Picture this: It’s a sunny day, and the grill is fired up. BBQ chicken is sizzling, and our mouths are watering. But wait—what on earth do we serve with it?
We’ve all been in that spot, staring helplessly at our side dish options, feeling like we’re on a deserted island of blandness. The right sides can turn a good meal into something much better.
We love the classics, like coleslaw and baked beans, but there’s a whole lot more out there waiting to spice things up.
Let’s take a look at some tasty options that will pair perfectly with our juicy BBQ chicken and have everyone asking for seconds!
Top 13 Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken
Here are 13 of the best side dishes to serve with BBQ chicken:
1 – Cornbread
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Cornbread is the perfect partner for BBQ chicken. It’s sweet, fluffy, and buttery. We love how it balances the smoky flavor of the chicken.
Some recipes are cakey, while others are dense. We prefer the kind that crumbles just right. Grab a slice, slather on some honey, and enjoy the combination.
2 – Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is a summer staple for a reason. Its caramelized sweetness balances the smokiness of BBQ chicken perfectly.
We remember those backyard cookouts, tossing pineapple slices on the grill. It adds a tropical flair that brightens up any plate.
The slightly charred edges bring out an intense sweetness that transforms this fruit. Fresh, juicy, and simply delicious, it’s like sunshine on a skewer.
Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate it even further. It’s a fun twist that keeps everything playful at the grill.
3 – Coleslaw with Apple
Coleslaw with apple is a crunchy, tangy twist on the classic dish. The crisp cabbage complements the sweet apple slices perfectly.
We love how the juiciness of the apples brightens the overall flavor. It’s a refreshing addition to any BBQ spread.
We’ve all had those moments when the slaw sits untouched on the table. This version, however, gets devoured! The sweetness balances the smoky chicken so well that we can’t resist going back for seconds.
4 – Baked Beans
Baked beans are comfort food in a bowl. They’re rich, sweet, and smoky, reminding us of family barbecues.
The thick sauce clings perfectly, balancing sweetness with savory notes. We’ve enjoyed them straight from the pot, but pairing with BBQ chicken enhances both dishes.
The texture is creamy, warm, and satisfying. Those little beans pack in flavor and hold memories of summer nights spent outdoors.
5 – Mexican Street Corn
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Mexican street corn, or elote, is a party of flavors, and who doesn’t love a food that can almost make you dance?
We’re talking about grilled corn slathered with mayo, queso fresco, and lime juice. The smoky, charred bite combines with creamy bliss and bright acidity.
Every time we indulge in this, it takes us straight back to street fairs, munching on this beauty while trying not to get it all over our shirts.
The sweet corn meets rich toppings, creating a fiesta in our mouths. It’s messy, fun, and completely worth it!
6 – Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta salad is like summer in a bowl. Sweet bites of watermelon contrast beautifully with crumbly, salty feta.
The freshness of the mint elevates everything. We’ve enjoyed it at picnics, and it pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
This salad is a cooling side. It’s refreshing and brightens any meal. We can’t resist going back for seconds!
7 – Roasted Sweet Potatoes
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Roasted sweet potatoes are like nature’s candy, straight up. They’re creamy and sweet, with a perfect caramelized edge when roasted right.
We’ve snacked on them hot from the oven, drizzled with honey, or tossed in spices. The flavor really pops with a sprinkle of cinnamon—total bliss.
We’re all about how their sweetness complements BBQ chicken, cutting through that smoke like a pro. These golden gems shine on the plate, bringing warmth and a touch of earthiness to the meal.
8 – Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad takes everything we love about veggies and throws in some fun extras. We mix fresh broccoli with tangy dressing, crispy bacon, and sweet raisins for a crunch that’s hard to resist.
Texture is key; the crunch from the broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy elements. We remember devouring this at potlucks, feeling a little classy with every bite!
9 – Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Smoked gouda mac and cheese brings rich, creamy goodness to any barbecue. Its smoky flavor adds depth, making it a standout.
We remember those family gatherings where this dish disappeared in minutes. The gooey cheese and tender pasta are a comforting combo.
The contrast of smokiness and creaminess complements BBQ chicken superbly. It’s a match made in foodie heaven.
10 – Grilled Veggie Skewers
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Grilled veggie skewers are a fresh and colourful addition to any BBQ platter. They offer a smoky, charred flavor that elevates simple veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
We toss in a mix of herbs for an extra zing.
Having grilled these with friends, we’ve enjoyed the playful pops of sweetness from cherry tomatoes amid smoky veggies. These skewers balance out the richness of BBQ chicken.
They’re fun to eat and look fabulous on the plate. We often finish them off before anything else!
11 – Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad is a hearty side that shines with its nutty flavor and satisfying texture. It’s super versatile, featuring fresh veggies and zesty dressing, making each bite refreshing.
We often whip this up when we want something light but filling.
Chickpeas lend a creamy richness that works perfectly with crisp cucumbers and tangy cherry tomatoes. This combo is great for balancing out smoky BBQ chicken.
We’ve gushed over this dish at countless potlucks—always a hit!
12 – Garlic Butter Green Beans
Grilled garlic butter green beans are a classic side that packs loads of flavor. They’re bright, tender, and full of that buttery goodness we crave.
Tossing fresh green beans in garlic-infused butter transforms them. It adds an irresistible depth we can’t resist. We’ll take these alongside smoky BBQ chicken any day.
Remember those summer picnics? We’d have seconds without a second thought. These crunchy green beans steal the show every time.
13 – Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Grilled cheesy scalloped potatoes are comfort food royalty. They mix creamy, melty cheese with thinly sliced potatoes, creating pure bliss.
We love how the cheesy goodness melts beautifully around those tender layers. It does wonders for BBQ evenings, acting as the perfect sidekick.
Each bite bursts with warmth and flavor. We remember potlucks where these disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.