What are Good Sides With BBQ Chicken

Barbecue chicken—those two words conjure up images of sizzling grills, smoky flavors, and gatherings with friends and family. Whether it’s a sunny backyard cookout or a cozy indoor meal, BBQ chicken has a way of bringing people together. But here’s the secret: the sides you serve alongside that juicy, charred chicken can make all the difference. They’re the unsung heroes, the supporting cast that turns a good meal into an unforgettable one. So, What are Good Sides With BBQ Chicken? Let’s find out!

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of BBQ chicken sides. No fluff, no unnecessary fanfare—just practical, delicious ideas that will have your taste buds dancing. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s explore the perfect companions for your BBQ chicken. From timeless classics to unexpected pairings, we’ve got your side game covered. Let’s dig in! Let’s dive into What are Good Sides With BBQ Chicken. 

What are Good Sides With BBQ Chicken?

Classic Coleslaw

Coleslaw is the quintessential BBQ side. Its creamy, tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of BBQ chicken. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  1. Shredded cabbage (green or purple)
  2. Carrots (grated)
  3. Mayonnaise
  4. Apple cider vinegar
  5. Sugar
  6. Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Mix shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well-coated.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Cornbread

Soft, slightly sweet, and crumbly, cornbread is the ideal companion for BBQ chicken. Whether you bake it in a skillet or muffin tin, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Try this simple recipe:

• Ingredients:
  1. Cornmeal
  2. All-purpose flour
  3. Baking powder
  4. Sugar
  5. Buttermilk
  6. Eggs
  7. Butter
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven.
  2. Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, pour into a greased pan, and bake until golden brown.

Baked Beans

Sweet, savory, and hearty—baked beans are a classic BBQ side that pairs perfectly with chicken. You can use canned beans or make your own from scratch:

• Ingredients:
  1. Canned baked beans (or soaked dried beans)
  2. Bacon or salt pork
  3. Onion
  4. Brown sugar
  5. Molasses
  6. Mustard
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté chopped onion and bacon (or salt pork) until fragrant.
  2. Add the beans, brown sugar, molasses, and mustard.
  3. Simmer on low heat until thick and flavorful.

Potato Salad

Creamy, herby, and satisfying—potato salad is a timeless side dish. Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices:

• Ingredients:
  1. Potatoes (boiled and cubed)
  2. Hard-boiled eggs
  3. Mayonnaise
  4. Dijon mustard
  5. Red onion
  6. Fresh dill or parsley
• Instructions:
  1. Mix boiled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and diced red onion.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss the dressing with the potato mixture and sprinkle fresh herbs on top.

These classic sides not only complement BBQ chicken but also evoke memories of backyard gatherings, laughter, and good times. 

Fresh and Light Options

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled veggies are a vibrant addition to any BBQ spread. The smoky char from the grill enhances their natural flavors. Here’s how to prepare them:

• Ingredients:
  1. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  2. Zucchini
  3. Eggplant
  4. Olive oil
  5. Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Slice the vegetables into thick strips or rounds.
  2. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill over medium-high heat until tender and slightly caramelized.

Mixed Greens Salad

When you want something light and refreshing, a mixed greens salad fits the bill. Keep it simple:

• Ingredients:
  1. Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
  2. Cherry tomatoes
  3. Cucumber
  4. Red onion (thinly sliced)
  5. Balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing
• Instructions:
  1. Toss the greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion together.
  2. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.

International Flavors

Tabbouleh

Originating from the Middle East, tabbouleh is a vibrant parsley salad with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Here’s how to prepare it:

• Ingredients:
  1. Fresh parsley (flat-leaf)
  2. Bulgur (cracked wheat)
  3. Tomatoes (diced)
  4. Red onion (finely chopped)
  5. Fresh mint leaves
  6. Lemon juice
  7. Olive oil
  8. Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Soak bulgur in hot water until softened.
  2. Mix chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, red onion, and mint leaves.
  3. Add the soaked bulgur.
  4. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. Serve chilled.

Kimchi

Korean cuisine brings us kimchi, a spicy and tangy fermented cabbage dish. It’s not only a side but also a probiotic powerhouse:

• Ingredients:
  1. Napa cabbage
  2. Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  3. Garlic
  4. Ginger
  5. Fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
• Instructions:
  1. Cut the cabbage into pieces.
  2. Mix garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and fish sauce to create a paste.
  3. Rub the paste onto the cabbage leaves.
  4. Pack tightly into a jar and let it ferment for a few days.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Get ready for a flavor explosion with elote, a popular Mexican street food. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with creamy toppings:

• Ingredients:
  1. Corn on the cob
  2. Mayonnaise
  3. Cotija cheese (or feta)
  4. Chili powder or Tajín seasoning
  5. Lime wedges
• Instructions:
  1. Grill the corn until charred.
  2. Brush with mayonnaise.
  3. Roll in crumbled cotija cheese.
  4. Sprinkle with chili powder or Tajín.
  5. Squeeze lime juice over it.

These international sides add a delightful twist to your BBQ chicken feast. Whether you’re craving Middle Eastern freshness, Korean heat, or Mexican street flavors, these options have you covered. 

Creative Twists

Sweet Potato Fries

Move over, regular fries! Sweet potato fries bring a delightful sweetness and a crispy texture to the table. Here’s how to make them:

• Ingredients:
  1. Sweet potatoes
  2. Olive oil
  3. Salt
  4. Paprika (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven.
  2. Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips.
  3. Toss with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of paprika.
  4. Bake until golden and crispy.

Avocado Salsa

Creamy avocado meets zesty flavors in this avocado salsa. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional tomato-based salsas:

• Ingredients:
  1. Ripe avocados
  2. Red onion
  3. Jalapeño (optional, for heat)
  4. Lime juice
  5. Cilantro
  6. Salt
• Instructions:
  1. Dice avocados, red onion, and jalapeño (if using).
  2. Mix with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  3. Season with salt to taste.

Jalapeño Cornbread

Give your cornbread a spicy kick with jalapeños. It’s perfect for those who like a little heat:

• Ingredients:
  1. Cornmeal
  2. All-purpose flour
  3. Baking powder
  4. Sugar
  5. Buttermilk
  6. Eggs
  7. Jalapeño peppers (seeded and finely chopped)
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare cornbread batter as usual.
  2. Fold in the chopped jalapeños.
  3. Bake until golden and fragrant.

These creative twists will surprise and delight your guests. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, spicy, or creamy, there’s something here for everyone.

Final Analysis

We have just explored “What are the good sides with BBQ chicken.” In the delightful world of BBQ chicken and its delectable companions, we’ve explored classic favorites, fresh twists, and international flavors. As you gather around the grill, remember that these sides aren’t mere accompaniments—they’re the harmonious notes that complete the symphony of flavors. 

So go ahead, savor each bite, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Cheers to good food, good company, and the joy of sharing a meal!