15 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve With Smoked Chicken

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been smoking chicken for years now, and let me tell you, finding the perfect sides to complement that rich, smoky flavor can take your meal from good to absolutely unforgettable. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite side dishes that pair beautifully with smoked chicken, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just wanting to elevate your weeknight dinner.

Smoked chicken has this amazing depth of flavor that deserves companions that can either complement or contrast with its distinctive taste. I’ve tested countless combinations (my family has been very patient guinea pigs!), and these are the winners that consistently impress everyone at my table.

Potato-Based Sides That Complement Smoked Chicken

1. French-Style Potato Salad

If you’re tired of the same old mayo-heavy potato salad, this French-style version will blow your mind. Instead of creamy dressing, it features a tangy vinegar-based dressing with two types of mustard, cornichons, and fresh dill The sharp, herby flavors create the perfect contrast to smoky chicken

What makes it special:

• Lighter than traditional potato salad
• Tangy vinegar-based dressing
• Complementary herbs that enhance the chicken’s flavor

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There’s something about the buttery, velvety texture of mashed potatoes that makes them the ultimate comfort food alongside smoked chicken For extra flavor, try mixing in some roasted garlic or sharp cheddar cheese

Pro tip: For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, use Yukon Golds and warm your milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes.

3. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries bring a perfect balance of sweet and savory to complement the smokiness of your chicken. Bake or fry them until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside, then season with a touch of salt. The natural sweetness creates an addictive contrast that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Fresh and Crisp Veggie Sides

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Nothing says summer quite like grilled corn on the cob alongside smoked chicken. Kick things up a notch by brushing your corn with chili lime butter – the sweet corn with spicy, tangy butter creates an explosive flavor combo with the chicken.

5. Parmesan Asparagus

Jazz up simple roasted asparagus with a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic. This extra step transforms a basic veggie into something special, and the crispy texture contrasts beautifully with tender smoked chicken.

6. Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a BBQ classic for good reason, but my healthier version swaps mayo for Greek yogurt. You’ll still get that creamy texture, plus a natural tanginess that cuts through the rich smokiness of the chicken. It’s refreshing, crunchy, and much lighter than traditional coleslaw.

Recipe hack: Add a touch of honey to balance the tanginess of the yogurt.

7. Roasted Carrots

These honey garlic butter roasted carrots are a low-effort side that delivers big on flavor. The natural sweetness of the carrots caramelizes in the oven, creating a gorgeous glaze that pairs wonderfully with smoked chicken. Plus, the vibrant orange color looks stunning on the plate!

8. Cucumber Salad

On hot summer days, a crisp cucumber salad brings welcome refreshment alongside smoky chicken. Thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with dill, vinegar, and a touch of sugar create a clean, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

9. Grilled Vegetable Kebabs

Mediterranean vegetable kebabs are a colorful and nutritious addition to your smoked chicken dinner. I like to use a mix of red onions, bell peppers, and zucchini, but you can get creative with whatever veggies you have on hand. The slightly charred edges from grilling echo the smokiness of the chicken.

Hearty Sides For Bigger Appetites

10. Southern-Style Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking to make your meal more indulgent, nothing beats a southern-style baked mac and cheese. What makes it truly southern? LOTS of cheese, eggs for extra richness, and a kick of cajun seasoning. The creamy, cheesy goodness is the perfect partner for smoky chicken.

11. Bourbon Baked Beans

Sweet, savory, and smoky baked beans complement smoked chicken perfectly. Using a slow cooker makes this side effortless – just set it in the morning and by dinner time, you’ll have tender beans in a rich, flavorful sauce. The bourbon adds depth that stands up well to the smoky chicken.

12. Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread is a classic BBQ side, and baking it in muffin tins makes serving easier. Northern-style cornbread tends to be sweeter and more cake-like than Southern cornbread, and this sweetness is a delicious complement to smoky chicken. Bonus points if you serve it with some honey butter!

Fresh and Light Salads

13. Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for summer BBQs. Juicy watermelon chunks combined with quick-pickled cucumber slices create a cooling contrast to warm, smoky chicken. The addition of red wine vinegar dressing and salty feta helps balance the sweetness.

14. BLT Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are BBQ staples, and this BLT version has the perfect balance of pasta, veggies, and crispy bacon (because everything’s better with bacon!). The creamy dressing ties it all together, making it a satisfying side for smoked chicken.

15. Caesar Salad

Sometimes simplicity wins, and a classic Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser. The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and savory Parmesan create a beautiful foundation for slices of smoked chicken. In fact, adding the chicken right on top turns this side into a complete meal!

Quick Reference Guide: Best Sides for Smoked Chicken

Tips for Creating the Perfect Smoked Chicken Meal

When planning your menu, I always try to balance flavors and textures for the best experience:

• Mix textures – Pair creamy sides (like mashed potatoes) with crunchy ones (like coleslaw)
• Balance richness – Offset the richness of smoked chicken with fresh, acidic sides
• Consider the season – Lighter salads for summer, heartier sides for cooler months
• Think about colors – Create a visually appealing plate with different colored sides
• Manage your timing – Choose some make-ahead sides so you’re not overwhelmed

My Go-To Combinations

For summer BBQs:

• Smoked chicken + watermelon cucumber salad + grilled corn + coleslaw

For comfort food dinners:

• Smoked chicken + mac and cheese + roasted carrots

For healthy meals:

• Smoked chicken + grilled asparagus + cucumber salad

For holidays:

• Smoked chicken + green bean casserole + cornbread muffins

Final Thoughts

Smoked chicken deserves sides that can stand up to its bold flavor while creating a balanced, satisfying meal. The options I’ve shared range from light and fresh to rich and indulgent, giving you plenty of choices for any occasion.

What’s your favorite side to serve with smoked chicken? I’m always looking for new ideas to try! Drop me a comment below with your go-to pairings.

Happy smoking, and even happier eating!