Best BBQ Chicken Sides for Summer Cookouts

With its smoky flavor and tangy sauce, BBQ chicken can easily command the spotlight at a summer cookout, but it’s the side dishes that elevate any meal. Here are my favorite BBQ chicken sides that will elevate your next cookout from good to unforgettable.

While alpha gals can no longer enjoy hotdogs, hamburgers, or steaks at backyard gatherings, barbeque chicken is still fair game. And if you’re like me, summer comfort food sides are just as important as the main dish. In order to complement the smoky flavor and tangy sauce of the chicken, these delicious BBQ sides help create a well-rounded meal.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Sides

• Plenty of options for a well-rounded plate. Choose from hearty potatoes and cornbread, colorful vegetables, and crisp salads that balance smoky, saucy BBQ chicken.
• A mix of cookout classics and fresh ideas. Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob share the table with corn ribs, pickled carrots, succotash, and orange fennel salad.
• Recipes for every cooking style. Use the oven, stovetop, air fryer, Instant Pot, slow cooker, or microwave depending on your schedule and how much space is left in the kitchen.
• Several sides can be prepared ahead. Cornbread, baked beans, succotash, pickled vegetables, and chilled salads help you finish the work before guests arrive.
• Easy options for different dietary needs. Many recipes are naturally dairy free, while others can be adjusted with plant-based butter, cheese, or milk based on your personal alpha-gal sensitivities.

Before We Get to the Good Stuff

Medical disclaimer: The information provided on Sage Alpha Gal is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. Although I cite and link to expert sources, nothing published here is medical advice. Because alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person, my alpha-gal is not necessarily your alpha-gal, so be sure you understand your dietary restrictions and work with your healthcare provider as needed.

Affiliate disclosure: Sage Alpha Gal is a reader-supported site, and this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a teeny tiny commission at no additional cost to you. That income helps offset the costs of running this site. You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the full disclosure page.

What Sides Go with BBQ Chicken?

Sure, BBQ chicken might be the star of the show at your backyard gatherings. But every star needs a great supporting cast. Enter stage left a chorus of amazing BBQ chicken sides. These dishes not only accompany your barbequed bird but also enhance its smoky and tangy goodness. From classic side dishes to unique salad sensations, this list of BBQ chicken sides has an award-winning supporting actor for every palette.

NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some recipes may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.

Potato Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken (And Other Starchy Sides)

Sure, you can’t go wrong with a baked potato, but why stop there? These starchy sides, from potato-forward favorites to creative twists, are hearty enough to hold their own next to BBQ chicken.

Other Vegetable Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken

Anyone can warm up a can of green beans, but these veggie sides bring way more to the table. Packed with color and fresh flavor, they’re a vibrant upgrade for your next BBQ chicken spread.

Salad Sides for BBQ Chicken

Skip the plain lettuce and go for bold, refreshing flavors. These chilled salads are the kind of summer side dish that brings brightness to your plate and stands up to saucy, smoky BBQ chicken.

Looking for More Chicken Side Dishes?

Alpha gals tend to eat a lot of chicken. Fortunately, I’ve got you covered with even more delicious side dishes! Be sure to also check out these flavorful options:

• Chicken Marsala Side Dishes
• Sides for Fried Chicken
• Sides for Grilled Chicken

FAQs About Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken

Planning a BBQ meal isn’t just about choosing the main course. Side dishes play a big role, too! From prep tips to dairy-free options, these frequently asked questions will help you confidently choose the perfect side dish to serve alongside BBQ chicken.

How many side dishes should I serve with BBQ chicken?

For a typical gathering, plan on offering 2 to 3 side dishes per person. I like to have at least one starch and one veggie or salad.

If you’re hosting a large group, include a mix of starchy, veggie, and salad options to accommodate different tastes and appetites.

Can I make any of these side dishes ahead of time?

Yes! Many sides on this list are perfect for prepping in advance. For example, sweet potato cornbread, Southern-style succotash, vegan baked beans, and pickled carrots are all great make-ahead options.

What are the best dairy-free sides for BBQ chicken?

Several of the side dish recipes above are naturally dairy-free while others are easy to make that way. For starchy dairy-free sides, make pan-fried potatoes or oven-baked fries. For veggie sides, try air fryer corn ribs, steamed corn on the cob, or oven roasted potatoes. For salad options, the orange and fennel salad, fresh tomatoes with mint, and Italian butter bean salad are all dairy-free.

What drinks pair well with BBQ chicken and side dishes?

The sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ chicken pair well with iced tea, lemonade, and light, fruity wines like rosé or Riesling. If you’re serving beer, go for crisp lagers or wheat beers. For a non-alcoholic twist, sparkling water with citrus or this mojito mocktail are refreshing choices.

Do You Have a Favorite BBQ Chicken Side?

Got a starchy side that gets your heart pounding? A veggie side you can’t resist? Or maybe a salad side dish that makes your BBQ chicken sing? If you have a favorite side dish for BBQ chicken that I’ve missed, I’d love to hear about it. Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Thank you for sharing!