If you want to know what to serve with BBQ chicken, the most important thing to start with is the actual chicken. I prefer chicken thighs, but a lot of people prefer bbq chicken breasts. If you’re serving a lot of people, it’s a great idea to have a variety of parts.
After that, decide whether to purchase a bottle of sauce or to make your own. I make some delicious homemade barbecue sauce that’s better than most store-bought versions. It’s super easy to do with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Next, determine the crowd. Is this for your family, a group of friends, you and your significant other, or just you? Pick side dishes you know they’ll enjoy with their barbecue chicken.
Now it’s time to make your list of foods and ingredients. Below you’ll find some ideas for appetizers, salads, vegetables, breads, and desserts that are perfect complements to a barbecue chicken dinner.
If you want to offer another option for a main dish besides bbq chicken, pick up a pack of hot dogs and some buns while you’re at the store. They’re easy to throw on the grill for anyone who wants them, and it’s such an easy way to make everyone happy.
Barbecue chicken is a favorite main dish in the U.S, and there’s a good reason why. It’s absolutely delicious! And it’s easy to make on weekends or even busy weeknights.
It’s also easy to make using a variety of different methods. You can grill it over charcoal or gas for a backyard bbq.
Another way to cook it is in an air fryer or oven. You can also cook it in your slow cooker or in a frying pan.
Favorite Sides – What to Serve with BBQ Chicken
When you’re serving barbecue chicken, you’ll want to include some delicious side dishes.
A summer bbq with friends is always a fun way to celebrate anything … or simply a way to connect with neighbors. Every now and then, it’s also fun to have a family cookout.
As you choose bbq side dish recipes, keep in mind how much time they take and what method will be the least intrusive. After all, you don’t want to overcrowd an air fryer or have so many appliances running that you can’t keep track of everything. But if you’re grilling the chicken, there’s usually some room for a few sides.
Below you’ll find some delicious side dishes. These are all great recipes that have become favorites among my family.
Some are healthy recipes, while others simply taste good. Pick some of both. No judgment here. But one thing you can count on with me is discovering some easy sides and maybe even a new way of preparing an old favorite … or two.
Serve Appetizers Before BBQ Chicken
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños – Add a little sizzle and a lot of flavor to your appetizer table with this delicious treat.
Zucchini Pizza Bites – Here’s a good way to serve vegetables that everyone will love.
Chips and Homemade Salsa – You can make this salsa as spicy or mild as you want.
Deviled Eggs – Deviled eggs are always a big hit at gatherings.
Spinach Dip with Crackers or Veggies – This dip is always popular, so make enough for everyone to have plenty.
Salads to Serve Before or with BBQ Chicken
Watermelon Cucumber Salad – The delicious flavors come together in the most delightful way. It’s also very refreshing, so it’s the perfect side to serve at your next bbq.
Creamy Potato Salad – This simple recipe came from my mother, which is why I lovingly call it Mama’s potato salad.
Zesty Pasta Salad – If you like pasta salad with a little zing, you’ll love this one.
Creamy Pasta Salad – For anyone who prefers a creamy salad with mayonnaise, this macaroni salad is perfect.
Potatoes and Vegetables
Sweet Potatoes – There are so many different ways to enjoy sweet potatoes. You can bake them and eat them right out of the jacket. Or you can make these delicious sweet potato patties.
Tex Mex Ranch Potatoes – With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a a potato dish that will have everyone going back for more.
Waffle Fries – I make these delicious waffle fries in the air fryer, but you can make them in your oven.
Stovetop Cheesy Green Beans – I either make these or the traditional green bean casserole for any get-together with family or friends.
Brussels sprouts – Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out the sweet flavor.
Breads to Serve with BBQ Chicken
Cloud Bread – This is a great way to enjoy bread if you can’t have gluten. In fact, it’s so good that you might want it, even if you can have traditional bread.
Dinner Rolls – These delicious dinner rolls are yummy slathered in butter or dipped in olive oil and your favorite spices.
Cornbread – Southern style cornbread goes with anything. I like to enjoy this cornbread later, crumbled into a glass of milk. Mmm, so good!
Decadent Desserts
Rolo Pretzel Turtles – You seriously can’t find an easier recipe anywhere. And it’s so good. Just make sure you have a second pan to put in the oven later.
No-Bake Cherry Lime Pie – Creamy cool yumminess makes this one of our absolute favorite desserts.
Peanut Butter Mug Cake – Here’s a yummy gluten-free dessert option everyone will enjoy.
Creamy Orange Fudge – Creamy goodness abounds in this delicious fudge that’s reminiscent of a creamsicle.
Pecan Brownie Cookies – These cookies are so good you’ll be amazed by the fact that you start with a mix.
More Delicious Foods to Serve with BBQ Chicken
When serving any kind of barbecue, there’s no such thing as too many sides, salads, breads, or desserts. Here are more ideas of what to serve along with your barbecue feast:
- Corn on the cob
- Baked potatoes
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Tossed salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Broccoli slaw
- Any kind of cupcakes
- Your favorite cookies
- Homemade no-churn strawberry ice cream
