Pulled chicken sandwiches are one of those magical meals that can please almost anyone. They’re simple yet satisfying, and when done right, they’re absolutely mouthwatering. But what truly elevates these sandwiches from good to great is pairing them with the perfect sides. I’ve spent years experimenting with different combinations, and I’m excited to share my findings with you!
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, planning a family dinner or just craving some comfort food knowing what goes with pulled chicken sandwiches can take your meal to the next level. Let’s dive into the best side dishes that complement the savory, tender goodness of pulled chicken.
Classic Comfort Sides That Never Disappoint
1. Coleslaw: The Ultimate Companion
There’s a reason coleslaw is often called the undisputed champion of pulled chicken sandwich sides. The creamy tangy dressing and crunchy cabbage provide a refreshing contrast to the rich savory chicken. Plus, it can be served on the side or right on top of your sandwich!
Try these variations:
- Traditional mayonnaise-based with shredded cabbage and carrots
- Vinegar-based for a lighter, tangier option
- Apple slaw with shredded apples for added sweetness and crunch
2. Potato Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Staple
Potato salad is another beloved side that pairs exceptionally well with pulled chicken sandwiches Its creamy texture and starchy potatoes provide a satisfying counterpoint to the shredded meat
Popular variations include:
- Classic American-style with mayo, mustard, celery, and onion
- German potato salad with warm vinegar dressing and bacon
- Sweet potato salad for a colorful twist with added nutrients
3. Crispy French Fries
Who doesn’t love fries? The crispy exterior and fluffy interior create a delightful texture contrast with the tender pulled chicken. You can go with classic sea salt seasoning or get creative with flavors like garlic, paprika, or even a cajun blend.
Pro tip: Try both frying and baking methods to find your perfect crunch level!
4. Baked Beans: Smoky & Sweet
Baked beans offer a hearty companion to pulled chicken sandwiches, especially if your chicken has a BBQ sauce base. The smoky, sweet flavors complement the sandwich perfectly while adding substance to your meal.
For the best experience, serve them hot and consider these varieties:
- Traditional baked beans with molasses, bacon, and brown sugar
- Spicy baked beans with chili powder or jalapeños
- Vegetarian beans with extra herbs and seasonings
5. Cornbread: A Southern Classic
Cornbread is a slightly sweet, crumbly bread that’s the perfect companion to pulled chicken sandwiches. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for maximum enjoyment.
My favorite variations:
- Classic cornbread made with cornmeal, flour, and butter
- Sweet cornbread with added sugar or honey
- Jalapeño cornbread for a spicy kick
Fresh & Vibrant Sides
When you want something lighter to balance the richness of pulled chicken sandwiches, these fresh sides are perfect choices.
6. Cucumber Salad: Simple & Refreshing
A crisp cucumber salad provides a cool, light contrast to the rich flavors of pulled chicken. Toss thinly sliced cucumbers in a tangy dressing and sprinkle with fresh herbs for an invigorating side.
7. Watermelon Salad: Summertime Delight
During hot weather, watermelon salad is a refreshing and hydrating side dish that perfectly complements pulled chicken sandwiches. The sweetness and juicy texture provide a delightful contrast to the savory meat.
Try these combinations:
- Simple diced watermelon with feta cheese and mint
- Watermelon and cucumber for double cooling power
- Watermelon with arugula for a peppery bite
8. Green Salad: Versatile & Healthy
A simple green salad can be a healthy and refreshing addition to your pulled chicken sandwich meal. Choose your favorite greens and dressing, and add some crunchy veggies for texture.
Good options include:
- Garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots
- Caesar salad with romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons
- Spinach salad with bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and vinaigrette
9. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables offer a nutritious and flavorful side that enhances the savory profile of pulled chicken sandwiches. The natural sweetness that comes from grilling veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus creates a wonderful flavor harmony.
Pro tip: Marinate your veggies in balsamic vinegar or olive oil with herbs before grilling!
10. Corn on the Cob: Sweet Summer Classic
During the summer months, there’s nothing quite like fresh corn on the cob alongside your sandwich. Its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch make it a perfect seasonal pairing.
Elevate your corn with:
- Classic butter and salt
- Mexican-style with chili, lime, and cotija cheese
- Herb butter with parsley, chives, and garlic
Unexpected & Adventurous Sides
Want to surprise your guests or just try something different? These sides add excitement to your pulled chicken sandwich meal.
11. Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food Heaven
Mac and cheese brings creamy, cheesy goodness to your plate and pairs wonderfully with pulled chicken sandwiches. The rich, velvety cheese sauce against the tangy chicken creates a flavor explosion.
Try these variations:
- Classic mac with cheddar cheese sauce
- Gourmet mac with Gruyere, Fontina, or smoked Gouda
- Loaded mac with bacon, jalapeños, or breadcrumb topping
12. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries introduce a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors that complement pulled chicken sandwiches beautifully. Their natural sweetness and crispy texture make them irresistible!
Don’t forget dipping sauces like:
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy ketchup
- Honey mustard
13. Onion Rings
For those seeking an indulgent side, onion rings provide a satisfying crunch that complements the tender texture of pulled chicken sandwiches. The sweet onion flavor encased in crispy batter is simply delicious.
14. Fruit Salad: Unexpected Freshness
A fruit salad offers an invigorating and nutritious contrast to the rich flavors of pulled chicken sandwiches. The burst of natural sweetness cleanses the palate between bites of savory sandwich.
Best combinations include:
- Mixed berries with mint
- Tropical fruits with a honey-lime dressing
- Melon medley with a touch of basil
15. Pasta Salad: Colorful & Filling
A vibrant pasta salad serves as an ideal side dish for pulled chicken sandwiches, offering a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Cold pasta tossed with vegetables and a zesty dressing creates an invigorating complement.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Pulled Chicken Sandwich Meal
When planning your meal, consider these factors to create the best possible experience:
Consider Your Sauce Profile
The sauce on your pulled chicken will influence your side dish choices:
- Tangy BBQ sauce pairs well with creamy sides like coleslaw or mac and cheese
- Creamy white sauce works nicely with acidic sides like pickles or vinegar-based salads
- Spicy chicken benefits from cooling sides like cucumber salad or fruit
Think About Textures
Creating contrast makes for a more interesting meal:
- Pair soft, tender chicken with crunchy sides like fries or crisp vegetables
- Balance creamy sauces with acidic, tangy sides
- Mix hot and cold components for temperature contrast
Don’t Forget the Bread!
The type of bread you serve your pulled chicken on matters too:
- Brioche buns offer a rich, buttery flavor
- Potato rolls provide softness and slight sweetness
- Sourdough rolls bring a tangy, robust base
And yes, you should definitely toast your buns! This prevents sogginess and adds texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What condiments besides BBQ sauce go well with pulled chicken sandwiches?
While BBQ sauce is classic, you can also try:
- Creamy coleslaw dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Honey mustard
- Light vinaigrette
What drinks pair well with pulled chicken sandwiches?
Great beverage options include:
- Iced tea or lemonade
- Beer (especially lagers and IPAs)
- Dry rosé wine
- Sparkling water with citrus
How can I make my pulled chicken sandwich meal healthier?
Try these healthier swaps:
- Use whole wheat buns
- Choose leaner cuts of chicken
- Opt for lower-sugar BBQ sauce
- Focus on fresh vegetable sides
- Try vinegar-based coleslaw instead of mayo-based
Final Thoughts
The beauty of pulled chicken sandwiches lies in their versatility. They can be dressed up or down, made spicy or mild, and paired with countless side dishes to create a memorable meal for any occasion.
I’ve found that the best approach is to balance flavors and textures – pair the rich, tender chicken with something crunchy, something fresh, and maybe something unexpected. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these side dish ideas will help you create a satisfying and delicious meal.
What’s your favorite side to serve with pulled chicken sandwiches? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
Low Carb and Keto Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with an ooey gooey bowl of warm mac and cheese. If you’re following a Keto diet it can be tough to pass up on this classic noodle side dish. Thankfully, there are creatives out there making dishes like a Keto mac and cheese recipe that’s just as cheesy and delicious as the classic. The secret to making Keto mac and cheese — cauliflower! Using cauliflower in place of the noodles, alongside tons of cheese offers a mac and cheese savory flavor without the carbs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients: Cauliflower, whole milk, cream cheese, salt and pepper, heavy cream, garlic powder, chili powder, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, bacon, crushed pork rinds, parmesan, and fresh parsley.
If you’re eliminating starchy sides from your diet but still want to pair your grilled chicken with some fries, why not try making vegetable fries? Wholesome Yum uses rutabaga to make fries that are safe for the Keto diet, and also very tasty. These are one of the best chicken side dishes to cook using an air fryer if you have one because the moving air allows each side of the fry to get super crispy. If you’ve only got 5 minutes to meal prep some sides to go alongside your BBQ chicken meal, you’ve got to try rutabaga fries!
Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable high in fiber, iron, and vitamin C. It’s also very low in carbs which makes Peace, Low & Low-Carb’s cheesy garlic roasted asparagus recipe a great Keto or low-carb side for chicken meals. If you struggle to get your kids to eat this healthy veggie, give this recipe a try. Adding cheese to vegetables can sometimes be the magic trick that encourages kids to take a few more bites.
Prep Time: Roughly 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: Asparagus spears, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and pepper, smoked white cheese and mozzarella cheese.
Nine Healthy Sides For BBQ Chicken
Grilled chicken and fries are a match made in heaven, but if you’re trying to eat healthy, they’re often cut from your side dish list. Thankfully, Well Plated has found the secret to making oven-baked fries that are crispy on the inside, but still tender on the outside to allow you to get your fix of potato fries without all the grease. Believe it or not, potatoes are healthy for you when eaten in moderation, especially if you leave on the skin. You’ll get fiber, vitamin C and B6 as well as potassium. There are a few secrets to getting crispy fries. First, use Yukon gold potatoes and second soak them in very hot (unsalted) water to slightly cook the inside. Cook at 450 °F and add your favorite fry spices and you’ve got a tasty solution for when you’re craving starchy sides for BBQ chicken.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: Yukon gold potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, salt, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
What’s better than a loaded baked potato? A healthy loaded baked potato with all of the flavor and none of the guilt! The savory flavors of baked potatoes and the smokey flavors of BBQ chicken are a classic flavor combination, and Recipe Runner has come up with some clever swaps to make healthy baked potatoes that you can serve with your grilled chicken. By using low-fat cream cheese instead of sour cream you still get the rich creamy flavor with a lot less fat and plenty of additional protein. One of the best parts of this perfect side dish is that it can be made in less than 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Ingredients: Russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, green onion, red onion, salt and pepper, paprika, and bacon.
Potato salad is a great summer side dish to serve at picnics and outdoor BBQs alongside some grilled chicken. Healthy Seasonal Recipes has taken this classic side dish and given it a protein-packed twist with a lot less fat by using fat-free Greek Yogurt in place of a lot of the usual mayonnaise. The addition of egg adds even more protein and gives this potato salad an even creamier feel. Katie recommends using thin-skinned waxy potatoes and staying away from starchy potatoes like russets because they’re a little too dry and crumbly on the inside.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time:30 minutes
Ingredients: Potatoes, Greek yogurt, mayo, celery, relish, Dijon mustard, hard-boiled eggs, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper, red onion, and parsley.