What to Serve with Chicken Wings

Hey! This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Chicken wings are a popular food worldwide, and for good reason. You can incorporate a wide range of flavors when cooking them. For an Asian-inspired meal, use a soy sauce base on the meat. Consider an option with heavy use of spicy peppers for a flavor profile from Latin America.

Though there are many possibilities to consider when making homemade chicken wings, determining the side dishes is just as essential. Choose from a healthy option like vegetable sticks, or go for something fun like french fries. Learn more about what to serve with chicken wings by checking out the list provided below.

Sides for Chicken Wings

1. French Fries

If you go to any chicken wing restaurant, your meal will likely come with french fries. People of every age love these crispy golden potatoes. The traditional way to make fries is to put them in a deep fryer, but there are other options.

If you want your french fries to be slightly healthier, put them in the oven. Sprinkle them with olive oil and salt, and set the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Your fries should be ready within 15 to 20 minutes.

What to Serve with Chicken Wings_alices kitchen

2. Onion Rings

Another traditional side dish for chicken wings is a plate of onion rings. This option has more of a bite than french fries. The tanginess of the onion will pair with any sauce you put on your chicken wings. Plus, there are many frozen varieties if you do not want to make them yourself.

To make your onion rings, you will need to prepare to bake or fry them. Baking, just like french fries, is slightly healthier as there is less grease. Cut the onion into circular slices. After, you will dip them in milk or eggs, followed by cornmeal or flour.

3. Avocado Fries

If you want to avoid starch in general, you can make avocado fries. This side dish option will still give you the crunch you need. It pairs with the soft texture of the chicken wings that you serve.

To prepare an avocado for this side dish, you will cut the fruit into slices. Use any breading, as it will naturally stick.

You can make avocado fries in two ways. Place them in the air fryer to create more of a crunch, or use a baking sheet in the oven. Cook them as long as you would french fries.

4. Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are just as spicy as some chicken wings. You can cut small pieces of these vegetables, dipping them in breading of your choice. Another way to make jalapeno poppers is to fill them with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Add parmesan cheese and bacon to add more flavor to any type of jalapeno popper. Combine the bread crumb mixture with bacon and garlic for a more flavorful taste.

Jalapeno poppers are a side dish that your family will be unable to resist. You can serve them as an appetizer or at the same time as the wings.

5. Carrot and Celery Sticks

If you go to a restaurant that serves chicken wings, you will likely receive carrot and celery sticks for free. This side option is light and healthy. It will also help cleanse your palate if you purchase multiple flavors of wings.

Making your presentation fun will excite your family about this choice. Place the carrot and celery sticks in a cup and have them hold a ranch cup between them. Organize the vegetables in some shape, as if you wanted to present a charcuterie board.

6. Fruit Salsa

Rather than traditional chips and dip, consider making fruit salsa and cinnamon chips. This side dish option is relatively healthy, as the salsa only contains fruit. You will chop strawberries, pineapples, mangoes, and kiwis. Do not be afraid to experiment with the fruits you add.

It is easy to make cinnamon chips also. You will cut a tortilla into a triangle-like shape, placing each on a baking sheet. Put the pan in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, and wait for the chips to become slightly golden-brown. You can sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before or after cooking the tortilla pieces.

7. Broccoli Salad

Salad is the perfect side for chicken wings, as it will cool your mouth down. If you want to get creative with this option, consider the broccoli variety. This salad is just as easy to make as any other kind, but it looks much fancier.

You will need broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, and sunflower seeds for the salad itself. Crumble goat cheese, and you can add bacon for some more meat. Use any sauce you prefer, but a cream-based option will serve you best.

8. Macaroni Salad

If you want to serve your chicken wings at a cookout, consider a side like macaroni salad. This dish is a favorite at any BBQ or get-together. You can feel a large family for an inexpensive price tag when making this salad.

The first step you will need to take when making a macaroni salad is to boil the noodles. When the pasta finishes cooking, you will need to let it cool down. Blend the macaroni with chopped celery, red peppers, and sliced onion. You can make a sauce out of mayonnaise and any seasoning that you enjoy.

9. Chips and Salsa

You saw cinnamon chips and fruit salsa as a potential side for chicken wings above. That option did not mean that you should not serve traditional tomato salsa. Try to make this condiment yourself, and you will not regret it!

To make your salsa, you will need fresh tomatoes. Add whatever type of pepper you want to use, whether a jalapeno or a habanero. Make sure that you incorporate garlic, white onion, and cilantro. Simmer the ingredients at once until they blend, then cool the mixture in the refrigerator.

10. Macaroni and Cheese

Who does not love creamy macaroni and cheese? You can buy the boxed variety at any grocery store, though it is not near as delicious as the homemade version. You can easily make macaroni and cheese yourself, and you can experiment with it.

Start by boiling the noodles in a pot of water. When they finish cooking, drain the liquid and mix in butter. You will then add three kinds of cheese of your choice, letting it melt in the heat of the noodles. Add the seasoning you prefer, whether it just be salt and pepper or red pepper flakes.

11. Roasted Zucchini

Roasted zucchini is a relatively healthy side option for chicken wings. After chopping the squash, you will cut tomatoes and onions with it. Cover all three vegetables with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you prefer.

You can roast the zucchini mixture in an air fryer or a pan in the oven. Keep the skin on the squash as it will help to add texture to your side dish. Place all of the vegetables with the cut side facing up, and this method will allow them to cook faster.

12. Red Potato Salad

If you want a unique version of potato salad, consider making it with red potatoes. This variety takes on specific seasonings better, meaning you can add all of the garlic you want. Finish the recipe by adding mayonnaise, yogurt, shallots, mustard, and the spices you prefer.

The red potato salad will have plenty of flavors that will pair well with the sauce on the chicken wings. It will also help to cool down some of the heat. When you make red potato salad, be careful you do not add too much salt as it can ruin the taste.

13. Fried Okra

Fried okra is a way to bring the south to your chicken wing meal. This side dish has a crispy texture that will pair with the softness of the meat. The savory taste will help to balance out the spiciness of the chicken wing sauce.

When making fried okra, you only need milk and cornmeal. Chop the vegetable into small pieces, dipping it into each ingredient one at a time. Place the okra in a deep fryer or pan, and give them a few minutes to cook. You will want the breading to turn golden-brown.

14. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Stuffed cherry tomatoes will work as both an appetizer and side dish if you want to make chicken wings. The vegetables have a natural sweetness that will complement the tanginess in the sauce used on your entree. These stuffed tomatoes are easy to make, and you can serve them cold!

To prepare the cherry tomatoes, you will need to cut off the top of the vegetable. Use your knife to remove the inner parts of a tomato. You can fill them with goat cheese and any other ingredients that you enjoy. Top them with a parsley leaf.

15. Roasted Carrots

Rather than carrot sticks, you can roast the vegetable. This roasted variety is a light side dish that will balance the heaviness of the chicken wings. To make these carrots specifically, you will cover them with thyme and place them in an oven.

You can use full-sized or baby carrots when making this side dish. After adding your seasoning, place the vegetables on a baking sheet and put them in the oven.

If you want to experiment with flavors, try rosemary. This seasoning will add a floral taste to your vegetables. To keep the dish simple, you can add salt and pepper only.

16. Mexican Street Corn

There is no other side dish for chicken wings as compatible as Mexican street corn. The flavors of both dishes complement one another. The corn is naturally crunchy, which is in direct contrast to the tenderness of the wings.

You can boil the corn or place it directly on the grill in a foil packet. After it cooks, remove the kernels and mix in the mayonnaise-like sauce. Top the mixture with cheese and cilantro. You can also place tortilla chips if you want your guests to dip them in the corn.

17. Corn Nuggets

Corn is one of the best vegetables you can serve with chicken, no matter the type you make. As mentioned with the previous side dish, the textures of the two foods contrast. This change helps to make your entire meal more fun.

You can buy creamed corn or kernels to make these nuggets. Scoop the vegetable mixture in a milk wash and bread crumbs. Deep fry the nuggets or place them in an air fryer to cook them. You will need to wait for them to turn golden-brown.

18. Green Bean Fries

Green bean fries are fun and delicious. This side dish option is easier to make if you purchase fresh green beans as they are stiffer. Dip the vegetables in bread crumbs, frying them in the way that works best for you after coating them.

To improve the flavor of the bread crumbs, you can mix in garlic powder or red pepper flakes. Be careful about how much seasoning you put in, as you do not want too much heat when considering the chicken wings. You need to have a healthy balance of flavors on your plate.

19. Fried Rice

If you cook your chicken wings in an Asian-style sauce, try to make fried rice as your side dish. You can steam this option or fry it in a wok on your stove. Fried rice is customizable, meaning you can incorporate whatever flavors you want.

Most of the time when you make fried rice, you will add meat. Since your entree is chicken wings, you may want to keep this side dish vegetarian. Some of the ingredients you can add include peppers, tomatoes, edamame, and egg. The options are endless about what you can incorporate.

20. Roasted Vegetables

A healthy side dish that you can serve with chicken wings is a pan of roasted vegetables. This option is a one-pan option that will bring bright colors to your table. You can use baby carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or peppers.

Take this side dish up a notch by adding more unique vegetables to the platter. Consider using small pieces of asparagus, chopped radish, or sliced cucumbers. Make sure that any vegetable you place on the plan has a crunch so that you have a full range of textures on your plate. Cover the side dish with salt and pepper to bring out the best possible flavors.

21. Brussel Sprouts

Finally, you can serve Brussel sprouts as a side dish for your chicken wings. This vegetable is one that your family members will either love or hate. Make them more fun for everyone by wrapping them in bacon.

There are many cooking methods that you can use on Brussel sprouts. Chop them in half, cover them in garlic, and place them on a pan in the oven. Saute the Brussel sprouts on the stove, giving them a charred look that adds a smoky flavor to your dish.

Finding the Perfect Side for Chicken Wings

By now, you should have a wide range of foods that you can make and serve with chicken wings. There are healthy options, including roasted vegetables and avocado fries. You will also find options that will cool down and cleanse your palate, including red potato salad.

If you want an option that will also work as an appetizer for your meal, consider jalapeno poppers or onion rings. French fries are always a possibility for this meal as well. Chicken wings offer endless possibilities when considering side dishes, so have fun with your meal!

Table of Contents