Alright, so you’ve got BBQ chicken on the grill, and it’s going to be good. We’re talking smoky, tender, maybe even a bit of charred goodness- MAYBE it’s our Beer Can Chicken. But here’s the thing no one tells you when you start grilling — the chicken might be the headliner, but it’s the sides that keep people talking. That’s right, the sides. You know, the things that fill up your plate and make you feel like you’ve put together a meal and not just tossed some meat on a grill. I used to think the sides didn’t matter much, then one day I served BBQ chicken with nothing but chips and store-bought coleslaw. Let’s just say my guests weren’t rushing back for seconds. Lesson learned: you’ve got to get the sides right.

Southern Staples: Stick with What Works

Now, if you’re anything like me, you love the classics. I mean, if something’s been around for a hundred years, it’s probably not because it’s terrible, right? BBQ is no different. If you’re doing BBQ chicken, especially with that smoky, tangy sauce, the sides you want are Southern staples. These dishes have been tried, tested, and approved by generations of folks who know their BBQ.

First up, potato salad. I’m telling you, it just does not get any easier than this recipe! You can’t go wrong here. I’m not talking about the weird grocery store kind with too much mayonnaise and not enough flavor. Make it fresh. Boil some potatoes, throw in hard-boiled eggs, celery, maybe some pickles if you’re feeling wild, and mix it with a good balance of mayo and mustard. Trust me, the cold, creamy potato salad is the perfect partner to hot, smoky BBQ chicken.

Then, there’s green beans. Now, I get it — green beans don’t seem like the obvious choice next to BBQ, but when you slow-cook them with a bit of bacon or ham, they’ve got this savory taste that plays off the sweetness of BBQ sauce. Plus, they’re good for you. Not that anyone at a BBQ is thinking about that- I mean, I usually hoover the potato salad, so health is out the window at this point!

And let’s not forget baked beans. Smoky, and a bit spicy if you do it right. They might not be the prettiest side dish, but once you get that first bite, you’re sold. Beans are like the glue that holds a BBQ plate together. These that have been linked here are my favorite- and you can dude the up and make them hotter.

Lighter Sides: Balance Out That Plate

Look, BBQ chicken is no lightweight meal. You’ve got smoke, sauce, and a lot of flavor going on. So sometimes, you need a side that cools things down a bit. Balance is key, after all. Plus, you don’t want people leaving your BBQ feeling like they need a nap (though that’s kind of inevitable).

Enter the grilled veggies. I know, I know — you’re already grilling the chicken, why toss veggies on there too? But hear me out. A plate of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and maybe some asparagus is like the perfect foil to the rich BBQ chicken. The charred edges on the veggies give them a smoky taste that complements the chicken, but they’re still light and fresh.

Or, if you really want to impress your guests, go for a watermelon salad. Yeah, you heard me right. Slice up some watermelon, toss in a little feta cheese, maybe some mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy, and boom. It’s refreshing, it’s sweet, and it cuts through all that heaviness like a breeze on a hot day. I’m telling you- I had some of this recently and OMG!!!

For something a little simpler but still effective, try a cucumber and tomato salad. It’s basically a summer classic — cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, a little vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Easy, light, and the perfect palate cleanser between bites of BBQ chicken.

Indulgent Sides: Because You Deserve It

Now, let’s talk comfort food. I know we just got through the whole “balance your meal” talk, but sometimes, you just want something rich to go with your BBQ chicken. I get it — sometimes fat boy wants what fat boy wants- that’s me… fat boy. Not you!

That’s where baked mac and cheese comes in. I’m not talking about the box stuff (though I won’t judge you if that’s what you’ve got- I actually have a funny family story about me being unaware that there was such a thing as homemade mac and cheese). BUT- we’re going homemade here — elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, butter, and milk, baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The cheese sauce wraps around every bite of pasta like a warm hug, and the crunchy breadcrumb topping? That’s just the cherry on top. Trust me, BBQ chicken and mac and cheese are a match made in comfort food heaven.

And of course, buttermilk biscuits. Soft, fluffy, buttery — biscuits are like the sidekick every BBQ chicken needs. Plus, they’re perfect for sopping up any extra BBQ sauce left on your plate. And let’s be real, there’s always extra sauce- ’cause I drown it in that sh*t!

Recipes You Need to Try

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here are three recipes that will take your BBQ chicken sides from “just okay” to “where’s the recipe?”

• Baked Mac and Cheese (That Dude can Cook)– You’ll need: elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, butter, flour, milk, and breadcrumbs. Boil the pasta, whip up a creamy cheese sauce (you know the drill: butter, flour, milk, cheese), mix it all together, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy. Boom. Perfect mac and cheese.
• Easy Creamy Coleslaw (Paula Deen)– Grab some shredded cabbage and carrots. In another bowl, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together, chill for an hour, and there you have it — tangy, creamy coleslaw that’ll balance out your BBQ chicken like a pro.
• Southern-Style Cornbread (Paula Deen)– You’ll need cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, baking powder, sugar, and butter. Heat up a skillet in the oven with butter, mix the batter, and pour it into the hot skillet. Bake until golden brown. Cornbread and BBQ chicken are like old friends — they just belong together.

Why Sides Matter

Here’s the thing. BBQ chicken is great, but the sides are what turn it into a meal. They add balance, texture, and extra flavor. Without them, you’re just eating chicken. And let’s be real, nobody’s coming to your BBQ just for the chicken- well, I don’t know, you might make THEM bring the sides. But, take a little time, think about what sides you’re serving, and I promise, your guests will notice.

FAQ’s

1. What are the best sides for BBQ chicken?
   Stick with the classics: potato salad, baked beans, or coleslaw. You can’t go wrong. I mean, that is what you will get at a bbq restaurant.
2. Can I serve BBQ chicken with cold sides?
   Of course! Cold sides like coleslaw are practically REQUIRED for bbq. Or watermelon salad is refreshing and keeps the meal balanced.
3. What’s a good drink pairing for BBQ chicken?
   Sweet tea, lemonade, or a light beer will complement your BBQ chicken perfectly.