What Goes Well with BBQ Chicken? 8 Delicious Side Dishes You’ll Love

Introduction

Nothing says summer quite like a plate of barbecued chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or enjoying a family picnic, BBQ chicken is an easy and delicious way to feed your guests. But what goes well with BBQ chicken?

In this article, we’ll explore eight sides that pair perfectly with BBQ chicken. From salads to grilled veggies to baked beans, we’ve got all the recipes and tips you need to make your meal complete. Read on to find out what sides go best with BBQ chicken.

1. Salads

A light and refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken. Here are two easy recipes that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Potato Salad

This classic side dish is always a crowd-pleaser. To make it, you’ll need:

• 6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the salad, first boil the potatoes until they’re tender. Then drain them and transfer them to a large bowl. Add the celery, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to combine. Serve chilled.

Pasta Salad

For a heartier salad, try this easy pasta salad recipe. You’ll need:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the salad, first cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Then drain it and transfer it to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and mix to combine. Top with the parsley and serve.

2. Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken. Here are four of our favorite veggie sides:

Corn on the Cob

Nothing beats the sweetness of freshly grilled corn. To prepare it, start by soaking the ears of corn in cold water for about an hour. This will help the corn stay moist and juicy when it’s cooking. Then remove the husks and silks and brush the ears lightly with olive oil. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re lightly charred and tender. Serve warm.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a great addition to any BBQ meal. To prepare it, start by trimming off the tough ends of the spears. Then toss the asparagus in a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly charred. Serve warm.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers add vibrant color and flavor to any meal. To prepare them, start by slicing the peppers into strips. Toss them in a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly charred. Serve warm.

Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a tasty and healthy side dish. To prepare it, start by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds. Toss them in a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly charred. Serve warm.

3. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish. Here are two ways to prepare them:

Homemade

Making your own baked beans is surprisingly easy. To do so, you’ll need:

• 2 cups dried navy beans
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt

To prepare the beans, start by soaking the beans overnight in cold water. Then drain them and transfer them to a large pot. Add the oil, onion, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Serve warm.

Canned

If you’re short on time, you can always use canned baked beans. Simply open a can of your favorite brand, pour the beans into a saucepan, and heat them over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

4. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken. To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 head cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the coleslaw, first combine the cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

5. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken. To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the macaroni and cheese, start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Then drain it and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the milk and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and mix to combine. Serve warm.

6. Cornbread

Warm slices of cornbread are the perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken. To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

To prepare the cornbread, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Conclusion

From salads to grilled veggies to macaroni and cheese, there are plenty of delicious sides that pair perfectly with BBQ chicken. With these eight recipes, you’ll have all the accompaniments you need to make your meal complete. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious BBQ chicken with all the fixings.