango and papaya. A splash of lime juice keeps the fruit fresh and adds a zesty kick.
Fruit salad is easy to prepare ahead of time. Keep it chilled until serving. This light side dish balances out heavier BBQ fare.
Diverse Flavor Profiles
BBQ chicken sides offer a range of tastes to enhance your meal. They mix different flavors and textures to create a well-rounded dining experience.
Complementing Spices and Seasonings
Spices and seasonings play a big role in making BBQ chicken sides tasty. Try a spicy coleslaw with cayenne pepper and paprika to add some heat. This will balance the sweet BBQ sauce on your chicken.
For a milder option, use herbs like basil and oregano in a pasta salad. These herbs bring out the smoky flavors of the chicken without being too strong.
Garlic and onion powder work well in many side dishes. Add them to mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Balancing Sweet and Savory
Sweet and savory sides go great with BBQ chicken. A honey-glazed carrot dish adds sweetness to your plate. The natural sugars in the carrots come out when you cook them, making them even tastier.
For a savory option, try a cheesy cornbread. The corn gives a hint of sweetness, while the cheese adds a salty kick. This mix of flavors goes well with the tangy BBQ sauce on your chicken.
Grilled pineapple is another good choice. It’s sweet but gets a smoky flavor from the grill. This makes it a perfect match for BBQ chicken.
Nutritional Considerations
Choosing the right sides for BBQ chicken can boost your meal’s nutritional value. Smart options help balance macronutrients and add essential vitamins and minerals.
Health Benefits
Veggie-based sides pack a nutritional punch. Grilled corn offers fiber and B vitamins. Leafy green salads provide iron and vitamin C. Coleslaw made with Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics. Roasted sweet potatoes give you beta-carotene and potassium.
Whole grain sides like quinoa salad or brown rice offer complex carbs and extra protein. These keep you full longer than white bread or pasta sides.
For a boost of healthy fats, try avocado slices or a olive oil-based pasta salad. These fats help your body absorb nutrients from other foods.
Caloric Balance
BBQ chicken can be high in calories, so lighter sides help balance your plate. Grilled veggies are low in calories but high in volume, helping you feel full.
Swap mayo-based sides for vinegar-based ones to cut calories. A vinegar cucumber salad or pickled veggies are tasty, low-cal options.
Watch portion sizes of starchy sides like potato salad or mac and cheese. A small scoop goes a long way. Fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies to keep calories in check.
For dessert, fresh fruit salad offers sweetness without extra sugar or fat. It’s a refreshing end to a BBQ meal.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
