Let’s talk about something that’s not just food, but a total mood—beer can chicken! This dish is the life of the party. We’ve all experienced the joy of biting into tender, juicy chicken that practically falls off the bone, right?
Picture this: you’re hanging out with friends, sunshine in the air, and someone whips out a can of beer, ready to turn a boring chicken into a flavor explosion. It’s as easy as it sounds. Plus, the best part? There are so many sides we can throw together that complement it perfectly.
Get ready to discover the ultimate duo for our new favorite recipe. From classic sides to some wild pairings, we’ll hit on what rocks with that crispy, golden bird on your grill.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Beer Can Chicken
Here are our top 13 suggestions for sides to pair with your beer can chicken:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter | Corn, butter, chili powder, lime | Spicy, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Loaded Baked Potatoes | Potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 1 hr |
| Grilled Vegetable Skewers | Mixed vegetables, olive oil, herbs | Savory, fresh | Easy | 20 mins |
| Classic Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar | Tangy, creamy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers | Jalapeños, bacon, cream cheese | Spicy, smoky | Medium | 30 mins |
| Southern-Style Baked Beans | Beans, BBQ sauce, bacon, brown sugar | Sweet, smoky | Medium | 50 mins |
| Parmesan Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, Parmesan, garlic | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 25 mins |
| Honey-Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 20 mins |
| Cheddar Chive Biscuits | Flour, cheddar, chives, butter | Cheesy, buttery | Medium | 25 mins |
| Creamy Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, sour cream, dill | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Charred Pineapple Salsa | Pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime | Sweet, tangy | Medium | 15 mins |
| Garlic Herb Potato Wedges | Potatoes, garlic, herbs, olive oil | Savory, crispy | Easy | 30 mins |
| Cornbread Stuffing | Cornbread, onions, celery, herbs | Savory, herby | Medium | 45 mins |
1 – Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
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Corn on the cob is a classic. Grilling it makes it even better. The char adds a smoky flavor. We won’t turn down buttery goodness.
Chili lime butter is a game-changer. It’s vibrant and gives that zesty kick. This combo brings life to any dish. We can whip this up in no time.
Cooking it on the grill is simple. Just keep an eye on it. Turn frequently for even cooking. This side dish brings joy to our beer can chicken feast.
2 – Loaded Baked Potatoes
What’s better than a potato? A loaded potato, of course. These spuds are classic comfort food.
We can stuff them with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives. The mix of flavors is a hit.
Bake them until they’re soft, then pile it on.
We can easily prep them for any gathering or chill evening.
They’re sturdy and filling. Perfect for pairing with beer can chicken.
A well-loaded potato always finds a way to bring smiles.
3 – Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled veggie skewers are like a rainbow on a stick. They’re colorful and fun to make. We can toss any combination of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms together.
Chop ’em up, skewer ‘em, and brush with olive oil. Grill until they get those nice char marks. They complement chicken nicely and add crunch.
Experiment with seasonings. Try garlic powder or Italian herbs. Veggies on a skewer make grilling more exciting.
4 – Classic Coleslaw
Coleslaw is that crunchy side we didn’t know we needed. It’s cool, refreshing, and pairs well with everything.
We mix shredded cabbage and carrots, then toss in some mayo and vinegar. For a twist, we can add pineapple or apples for sweetness.
Keep it simple, or go wild with seasonings. It’s often better after chilling for a while.
This side dish is great for summer barbecues or potlucks. Plus, it adds that creamy, crunchy element to our plate.
5 – Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Who doesn’t love bacon? Wrapping jalapeños in it takes everything up a notch.
We score on both flavor and crunch here. The smoky bacon pairs well with spicy jalapeño.
These poppers are a crowd favorite. We can prep them ahead and throw them on the grill.
Watch out for that cheesy goodness when we bite in. Control the heat by adjusting the jalapeños.
We can serve these with ranch for a cool down. They’re great for any cookout.
6 – Southern-Style Baked Beans
Baked beans are like comfort in a dish. These beans come smothered in a sweet and smoky sauce.
We should always consider how to amp up the flavor. Add some bacon for extra richness or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
They do well when cooked slowly. Simmering makes everything blend nicely.
Perfect for cookouts or just chilling at home, baked beans fit with many meals. They pair well with grilled meats or even a simple burger.
7 – Parmesan Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are like the little green gems of the vegetable family. They roast up crispy and flavorful.
We toss them in olive oil, garlic, and parmesan for a tasty upgrade.
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. We keep an eye on them to avoid burnt edges.
These sprouts pair well with almost any main dish.
They also play nice with a sprinkle of balsamic glaze.
Add some heat with crushed red pepper flakes. Great as a side or even a snack.
8 – Honey-Glazed Carrots
Carrots are those crunchy, versatile gems. We can sweeten them with honey for a tasty twist. Cook them till tender, then liven things up with a hit of butter and seasoning.
Using fresh carrots makes a difference. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. We have options too. Add some thyme for a herb kick. Or use rosemary for an earthy flavor.
Honey-glazed carrots fit well on any plate. They bring a bright colour and earthy bite that everyone enjoys.
9 – Cheddar Chive Biscuits
Cheddar chive biscuits are like fluffy clouds of goodness. They offer cheesy, herby bites that make any meal feel fancy.
We whip up the dough in minutes. Use shredded cheddar and fresh chives for that kick.
Baking at a higher temp brings a nice golden crust. These biscuits work great alongside anything—especially our beer can chicken.
Store extras in a container. They reheat like champs. Soft, cheesy, and so simple. You can’t go wrong.
10 – Creamy Cucumber Salad
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Who knew cucumbers could strut their stuff like this? Creamy cucumber salad is refreshing and cool.
We chop cucumbers and mix in yogurt or sour cream for that rich texture.
Add some garlic, dill, and a dash of vinegar. These ingredients create a crunchy, tangy treat.
Keep it chill before serving. The flavors blend nicely when it’s cold.
Perfect alongside our main dish. This salad balances everything on the plate. It’s a go-to for any gathering, beach day, or backyard BBQ.
11 – Charred Pineapple Salsa
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Who thought pineapple could do so much? This salsa adds a tropical twist. Charred pieces give us that smoky flavor. It’s fresh and zesty, perfect for summer gatherings.
We can quickly mix it up with red onion and cilantro. Lime juice gives everything a nice kick. Just grill the pineapple until it’s caramelized. This salsa brightens up any meal. Pair it with chicken or chips for a crunchy bite. It’s all about that balance and crunch.
12 – Garlic Herb Potato Wedges
Garlic herb potato wedges are a side dish that hits all the right notes. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. We toss in fresh herbs and minced garlic for that flavor boost.
Oven-baked or air-fried, we get crunchy goodness without the extra oil. These wedges pair well with everything. Serve them alongside chicken or veggies.
Sprinkle some parmesan on top for an extra hit. They’re a solid choice for any meal or snack. Simple, versatile, and ready to impress.
13 – Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing is basically the warm hug of side dishes. It brings all those buttery, crunchy bits to the table. We can make this stuffing with crumbled cornbread to add that special texture.
Bacon bits or sausage crumbles give us extra flavor. Herbs like sage or thyme take it up a notch. Bake until crispy on top for that perfect crunch.
This stuffing goes great alongside turkey or just on its own. Leftovers? Toast it up in the morning. It’s delicious any time of day.
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.