Best Sides For BBQ Chicken

Each of these Best Sides For BBQ Chicken brings balance to the bold flavors of barbecue with refreshing crunch, creamy dips, and smoky roasted favorites that round out every bite.

the collection of 21 bbq chicken side dish recipes in text and the aioli sauce in the background

From casual summer cookouts and backyard grill days to weekend BBQs with friends, the perfectly matching side dishes make all the difference, especially alongside favorites like BBQ Boneless chicken thighs.

My household eagerly waits for summer-for the sunshine, the smoky BBQ dinners, and those tasty leftovers that sometimes turn into a next-day treat, like this BBQ chicken flatbread.

Why You'll Love These Recipes

⭐️Easy to make with as few ingredients as possible.

⭐️Make ahead friendly and crowd pleasing.

⭐️These are foolproof recipes!

How To Choose The Sides Like A Pro?

Choose the sides based on how the BBQ chicken is seasoned(smoky, sweet, or spicy). Matching the sides to the chicken's flavor profile keeps the plate balanced and satisfying.

Smoky BBQ chicken pairs best with bright or citrusy flavors, such as a lemony salad, grilled corn with lime, or a vinegar-based slaw(or this spicy broccoli salad).
Spicy BBQ chicken (like when I use my Sriracha BBQ sauce) pairs well with a creamy side.
For sweet BBQ chicken, sides with a little kick or tang help cut through the sweetness(Hot honey Brussels sprouts).

Ideas For The Complete BBQ Meal

Includes at least one fresh salad for texture and color(the winning classic combo).
Add one hearty side, like a grain, bread, or potato dish.
A creamy side(like this creamy jalapeno corn) helps mellow the heat and makes the meal more satisfying.
Pickles or vinegar-based slaws keep every bite interesting.

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Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Cookouts

Prepare cold salads-like pasta, slaws, or bean salads-the night before.
Store dressings or sauces separately and mix them just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.
Combine hearty veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or corn with grains or legumes-these hold their shape and texture well.
Mix dips and spreads a day ahead-the flavors deepen overnight and taste even better the next day.
And if you're serving outdoors, choose sides that stay fresh and hold up well in the heat.

The Best Sides For BBQ Chicken

These are my family favorites, and I've handpicked the easiest, most straightforward recipes to make your BBQ sides delicious and stress-free.

Fresh Salads

Mango Cucumber Salad

Mango and cucumber tossed with lime and spice-refreshing, sweet, and perfect for summer BBQs or light meals.

Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

This cucumber salad combines crisp cucumber slices with creamy Greek yogurt, a touch of garlic, and fresh herbs.

This Fiesta salad is a crowd-pleasing recipe that's ready to serve instantly like a breeze. This Mexican style salad is delicious with bright flavors.

Fiesta Salad Bowl

A vibrant mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lime dressing.

Fresco Salad

Fresh and flavorful Fresco Salad is made with a zesty mustard vinaigrette, crisp spring mix. It's light, easy, and perfect for summer meals.

Spicy broccoli salad is a delicious recipe which is high on nutrition.A great snack with a crunchy texture. A perfect blend of tastes and textures.

Spicy Bell Pepper Broccoli Salad

This Spicy Bell Pepper Broccoli Salad features crisp broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and a bold, tangy dressing with a spicy kick.

spicy Caesar salad tossed in a homemade spicy salad dressing with jalapeno and crushed red peppers.

Spicy Caesar Salad Recipe

This Spicy Caesar Salad takes the classic to the next level with a bold, peppery dressing, crisp romaine, and a hint of heat.

Indian carrot salad recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, healthy recipe. Made with unprocessed natural ingredients, a guilt-free compliment tastes great as well. The easiest salad ever!

Carrot Salad: Indian Style

This Indian-style Carrot Salad features finely grated or ribboned carrots tossed with lemon juice, and green chilies.

Dips & Condiments

Sriracha BBQ Sauce, made with simple ingredients in under 15 minutes.

BBQ Sriracha Sauce

BBQ Sriracha Sauce combines smoky barbecue flavors with the bold heat of sriracha.

A smooth and creamy dipping sauce-this Boom Boom sauce is versatile and will never break. Plus, it tastes fabulous than your expectation.

Boom Boom Sauce Recipe

Boom Boom Sauce is a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet dipping sauce made with mayo, sriracha, garlic, and a hint of ketchup.

pineapple jalapeno salsa in a white bowl

Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa

This Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa combines sweet pineapple, spicy jalapeños, red onion, and lime juice for a fresh, fiery, and fruity salsa.

Jalapeno Aioli

This spicy jalapeno aioli is easy enough for a quick dressing and a fabulous dip for the barbeque nights. Made with simple pantry staple ingredients.

Sriracha Aioli

This Sriracha Aioli is a creamy, garlicky sauce made with mayo, lemon juice, and garlic, it's perfect for drizzling, dipping, or spreading on everything.