21 Mouthwatering Foods to Serve with Chicken Wings (That Aren’t Just Celery Sticks!)

Let’s be real – chicken wings are the superstar of any party spread. Whether you’re hosting game night planning a backyard BBQ or just craving some finger-licking goodness, wings deliver that perfect combo of crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavors that keep everyone coming back for more.

But what about the supporting cast? I mean, sure, we’ve all seen those sad little platters with celery sticks and baby carrots. And while there’s nothing wrong with the classics, your wings deserve better sidekicks!

As someone who’s hosted more wing nights than I can count I’ve experimented with countless side dishes. Some were total home runs others… not so much. Today, I’m sharing my top picks for what food goes perfectly with chicken wings to create a meal that’ll have everyone talking (when they’re not busy licking sauce off their fingers).

Potato-Based Sides (Because Potatoes Are Always a Good Idea)

When it comes to satisfying sides that complement the bold flavors of wings, potato-based dishes are absolute winners.

1. Potato Wedges

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – potato wedges are the perfect contrast to juicy wings. They’re substantial enough to fill you up and provide a nice neutral base that works with any wing sauce from mild BBQ to scorching hot buffalo.

Pro tip: Season your wedges with garlic powder and paprika to give them extra oomph!

2. French Fries (with a Twist)

Basic fries are great, but why not take them up a notch? Try topping them with cheese, sour cream, ground beef, and peppers for loaded fries that are practically a meal in themselves.

3. Sweet Potato Fries

For a slightly healthier option that still hits the spot, sweet potato fries bring a natural sweetness that balances spicy wings beautifully. I like mine with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a side of honey for dipping.

4. Potato Skins

Loaded potato skins are practically mini-meals on their own! Stuffed with cheese, bacon, and topped with sour cream, they bring a crunchy-creamy texture combo that works amazingly well alongside wings.

5. Tater Tots

Nostalgic and irresistible, crispy tater tots are crowd-pleasers that pair wonderfully with wings. For an upgraded experience, try making “ranchero tots” topped with cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and chipotle ranch.

Veggies That Don’t Suck

Let’s face it, we could all use some vegetables to balance out the indulgence of wings. But these aren’t your boring veggie trays – these sides actually taste amazing!

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I know what you’re thinking – Brussels sprouts? Seriously? But hear me out! When roasted until crispy and caramelized (maybe with a touch of bacon), these little veggies develop an incredible flavor that stands up beautifully to bold wing sauces.

7. Coleslaw

The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw provides the perfect contrast to hot, crispy wings. Try a vinegar-based version instead of mayo for a lighter option that cuts through the richness of the wings.

8. Corn on the Cob

Nothing screams “backyard BBQ” like corn on the cob slathered with butter. The sweetness of corn kernels complements the savory, spicy flavors in wings perfectly. Plus, it’s fun to eat!

For something extra special, try “street corn” style with chili-lime cream, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of cheese.

9. Buffalo Cauliflower

If you want the buffalo wing experience in veggie form, buffalo cauliflower is your answer! These baked or fried florets get tossed in the same sauce as your wings for a fun veggie alternative.

10. Zucchini Fritters

These crispy little patties made from shredded zucchini offer a lighter crunch that complements wings beautifully. They’re a great way to sneak in some veggies while still feeling indulgent.

Bread & Baked Goods

Sometimes you need something to soak up all that delicious sauce – that’s where these carb-loaded sides come in!

11. Cornbread

Warm, slightly sweet cornbread is the perfect sponge for soaking up wing sauce. Its subtle flavor doesn’t compete with the wings but provides a satisfying contrast. I like mine with a touch of honey butter on top!

12. Garlic Bread

Buttery, garlicky bread is never a bad idea. Whether you go simple with garlic and butter or loaded with cheese, it’s perfect for cleansing your palate between wing bites.

13. Pretzel Bites with Cheese

Soft, warm pretzel bites paired with gooey cheese sauce make for a delicious and comforting side that everyone loves. They’re substantial enough to fill you up but not so heavy that they’ll overshadow your wings.

Fresh & Light Options

When you’re eating something as rich as wings, sometimes you need something fresh to balance things out.

14. Garden Salad

A crisp garden salad with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to wings. You can keep it simple with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers or jazz it up with whatever veggies you have on hand.

15. Caprese Salad

Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze bring a touch of elegance to your wing feast. The fresh flavors cut through the richness of the wings beautifully.

16. Tzatziki Sauce

This cool, cucumber-yogurt sauce offers a refreshing contrast to spicy wings. It’s particularly good with wings that have a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Comfort Food Classics

Sometimes you just wanna go all-in on the comfort food vibe. These hearty sides pair perfectly with wings for the ultimate indulgent meal.

17. Mac and Cheese

Is there anything more comforting than gooey, cheesy mac and cheese? The creamy, rich texture makes it the perfect partner for crispy wings. You can keep it classic or spice it up with jalapeños for an extra kick.

18. Baked Beans

Sweet and smoky baked beans complement wings beautifully, especially if your wings have a BBQ sauce. The beans absorb all that saucy goodness and provide a hearty side that fills you up.

19. Onion Rings

Golden brown and crispy, onion rings bring their own unique crunch to the party. Try them in different flavors like buffalo bleu or sweet smokin’ for something a little different.

20. Hush Puppies

These deep-fried cornmeal balls have a crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior that makes them perfect for soaking up extra wing sauce. They’re a Southern classic that pairs beautifully with wings of all flavors.

21. Korean Corn Dogs

For a fun twist, try Korean corn dogs! These aren’t your average corn dogs – they’re often coated with panko bread crumbs and can include a cheese filling. They bring a sweet-salty-crunchy element that’s unexpectedly perfect with wings.

Don’t Forget Dessert!

After all those savory flavors, something sweet makes the perfect finale.

• Fudgy Brownies – Rich and chocolatey brownies are the perfect way to end your wing feast.
• Fresh Baked Cookies – Who doesn’t love a warm chocolate chip cookie? They’re simple but satisfying after a flavorful meal.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Wing Spread

When I’m planning a wing night, here’s what I keep in mind:

1. Balance the heat – If your wings are super spicy, include some cooling sides like ranch dip, coleslaw, or sweet corn.

2. Mix up the textures – Combine crunchy sides (like onion rings) with creamy ones (like mac and cheese) for a satisfying contrast.

3. Include some lighter options – Not everyone wants to go all-in on heavy sides. A fresh salad or veggie option ensures there’s something for everyone.

4. Consider your sauces – A sauce flight with different dipping options (ranch, blue cheese, BBQ) lets guests customize their experience.

5. Don’t overcomplicate – Wings are casual food! Don’t stress about making everything perfect. Simple, tasty sides are all you need.

My Personal Favorite Combo

If I had to pick my ultimate wing meal, it would be crispy buffalo wings served with:

• Garlic parmesan fries
• Creamy coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• And plenty of blue cheese dressing for dipping

The combination of spicy, creamy, crunchy, and sweet hits all the right notes without being too complicated.

Chicken wings may be the star of the show, but the right side dishes can transform a simple wing night into an unforgettable feast. Whether you’re team ranch or team blue cheese, there’s a perfect side dish waiting to complement your favorite wings.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up and try new combinations! The beauty of wings is their versatility – they play well with so many different flavors and textures.

What’s your favorite thing to serve with chicken wings? Do you stick with the classics or get creative? I’d love to hear your go-to sides in the comments!

Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about wings has made me hungry. I think I know what I’m having for dinner tonight…