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Home » Recipes » What To Serve With

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2024 by Angela Latimer · 1 Comment

What To Serve With BBQ Chicken

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What to serve with bbq chicken for the best dinners pin with text header.

I know what to serve with BBQ chicken, and this amazing list of barbecue side dishes will help you choose the right sides for your meal. From classic pairings like baked beans or mac and cheese to collard greens and coleslaw. The dishes on this list are comforting, satisfying, and reminiscent of your best backyard BBQ memories!

What to serve with bbq chicken for the best dinners image of bbq chicken.
Jump to:
  • 15+ Best BBQ Chicken Side Dishes
  • 1. Corn Pudding
  • 2. Mac & Cheese
  • 3. Baked Beans
  • 4. Collard Greens
  • 5. Coleslaw
  • 6. Fruit Salad
  • 7. Biscuits
  • 8. Cornbread
  • 9. Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • 10. Cajun Fries
  • 11. Potato Chips
  • 12. Fried Pickles
  • 13. Corn on the Cob
  • 14. Baked Potatoes
  • 15. Green Beans With Bacon
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • What To Serve With BBQ Chicken: 15 Best Side Dishes To Make!
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

15+ Best BBQ Chicken Side Dishes

Do you have a favorite BBQ chicken side dish? If you're planning a backyard barbecue for your family and friends, BBQ chicken and some delicious side dishes will make it a success.

As far as summer barbecues are concerned, you can't go wrong with the tried and true favorites. BBQ chicken is great, but the best meals are always rounded out by a variety of complementary side dishes.

When it comes to BBQ chicken pairings, I've got you covered. These mouthwatering side dishes will make your barbecue stand out from the crowd!

1. Corn Pudding

The classic comfort food can be made with a few simple ingredients and goes well with BBQ chicken, turkey, and much more. It can be a quick and simple way to sweeten up an otherwise savory meal in a pinch.

Light and very fluffy on the inside but slightly crispy on the outside.

Jiffy Corn Casserole
Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of the tender cornbread. Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it's a side that goes with practically anything!
Check out this recipe
Jiffy corn casserole square image plated piece with a forked bite pulled to the front.

2. Mac & Cheese

Comfort food doesn't get much better than mac and cheese. Perfect for potlucks, parties, and get-togethers, this is also a classic side dish that complements many dishes but just goes hand-in-hand with BBQ chicken!

It's incredibly simple to make, and there are many great recipes available to take it to the next level. Making your mac and cheese is far superior to buying pre-packaged.

Smoked Mac and Cheese
This Smoked Mac and Cheese is loaded with flavor. You'll find a delicious version of this comfort food recipe with three creamy kinds of cheese, bacon, and jalapeno! The perfect touch of smoke flavor pairs with the richness of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and smoked Gouda!
Check out this recipe
Portioned serving of smoked mac and cheese in a white bowl with the aluminum baking tray in the background.

3. Baked Beans

Beans baked in the oven are hearty, flavorful, and so satisfying! Sweet and smoky, they're the ideal accompaniment to BBQ Chicken.

This addictive side dish does not require any special cooking skills on your part. When you serve this up at your next outdoor barbecue, your guests will be raving about it for weeks to come.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
Baked beans with ground beef and bacon are a satisfying side dish for BBQ dinners and cookouts! Baked beans are made sweet with brown sugar. They are made even better with added smoky flavors from hickory-smoked bacon and liquid smoke!!
Check out this recipe
Super easy barbecue baked beans loaded with hearty, beefy flavors and smoky richness with just a touch of delicious sweetness!!

4. Collard Greens

Collard greens are very popular in the South, and you can cook them the same way as other greens like kale or mustard greens. Southern cuisine is known for its heartiness, and collard greens are no exception.

Soups and braises are common uses for sturdy leaves, which can withstand long-term cooking. Greens like collards are frequently served with various meat dishes, but they go especially well with BBQ chicken.

They're delicious, but they're also good for you.

Collard Greens with Bacon
This super easy and delicious collard greens with bacon is a slightly lighter version than many collard greens recipes and it tastes so good. It's an amazing southern side dish that can be paired with almost anything that you're planning for dinner.
Check out this recipe
Square image of collard greens on a white plate.

5. Coleslaw

Salads such as coleslaw are bursting with vibrant flavors that will liven up any meal they are served with. Try it on a sandwich or with savory meats like BBQ chicken.

Alternatively, you can pile some on top of your next hot dog or hamburger. You won't believe just how simple and easy it is to make your own coleslaw.

Southern Coleslaw
Southern coleslaw is a classic quick and easy side dish with crunchy veggies that are tossed with a flavorful, creamy dressing! It's the perfect addition to sandwiches, tacos, fried fish, and so much more. This Southern coleslaw isn’t just for the summertime—it’s great for anytime you want a quick, delicious side!
Check out this recipe
Square image of Southern coleslaw in a white bowl.

6. Fruit Salad

You can serve fruit salad as a dessert or a side dish with BBQ chicken any day of the week. The sweet and tart flavors in this dish complement the smoky flavor of the BBQ chicken.

The perfect time to serve this dish is summertime because it's full of fruity summer flavors, and the best tart fruits are in season.

Fresh Fruit Salad
My best fresh fruit salad contains grapes, nectarines, bananas, mangoes, kiwis, strawberries, oranges, and pineapple! This easy, classic fruit salad recipe features a made-from-scratch honey citrus fruit sauce that screams summertime! It's a refreshing salad that doubles as a dessert!
Check out this recipe
Wide closeup on the fresh fruit salad garnished with fresh mint leaves.

7. Biscuits

Biscuits can be served with a number of soups and stews, but they also go well with savory meat dishes. You can't go wrong with a delicious and freshly baked biscuit slathered in butter and served alongside BBQ chicken.

Air Fryer Biscuits (Canned and Refrigerated)
These easy air fryer biscuits are delightfully golden, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. They're perfect for piling some tasty gravy onto, serving alongside scrambled eggs, or just slathering with a tasty jam or jelly.
Check out this recipe
Air fryer biscuits cooked until golden and stacked on parchment paper.

8. Cornbread

It's incredibly easy to make homemade cornbread from scratch, and the results are moist, fluffy, and mildly sweet in flavor. Of course, serving it with some smoky BBQ chicken is a must.

It's even better when you slather or dunk it in butter!

Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
This easy Jiffy jalapeno cornbread is a tasty Mexican-inspired cornbread combining the convenience of Jiffy corn muffin mix with jalapenos and more! Mix everything up in one bowl and transfer it into a baking dish or cast-iron skillet for perfect cornbread in no time at all!
Check out this recipe
Closeup on the cut Jiffy jalapeno cornbread.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

9. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Delicious and nutrient-dense, baked sweet potatoes are hard to beat. With a mild sweetness and a light texture, baked sweet potatoes are an excellent side dish for any meal.

If you serve them with BBQ chicken, you're sure to wow your family and guests.

Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that bakes to fluffy perfection in your oven! Serve them sweet or savory—it’s up to you! However you decide to make them, they’re certain to be amazing!
Check out this recipe
Baked sweet potatoes on a metal tray opened with a pat of butter inside.

10. Cajun Fries

Cajun fries are the perfect side dish or snack if you're looking for something quick and easy. The recipe calls for only three ingredients, a few minutes of preparation, and a few more of baking time.

You can also air fry them if you want a more healthy option. They are hot and crispy when they come out of the oven, and they are absolutely delicious.

Cajun Fries
These tasty homemade Cajun fries are wonderfully crispy and perfectly seasoned for flavorful fries that everyone will enjoy! They're easy to make at home and are the perfect side for burgers, barbecue, pulled pork, and more!!
Check out this recipe
Seasoned Cajun fries double fried to perfection and served with ketchup.

11. Potato Chips

Potato chips are not only delicious and filling, but they are also fun and simple to make. People of all ages love and find it impossible to resist them.

They are ideal for game night or as a snack on their own. If you serve them with a side of BBQ chicken, your guests will keep coming back for more!

Air Fryer Potato Chips
These delightfully crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips are quite simply the best homemade potato chips that you will ever make! Now you can enjoy potato chips anytime you like, and they're not only healthier, but also way better than a freshly opened bag of chips from the store!
Check out this recipe
Piled air fryer potato chips in a picnic basket.

12. Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are crunchy and crispy, and they're packed with that scrumptious dill pickle flavor that we all love. This side dish has the appearance of being something that can only be found at the County Fair in the summer.

It's truly hard to believe how easy it is to make these. On top of all that, they pair exceptionally well with a variety of other delectable dishes, such as BBQ chicken. This is a must-try dish!

Air Fryer Pickles
Crispy air fryer pickles are a delicious and healthier way to enjoy this popular fried dill pickle appetizer! The whole family will love the crunchy Panko bread crumb coating on this tangy pickle snack! Serve it up with your favorite dipping sauce for a 'better than' deep-fried dill pickle treat!
Check out this recipe
Air fryer pickles in a picnic basket, being dipped in sauce.

13. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is the simplest side dish to prepare and one of the most delicious. Everybody loves corn!

Some people like to boil the corn and eat it plain, while others enjoy putting toppings on it, and there are so many toppings to choose from!

You always see it paired with barbecued chicken because it goes so well together.

Milk Butter Boiled Corn on the Cob
I love serving up my tasty milk butter boiled corn on the cob for any family meal but especially with something hot of the grill. It's just as easy as boiling or steaming corn on the cob, but this version is so superbly sweet and soft that you will make it your new 'go-to' method of cooking your corn.
Check out this recipe
Halved sweet corn cobs shown in the water, milk, and butter mixture that they were boiled in on the stovetop.

14. Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a simple and absolutely delicious side dish with crisp skins and a soft, fluffy interior. If you make them ahead of time, you can freeze them and then bake them while your BBQ chicken cooks on the grill.

They're the ideal side dish to serve if you're a little short on time and looking for a quick but delicious meal.

Smoked Baked Potato
This smoked baked potato recipe is the ultimate potato side dish to serve with your smoked chicken, brisket, pork, beef roast, or prime rib! It couldn't be easier to prep your potatoes and let them smoke alongside your fabulous protein for an amazing dinner! Trust me, once you cook your baked potatoes this way, you'll never want to prepare them any other way!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the perfect smoked baked potato.

15. Green Beans With Bacon

Green beans with bacon are a simple and flavorful side dish that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. Seasoned to perfection, fresh green beans are sautéed with bacon and garlic until they are tender and crisp.

Our favorite side dishes and vegetables are those that are simple and don't require a long list of ingredients, like green beans with bacon!

Garlic Green Beans with Bacon
These garlic green beans are a tasty vegetable side dish that goes well with a variety of main dish entrees! With 8 hearty servings, it's a wonderful holiday recipe because it's easy to prepare and great for serving a crowd! After all, who doesn't love buttery pan-fried garlic green beans with bacon?
Check out this recipe
wide overhead closeup of garlic green beans with bacon.

I hope my list helps guide you as you plan your next backyard barbecue or even for a regular weeknight dinner. Let me know what you think about these pairings by leaving a comment below!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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5 from 18 reviews

What To Serve With BBQ Chicken: 15 Best Side Dishes To Make!

I know what to serve with BBQ chicken, and this amazing list of barbecue side dishes will help you choose the right sides for your meal. From classic pairings like baked beans or mac and cheese to collard greens and coleslaw. The dishes on this list are comforting, satisfying, and will be reminiscent of your best backyard BBQ memories!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 340kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb brussel sprouts (fresh, whole - about 15 - rinsed and ends trimmed)
  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
  • 8 slices bacon (or ½ the amount of brussel sprouts, cut into halves)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Steam the rinsed, trimmed 1 lb brussel sprouts for about 5 minutes to soften them before grilling. Rinse under cool water.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl melt the 3 tablespoon butter and add 2 tablespoon honey, ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ⅛ teaspoon each, salt & pepper then stir to combine. Set aside.
  • In a medium to large mixing bowl (large enough for your brussel sprouts) coat the cooled brussel sprouts with the honey butter mixture. Wrap each brussel sprout with a half strip of the 8 slices bacon, then arrange on skewers by inserting the skewer through the point where you overlap the bacon ends.
  • Grill on your barbecue for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the heat. Rotate the brussel sprouts during grilling to cook evenly and prevent burning on any one side.
  • Remove from the grill when nicely browned and fork tender. Serve immediately, topped with your favorite bbq sauce (optional).

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal (17%) | Carbohydrates: 19g (6%) | Protein: 10g (20%) | Fat: 26g (40%) | Saturated Fat: 11g (69%) | Cholesterol: 52mg (17%) | Sodium: 468mg (20%) | Potassium: 528mg (15%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 11g (12%) | Vitamin A: 1164IU (23%) | Vitamin C: 96mg (116%) | Calcium: 50mg (5%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course 4th of July, Appetizer, Appetizers, BBQ, summer grilling, vegetable side dish
Cuisine American
« Dinner For Two
Honey Substitute »

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    5 from 18 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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  1. Valerie says

    July 04, 2023 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    great recipes, nice variety.

    Reply

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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