Buffalo chicken is one of those magical foods that manages to be both incredibly simple and impossibly delicious at the same time Whether you’re enjoying spicy buffalo wings, tangy buffalo chicken dip, or a hearty buffalo chicken sandwich, one question always comes up what sides should I serve with it?
As someone who’s hosted countless game days and dinner parties featuring this fan favorite, I’ve experimented with practically every side dish under the sun. The good news? There are TONS of amazing options beyond the classic celery and carrot sticks (though those are certainly classics for a reason!).
In this article I’ll share my absolute favorite sides to pair with buffalo chicken – from cooling dips that tame the heat to carb-loaded sides that soak up all that delicious sauce. Let’s dive in!
Classic Buffalo Chicken Companions
Let’s start with the tried-and-true sides that have stood the test of time These classics are popular for a reason!
1. Celery and Carrot Sticks
It doesn’t get more traditional than this! The cool crunch of fresh celery and carrot sticks provides the perfect contrast to spicy buffalo sauce. Plus, they double as edible utensils for dipping into ranch or blue cheese dressing. The veggies’ natural freshness helps balance out the heat of the buffalo sauce.
2. Blue Cheese Dip
If you’re serving buffalo chicken without blue cheese dip, you’re doing it wrong! This cool and creamy dip is practically required alongside buffalo chicken. The bold, salty flavor of blue cheese cuts right through the spiciness of the chicken.
Pro tip: Make it from scratch if possible – homemade blue cheese dip blows store-bought versions out of the water! Use a mix of mayo, sour cream, and quality blue cheese crumbles with some simple seasonings.
3. Ranch Dressing
Like blue cheese dip, ranch dressing helps tame the heat of buffalo chicken while adding its own distinctive herby flavor. I like making mine with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives for an extra flavor boost.
For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt ranch dip! It has more protein and fewer calories than traditional ranch, but still delivers that cool, creamy taste we all love.
4. Bread Rolls
Warm, fresh bread rolls are a no-fuss way to round out your buffalo chicken meal. The crispy outsides and fluffy insides are perfect for soaking up any extra buffalo sauce. Even store-bought rolls just need a quick bake to become the perfect accompaniment.
Carb-Loaded Sides for Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken is deliciously saucy, which means you’ll want something to help sop it all up. These carb-loaded sides are ideal companions:
5. Mac and Cheese
Is there a more perfect pairing than buffalo chicken and mac and cheese? The indulgent, cheesy pasta acts like an edible sponge for all that tangy buffalo sauce. For the ultimate flavor explosion, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, colby, and Swiss.
6. Fries or Chips
What goes better with buffalo chicken than crispy fries? Whether you opt for classic potato fries, sweet potato fries, or tortilla chips, they all pair beautifully with buffalo chicken. For extra flavor, try seasoning your fries with garlic herb butter or offering tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole.
Here are some specific variations to try:
- Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Herb Butter: The sweetness balances the spicy buffalo sauce
- Homemade Crispy French Fries: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser
- Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings: Healthier than deep-fried but still deliciously crispy
7. Onion Rings
The addictive crunch of onion rings pairs wonderfully with buffalo chicken. For maximum flavor and crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and bake instead of fry. Serve them piping hot right out of the oven!
For an impressive presentation, try making an air fryer blooming onion. It’s fun to eat, delicious, and makes a great centerpiece for your buffalo chicken spread.
8. Loaded Potato Options
Potatoes in all forms make a hearty side for buffalo chicken:
- Baked Potatoes: Load them up with chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, and cheese
- Loaded Potato Skins: Cheesy and packed with bold flavors
- Instant Pot Potato Salad: A time-saving version of the classic side
- Cauliflower Hash Browns: A healthier alternative that still satisfies that potato craving
Lighter Sides to Balance Buffalo Chicken
If you need something fresh and light to balance the heaviness of buffalo chicken, these sides hit the spot:
9. Salads
A crisp, fresh salad provides the perfect contrast to spicy buffalo chicken:
- Lettuce Wedge Salad: Cool wedges of iceberg lettuce topped with bacon, blue cheese, and ranch
- Spinach Salad: A DIY salad bar with chopped veggies, dried fruits, nuts, and dressing
- Easy Chicken Caesar Salad: Swap the regular chicken for buffalo chicken to make a delectable meal
- Cucumber Feta Potato Salad: Creamy and cooling with fresh herbs to tame the spice
10. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies add color, nutrition, and flavor to your buffalo chicken meal:
- Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli: Crispy and tasty, ready in under 20 minutes
- Air Fryer Green Beans: A great alternative to french fries
- Air Fryer Vegetables Medley: Marinated for extra flavor and ready in 30 minutes
11. Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw makes a refreshing side for spicy buffalo chicken. The cool, crunchy texture and slightly sweet dressing provide a nice contrast to the heat. Try making a low-carb, gluten-free version that mimics the famous KFC coleslaw in just 5 minutes.
12. Corn Options
- Corn on the Cob: Fire-roasted or boiled corn gives you another handle to hold – perfect for messy buffalo chicken eating!
- Mexican Street Corn Totchos: All the flavors of nachos but on tater tots
Creative Buffalo Chicken Pairings
If classic sides seem a little boring, try one of these unique buffalo chicken companions:
13. Pasta Salads
Pasta salads make excellent sides for buffalo chicken and can be prepared ahead of time:
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: Crunchy and tangy, ready in under 30 minutes
- Summer Orzo Pasta Salad: Rich in flavor, nutrients, and color
- Classic Italian Pasta Salad: Packed with bold Italian flavors
14. Vegetable Fries
For something unique but still finger-food friendly:
- Carrot Fries: A healthy alternative to potato fries, ready in under 30 minutes
- Parmesan Panko Asparagus Fries: Breaded for extra crunch and flavor
- Crispy Avocado Fries: Takes the yumminess of avocados to a whole new level
15. Crispy Green Beans
Crispy fried green beans with seasoned breadcrumbs make a delicious alternative to traditional fries. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and surprisingly addictive!
Buffalo Chicken Fusion Ideas
If you want to get creative with your buffalo chicken serving options, try these fusion ideas:
16. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Top pizza dough with buffalo sauce, chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese for a next-level flavor experience. A drizzle of ranch over the hot pizza takes it to new heights!
17. Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Upgrade your game day nachos with spicy chicken! Layer tortilla chips with cheese, chicken, more buffalo sauce, and cool ranch dressing or sour cream.
18. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Layer soft rolls with buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, and ranch for hand-held buffalo chicken joy. A batch of sliders can feed a crowd with ease.
19. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
For pretty, poppable appetizers, buffalo chicken pinwheels are perfect. Spread tortillas with seasoned cream cheese, chicken, veggies, cheese, and ranch, then roll up and slice.
20. Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings”
Vegans and vegetarians needn’t miss out on buffalo flavor! Crispy cauliflower florets coated in buffalo sauce taste remarkably like wings. Offer vegan ranch for the full experience.
Drinks to Pair with Buffalo Chicken
Don’t forget about beverage options to complete your buffalo chicken meal:
21. Beer
You can’t go wrong with ice-cold beer, especially lighter lagers and pilsners. The crisp, smooth brews wash down spicy food and satisfy thirst.
22. Milk
Got kids at the buffalo chicken dinner table? Milk is the perfect drink to tame overly spicy food. The creaminess and chill balance heat nicely.
23. Iced Tea
For an anytime beverage, freshly brewed iced tea hits the spot. Sweet tea provides sweetness to counter buffalo chicken’s spice, or offer lemons for unsweetened tea.
24. Margaritas
If you’re looking for something festive and fun, whip up a batch of margaritas! The sweet-tart lime flavor pairs wonderfully with spicy buffalo chicken.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken is incredibly versatile, pairing well with everything from classic veggie sticks to indulgent carbs to fresh salads. With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored eating alongside your favorite saucy chicken!
For game day gatherings, I usually stick with the finger-food friendly options like fries, onion rings, and celery sticks with dips. For a family dinner, I might go with mac and cheese or a fresh salad to make it more of a complete meal.
Whatever sides you choose, the key is balancing the spicy, tangy buffalo flavor with complementary tastes and textures. Cool and creamy, crunchy and fresh, or warm and carb-loaded – all make perfect partners for buffalo chicken.
What’s your favorite side to serve with buffalo chicken? I’d love to hear about your go-to pairings in the comments below!
Alternative Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe:
If you’re looking to switch things up, try this variation of the classic buffalo chicken dip:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Directions:
- Follow the same directions as the classic buffalo chicken dip recipe, substituting BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and pepper jack cheese for cheddar cheese.
| Accompaniment | Description | Pairing | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Veggies | Carrots, celery, bell peppers | Crunchy and refreshing | Colorful veggie platter |
| Crackers | Ritz crackers, pretzel crisps | Buttery and crunchy | Assorted cracker tray |
| Fruit | Grapes, strawberries, watermelon | Sweet and refreshing | Fruit platter |
| Sweet Treats | Brownie bites, chocolate-dipped pretzels | Decadent and satisfying | Dessert sampler |
I reached out to two professionals in the culinary industry for their insights on what to serve with buffalo chicken dip. According to Chef Mia R., “I always recommend a combination of fresh vegetables and crunchy crackers to complement the bold flavors of buffalo chicken dip.” Pastry Chef Emily S. added, “For a sweet contrast, try serving the dip with a selection of fresh fruit or mini dessert bites.”
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot with your choice of accompaniments.
The best buffalo chicken dip ever! #buffalochickendip #appetizer
FAQ
What side dish goes well with buffalo chicken?
cheese quesadillas, Spanish rice, refried beans with cheese. You could also do bake potatoes and put the Buffalo chicken dip on it with salsa, sour cream etc..Feb 27, 2024
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 side dish pairs well with chicken?
What to serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta for dinner?
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta. It’s nice to have a fresh green side salad to balance out the creamy pasta. Other great sides would be garlic bread (perfect for scooping up every last bit of the delicious sauce!), carrots and celery to go with the buffalo wing vibe or fresh fruit to cool off your palate!