What Goes With BBQ Chicken? 8 Top Recipes 2024

BBQ chicken isn’t just a summer staple. It’s a smoky, savory delight that begs for the perfect sides to round out the meal. With the right pairings, this crowd-pleaser becomes a true feast that satisfies every craving.

Whether you prefer hearty comfort foods or light, refreshing sides, BBQ chicken shines alongside a variety of dishes. Try these side dish ideas to complement the bold flavors of BBQ chicken and create a meal that’s as balanced as it is delicious.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes With Savory Green Beans

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and cube the potatoes.

2. Fill a saucepan with water, add salt, and bring to a boil.

3. Cook potatoes for 20-25 minutes or until tender.

4. While the potatoes cook, trim the green beans.

5. Steam green beans for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.

6. Mash the cooked potatoes with butter, milk, and heavy cream in a mixing bowl.

7. Season the potatoes with salt and black pepper, then whisk until creamy.

8. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute, then toss in green beans.

9. Add salt and pepper to the beans, stirring well.

Overview 🔍

Pair your BBQ chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans for a perfect match. The creamy richness of the mashed potatoes helps balance the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken, while the garlicky green beans provide a fresh, savory contrast. Together, they create a satisfying and flavorful combination that really elevates the BBQ chicken without overpowering it.

This side dish is both comforting and easy to prepare, making it ideal for casual cookouts or family dinners. The blend of buttery potatoes and crisp green beans ensures a side that’s both indulgent and vibrant, complementing BBQ chicken’s bold flavors seamlessly.

2. Roasted Broccoli & Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut broccoli into florets and sweet potatoes into evenly sized sticks.

3. In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. 

4. Once mixed, spread on one side of the baking sheet in a single layer.

5. Toss the broccoli florets with the remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper in the same bowl. 

6. Spread on the other side of the baking sheet.

7. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the sweet potato fries halfway through.

8. Optionally sprinkle the roasted broccoli with parmesan cheese before serving.

Overview 🔍

Broccoli and sweet potato fries are a flavorful pairing for BBQ chicken. The smoky paprika on the fries complements the tangy barbecue sauce, while the roasted broccoli adds a light, nutty contrast. Together, they provide a mix of savory and sweet flavors that balance BBQ chicken beautifully.

This recipe is nutritious, easy to prepare, and versatile enough for any meal. The crispy sweet potato fries and tender broccoli offer a satisfying texture combination, making them an ideal side for barbecues, cookouts, or just regular weeknight dinners.

3. BBQ Chicken With Creamy Potato, Green Bean & Turnip Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Peel and cube the potatoes and turnip. Boil them in a medium pot of salted water for 15-18 minutes or until tender, then drain.

3. Trim the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread green beans on one side of the baking sheet.

5. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, and brush with barbecue sauce. 

6. Place chicken on the other side of the baking sheet.

7. Roast the chicken and green beans for 18-22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

8. Mince the garlic and shallot. Combine them in a large bowl with mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

9. Add the cooked potatoes, turnip, and green beans to the bowl and toss with the dressing.

10. Brush the chicken with more barbecue sauce before serving.

Overview 🔍

BBQ chicken pairs nicely with potato, green bean, and turnip salad for a balanced BBQ meal. The tangy barbecue sauce elevates the chicken’s smoky notes, and combined with a creamy, veggie-packed potato salad, it’s perfect for any dinner table. Roasting the vegetables with a touch of stock and seasoning adds depth and richness to the dish, while the creamy potato salad with green beans and turnips adds a refreshing and hearty side.

This recipe is great for busy nights or casual gatherings. The roasted vegetables and seasoned dressing bring depth to the salad, complementing the BBQ chicken’s bold taste. It’s a satisfying, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive to serve. For more easy recipes, check out our dedicated guide.

4. Smoky BBQ Chicken With Red Pepper Crema

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Slice the onion, tomato, and zucchini into evenly sized pieces.

3. Toss the vegetables with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and spread them on the baking sheet.

4. Season the chicken breasts with the BBQ seasoning on both sides.

5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.

6. Roast the vegetables for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through.

7. In a small bowl, mix the smoky red pepper crema with 1 tbsp water to thin it out.

8. Plate the chicken, top with the roasted vegetables, and drizzle with the red pepper crema.

Overview 🔍

This combination of BBQ chicken with roasted veg and red pepper crema is simply delicious. The smoky BBQ seasoning on the chicken amplifies its natural flavor, while the red pepper crema provides a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the savory chicken.

The mix of smoky, tangy, and sweet ingredients helps the meal feel both satisfying and balanced. The vegetables offer a tender, slightly charred texture, while the red pepper crema elevates the chicken with its smooth, zesty finish – all of which makes for a quick and flavorful BBQ chicken experience!

5. Classic Caesar Salad With Herb & Garlic Bread

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice the baguette into 1-inch pieces.

3. Melt the butter in a small pan, remove the pan from heat, and allow it to cool for 30 seconds. Add minced garlic, place the pan back onto heat (on low), and cook for 1 minute.

4. Brush the garlic butter mixture onto the sliced bread and place it on the baking sheet.

5. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy.

6. While the bread bakes, chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a mixing bowl.

7. Add the Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons to the lettuce. Toss to combine.

8. Remove the garlic bread from the oven and top with chopped parsley and salt.

Overview 🔍

Make your BBQ chicken even tastier by adding a crunchy Caesar salad and garlic bread. The crisp, fresh romaine lettuce and croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky, tender BBQ chicken. The creamy Caesar dressing brings a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness and tanginess of the barbecue sauce.

This recipe uses a herb and garlic bread and adds a warm, buttery texture that elevates the salad and chicken without overpowering either. Together, these elements create a satisfying and well-rounded meal, offering a delightful balance of freshness, richness, and crunch alongside the bold flavors of BBQ chicken.

6. Cream of Mushroom Soup With Kale & Cranberry Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Chop the mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Add them to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften.

3. Add the vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.

4. Use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to purée the soup until smooth.

5. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. While the soup simmers, wash and chop the kale.

7. In a medium bowl, combine the kale, dried cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.

8. Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil, then pour over the salad and toss to coat.

Overview 🔍

For a complete and colorful meal, enjoy BBQ chicken with soup and a salad. The rich and creamy mushroom soup offers a deep, savory flavor that contrasts with the bright, fresh kale and cranberry salad. The earthy mushrooms enhance the smoky BBQ chicken, while the salad’s sweetness from cranberries and honey balances the richness of the soup and chicken.

This combination of warm soup and a fresh, crisp salad creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal. The soup’s creamy texture and the salad’s crunchy, sweet elements bring variety and contrast, making this dish a flavorful and comforting option alongside BBQ chicken.

7. Roasted Potatoes With Garlic & White Wine Asparagus

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Chop the potatoes into evenly sized cubes and place them on the baking sheet.

3. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the potatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.

4. Roast the potatoes for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

5. While the potatoes roast, trim the asparagus and chop the garlic.

6. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat; remove pan from heat. Add the garlic, place the pan back onto heat (on low), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

7. Add asparagus to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.

8. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, stir, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

9. Stir in the butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley, then remove from heat.

Overview 🔍

For a Michelin-worthy pairing for smoky BBQ chicken, try a gourmet combination of roasted potatoes and asparagus. The crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty base that pairs well with the chicken, and the garlicky asparagus adds a light, tangy touch that balances the richness of the dish.

This dish balances bold and fresh flavors, creating a satisfying side that complements BBQ chicken without overpowering it. The combination of golden potatoes and aromatic asparagus offers variety in texture and taste, making it an ideal pairing for a delicious, well-rounded BBQ meal.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob With Cilantro-Lime Butter & Potato Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.

2. Husk the corn and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.

3. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender.

4. While the corn grills, boil the potatoes in a medium pot with salted water for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.

5. Drain the potatoes, then chop into cubes and transfer to a mixing bowl.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

7. Pour the dressing over the potatoes, then add the chopped green onions and toss to combine.

8. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp butter, fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.

9. Brush the grilled corn with the cilantro-lime butter.

Overview 🔍

There’s nothing more satisfying than corn on the cob and potato salad with BBQ chicken on a summer's day. The smoky, charred corn with zesty cilantro-lime butter adds a fresh, vibrant element that complements the bold flavors of BBQ chicken. The creamy potato salad, with its tangy dressing and crunchy green onions, provides a cool and satisfying contrast.

Together, these dishes offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors, with the smoky sweetness of the corn and the creamy richness of the potato salad creating a well-rounded and satisfying side to enjoy with BBQ chicken.

FAQ

What do you serve with barbecue chicken?

There are many options for sides to pair with BBQ chicken. A great example is the Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cilantro-Lime Butter and Potato Salad. The smoky sweetness of grilled corn combined with the creamy, tangy potato salad creates a satisfying, balanced meal.

This pairing offers a fresh contrast to the rich, smoky BBQ chicken. The corn’s vibrant cilantro-lime butter and the potato salad’s creamy texture perfectly complement the bold flavors of the chicken, making it an ideal side to elevate your BBQ experience.

What sides are served with BBQ?

Common sides for BBQ include roasted vegetables, salads, and potatoes. For instance, the Roasted Potatoes with Garlic & White Wine Asparagus recipe provides a delicious balance of hearty potatoes and tender, flavorful asparagus.

The roasted potatoes pair perfectly with BBQ chicken, offering a crispy, savory side. Meanwhile, the garlic and white wine asparagus adds a light, tangy contrast, making this combination a well-rounded and flavorful choice to accompany BBQ chicken.

What to have with BBQ chicken and chips?

When BBQ chicken and chips are on the menu, it’s ideal to add a fresh, light salad. A Classic Caesar Salad with Herb & Garlic Bread complements BBQ chicken with its crisp romaine lettuce, rich dressing, and buttery garlic bread.

The Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the salty chips and savory BBQ chicken. The crisp, creamy salad with warm, toasted garlic bread enhances the meal, balancing out the heavier elements and offering variety in texture and flavor.

What is traditionally served at a BBQ?

Traditional BBQ sides often include coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad. A great addition to any BBQ is Cream of Mushroom Soup with Kale and Cranberry Salad. The creamy soup and fresh salad offer comfort and balance to the smoky, bold flavors of BBQ chicken.

The mushroom soup provides a rich, earthy taste, while the kale and cranberry salad adds a fresh, tangy crunch. Together, they create a well-rounded side that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken, making for a complete, satisfying meal.