Are you staring at a plate of spicy, tangy buffalo chicken and wondering what to serve alongside it? You’re not alone! Buffalo chicken is a classic flavor that many of us crave, but sometimes figuring out the perfect sides can be a bit challenging
As someone who’s hosted countless game days and family gatherings, I’ve experimented with practically every side dish imaginable Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite companions for buffalo chicken that’ll take your meal from good to absolutely mouthwatering!
The Classic Companions for Buffalo Chicken
Let’s start with the traditional sides that have stood the test of time. These are the tried-and-true options you just can’t go wrong with:
Celery and Carrot Sticks
There’s a reason why these veggies are the traditional accompaniment to buffalo wings! The cool, crunchy texture provides the perfect contrast to the spicy, saucy chicken. Plus, they act as natural “dippers” for those essential creamy dressings.
Pro tip: For a more elaborate take, try a carrot, cucumber, and celery salad that incorporates these classic ingredients into a refreshing side dish.
Blue Cheese Dip
This bold creamy dip is practically mandatory with buffalo chicken. The tangy salty flavor of blue cheese perfectly cuts through the heat of the buffalo sauce. While store-bought works in a pinch, homemade blue cheese dip will absolutely blow your guests away with its fresh flavor.
Ranch Dressing
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, ranch dressing is the perfect alternative. Its herb-flecked creaminess helps tame the heat while adding its own distinctive flavor profile. Try making your own with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives for an elevated experience.
Bread Rolls
Warm, fluffy bread rolls are a no-fuss way to round out your buffalo chicken meal. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and providing a neutral complement to the spicy chicken.
Carb-Loading Sides for Buffalo Chicken
When you’re looking for something substantial to help soak up that delicious buffalo sauce, these carb-heavy sides are your best bet:
Mac and Cheese
Is there anything more indulgent than pairing spicy buffalo chicken with creamy mac and cheese? The cheesy pasta acts like an edible sponge for all that tangy sauce. For maximum flavor, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, Colby, and Swiss.
You could even get creative with buffalo chicken mac and cheese, combining these two favorites into one magnificent dish!
Fries or Chips
Crispy potatoes in any form are always welcome alongside buffalo chicken. Whether you prefer:
- Classic french fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Garlic parmesan fries
- Tortilla chips
They all provide that satisfying crunch factor that pairs so well with saucy buffalo chicken.
Onion Rings
With their irresistible crunch, onion rings make a perfect sidekick to buffalo chicken. For maximum flavor and texture, use panko breadcrumbs in your coating and try baking them instead of frying for a slightly lighter option.
Loaded Potatoes
Whether you go for classic baked potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, or loaded sweet potato skins, potatoes make a hearty accompaniment to spicy buffalo chicken. Load them up with toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions for the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Lighter Sides to Balance Buffalo Chicken
If you’re looking for something fresh to balance out the richness of buffalo chicken, these lighter sides are perfect:
Lettuce Wedge Salad
Cool wedges of iceberg lettuce provide a refreshing counterpoint to spicy buffalo chicken. Top with blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a classic steakhouse-style wedge that pairs beautifully with buffalo flavors.
Spinach Salad
A leafy spinach salad makes a fantastic base for a build-your-own salad bar alongside buffalo chicken. Provide toppings like chopped veggies, dried fruits, nuts, and various dressings for customization.
Corn on the Cob
Fire-roasted or boiled corn on the cob gives you another handheld option to enjoy alongside buffalo chicken. Roll the corn in seasoning salt or try honey butter skillet corn for a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is practically made to go with buffalo chicken! The cool, creamy dressing balances out the spiciness perfectly. You can go traditional with a mayo-based dressing or try a vinegar coleslaw for a lighter option.
Creative Twists on Buffalo Chicken
Want to think outside the box? Buffalo chicken flavors work amazingly well in various creative applications:
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Top pizza dough with buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese for a game-day favorite. A drizzle of ranch over the hot pizza takes it to the next level.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with cheese, buffalo chicken, extra sauce, and cool ranch dressing or sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas make a great side for buffalo chicken, but you can also stuff your quesadillas with the buffalo chicken itself for an epic handheld meal.
Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
For a lower-carb option, try buffalo chicken zucchini boats – hollowed-out zucchini filled with cheesy buffalo chicken and topped with green onions, tomatoes, and ranch dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is always a hit at parties and much easier to make than wings! Serve with chips, bread, or veggies for dipping.
Sweet Treats After Buffalo Chicken
After all that spice, sometimes you need something sweet to cleanse the palate:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bite-sized cookies make a perfect handheld dessert after saucy buffalo chicken. The sweet chocolate balances the lingering heat nicely.
Brownies
Fudgy, chewy brownies are a delicious way to end a meal when you’re craving something chocolate after your buffalo chicken.
Apple Pie
For a traditional dessert, warm apple pie is tough to beat. The tart apples and flaky crust help cleanse your palate after all that spice and salt.
Drinks to Wash Down Buffalo Chicken
Don’t forget about beverages to complement your buffalo chicken meal:
Beer
Ice-cold beer, especially lighter lagers and pilsners, is the classic choice for washing down spicy buffalo chicken.
Milk
Got kids at the table (or adults who can’t handle the heat)? Milk is perfect for taming overly spicy food and cooling down your mouth.
Iced Tea
Freshly brewed iced tea hits the spot alongside buffalo chicken. Sweet tea provides sweetness to counter the spice, or offer lemons for unsweetened tea.
Margaritas
For something festive, whip up a batch of margaritas! The sweet-tart lime flavor pairs wonderfully with spicy buffalo chicken.
My Top 5 Buffalo Chicken Side Dishes
After trying dozens of combinations, these are my personal favorite sides to serve with buffalo chicken:
- Creamy coleslaw – The cooling effect with the perfect crunchy texture
- Garlic parmesan french fries – Because who doesn’t love fries with everything?
- Mac and cheese – The ultimate comfort food pairing
- Iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese – A classic for a reason
- Warm bread rolls – Simple but perfect for soaking up sauce
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken is incredibly versatile, pairing well with everything from classic veggie sticks to indulgent carbs and fresh salads. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just making dinner for the family, these side dishes will elevate your buffalo chicken to a complete, satisfying meal.
And remember – don’t be afraid to get creative! Buffalo chicken flavors work well in so many applications, from pizzas to dips to stuffed veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Now excuse me while I go make myself some buffalo chicken and… well, probably ALL of these sides. A person can dream, right?
But what can I serve with buffalo chicken?
Ah yes, good question.
Usually the standard go-to’s include something fried or extra starchy. Think French fries, potato chips, tortilla chips and cheese dip, potato skins.
But what if you are trying to make a healthy choice?
Good news my friend, healthy and tasty are possible. Add easy for a cherry on top!
How to Lose Weight Eating Buffalo Chicken Dip
FAQ
What to serve with Buffalo Chicken?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with buffalo chicken are creamy coleslaw, Iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese dressing, and onion rings. You could also serve cheese quesadillas, fried mac and cheese bites, honey butter corn, or carrot cucumber and celery salad. Ready? Let’s jump right in. Looking for another fun finger food?
What is your favorite way to eat buffalo chicken?
One of my all-time favorite ways to eat buffalo chicken is stuffed in a baked sweet potato! This one was a fan-favorite from the Lillie Eats and Tells Cookbook. Drizzled with a little low-sugar syrup… TRUST ME. This is one of my favorite things about this buffalo chicken, or really any shredded chicken. It can LIVE ON AND ON.
What to eat with Buffalo Chicken on a keto diet?
There are so many tasty choices for what to serve with buffalo chicken, including mac and cheese, avocado fries, corn on the cob, and dressed lettuce wedges. If you’re following a low carbohydrate diet, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of keto options! Read on to get the full lowdown… 1. Celery and carrot sticks
What to eat with Buffalo chicken meatballs?
Get Ree’s Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe. These spicy, tangy chicken meatballs can be served for dinner or a game day snack. Pair them with a crisp cucumber salad tossed in homemade ranch dressing to offer a cool, crunchy contrast to the bold buffalo sauce. Get Ree’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe. SHOP PLATES
What salad goes with Buffalo Chicken?
Kale Caesar salad is the perfect side salad for your buffalo chicken. The slightly bitter kale works well with the tangy sauce, and you have the much-needed creamy dressing. Psst… the salad is best when you chill it for 10 minutes before serving so the healthy greens can soak in all the yummy Greek yogurt dressing.
What goes well with Buffalo chicken & coleslaw?
Buffalo chicken and coleslaw are a match made in heaven. The creamy coleslaw dressing balances out the spiciness of your chicken and provides a nice cooling contrast. Psst… to make it slightly lighter, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
What is a good side dish for buffalo chicken?
What pairs well with buffalo chicken wings?
Serve buffalo wings with classic sides like french fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or onion rings for a traditional meal. For a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings, pair them with carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese dressing or a light salad. Other options include potato wedges, tots, or healthier choices like pan-fried potatoes or fresh fruit salad.
What pairs well with chicken as a side?
The best sides for chicken may depend on the way you’re cooking the bird—a burnished roast chicken in the fall or winter goes wonderfully with butternut squash or cauliflower, while grilled chicken in the summer makes more sense with high-season salads and veggies charred over the coals.