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35+ BBQ Chicken Sides for Your Next Cookout

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

June 2, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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Collage of sides for BBQ chicken with text overlay.
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Wondering what the best sides for BBQ Chicken are? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.

Collage of sides for BBQ chicken with text overlay.

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Table of Contents

  • What to Serve with BBQ Chicken
  • What are the most popular BBQ sides?
  • What vegetables are good with BBQ Chicken?
  • What should I bring to a last minute BBQ?
  • Full Recipe

When hosting a BBQ, there are 4 essentials:

  1. An amazing homemade BBQ sauce.
  2. Napkins. Lots of napkins.
  3. Wine. Here are 7 bottles that pair perfectly with barbecue.
  4. And, of course, some really delicious side dishes.

When it comes to summer barbecues, you can never go wrong with the classics, like mac & cheese, baked beans and potato salad.

But, what else goes well with barbecue chicken?

Here are 35+ AMAZING BBQ chicken sides.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken

Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
Red Cabbage Slaw
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Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
These easy air fryer Hasselback potatoes are drenched in garlic herb butter, giving you an almost addictive crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-inside snack or side dish in no time.
Hasselback Potatoes
German Potato Salad
This delicious warm German Potato Salad combines tender potatoes with a warm bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing. It’s tangy, creamy and the perfect side dish for the summer grilling season. 
German Potato Salad
Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Bowl of cooked pinto beans flecked with cilantro.
Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Instant Pot pinto beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these beans can be ready in under an hour with no soaking required.
Instant Pot Pinto Beans
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Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Couscous Corn Salad puts a salad twist on Mexican Street Corn. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
Couscous Corn Salad
Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
Blistered Shishito Peppers
Overhead shot of mac and cheese in speckled bowl with spoon and grated cheddar scattered about.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
This is the BEST Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Made extra creamy with evaporated milk, plus delicious cheddar & parmesan cheese. It can be made in just 4 minutes with your electric pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Overhead shot of Thai Cucumber Salad in green bowl with spoon next to bunch of cilantro.
Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts
This Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts is crunchy, sweet & tangy. It's a refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for the warm summer months.
This Thai Cucumber Salad
Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.
Hawaiian Coleslaw
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
Hawaiian Coleslaw
Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
Tomato Cucumber Salad
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The BEST Arugula Salad Dressing
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
Arugula Salad
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Sous Vide Asparagus
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
Sous Vide Asparagus
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
The BEST Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Overhead shot of peach caprese salad on grey plate next to wooden cutting board.
Peach Caprese Salad
This fresh and tangy Peach Caprese Salad features sweet peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and juicy tomatoes. A perfect blend of summery flavors, this simple yet delicious salad is the ideal late summer side dish!
Peach Caprese Salad
Pasta salad in bowl on wooden cutting board next to bowl of pepper flakes.
Zucchini Pasta Salad
This Zucchini Pasta Salad recipe may be the best I've tried to date! Packed with sauteed zucchini, loads of parmesan cheese, fresh dill and crunchy walnuts.
Zucchini Pasta Salad
Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
Cherry Tomato Salad
Fried green beans on baking sheet next to three types of dipping sauce.
Fried Green Beans with Dipping Sauce
Crispy Fried Green Beans are baked in the oven for a healthy, delicious treat. Served up with three dipping sauces – green goddess, honey mustard & creamy sriracha. A secret ingredient makes them extra delicious! Air Fryer directions included. 
Green Bean Fries
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50+ Toppings for Baked Potatoes
Host a baked potato bar. There are so many delicious baked potato toppings to choose from! This extensive list of the 50+ BEST toppings includes meats, cheeses, veggies, sauces and more.
Baked Potato Bar
Overhead shot of smashed potatoes on baking sheet topped with blue cheese, hot sauce, jalapenos and chives.
Buffalo Potatoes
Crispy Smashed Buffalo Potatoes are crazy good! Crispy smashed potatoes are topped with vinegary, spicy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing.
Smashed Buffalo Potatoes
Close up of baked chips in basket.
Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips
These Baked Tortilla Chips are made using store-bought corn tortillas. Just cut them into wedges, season them with Mexican spices, spray with oil and bake for a perfectly crispy, dippable chip!
Baked Tortilla Chips
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Jennifer Aniston Salad
One bite of the viral Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad and you’ll be hooked! It was the actress’ top choice for lunch during her time on Friends for good reason – it’s easy to make, loaded with healthy grains and veggies, and perfect for meal prep.
Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad
Fennel salad with chickpeas in white bowl.
Fennel and Chickpea Salad
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
Fennel and Chickpea Salad
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Avocado Chickpea Salad
This Chickpeas and Avocado Salad has all the traditional elements of a great guacamole and makes a healthy, protein and fiber-filled dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it comes together easily in just 10 minutes!
Chickpeas and Avocado Salad
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Vegetarian Kale Caesar Salad
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
Kale Caesar Salad
The Best Beer Chili
This is the best Beer Chili recipe! A hearty one-pot chili with beans that’s rich, spicy and perfect for game day.
Beer Chili
These are the BEST Glazed Carrots! Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned & perfectly glazed. They make an amazing side dish that both kids & adults love. | platingsandpairings.com
Glazed Stovetop Carrots
These are the BEST Glazed Carrots – Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned, and perfectly glazed. These carrots make an amazing side dish that both kids and adults can’t get enough of!
Glazed Carrots
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Cold Cucumber Soup
Enjoy this cold Cucumber Soup as a refreshing summer appetizer or side dish. Made with garlic, jalapeno, yogurt, and olive oil, this easy recipe blends up in seconds and has playful and savory flavors.
Cucumber Soup
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Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
Overhead shot of shaved fennel salad in green serving bowl on pink table.
Shaved Fennel Salad
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
Fennel Celery Salad
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
Overhead close up of bowl of grilled potato salad.
Grilled Potato Salad
Say bye bye to basic potato salad. This Grilled Potato Salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a delicious tangy mustard dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It’s delicious! 
Grilled Potato Salad
Smoked asparagus spears on baking sheet with parchment and charred lemons.
Traeger Grilled Asparagus
Learn how to smoke asparagus on a Traeger or pellet grill/smoker! This Traeger Asparagus recipe is foolproof and yields tender-crisp, delightfully smoky asparagus every time.
Traeger Asparagus
Overhead close up of honey roasted carrots on serving plate.
Honey Roasted Carrots
These honey roasted carrots are everything you want in a simple side dish. They’re sweet and savory with just the right level of caramelization to make your mouth water in anticipation! With a quick toss of olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper, they roast up beautifully and are presented with a pop of color from the sprinkle of fresh dill.
Honey Roasted Carrots

What are the most popular BBQ sides?

5 most popular BBQ sides:

  1. Vinegar Coleslaw – I always serve this with my Peruvian Chicken
  2. Potato Salad
  3. Mac and Cheese
  4. Baked Beans
  5. Pasta Salad

What vegetables are good with BBQ Chicken?

5 favorite vegetable side dishes for barbecued chicken are:

  1. Tomato Cucumber Salad 
  2. Corn on the Cob
  3. Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad
  4. Apple Slaw
  5. Hawaiian Coleslaw – especially delicious with this Grilled Mango Chicken

What should I bring to a last minute BBQ?

When you need something quick + easy. These side dishes can be made in under 30 minutes!

  1. Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
  2. Arugula Salad – keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve
  3. Avocado Chickpea Salad
  4. Peach Caprese Salad
  5. Fennel and Chickpea Salad
Close up of chicken drizzled with sauce.
Peruvian Grilled Chicken
Plate of grilled mango chicken with bowl of mango sauce and charred limes.
Mango Grilled Chicken

More side dish recipes

  • Side Dishes for Salmon
  • Potato Side Dishes
  • Sides for BBQ
  • Sides for Burgers
  • Healthy Sides for Burgers
  • Sides for Ribs
  • Sides for Pizza

Did you Make Any of These Sides for BBQ Chicken?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of side dishes for BBQ Chicken. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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Save Recipe – Before Recipe Card

Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.

Full Recipe

35+ EASY Sides for BBQ Chicken

Over 35+ EASY side dishes for BBQ Chicken – including vegetable side dishes, slaws, potatoes, salads, and more. One of my favorite recipes is this Hawaiian Slaw.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Serves 6 servings
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
35+ BBQ Chicken Sides for Your Next Cookout

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage (packed)
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage (packed)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple (diced)
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots (packed)
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (minced )
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Combine cabbages, carrots, pineapple, green onions and cilantro in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Add ginger, olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and lime juice to a mason jar, shake well to combine, and pour over the slaw. Stir to combine. Season with salt to taste. 
  • Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before eating. Garnish with black sesame seeds. 

Notes

Here’s a tutorial for making those cute heart shaped carrots. 

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2025IU | Vitamin C: 30.5mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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One response

  1. Mate Mate TW
    June 21, 2022

    Looks so yummy! My family going to love this. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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