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What to Serve with BBQ Chicken? Must-try 15 Side Dishes

Are you looking for the perfect side dishes to complement your delicious BBQ Chicken?

Spoil your guests and yourself with an assortment of tantalizing flavors, stunning presentations, and robust textures.

With this helpful guide, you’ll learn 15 go-to recipes that are sure to please any palate.

Each recipe is designed to enhance the flavor of your BBQ chicken main meal while spicing up dinner time.

So get ready as we explore some must-try sides for a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience!

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken? Must-try 15 Side Dishes

1. Tangy Country Coleslaw

This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of tang in their food.

The coleslaw has a slightly acidic taste that is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the raisins.

The texture of the coleslaw is also quite unique.

The cabbage and carrots are shredded finely, giving the dish a light and airy feel.

There are many reasons to consider trying this recipe.

For one, it is a great way to use up any leftover cabbage you might have in your fridge.

It is also a very healthy dish, as coleslaw is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Finally, this dish can be easily elevated to suit any occasion.

Simply adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit can make it more exciting.

2. Buttered Corn on the Cob

Buttered corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.

The sweetness of the corn complements the smokiness of the chicken, and the butter ties it all together.

This dish is simple yet effective and is sure to please everyone at your table.

The key to great buttered corn on the cob is the quality of the ingredients.

Use fresh, sweet corn for this dish – frozen or canned just won’t cut it.

The same goes for the butter – use good quality butter for the best results.

If you want to elevate this dish even further, consider using flavored butter or adding some spices to the mix.

A little bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder can really give it a kick.

If you’re looking for a classic side dish to serve with your next BBQ chicken dinner, look no further than buttered corn on the cob.

It’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to please everyone at your table.

3. Cowboy Baked Beans

When it comes to BBQ, there are a few key sides that always come to mind – coleslaw, potato salad, and macaroni salad.

But one side dish that is often overlooked is baked beans.

Cowboy baked beans are a hearty and filling option that is perfect for any summer BBQ.

And they’re not your typical baked beans.

These beans are loaded with flavor from bacon, onion, and a variety of spices.

What sets cowboy baked beans apart from other baked bean recipes is the addition of ground beef.

This gives the beans a richer flavor and a meatier texture.

The beef also helps to thicken the sauce so that it’s not too watery.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily leave out the ground beef.

While cowboy baked beans are delicious on their own, there are a few ways you can elevate this dish.

First, try adding some chopped peppers or jalapeños for a little bit of spice.

You can also top the beans with shredded cheese or green onions before serving.

4. Balsamic Cucumber Salad

Balsamic Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer BBQs.

This salad is made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and balsamic vinegar.

The cucumbers and tomatoes are crisp and juicy, while the onions add a touch of sweetness.

The balsamic vinegar ties all of the flavors together.

This salad is incredibly easy to make and can be on the table in under 10 minutes.

The taste and texture of this salad are amazing.

The cucumbers are crisp and refreshing, the tomatoes are juicy and sweet, and the onions add a touch of sweetness.

The balsamic vinegar ties all of the flavors together.

  • Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an extra pop of flavor.
  • Substitute diced avocado for the diced onion for a creamier texture.
  • Add crumbled feta cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy twist.

5. Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These Mediterranean stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for your next BBQ.

They’re packed with flavor and texture, and they’re sure to be a hit with your guests.

The sweet potatoes are roasted until they’re nice and tender, then they’re stuffed with a flavorful mixture of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.

The result is a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture.

The feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely depth of flavor.

The olives add a nice pop of color and flavor as well.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, you could try serving it with grilled chicken or fish.

It would also be delicious served with a simple green salad on the side.

6. Fresh Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer fruits all year round.

This dish is light and refreshing, with a variety of colors and textures that make it visually appealing as well.

The sweetness of the fruits is balanced by the acidity of the citrus dressing, making it a perfect side dish for grilled chicken or fish.

When choosing fruits for your salad, consider a mix of different colors and textures.

For example, pair sweet berries with crisp apples or juicy peaches.

You can also add some crunch with chopped nuts or seeds.

If you want to elevate the dish, consider adding a few slices of Prosciutto or crumbled goat cheese.

The key to a great fruit salad is to use fresh, in-season fruits.

This will ensure that your salad is full of flavor and nutrients.

Choose fruits that are ripe but not overripe, as they will be too soft and mushy.

Cut them into bite-sized pieces so that they are easy to eat.

Add the dressing just before serving so that the flavors don’t have a chance to dull.

7. Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca

Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for summertime.

This agua fresca recipe is made with watermelon, mint, lime juice, and sugar.

It is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

The taste of this agua fresca is sweet and juicy with a hint of mint.

The texture is smooth and refreshing.

If you are looking for a delicious and healthy drink to enjoy during the summer months, then this Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca recipe is definitely worth trying.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when making this agua fresca recipe:

  • Be sure to use ripe watermelons for the best flavor.
  • If you want a more intense mint flavor, you can add more mint leaves to the recipe.
  • If you want a sweeter agua fresca, feel free to add more sugar to the recipe.

8. Classic Potato Salad

This classic potato salad is a must-try for your next BBQ.

It’s creamy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish to complement any grilled chicken.

The key to a good potato salad is the quality of the ingredients.

Be sure to use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and rich flavor.

The dressing should be a simple mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and cider vinegar.

For an extra bit of flavor, add in some chopped green onions and fresh parsley.

When it comes to potato salad, the key is to keep it simple.

Let the flavors of the potatoes and dressing shine through.

However, there are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.

First, try grilling the potatoes before adding them to the salad.

This will give them a nice smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.

You could also add in some crumbled bacon or diced avocado for extra richness and creaminess.

9. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic dish that can be found at nearly any potluck or picnic.

And for a good reason – they’re delicious.

But what makes deviled eggs so special?

For starters, the taste and texture of deviled eggs are amazing.

The smooth, creamy filling paired with the crispy, salty exterior is heavenly.

And the best part is that you can customize the flavor however you like.

Whether you like your deviled eggs spicy or sweet, there’s a recipe out there for you.

But why should you consider trying this dish? Well, aside from the fact that they’re delicious, deviled eggs are also relatively easy to make.

You can easily whip up a batch for your next party or get-together.

Plus, they’re always a hit with guests.

If you’re looking to elevate your deviled egg game, there are a few things you can do:

  • Try using different fillings. You can use avocado, bacon, or even tuna salad.
  • Experiment with different toppings. Some great options include crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.
  • Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation.
  • Serve your deviled eggs on a bed of greens or in an egg carton for a fun and unique presentation.

10. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

This Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad is a must-try.

The combination of kale and Brussels sprouts with a tangy dressing is perfect for any BBQ.

The salad has a great texture and is packed with flavor.

If you’re looking for a new side dish to try, this Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad is a great option.

The salad is easy to make and can be easily adapted to your liking.

Here are some tips to make the perfect Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad:

  • Use fresh kale and Brussels sprouts for the best flavor. Massage the kale with the dressing to help soften it.
  • Add in other favorite veggies, such as shredded carrots or diced red onion.
  • Top with crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.

11. Simple Quinoa Salad

Move over, rice.

There’s a new grain in town, and it’s called quinoa.

This delicious, nutty-tasting grain is not only packed with protein, but it’s also incredibly versatile.

You can use it in sweet dishes or savory ones, and it works well as a side dish or a main course.

If you’re looking for a simple quinoa salad recipe to try, this is the one for you.

It’s light and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness from the dried cranberries.

The quinoa is also paired with crunchy roasted almonds and a zesty lemon dressing.

Trust us; this salad will soon become a new favorite.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make.

Simply cook the quinoa according to package instructions, then add in the rest of the ingredients.

If you want to elevate the dish, try roasting the almonds yourself.

You can also add in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or mint.

12. Roasted Carrots with Honey Thyme Glaze

Looking for a unique side dish to serve with your BBQ chicken? Try roasted carrots with honey thyme glaze.

This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning.

The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory thyme, and the carrots themselves are roasted to perfection.

When it comes to taste and texture, this dish is definitely a winner.

The carrots are roasted until they are tender and slightly caramelized, and the honey thyme glaze adds a beautiful touch of sweetness.

The dish is also surprisingly easy to make and can be easily elevated with a few simple tips.

  • Use fresh carrots for the best results. If you can’t find fresh carrots, you can use frozen or canned, but they won’t taste as good.
  • Cut the carrots into even pieces so that they cook evenly.
  • Be generous with the honey thyme glaze – it makes all the difference.
  • Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped thyme before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

13. Roasted Asparagus Spears

Looking for a simple but delicious side dish to accompany your BBQ chicken? Try roasted asparagus spears.

This dish is healthy and flavorful and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

When it comes to taste, roasted asparagus spears are slightly nutty with a tender texture.

They are also very versatile, so you can season them however you like.

If you’re looking to elevate the dish, try adding some Parmesan cheese or lemon juice before roasting.

Asparagus is also a healthy vegetable to include in your diet.

It is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been linked to numerous health benefits.

So if you’re looking for a nutritious side dish that will complement your BBQ chicken perfectly, look no further than roasted asparagus spears.

14. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Orzo Pasta Salad

This creamy Parmesan garlic orzo pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any summer BBQ.

The orzo pasta is cooked in a flavorful garlic Parmesan broth and then mixed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.

The result is a delicious and light pasta salad that is sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

The orzo pasta is cooked in a flavorful garlic Parmesan broth and then mixed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.

The result is a delicious and light pasta salad that is sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

The orzo pasta gives the salad a nice bite, while the garlic Parmesan broth adds tons of flavor.

The fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella add a nice summery touch.

15. Skillet Cornbread

When it comes to BBQ, there are endless possibilities for side dishes.

But one dish that always seems to be a hit is cornbread.

It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and it’s also a great way to soak up all that delicious BBQ sauce.

Plus, it’s super easy to make.

If you’ve never had skillet cornbread before, you’re in for a treat.

It’s got a crispy outer crust and a soft, fluffy interior that’s absolutely packed with flavor.

And since it’s made in a cast iron skillet, it has a really nice rustic look that makes it perfect for serving at a BBQ.

To elevate your cornbread game, try adding some shredded cheese or diced jalapeños to the batter before baking.

Or, if you want to keep things on the sweeter side, you can top your cornbread with honey or maple syrup when it comes out of the oven.

No matter how you serve it, I guarantee you’ll be hooked after just one bite.

Conclusion

Here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with BBQ chicken.

These recipes are sure to please any crowd, and they’ll make your BBQ chicken taste even better.

So, the next time you’re wondering what to serve with BBQ chicken, just remember this list.

And, if you’re looking for even more recipe inspiration, be sure to check out our other blog posts.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken? Must-try 15 Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Tangy Country Coleslaw
  • 2. Buttered Corn on the Cob
  • 3. Cowboy Baked Beans
  • 4. Balsamic Cucumber Salad
  • 5. Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
  • 6. Fresh Fruit Salad
  • 7. Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca
  • 8. Classic Potato Salad
  • 9. Deviled Eggs
  • 10. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
  • 11. Simple Quinoa Salad
  • 12. Roasted Carrots with Honey Thyme Glaze
  • 13. Roasted Asparagus Spears
  • 14. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Orzo Pasta Salad
  • 15. Skillet Cornbread

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!