18 Perfect Sides for BBQ Chicken Meals
The perfect barbecue isn't just about the chicken; it's also about the sides that complement it.
From tangy coleslaw to buttery cornbread, the right accompaniments can enhance the smoky flavors of your BBQ chicken.
Come here and explore a range of side dishes that add texture, flavor, and color to your meal.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes shine in many tasty dishes.
Baking them is a favorite method, whether using the microwave, slow cooker, or oven.
Their natural sweetness pairs well with butter and can be enhanced with honey for those who enjoy a little extra flavor.
Popular recipes include sweet potato casserole and sweet potato pies that please any crowd.
For a healthy meal option, serve them alongside romaine lettuce salad dressed with ranch and chicken breast for added protein.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad offers a satisfying crunch that rice cannot match.
Packed with protein, calcium, potassium, and other vital nutrients, this dish stands out as a healthy choice.
A delightful mix of ingredients can make it even more enjoyable; consider using English cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, bok choy, seeds and nuts along with some chopped veggies or dried fruit.
This salad pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken for a balanced meal.
For those seeking something lighter than rice without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, quinoa is an excellent option to try.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes hold a special place in country kitchens, often celebrated alongside fried chicken.
These treasured treats are not available throughout the year, which adds to their charm when paired with grilled meats.
Selecting completely green tomatoes is essential; those that show signs of ripening tend to be too soft for frying.
A delightful variation involves dipping sliced green tomatoes in an egg and milk mixture before coating them with Italian seasoned bread crumbs for added flavor and texture.
Including this dish among BBQ chicken sides ensures a memorable meal experience.
Corn Pudding
The classic corn pudding recipe brings back memories of family gatherings and comforting meals.
Many people remember the delicious taste reminiscent of their grandmother's cooking.
Children often show reluctance at first when they hear “corn pudding,” but their frowns quickly turn to smiles after the first bite.
This dish disappears almost as fast as chicken at a dinner table, leaving everyone wanting more.
Leftover creamed-style corn finds a new purpose in this delightful treat, making it an excellent choice for using up pantry items.
Biscuits
Fluffy biscuits enhance any meal, especially when paired with BBQ chicken.
Serving them alongside baked beans and coleslaw creates a delightful spread that’s hard to resist.
Many people feel intimidated by the idea of making homemade biscuits, often viewing it as a challenging task like baking bread.
The truth is, whipping up these treats is quite simple and rewarding.
Next time chicken hits the grill, consider adding these tasty biscuits for an enjoyable way to savor your BBQ sauce.
Mac & Cheese
A creamy casserole of baked macaroni and cheese can save time for visiting friends and family.
Preparing the dish the night before or earlier in the day allows it to bake effortlessly while everyone enjoys each other's company.
Homemade versions surpass store-bought options, providing richer flavors that truly satisfy.
Different cheeses, like cheddar, can enhance this comforting meal with a delightful sauce.
For a cooler alternative alongside barbecue chicken, consider serving a beautiful macaroni salad instead.
Rice
Serving brown rice alongside grilled foods enhances meals with a nutritious twist.
This whole grain maintains its shape well, providing a satisfying texture that white rice often lacks.
A heart-healthy choice, brown rice offers more nutrients than its white counterpart.
Cooking it involves boiling in water for 30 minutes before draining and letting it steam for an additional 10 minutes.
Enjoying this wholesome grain elevates any dish while promoting better health.
Strawberry Shortcake
Dessert always brings excitement, especially at a cookout with friends and family.
Fresh berries elevate any sweet treat, making them even more enjoyable.
Homemade strawberry shortcake offers a delightful twist that is simpler than many think.
Store-bought cakes are an option, but homemade biscuits add a personal touch that impresses guests.
These biscuits highlight the effort put into serving something memorable and delicious.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with a hot grilled dinner, offering a refreshing contrast.
Two main styles exist: one features a rich mayonnaise base, while the other highlights tangy vinegar for a lighter taste.
Each recipe shines in its own way, catering to different preferences.
The combination of apple cider vinegar and mayonnaise creates an exciting balance of flavors that enhances any meal.
Leftover corn can easily transform into an enjoyable corn salad, adding even more variety to your table.
Fried Okra
Fried okra often gets called Southern popcorn for good reason.
This tasty treat pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a favorite at BBQs.
Freshly sliced okra coated in buttermilk and seasoned cornmeal creates a simple yet delicious recipe that everyone enjoys.
During summer, gardeners often find themselves with an abundance of this vegetable, leading to bushels ready for cooking.
For those who don’t grow it, grocery stores offer affordable options as well.
Potato Salad
Potato salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially when it meets BBQ sauce on barbecued chicken or pulled pork.
Many enjoy adding hard-boiled eggs, mustard, and pickle relish for a traditional taste.
While eggs enhance the dish's heartiness, they remain optional based on family preferences.
Mustard and mayonnaise often spark lively discussions among cooks about which is better for flavoring this cold salad.
Preparing potato salad the night before allows more time to relax during cookouts while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Baked Beans
Cold salad and baked beans frequently appear at backyard barbecues and potluck dinners.
A rich flavor comes from key ingredients like bacon and brown sugar, along with onion, Worcestershire sauce, and bell pepper.
This dish is easy to prepare using canned pork and beans, though dried navy beans can work well too.
Using a slow cooker keeps the kitchen cool while cooking these tasty beans.
Leftover grilled chicken thighs add an extra layer of seasoning for a delightful twist on this classic recipe.
Corn On The Cob
Grilled corn adds a delicious touch to summer dinners, making it a favorite at gatherings.
Southern cooks have their own secret for perfect corn on the cob: boiling it with milk and butter.
For those who prefer convenience, keeping frozen corn on hand simplifies meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
When the grill is hot, grilled vegetables can also shine alongside this classic dish.
Baked Wedge Fries
Baked wedge fries offer a grown-up twist on the classic French fry.
Enjoying these tasty treats means savoring a healthier option, free from excess grease.
A crucial step for achieving that delightful crispiness involves boiling the potato wedges for three minutes before baking them.
The skin can stay on or be removed, depending on personal preference.
No matter how they are prepared, guests will eagerly devour every last bite of these delicious fries.
Summer Squash And Onions
Summer squash shines brightly in gardens each year, embodying the essence of the season alongside BBQ chicken.
Many enjoy growing this vegetable, yet fresh squash is also readily available at grocery stores during summer for an affordable price.
Cooking it using traditional methods highlights its natural flavor beautifully.
Heart-healthy olive oil enhances this classic dish while keeping it nutritious.
Simple preparations allow summer squash to take center stage on any plate, celebrating its delightful taste and texture.
Cornbread
Cornbread pairs well with many meals, whether enjoyed alongside BBQ chicken in summer or a hearty pot of chili during winter.
This dish features beloved ingredients like buttermilk and a hint of bacon drippings, adding rich flavor.
Families often debate the best way to prepare it, using only cornmeal or mixing in flour, but the right choice depends on personal taste.
Dipping cornbread into savory sauces enhances every bite and makes mealtime even more enjoyable.
Everyone will appreciate this warm, buttery addition to their plates.
Greek Pasta Salad
A fancy Greek pasta salad pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken, adding a burst of flavor to a simple meal.
This dish features fresh herbs and crunchy veggies like bell pepper, cucumber, olives, red onion, green beans, and grape tomatoes.
Each ingredient contributes to a satisfying mix that could easily serve as its own meal.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as lunch since this salad is served cold and can be prepared ahead of time.
Who wouldn’t enjoy the refreshing crunch of cucumbers in their plate?
Watermelon
Grilled watermelon offers a surprising twist on a classic summer treat.
This method enhances the fruit's natural sweetness, making it an exciting option for any gathering.
Start by brushing slices with a mix of honey and spices before placing them on the grill.
Once cooked, topping with crumbled cotija cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will enjoy.