What To Serve With BBQ Chicken? 16 Best Side Dishes

BBQ chicken is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for any gathering. But what should you pair with this smoky, delicious chicken?

Here you can find 16 tasty side dishes that go great with BBQ chicken. These sides add a wonderful variety and balance to your meal, ensuring every bite is packed with delightful flavors.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with BBQ chicken are blooming onion, potato rosti, honey glazed carrots, baked beans, deviled eggs, french fries, spinach artichoke dip, corn on the cob, coleslaw, Caprese salad, sweet potato hash, Shirazi salad, cheeseburger macaroni, dirty rice, grilled zucchini, and mashed potatoes.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is an impressive and fun side dish that's perfect for dipping. Deep-fried to golden perfection, it's crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Serve it with a spicy or creamy dip to complement the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken. It's a crowd-pleaser that adds a playful twist to your BBQ meal.

2. Potato Rosti

Potato rosti is a crispy, golden delight, making it an ideal match for BBQ chicken. Grate potatoes, mix them with a little onion for flavor, and fry them until they're crisp on the outside and tender inside. This Swiss dish is wonderfully crunchy, providing a nice contrast to the juicy, tender chicken, and it's perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

3. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots offer a sweet and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken. Slowly roast carrots in a mix of honey, butter, and a touch of cinnamon until they are tender and caramelized. This side dish brings a slight sweetness that enhances the smoky taste of the chicken, adding color and nutrition to your plate.

4. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic BBQ side that's hearty and rich in flavor. Simmer them with bacon, brown sugar, and a touch of mustard to create a comforting blend of sweet and tangy tastes. The creamy texture and deep flavors of baked beans make them a perfect companion for the savory BBQ chicken.

5. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a delightful addition to any BBQ, providing a creamy and tangy taste that contrasts nicely with the richness of BBQ chicken. Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a hint of paprika for a kick. These little bites are both satisfying and easy to eat, making them great for gatherings.

6. French Fries

French fries are a timeless favorite that never disappoints. Slice potatoes and fry them until they're crispy and golden, then sprinkle with salt. They are the perfect side to dip into BBQ sauce or to enjoy on their own, offering a crispy texture that complements the tender chicken perfectly.

7. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is a creamy, cheesy side dish that adds a luxurious texture to your BBQ meal. Combine spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and Parmesan, and bake until bubbly. Serve it warm with chips or crusty bread for dipping. This rich dip balances the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

8. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a summer classic that pairs brilliantly with BBQ chicken. Brush it with butter and sprinkle some salt, or get adventurous with spices like paprika or chili powder for an extra kick. The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavors of the chicken, making it a favorite at any barbecue.

9. Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a crunchy, refreshing touch to the meal. Toss shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing made from vinegar, a hint of sugar, and mayonnaise. This side is not only easy to prepare but also offers a creamy texture and tangy taste that cuts through the richness of BBQ chicken, balancing each bite.

10. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad, with its simple combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil, offers a light, fresh contrast to BBQ chicken. The creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes enhance the light charred flavors of the chicken, bringing a touch of Italian flair to your barbecue.

11. Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potato hash is a hearty and healthy side that features cubed sweet potatoes sautéed with onions, peppers, and spices. This vibrant dish brings a slightly sweet and earthy element to complement the bold flavors of BBQ chicken, adding color and hearty texture to your plate.

12. Shirazi Salad

Shirazi salad, originating from Persian cuisine, is a refreshing mix of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs dressed in lime juice and olive oil. It's light and tangy, which makes it a perfect palate cleanser alongside the smoky BBQ chicken, adding a burst of freshness to every bite.

13. Cheeseburger Macaroni

Cheeseburger macaroni is a fun, indulgent side that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. With ground beef, cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni, it's a kid-friendly option that adults will love too. This dish pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken, adding a comforting, cheesy twist to your meal.

14. Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a flavorful Cajun dish made with rice, chicken liver, bell peppers, celery, and onion, all spiced with Cajun seasoning. It’s packed with flavor and offers a hearty, savory side that complements the rich taste of BBQ chicken perfectly, bringing a touch of Louisiana to your barbecue.

15. Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is an easy and healthy side that captures the essence of grilled flavors. Slice zucchini lengthwise, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. It's a simple side that's light on the palate yet rich in flavor, ideal for balancing the heavier BBQ dishes.

16. Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes provide a creamy, garlicky side that's impossible to resist. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and plenty of roasted garlic. This side dish is comfort food at its best, offering a soft, smooth texture that deliciously complements the textures and tastes of BBQ chicken.