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.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
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, the 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.
In This Article
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 of the recipes below 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)
While baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries are classic BBQ chicken sides, here are my top picks for some alternate potato side dishes that pair well with barbeque chicken.
1
Pan-Fried Potatoes and Onions
2
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
3
Oven-Baked Fries
4
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
5
Sweet Potato Cornbread
6
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
Other Vegetable Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken
While just about anyone can open a can of green beans to create a vegetable side, go one step further by adding a splash of color and fantastically fresh flavors to your BBQ chicken feast with these vegetable sides.
7
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Casserole
8
Corn Casserole with Green Chiles
9
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
10
Southern-Style Succotash
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Crispy Carrot Fries
12
Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus
13
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
14
Vegan Baked Beans
15
Steamed Corn on the Cob
16
Pickled Carrots
17
Easy Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Salad Sides for BBQ Chicken
Go beyond a basic green salad by using these scrumptious cold salads that offer a crisp contrast to your BBQ chicken.
18
Caprese Pasta Salad
19
Easy Shirazi Salad
20
Orange and Fennel Salad
21
Fresh Tomatoes with Mint
22
Italian Butter Bean Salad
23
Creamy Potato Salad
24
Classic Coleslaw
25
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
26
Apple Cucumber Salad
27
Beet and Feta Salad
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:
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!
I’ve been thinking about what side dish I should make for our barbecue night, and this post was so helpful. I’m excited to try the creamy potato salad! It is my favorite!
Good choice!
This corn casserole is so creamy and flavorful! I love the addition of the roasted Hatch green chiles.
Hatch green chiles make EVERYTHING better!
As someone who loves going camping and BBQs, this article has helped me a lot specially with the chicken sides. Thank you for sharing!
Sounds like you’re a happy camper!
There are so many great looking sides in this list it’s hard to pick just a few for our Labor Day celebration this coming weekend but I must try those corn ribs!
They are pretty darn amazing!
We had a BBQ last weekend and I made three recipes from this list and all of them were delicious! I made slow cooker Mexican street corn, carrot fries, and pan fried potatoes and onions. Honestly, the other recipes look fantastic and I’m sure I’ll be coming back to try them all. Great list!
That sounds like a tasty BBQ!
I am going to fix the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and bring the dish to my daughter bbq next week.
It’s sooooo good! Enjoy!