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BBQ chicken is a dish that many people love to serve in the summer. You can cook this meat on a grill, and it is essential to keep a watch on this entree. If it does not cook all the way through, you will become sick.
BBQ chicken is delicious, but you need to decide on the perfect side dish to pair with it. Consider cornbread, corn on the cob, or pasta salad for traditional cookout foods.
There are so many foods that you can choose for your side dishes. Learn more about what to serve with BBQ chicken by reading the list below.
Table of Contents
Sides for BBQ
1. Sweet Potatoes
When you think of BBQ chicken, you likely consider making potatoes of some form. You may even want to make French fries. For something different, consider finding a recipe that utilizes sweet potatoes.
A simple baked sweet potato is a perfect side dish for BBQ chicken. Let the butter melt in when the food is still warm, and add cinnamon sugar. The sweetness that results will correlate with the barbecue sauce.
Some individuals choose to cube sweet potatoes, roasting them in the oven. You can make them sweet by adding cinnamon sugar. If you want a savory taste, consider using parsley and any other spices you enjoy.
2. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are some of the most popular side dishes in the south. They pair perfectly with chicken of any kind.
In some areas, you can only find green tomatoes in the summer. Cooks typically grill BBQ chicken during this season. Together, you will have a delicious summer meal.
When making fried green tomatoes, you will dip them in an egg and milk wash. After, coat them in flour or seasoned bread crumbs. Put them in a pan of oil or a fryer for a few minutes, leaving them until the tomatoes become golden-brown.
3. Corn Pudding
when you tell your family you want to serve corn pudding, they may not know what to think. Let everyone try a small spoonful before they judge. This side dish is one of the best you can serve with BBQ chicken.
You will need to purchase creamed-style corn when creating this side dish. If you want to make it yourself, you can mix the vegetable with eggs and milk for a savory taste.
After you finish the mixture, you can place it in a casserole dish. It goes in the oven for around an hour to achieve the perfect consistency.
4. Biscuits
Have you ever found someone who does not like a homemade biscuit? Your family will compete to ensure they get the last one when this side dish is on your table.
Fluffy biscuits are even more delicious when paired with BBQ chicken. You can use the bread to soak up the sauce, and the flavors will help elevate each other.
You can buy a can of biscuit dough or make them yourself. You do not have to feel intimidated! Make sure you have all of your traditional baking ingredients plus buttermilk to get started.
5. Baked Beans
If you go to any cookout in the summer, you will likely see a pot of baked beans. This side dish is a classic, no matter what BBQ-style meat you cook.
You will want the sauce to have pieces of bacon and brown sugar. Add slices of onion, Worcestershire sauce, and green pepper to increase the flavor.
If you do not want to watch a pot, put your beans in a crockpot. For a unique flavor, consider adding pieces of BBQ chicken as a seasoning.
6. Coleslaw
If you want to make BBQ chicken, you will likely put the meat on the grill. When you take your entree away from the heat, it will remain hot for a long time.
One side dish that can help to cool down your dinner is coleslaw. You will use slices of cabbage and carrots. Coleslaw also needs a sauce to make it creamy.
When making the sauce for coleslaw, you will use mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. The former will make the dish creamy, while the latter brings a sense of tanginess. When combined, these flavors create the perfect dish.
7. Corn on the Cob
If you put your BBQ chicken on the grill, you can place corn on the cob next to it. This side dish will minimize the number of items you need to clean after eating!
Wrap each corn on the cob in a piece of foil, spreading butter before closing the packet. Place the wrapped vegetable directly on the grill, turning it frequently to cook on all sides.
If you want a simpler version of this side dish, purchase frozen corn on the cob. Place these vegetables in a pot of water and let them boil.
8. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a casserole that uses pasta, and as the name implies, cheese. You can make this side dish ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the oven.
Homemade macaroni and cheese is the best way to go. You will start by boiling the noodles and adding butter when it finishes. Add in the cheeses of your choice, spreading the mixture into a baking dish.
Consider adding bread crumbs onto your macaroni and cheese for more of a crunch. You can mix vegetables and small bits of meat like bacon in the casserole for added flavor.
9. Squash and Onions
If you serve BBQ chicken in the summer, consider making a squash and onion mixture. This side dish is one of the simplest on this list.
In the summer, squash grows with ease if you have a garden at your home. It is also inexpensive at the grocery store during this season.
To make this dish, you will slice yellow squash and onions. Use salt and pepper to your liking, and boil the vegetables together. Both the squash and onion will turn soft when they are ready.
10. Greek Salad
If you want an international taste in your side dish, consider creating a Greek pasta salad. You will serve this side dish cold, which helps with the heat of the meat.
Boil the pasta when you start this dish. After it is ready, you will place it in a mixing bowl. Chop up bell peppers, olives, red onions, green beans, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers to mix into the salad.
If you have leftovers, Greek pasta salad will make a perfect lunch option for the next day. It is essentially a meal in itself.
11. Cornbread
Cornbread is a side dish that pairs well with any entree. The sweet taste and golden color will make any meal complete.
You can purchase a box of cornbread mixture at the grocery store if you do not want to make it from scratch. You only have to add milk, eggs, and oil to the dry ingredients.
Cornbread is relatively easy to make yourself. For a southern recipe, you will need buttermilk and bacon fat. Cornmeal is a necessity, as the name implies.
You can dip cornbread in the barbecue sauce from your chicken. You will love the combination of the two sweet flavors.
12. Fried Okra
Okra, like squash, is another vegetable that grows with ease during the summer. It also becomes inexpensive in the grocery store during this season.
Fried okra is such an easy option to make. If you purchase the freshest version of this vegetable, you will need to slice it into round pieces. Coat the okra in buttermilk, dipping it after in a cornmeal mixture.
After covering the okra, you can place it in a pan to fry or a deep fryer. After it finishes cooking, you will love how perfect this side dish is for the summer.
Cookout Side Dishes
BBQ chicken is a healthier entree that you can serve at your next cookout. It does not have as high of fat content as hamburgers or hotdogs. The BBQ sauce will still give your meat flavor that your family will not resist.
There are many side dishes that you can make with BBQ chicken. If you want to keep your meal healthy, consider summer squash or sweet potatoes.
There are also more traditional BBQ sides that you can make for your chicken. Bake homemade biscuits or serve cornbread. Put homemade macaroni and cheese in the oven for the perfect option.
FAQs
What Goes Good with BBQ Chicken
Many side dishes pair well with BBQ chicken. Most of those listed above are traditional southern foods or options that you will see at any cookout.
If you want to serve bread with your BBQ chicken, consider a homemade biscuit or cornbread. Serve something cold to cool you down on a warm day, including Greek pasta salad or coleslaw.
There are several other foods that you can cook in several different manners. Consider placing a pan of macaroni and cheese in the oven, or dip some okra in the deep fryer. The possibilities are endless for BBQ chicken.
What Side Dish Goes with Chicken?
Chicken is one of the most versatile meats that you can serve. Coat it in a sauce or dip it in a breading of some form. Chicken can go in the deep fryer, in a pan, in the oven, or on the grill.
Since chicken is so versatile, many side dishes pair with it. If making fried chicken, consider mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
You can also use chicken in international recipes. If making butter chicken, for instance, make a side dish like naan bread. If making sesame chicken, consider egg rolls.
What Do You Serve at a BBQ?
The summer is the perfect season to have a cookout or BBQ. Many different foods are available for you to serve at these events.
Some of the most popular foods served at cookouts include hamburgers and hotdogs. Some individuals, however, make BBQ chicken. Others who want to make fancier foods make entrees like shrimp skewers.
You need a perfect side dish to go with your meats when you have a BBQ. Make cold options like coleslaw, pasta salad, or fruits. Several vegetable options pair with these meats also, including corn on the cob, squash, and asparagus.
What Goes with BBQ Drumsticks?
BBQ drumsticks are some of the most popular versions of BBQ chicken. Many of the same side dishes listed above pair with this entree.
Potatoes are some of the most popular side dishes for BBQ drumsticks. Make french fries or wedges, or roast these vegetables in the oven. You can also cook baked white or sweet potatoes for a more traditional side dish.
If you want a vegetable as your side dish, grill some asparagus or corn on the cob. On the stovetop, you can make green beans or summer squash.
Finally, there are breaded options. These include cornbread, hushpuppies, rolls, and more.
