Barbecued chicken is one of the most popular summertime dishes.
It’s easy to make and delicious, but can often get boring if you don’t have a variety of side dishes to serve with it.
If you’re looking for some new ideas for sides to accompany your grilled chicken, look no further! In this article, we’ll discuss some tasty and creative sides that are perfect for any barbecued chicken meal.
What is BBQ Chicken
Barbecued chicken is a quintessential summer dish.
Whether it’s served on the grill or cooked in the oven, it’s delicious, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
As any true barbecuer knows, the secret to an amazing meal is not only in the main dish but also in its accompaniments. The right side dishes can really bring out the flavors of your barbecued chicken and make for a truly memorable meal.
Creamy Coleslaw
How creamy coleslaw is a classic BBQ side
Creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish for BBQ chicken. This crunchy, creamy salad is the perfect balance to the smoky flavors of barbecued chicken.
It’s also incredibly easy to make – just combine shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and a few other ingredients in a bowl and you have an instant side ready to go!
The tartness of the coleslaw helps to cut through the savory flavors of the chicken, making it an ideal pairing.
Recipe for making homemade creamy coleslaw
If you want to make homemade creamy coleslaw, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
To begin, mix together the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Tips for making the coleslaw ahead of time
If you’d like to make the coleslaw ahead of time, you can prepare it the day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The flavors will continue to develop and meld together, creating a more flavorful dish when served.
If you’re pressed for time, you can also prepare the coleslaw ingredients and store them separately until ready to serve. This way, you can quickly mix them together at the last minute.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a fantastic way to add color and flavor to any BBQ spread.
Not only are they incredibly tasty when cooked on the grill, but they also make for an impressive presentation – perfect for outdoor dining in the summertime.
From asparagus to zucchini, there’s something for everyone. The caramelized char of grilled vegetables adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with barbecued chicken.
Suggestions for vegetables to grill (e.g. bell peppers, zucchini, onions)
Grilled vegetables are a great way to add flavor and color to any BBQ spread.
There are countless vegetables that can be cooked on the grill, so you can choose whatever is in season or what you have on hand.
Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms all make for excellent grilled vegetables.
You could also try grilling asparagus spears for a unique side dish.
Tips for marinating and grilling the veggies
Marinating vegetables before grilling them is a great way to add flavor and tenderness. Try marinating your vegetables in oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
This will help to infuse flavor into the vegetables while also ensuring that they remain tender when cooked on the grill. When you’re ready to cook your vegetables, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush your vegetables with a bit of oil.
Grill for several minutes on each side, or until they are tender and lightly charred.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
How baked sweet potatoes are a healthy and tasty side
Baked sweet potatoes are a healthy and tasty side for BBQ chicken. Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any meal.
Baking them in the oven brings out their natural sweetness while also creating a crispy skin on the outside. You can then top them with your favorite toppings such as butter, cinnamon, or honey for an added flavor boost.
The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of barbecued chicken, making it a delicious side dish.
Recipe for making baked sweet potato wedges
Baked sweet potato wedges are an easy and delicious side dish for BBQ chicken.
To make them, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and cut two large sweet potatoes into wedges.
Place the wedges on the baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wedges half way through. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Suggestions for toppings to add to the sweet potatoes (e.g. brown sugar, cinnamon)
Adding toppings to baked sweet potatoes is a great way to enhance their flavor. Brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and butter all make for delicious additions.
You can also try adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries.
If you’re looking for something savory, try topping the sweet potatoes with bacon bits or shredded cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Potato Salad
Explanation of how potato salad is a classic BBQ side
Potato salad is a classic BBQ side that pairs perfectly with barbecued chicken.
This dish is made by combining diced potatoes with a flavorful mayonnaise-based dressing, which can be customized to suit your tastes.
Potato salad can be served hot or cold depending on your preference, and it’s an excellent way to add color and texture to any meal.
Not only is potato salad easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover potatoes you have on hand.
Recipe for making homemade potato salad
- To make potato salad, start by boiling 3-4 large potatoes until they are fork tender.
- Let them cool, then peel and dice them into small cubes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of mustard, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the diced potatoes to the mixture and stir until everything is combined.
- You can also add other ingredients such as onions, celery, pickles, or hard-boiled eggs for additional flavor.
Ideas for customizing the potato salad (e.g. adding bacon, using different seasonings)
Potato salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. You can add bacon, chives, or hard-boiled eggs for a tasty twist on the classic recipe.
If you’re looking for something with more of a kick, try adding jalapenos or hot sauce to the mix. For an Asian-inspired potato salad, you can add some soy sauce or sesame oil to the dressing.
Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne for an extra burst of flavor.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a simple and tasty side for BBQ chicken.
This dish can be served hot or cold, making it a great addition to any meal. Grilling corn on the cob gives it an extra smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with barbecued chicken. It also adds an appealing crunchy texture, which makes it a great side dish.
Furthermore, corn is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice.
Suggestions for different ways to cook the corn
Corn on the cob can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Grilling is a popular method as it gives the corn an extra smoky flavor. To make grilled corn, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush each ear of corn with olive oil. Place the ears of corn onto the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes so that all sides are cooked.
Boiling is another option for cooking corn on the cob. Place the ears of corn into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until the kernels are tender.
Serving suggestions and seasonings to add to the corn
Serving suggestion for corn on the cob include adding a pat of butter, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
You can season the corn with herbs and spices such as cilantro, paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder. For a sweet twist on the classic dish, try sprinkling brown sugar or honey over the corn before serving.
Corn on the cob is a simple and tasty side that pairs perfectly with barbecued chicken.
Try these sides at your next BBQ
These five sides are sure to make your next BBQ an unforgettable one!
Potato salad and corn on the cob offer a classic combination, while coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese bring a unique flavor to the table. And the best part is that these sides can easily be customized to suit your tastes.
Add some bacon or hot sauce for a kick, or mix up the seasonings for an extra burst of flavor. So why not try out these delicious sides at your next BBQ?
Conclusion
A classic BBQ meal wouldn’t be complete without sides! BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of delicious sides, including potato salad, corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.
Potato salad is easy to make and can be served hot or cold. Corn on the cob can be grilled or boiled for a smoky flavor that goes great with BBQ chicken. Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and can be served as is, or with a variety of dressings.
Finally, baked beans and macaroni and cheese both make a hearty side dish that will fill you up quickly!