Barbecue chicken is a tasty and juicy meal. But a great side dish makes it even better. The right sides add flavor and balance. They turn a simple meal into a feast.
You can choose from many options. Some are light and fresh, while others are rich and creamy.
You can have a crunchy salad or cheesy potatoes. No matter what, the best sides will make your BBQ chicken shine.
Here are 15 Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken. Each one is simple and full of flavor. Try them out and make your next BBQ meal unforgettable.
1. Classic Coleslaw Coleslaw is crunchy, creamy, and slightly tangy. It pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken. The cool, fresh taste balances the smoky meat.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix cabbage and carrot in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over cabbage and toss well.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob Corn on the cob is sweet, smoky, and buttery. It’s a must-have for any BBQ meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Peel back husks but leave them attached.
- Remove silk and brush corn with butter.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 10 minutes, turning often.
3. Baked Mac and Cheese This dish is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s a great side for BBQ chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to the package.
- Melt butter in a pot, then add milk and cheese.
- Stir until smooth, then mix in pasta.
- Pour into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
4. Garlic Butter Green Beans These green beans are fresh, buttery, and garlicky. They add a pop of color to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups green beans
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil green beans for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Melt butter in a pan and add garlic.
- Toss green beans in butter for 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
5. Southern Baked Beans Baked beans are sweet, smoky, and hearty. They go well with BBQ chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 can baked beans
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once.
6. Creamy Potato Salad This potato salad is cool, creamy, and tangy. It’s a perfect BBQ side.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
- Chill before serving.
7. Cornbread Cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly. It pairs well with BBQ flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour into a greased pan.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes These potatoes are sweet, crispy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Toss potatoes with oil, salt, and cinnamon.
- Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes, stirring once.
9. Cucumber Tomato Salad This salad is light, fresh, and tangy. It’s a great contrast to BBQ chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
10. Grilled Asparagus Asparagus is smoky, tender, and slightly crispy. It’s simple but tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 5 minutes, turning once.
11. Deviled Eggs Deviled eggs are creamy, tangy, and rich. They are a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and paprika to taste
Instructions:
- Cut eggs in half and remove yolks.
- Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, and salt.
- Spoon mixture back into egg whites.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
12. Caesar Salad This salad is crisp, cheesy, and garlicky. It’s a refreshing BBQ side.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup croutons
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve immediately.
13. Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits These biscuits are spicy, cheesy, and buttery. They add a kick to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
14. Fried Okra Crispy, crunchy, and slightly spicy, fried okra is a Southern treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sliced okra
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Dip okra in egg, then coat with cornmeal.
- Fry in hot oil until golden.
15. Watermelon Slices Watermelon is sweet, juicy, and refreshing. It’s the perfect way to cool down.
Ingredients:
- 1 watermelon, sliced
Instructions:
- Slice watermelon and serve chilled.
These side dishes will take your BBQ chicken to the next level. They add variety, flavor, and fun to your meal. Try them out and enjoy a delicious BBQ feast!