BBQ chicken is often the main dish, but what you serve with it can make the meal better and make an impression on your guests that will last.
In this piece, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite healthy side dishes that pair perfectly with BBQ chicken, offering fresh, flavorful, and nutritious options.
Grilled chicken is a backyard barbecue staple. It’s quick, easy, and a crowd pleaser, making it a go-to choice for summer cookouts But grilled chicken on its own can be a little boring The key to taking your grilled chicken from basic to spectacular is pairing it with the right mix of delicious side dishes.
When deciding what sides to serve with chicken off the grill, you’ll want a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to keep things interesting. The good news is that grilled chicken pairs well with just about anything you can throw together. From fresh vegetable salads to pasta dishes to skillet sides, the possibilities are endless.
Here are 12 sensational recipes for side dishes to serve with grilled chicken:
1. Creamy Pasta Salads
Pasta salads are a classic companion for grilled meats The starchiness of the pasta paired with the smoky chicken is a match made in heaven
Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad is a fun twist on pasta salad, made with protein-packed quinoa instead of noodles. Toasted cashews, edamame, carrots, red bell pepper, cilantro, and scallions are tossed in a sweet and nutty ginger peanut dressing for an exotic flavor.
For ultimate creaminess, you can’t beat this Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Tender grilled chicken gets chopped up and added to pasta, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing. It’s cool, crispy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
2. Loaded Potato Salads
Potato salad is a classic barbecue side dish for good reason – it just tastes so darn good with smoky, charred meats. Skip the bottled mayo-drenched version and go for these amped up loaded potato salads instead.
Vegan Potato Salad with Tahini Sauce is creamy because it uses a vegan tahini yogurt sauce instead of mayo. Potatoes, carrots, scallions, and dill balance out the richness. It’s hearty, healthy, and comes together quickly.
For a Southern twist, try this Three Pickle Potato Salad made with pickle relish, chopped pickles, and pickled okra. Vinegar and mayo-based dressing pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.
3. Fresh and Light Salads
It’s best to serve cool, crisp salads with hot, juicy grilled chicken. The combo of temperatures and textures is fantastic. Salads also give you an opportunity to highlight seasonal produce.
This Peach, Tomato & Corn Arugula Salad is total summer on a plate. Sweet peaches, fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, and peppery arugula greens are drizzled in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, and thyme. Top with creamy avocado for extra richness.
Try this Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad if you like crunchy cabbage. A bright, gingery sesame dressing is used to toss shredded napa cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and scallions. Crunchy wonton strips are then added on top. Grilled sesame chicken ties it all together.
4. Healthy Coleslaws
Cole slaw is a classic partner for grilled chicken, adding color, crunch, and acidity. But traditional coleslaw drowning in mayo can be heavy. Opt for one of these lighter versions made with tangy dressings.
This Spicy Apple Cabbage Slaw comes together quickly in the blender. Green and red cabbage get pulsed with apple, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices for a slaw with a kick.
For a nutty twist, try Almond Butter Coleslaw. Dashed carrots and cabbage are covered in a thick almond butter sauce that has rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and chili powder added to it. The nutty crunch pairs perfectly with savory grilled chicken.
5. Grilled Veggies
You’ve got the grill going anyway, so why not grill up some veggies as well? Grilled veggies like asparagus, squash, peppers, and corn are delicious with chicken.
For simplicity, coat thick asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill until lightly charred. Try this easy Grilled Balsamic Asparagus – the tangy balsamic glaze takes it up a notch.
Grilled corn is another classic. Brush shucked corn with olive oil or butter, season with salt and pepper, and grill until lightly charred on all sides. Then slather with a compound butter like this Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob.
6. Fresh Fruity Salads
Sweet, juicy summer fruit makes a delightful complement for savory grilled chicken. The interplay of sweet and salty flavors is outstanding.
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad combines fresh spinach with sliced strawberries, avocado, feta, and toasted almonds. A homemade honey poppy seed dressing pulls it all together.
For exotic flavor, go for this Mango Avocado Black Bean and Corn Salad. The combo of mango, avocado, black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and lime is incredible. A creamy cilantro lime dressing ties it all together.
7. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are the ultimate blank canvas, just waiting to be loaded up with tasty toppings. Turn them into a meal by topping with veggies, cheese, bacon, etc.
For an indulgent side dish, top baked russet potatoes with cheddar cheese, bacon, scallions, and sour cream like these cheesy Fully Loaded Baked Potatoes. They’re irresistible with juicy grilled chicken.
Veggie-loaded twice baked potatoes are lighter but still satisfying. Scoop out baked potatoes and mix the flesh with sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, cheddar cheese, and Greek yogurt. Stuff back into the potato skins and broil until hot and bubbly.
8. Fresh Tomatoes
Vine-ripened summertime tomatoes are amazing all on their own. Let their natural sweetness shine by keeping tomato side dishes simple.
For an easy side, toss cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, and fresh basil with balsamic vinaigrette as seen in this Caprese Tomato Salad. The classic Italian flavors complement char-grilled chicken perfectly.
Big, juicy heirloom tomato slices drizzled with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil make a simple but stunning side dish. Add some crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella for extra flavor and creaminess.
9. Cheesy Skillet Veggies
Quick-cooking skillet veggie side dishes round out an easy grilled chicken dinner. Melting cheese over top adds extra richness and flavor.
Buttery green beans tossed with crispy bacon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese are amazing with chicken. Follow this Garlic Parmesan Green Beans recipe for irresistible results.
For comfort food flavor, try cheesy cauliflower. Roast cauliflower florets until tender and golden. Toss with a creamy cheese sauce made from milk, butter, flour, and cheddar cheese for a decadent side dish.
10. Fresh Bread
Warm, crusty bread is meant for sopping up the juices and sauces leftover on your plate after devouring juicy grilled chicken. Serve an artisan loaf or baking your own.
Easy Skillet Cornbread is ideal for serving with Southern-style grilled chicken. The sweet corn flavor pairs perfectly with the savory smoky chicken.
For something a little fancier, bake up a loaf of cheesy Pesto Parmesan Bread. The herby pesto and nutty Parmesan give it loads of flavor.
11. Pasta and Grain Salads
Pasta and grain salads are great make-ahead options for chicken cookouts. The flavors meld as the salads chill, and they transport easily.
For a Mediterranean vibe, toss farro with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil as seen in this Farro Greek Salad. It holds up well at room temp.
Hearty whole grains like barley, farro, or wheatberries also make excellent bases for chicken-friendly salads. Cooked grain tossed with veggies, nuts, cheese, and dressing becomes a meal.
12. Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest. The cheesy, creamy pasta paired with smoky chicken is an unbeatable combo, especially when you spice up the noodles.
Jalapenos and pepper jack cheese add a kick to this Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese. It can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
For grown-up flavor, mix sharp cheddar with Italian cheeses like provolone and Parmesan and add veggies like broccoli or spinach. Finish off your chicken dinner with this rich, satisfying Baked Mac and Cheese.
With so many delicious options, from fresh and light salads to rich and hearty pastas and potatoes, you could serve grilled chicken all summer long without getting bored! Browse these 12 sensational side dish recipes, mix and match to create your menu, and get ready for your best chicken cookout yet.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta and Red Onion
This simple, refreshing salad is a great way to cool down the heat from the BBQ chicken.
I combine sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
For the dressing, I mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, a little honey, and some dried oregano.
Why it works: The cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes add juiciness and acidity. The feta adds a salty and creamy flavor to the salad, and the honey in the dressing makes it a little sweet, which goes well with the BBQ chicken. This salad is light but full of flavor, making it a perfect side for a summer BBQ.
Cauliflower Rice with Lemon and Parsley
Cauliflower rice is a healthy alternative to traditional rice and adds a light, fresh element to the meal. I pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains.
Then, I sauté the cauliflower rice in olive oil with garlic, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of chopped parsley at the end.
Why it works: Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and high in fiber, making it a great side for those looking to keep the meal light and healthy. The lemon and parsley add freshness, while the sautéing process enhances the natural flavor of the cauliflower. It pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken without overwhelming the dish.
4 MUST TRY SIDE DISH RECIPES THAT YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE | BEST SIDE DISHES | EASY COOKING
FAQ
What is a good side for grilled chicken?
Grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, salads, rice or quinoa, mashed potatoes, or corn on the cob.