What to Serve with BBQ Chicken? 13 Best Side Dishes

Picture this: It's a sunny day, and the grill is fired up. BBQ chicken is sizzling, and our mouths are watering (chicken pieces-often thighs or breasts-glazed with smoky barbecue sauce).

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 go well with our juicy BBQ chicken and have everyone asking for seconds!

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Top 13 Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken

Here are 13 of the best side dishes to serve with BBQ chicken:

1 - Cornbread

Cornbread is the perfect partner for BBQ chicken. It's sweet, fluffy, and buttery (a Southern U.S. staple made from cornmeal).

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 (the tropical fruit Ananas comosus caramelizes beautifully when grilled). Its caramelized sweetness balances the smokiness of BBQ chicken perfectly.

It adds a tropical flair that brightens up any plate, similar to grilled salmon side ideas for summer.

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 improve 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 goes with the sweet apple slices perfectly (try tart Granny Smith apples for balance).

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 (typically slow-cooked navy or pinto beans in a molasses- or brown sugar-sweetened sauce). They're rich, sweet, and smoky, reminding us of family barbecues.

We've enjoyed them straight from the pot, but pairing with BBQ chicken enhances both dishes-see baked beans side ideas for backyard meals.

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

Mexican street corn, or elote, is a party of flavors, and who doesn't love a food that can almost make you dance? (a Mexican street food of grilled corn on the cob topped with crema and cheese)

We're talking about grilled corn slathered with mayo, queso fresco, and lime juice-pair like Mexican street corn side pairings for BBQs.

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 (a Mediterranean-style combo of sweet fruit and briny cheese). Sweet bites of watermelon contrast beautifully with crumbly, salty feta.

We've enjoyed it at picnics, and it goes well with BBQ chicken-find watermelon salad pairings for warm-weather menus.

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

Roasted sweet potatoes are like nature's candy, straight up. They're creamy and sweet, with a perfect caramelized edge when roasted right (roast at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes).

We've snacked on them hot from the oven, drizzled with honey, or tossed in spices-similar to roasted vegetable side ideas for hearty meals.

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 (use raw broccoli florets for maximum crunch).

Texture is key; the crunch from the broccoli goes well 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 (Smoked Gouda is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese with a mild smoky flavor). 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

Grilled veggie skewers are a fresh and colourful addition to any BBQ platter. They offer a smoky, charred flavor that improves simple veggies like bell peppers and zucchini (with a slight sweetness from caramelized edges).

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 filling side that shines with its nutty flavor and satisfying texture (made from chickpeas-also called garbanzo beans-and rich in protein). 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 (try French haricot verts for extra tenderness).

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 (use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best texture).

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.