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What to Serve With BBQ Chicken: 15 Best Side Dishes

Pairing BBQ chicken with the right side dishes can transform your meal into an unforgettable feast. Classic coleslaw brings a invigorating crunch with its creamy dressing. Baked beans offer a hearty, savory taste, while cornbread adds a subtle sweetness. Grilled corn provides a smoky, textured contrast. Potato salad, with its creamy, tangy flavor, is always a hit. Fruit salad, pasta salad, and pickles are also excellent choices. Deviled eggs round out the spread, adding protein and flavor. These sides not only complement the BBQ chicken but also enhance the overall dining experience. Discover more delightful side dishes as you explore further.

Classic Coleslaw

tasty picnic side dish

A staple at any BBQ gathering, classic coleslaw offers an invigorating and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of BBQ chicken.

Made with shredded cabbage varieties, this side dish shines with its creamy dressing that balances the crunchiness of the vegetables.

The interplay of textures and flavors makes coleslaw an essential complement, enhancing the overall BBQ experience with its revitalizing bite.

Baked Beans

tasty barbecue side dish

Baked beans guarantee a hearty and flavorful accompaniment to BBQ chicken, offering a rich, savory taste that complements the smoky essence of the main dish.

With various flavor variations, such as sweet, spicy, or tangy, baked beans can be tailored to suit different palates.

Different cooking methods, like slow-cooking or baking, guarantee the beans achieve a perfect, tender texture.

Cornbread

delicious southern comfort food

Cornbread serves as a quintessential side dish for BBQ chicken, providing a subtly sweet and crumbly texture that balances the savory flavors of the meal.

For a delightful twist, try jalapeno cornbread, which adds a hint of spice. Pair it with honey butter for a touch of sweetness that complements both the cornbread and the BBQ chicken, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Grilled Corn

delicious summer bbq staple

Grilled corn, with its smoky char and natural sweetness, serves as an excellent accompaniment to BBQ chicken.

The delightful combination of butter spread and seasoning varieties like paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes enhances its flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you prefer a simple salt sprinkle or a more complex spice mix, grilled corn adds a delicious, textured contrast to your BBQ feast.

Potato Salad

creative potato salad recipe

Potato salad, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, is a classic side dish that perfectly complements BBQ chicken. Made with red potatoes, this dish offers a delightful contrast to the smoky and savory notes of the chicken.

The creamy dressing, often a blend of mayonnaise and mustard, coats the potatoes, creating a rich and satisfying experience that guests will love.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food for all

Another timeless favorite that pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken is macaroni and cheese. This creamy delight can be customized with various cheese varieties, such as cheddar, gouda, or parmesan, offering a rich, comforting taste.

Additionally, experimenting with different pasta shapes, from traditional elbow macaroni to shells or cavatappi, enhances the dish's texture and appeal, making it a perfect complement to your BBQ feast.

Roasted Vegetables

savory oven baked vegetable medley

Roasted vegetables serve as a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements the smoky richness of BBQ chicken.

With endless vegetable combinations, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, you can tailor your dish to your taste.

Seasoning options like garlic, rosemary, and olive oil enhance the natural flavors, making this side both delicious and healthy, perfectly balancing your BBQ meal.

Garden Salad

fresh vegetables with dressing

Complementing the roasted vegetables, a garden salad offers a fresh and crisp contrast to the hearty BBQ chicken.

The vibrant greens and colorful veggies can be enhanced with seasonal toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes.

Drizzle with a homemade dressing, such as a tangy vinaigrette, to elevate the flavors and create a perfect balance that refreshes the palate.

Garlic Bread

delicious comfort food option

Garlic bread serves as a savory and aromatic accompaniment to BBQ chicken, providing a delightful contrast with its crispy exterior and tender, buttery interior.

Made from a crusty loaf spread with herb butter, this side dish perfectly complements the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken.

The rich, garlicky taste and satisfying crunch make it an ideal choice for any barbecue gathering.

Cucumber Salad

fresh cucumber and mint

Cucumber salad offers a invigorating and crisp contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ chicken.

Incorporating Asian inspired flavors, such as sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a hint of soy sauce, elevates this dish.

The rejuvenating crunch of cucumbers, combined with a light, tangy dressing, provides a delightful balance, making it an ideal side to complement your BBQ feast.

Sweet Potato Fries

crunchy flavorful popular choice

Moving on from the invigorating cucumber salad, sweet potato fries offer a warm, slightly sweet, and crispy addition to your BBQ chicken meal.

Prepared in an air fryer, they achieve the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate the experience, making every bite delightful and complementary to the smoky flavors of the chicken.

Fruit Salad

colorful fruit salad recipe

A lively fruit salad provides an invigorating and colorful contrast to the rich flavors of BBQ chicken.

Combining tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi with a zesty citrus dressing creates a rejuvenating side dish that complements the smoky, savory notes of the chicken.

This vibrant medley not only enhances the meal's visual appeal but also adds a burst of natural sweetness and tang.

Pasta Salad

delicious summer potluck dish

Complementing the vibrant fruit salad, a well-crafted pasta salad introduces a heartier texture and a variety of flavors that balance beautifully with BBQ chicken.

Experimenting with different dressings, like tangy vinaigrettes or creamy sauces, can elevate your dish.

Various pasta types, such as fusilli or penne, add distinct textures and visual appeal, making this side dish a versatile and delightful addition to your BBQ spread.

Pickles and Relish

creative ice cream flavors

Pickles and relish offer a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of BBQ chicken, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Homemade pickles provide a fresh, crisp bite, while relish variations add layers of complexity.

From classic dill pickles to spicy corn relish, these sides bring a zesty balance to the meal, making each bite of BBQ chicken more delightful and satisfying.

Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served with BBQ Chicken and Baked Chicken?

Yes, the best side dishes for baked chicken can also be served with BBQ chicken. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. These versatile sides complement the flavors of both types of chicken, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Deviled Eggs

easter brunch delicacy tradition

Deviled eggs offer a creamy and savory companion to BBQ chicken, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Unique variations, such as adding bacon bits or avocado, can elevate this classic dish.

For serving ideas, arrange them on a colorful platter or nestle them among fresh greens. Their bite-sized nature makes them a convenient and appealing addition to any BBQ spread.