Barbecue chicken is a summer favorite, loved for its smoky, savory flavor. However, the right side dishes can elevate your meal from good to unforgettable. Whether hosting a backyard cookout or enjoying a cozy family dinner, choosing complementary sides is key to enhancing your barbecue experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best accompaniments, from classic Southern dishes to international pairings, ensuring your meal shines on the plate.
Southern Classics to Serve with Barbecue Chicken
Southern cuisine is synonymous with comfort food, and these sides perfectly match grilled chicken.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavor of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the smoky richness of barbecue chicken. The crunchiness adds a refreshing texture that complements the dish.
- Buttery Southern Cornbread: A slice of buttery cornbread is a must with barbecue chicken. Its slight sweetness and crumbly texture pair well with the tangy and smoky notes of barbecue sauce. Check out this Southern cornbread recipe that pairs perfectly with your meal.
- Classic Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad is another Southern staple. The pasta’s soft texture, combined with a tangy mayo-based dressing, offers a delicious contrast to the grilled chicken.
Best Potato Sides for Barbecue Chicken
Potatoes are versatile and can be prepared in various ways to accompany your meal.
- Oven-Baked Potatoes: Simple yet satisfying, baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese to add richness.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These fries are a great alternative to regular ones. Their natural sweetness enhances the spicy and smoky flavors of grilled chicken.
- Hearty Potato Salad: Whether you prefer a classic mayo-based potato salad or a version with green olives and pimentos, this side dish is a BBQ must-have. The creaminess of the potato salad balances the robust flavor of barbecue chicken.
Vegetables That Pair Well with Barbecue Chicken
Adding vegetables to your plate not only makes your meal healthier but also enhances the overall experience.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies, especially when tossed in balsamic marinade, bring out the best in your meal. The slight char from the grill adds a smoky flavor that complements the chicken. Try these balsamic marinated grilled veggies for a side that’s both healthy and delicious.
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad serves as a palate cleanser, balancing the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue chicken with its crisp and cooling texture.
- Green Beans with Bacon: This dish combines the savory flavors of bacon with crisp-tender green beans, offering a side that pairs wonderfully with the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken.
Fresh and Fruity Sides for Barbecue Chicken
Incorporating fresh fruits into your side dishes adds a refreshing contrast to the savory notes of your meal.
- Watermelon Salad: A salad featuring watermelon, possibly with a dash of Tajín, provides a sweet and spicy contrast that highlights the smoky flavor of your chicken.
- Tropical Pineapple Salsa: For a tropical twist, consider serving a vibrant pineapple salsa alongside your barbecue chicken. The richness of the chicken is nicely complemented by the explosion of flavor created by the combination of jalapeños and pineapple’s sweetness.
- Seasonal Fruit Salad: A fruit salad made from seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi offers a light, refreshing side that cleanses the palate between bites of rich barbecue chicken.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Sides
For those looking to keep their meal low-carb, these options provide all the flavor with none of the guilt.
- Cauliflower Mash: A great alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is creamy and buttery but with far fewer carbs. It’s a comforting side that pairs well with barbecue chicken, especially for those on a keto diet.
- Keto Coleslaw: This version of coleslaw skips the sugar, making it a perfect low-carb side for your meal.
- Zucchini and Roasted Corn Salad: Zucchini, especially when paired with roasted corn, offers a hearty, satisfying side that’s low in carbs but high in flavor.
Internationally Inspired Sides for Barbecue Chicken
Exploring international sides can bring a new dimension to your meal.
- Mexican Corn Salad (Esquites): A vibrant and tangy Mexican corn salad pairs wonderfully with barbecue chicken, adding layers of flavor through spices, lime juice, and cheese.
- Asian Cold Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salads with an Asian twist can offer a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, smoky barbecue chicken. Sesame oil, ginger, and soy combine to make a delicious contrast.
- Frijoles Charros (Cowboy Beans): For a Tex-Mex flair, serve up some Frijoles Charros alongside your chicken. These beans are cooked with bacon, jalapeños, and tomatoes, making them a hearty and flavorful addition to your meal. Learn more about making Frijoles Charros to complement your barbecue chicken.
FAQs
What drinks pair well with barbecue chicken?
Barbecue chicken pairs well with various drinks. A traditional option, lemonade provides a sweet-tart counterbalance to the smokey chicken. For something stronger, a craft beer, particularly a pale ale or a light lager, can complement the rich flavors of the chicken. If you prefer wine, opt for a chilled rosé or a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.
Can I prepare these sides in advance?
Yes, many of these sides can be prepared in advance. Dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, and grilled vegetables benefit from being made in advance, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and simply bring them out when it’s time to eat.
What desserts go well with barbecue chicken?
Desserts that balance sweetness with a hint of acidity work well after a barbecue meal. Consider serving a peach cobbler or lemon bars. Both desserts provide a sweet finish with a zesty kick that will cleanse the palate after the rich flavors of barbecue chicken.
Conclusion
Pairing the right side dishes with your grilled chicken can transform a simple meal into a culinary experience. Whether you stick to classic Southern favorites, explore international flavors, or opt for low-carb alternatives, each of these sides adds something special to the meal. Experiment with different combinations to discover your perfect pairing, and enjoy the full spectrum of flavors that barbecue chicken has to offer.