25 Mouthwatering Sides That’ll Make Your BBQ Chicken Shine (And What You Should Actually Serve!)

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today I’m super excited to dive into one of my absolute favorite summer meals – BBQ chicken! But let’s be honest, as amazing as that smoky, sweet, and savory chicken is, we all know it’s the SIDES that truly make or break your BBQ experience

I’ve spent years perfecting my backyard BBQ game, and I’m gonna share all my favorite side dishes that’ll transform your ordinary grilled chicken into an extraordinary feast that’ll have your friends begging for invites to your next cookout!

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend family dinner or hosting a big summer bash, these sides will absolutely elevate your BBQ chicken to new heights. So let’s jump right in!

Why Sides Matter for BBQ Chicken

Before we dive into the specific side dishes, let’s talk about WHY sides are so crucial for BBQ chicken:

• They provide balance to the rich, smoky flavors
• They add different textures to your meal
• They bring vibrant colors to your plate
• They help round out the nutritional profile of your meal
• They allow guests with different preferences to customize their plates

Now that we understand the importance of sides, let’s explore the best options for your next BBQ chicken feast!

Classic BBQ Sides That Never Disappoint

When it comes to BBQ chicken, some sides are absolute classics for a reason. They’ve stood the test of time because they just WORK. Here are my go-to traditional sides:

1. Baked Beans: The Sweet & Smoky Essential

Is it even a BBQ without baked beans? This sweet and smoky side dish is practically mandatory at any respectable chicken cookout. You can use navy or pinto beans with bacon, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and your favorite BBQ spices.

For a quick version: combine beans, BBQ sauce, mustard, maple syrup and some chopped bacon in a slow cooker. Let it simmer while you prepare everything else!

2. Coleslaw: The Cool & Creamy Contrast

The crispy, creamy coleslaw is the perfect cooling counterpoint to smoky grilled meat. You can go with:

• Classic mayo-based coleslaw
• Tangy vinegar-based slaw
• Asian-inspired slaw with sesame oil and ginger
• Fruity slaw with apple or pineapple

Pro tip: Make your coleslaw the day before to let the flavors meld together overnight!

3. Corn on the Cob: Summer’s Perfect Side

Nothing says summer quite like buttery corn on the cob! Since you’ve already got the grill fired up for the chicken, toss some corn on there too. Leave the husks on while grilling for extra smoky flavor.

For extra fancy corn, try Mexican street corn (elote) with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime!

4. Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is the comfort food that everyone loves alongside BBQ chicken. Make it ahead of time and just heat it up when the chicken’s ready.

My secret ingredient? A little bit of smoked paprika in the cheese sauce to complement the BBQ flavors!

5. Potato Salad: The BBQ Staple

No BBQ is complete without potato salad! You’ve got options:

• Creamy mayo-based
• Tangy vinegar-based
• German-style with bacon
• Loaded baked potato style

Quick tip: Add some hard-boiled eggs to make your potato salad even more filling and protein-packed!

Starchy Sides That’ll Fill Everyone Up

Carbs make the perfect sidekick to BBQ chicken. They’re filling, satisfying, and soak up all those delicious BBQ juices! Here are some stellar starchy sides:

6. Roasted Potatoes: Simple Yet Delicious

Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary are simple to make but packed with flavor. I like using red potatoes or Yukon golds – they have the perfect texture!

7. Pasta Salad: The Versatile Crowd-Pleaser

Cold pasta salad is the perfect make-ahead side for BBQ chicken. The options are truly endless:

• Greek-style with feta, olives, and cucumber
• Italian with pepperoni and mozzarella
• Pesto with cherry tomatoes
• Southwest with black beans and corn

8. Cornbread: Sweet Southern Comfort

Warm cornbread fresh from a cast iron skillet is absolutely irresistible! Serve with honey butter for extra decadence. It’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra BBQ sauce.

My grandma always added a bit of actual corn kernels to her cornbread for extra texture and sweetness – game changer!

9. Biscuits: Fluffy Perfection

Fluffy, homemade biscuits are a classic BBQ accompaniment. Try buttermilk biscuits or cheese & chive for variety. Just remember not to overmix the batter or they won’t rise properly!

10. Rice: The Versatile Base

White or brown rice soaks up those BBQ juices perfectly. Rice pilaf seasoned with herbs and spices adds extra flavor. It’s simple but effective!

Healthy Veggie Sides for Balance

Let’s be real – BBQ can get heavy FAST. These veggie sides help lighten things up while still being delicious:

11. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky & Satisfying

Since you’ve already got the grill going, why not throw on some veggie skewers or halves of squash, eggplant, and zucchini? Just brush with olive oil and season simply.

12. Green Beans: Simple & Nutritious

Green beans or asparagus roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper are simple yet tasty. For extra flavor, add some slivered almonds or a sprinkle of parmesan!

13. Cucumber Salad: Cool & Refreshing

A cool cucumber salad with a vinaigrette is perfect for hot summer days. Add tomatoes, red onion, and feta for extra flavor. The crispness is so refreshing alongside rich BBQ chicken!

14. Greek Side Salad: Fresh & Flavorful

A Greek salad with cucumbers, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and grape tomatoes proves that salads don’t have to be boring! The oregano and red wine vinegar dressing complements BBQ flavors perfectly.

15. Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Kid-Friendly Veggies

Asparagus is packed with fiber, iron, and vitamin C. Making it with cheese can help convince even picky kids to give it a try! The prep only takes about 5 minutes, and it roasts in just 20.

Low-Carb & Keto Options

For those watching their carbs, BBQ chicken can still be on the menu with these keto-friendly sides:

16. Keto Mac and Cheese: Cheesy Cauliflower Goodness

Missing mac and cheese on your low-carb diet? Cauliflower to the rescue! Using cauliflower in place of noodles gives you that cheesy, comforting flavor without all the carbs.

17. Rutabaga Fries: The Low-Carb French Fry Alternative

If you’re eliminating starchy sides but still want something fry-like, try rutabaga fries! They’re especially good in an air fryer where each side gets super crispy.

Creative Sides for Adventurous Eaters

Want to impress your guests with something a bit different? These creative sides will set your BBQ apart:

18. Grilled Fruit: Sweet & Smoky

Grilled peaches, pineapple, or watermelon add caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory chicken. The heat brings out the natural sugars and adds a touch of smokiness.

19. Watermelon Feta Salad: Sweet & Savory Contrast

Juicy watermelon topped with creamy, briny feta cheese offers a fabulous flavor and texture contrast. Add some mint and a drizzle of balsamic for extra wow-factor!

20. Fried Okra: Southern Classic

These bite-sized delights are perfect for a BBQ. Simply coat okra in cornmeal batter and fry until golden and crispy. They’ll vanish from the table in minutes!

21. Fried Green Tomatoes: Unexpected Delight

Don’t overlook this Southern classic! Firm, unripe green tomatoes sliced and coated in cornmeal batter, then fried to perfection create a subtly tart, crunchy side dish that’ll surprise and delight your guests.

Healthy Twists on Classic Sides

Want the comfort of classic sides but with a healthier spin? I gotchu:

22. Oven-Baked Fries: Crispy Without the Guilt

Yes, you CAN have crispy fries without deep frying! The secret: use Yukon gold potatoes and soak them in very hot (unsalted) water first to slightly cook the inside. Then bake at 450°F with your favorite seasonings.

23. Healthy Loaded Baked Potatoes: Guilt-Free Comfort

Get all the flavor with clever swaps like using low-fat cottage cheese instead of sour cream. You’ll still get that rich, creamy flavor with less fat and more protein.

24. Greek Yogurt Potato Salad: Protein-Packed Twist

Swap most of the mayo for fat-free Greek yogurt in your potato salad for a protein boost with less fat. Adding hard-boiled eggs makes it even creamier and more nutritious!

25. Quinoa Salad: Protein-Rich Alternative

This super grain is packed with protein and nutrients. Make a salad by adding tomatoes, basil, corn, and mozzarella, then drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side.

Don’t Forget Dessert!

No BBQ is complete without something sweet to finish the meal:

Strawberry Shortcake: The Perfect Summer Finale

Fresh strawberries, flaky biscuits, and whipped cream make a sweet, creamy, refreshing dessert that’s perfect after BBQ chicken.

My Personal Favorite BBQ Chicken Side Combos

After years of BBQ experimentation, here are my favorite side dish combinations:

For Classic BBQ Vibes:

• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Watermelon slices

For a Healthier Spread:

• Greek salad
• Grilled vegetables
• Quinoa salad
• Grilled peaches for dessert

For a Comfort Food Feast:

• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad
• Biscuits
• Corn on the cob

Final Tips for BBQ Side Success

1. Prep ahead when possible – Many sides can be made the day before!
2. Consider your cooking space – If the grill is full of chicken, opt for sides that don’t need the grill
3. Balance temperatures – Mix hot sides with cold sides
4. Think about colors – A colorful plate is more appetizing
5. Remember dietary restrictions – Have options for different needs

What’s your favorite side to pair with BBQ chicken? Drop me a comment below – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!

Happy grilling!

P.S. Don’t forget the napkins – BBQ chicken and all these amazing sides can get messy, but that’s half the fun!

Serve BBQ chicken with classic sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans, or opt for lighter options such as a fresh green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or watermelon.