What To Serve With BBQ Chicken: 20+ Easy And Delicious Sides

Looking for the perfect side dish to complement your BBQ chicken? Look no further! Check out our list of 20 easy and delicious side dishes to serve with BBQ chicken.

I love summer barbecues. Whether it’s a simple sausage and burger affair or there’s BBQ chicken and sides, salads, fries, different meats and marinades and plenty of drinks on the go. There’s something about cooking and eating outdoors that makes everything taste better.

BBQ chicken is a summer favourite, packed with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours and plenty of protein.

But what goes with BBQ chicken to make a meal complete? Whether you’re grilling chicken thighs, drumsticks, breast fillets or kebabs, the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level.

From fresh salads to comforting carbs, here are 20 of the best sides to serve with BBQ chicken.

Top Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken

Cooking BBQ chicken can be tricky—nobody wants dry, overcooked meat, but undercooked chicken is a no-go. I’m a bit of a wuss, so I always start my chicken in the oven and just add it to the BBQ to get that lovely smokey flavour at the very end.

Follow these top tips to get juicy, flavourful BBQ chicken every time.

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavour

A good marinade makes all the difference. Whether you go for a classic barbecue sauce, a honey and mustard mix, or a spicy rub, letting your chicken marinate for at least a few hours (or overnight) helps lock in moisture and infuse it with flavour.

If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can make a difference.

2. Start in the Oven for Even Cooking

One of the best ways to get perfectly cooked BBQ chicken is to start it in the oven before finishing it on the grill. This ensures the inside is fully cooked without the outside burning. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan), cook the chicken until it reaches over 65°C, then transfer it to the barbecue to crisp up and add that smoky char.

3. Use a Food Thermometer

Never guess when it comes to chicken—always use a food thermometer to check if it’s fully cooked. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 75°C, so make sure the thickest part of the meat reaches this temperature before serving.

This is especially important for larger cuts like chicken thighs or legs. I recommend checking every piece before serving.

4. Don’t Flip Too Often

When grilling, let the chicken cook for a few minutes on one side before flipping. Constant turning can stop it from getting those delicious caramelised grill marks and can lead to uneven cooking.

5. Rest Before Serving

Let your BBQ chicken rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy rather than drying out when you cut into it.

6. Baste for Extra Juiciness

If you’re using a barbecue sauce, wait until the last few minutes to brush it on. If you add it too early, the sugar in the sauce can burn before the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Choose the Right Cuts

Bone-in, skin-on pieces like chicken thighs and drumsticks stay juicier on the grill compared to boneless chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly. If using breast meat, marinate well and cook with care.

8. Keep the BBQ at the Right Temperature

Cooking over medium heat is best for chicken—too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is done; too low, and the chicken can dry out.

Classic BBQ Chicken Sides

When it comes to sides for BBQ chicken, the classics are often the best.

Creamy Coleslaw

A crunchy, creamy coleslaw made with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing is the perfect contrast to rich BBQ chicken. Try using Greek yoghurt for a healthier twist.

Baked Beans

A barbecue classic, slow-cooked baked beans bring a smoky, sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with chicken.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob with a drizzle of butter and a sprinkle of salt is a must-have with BBQ chicken.

Green Beans

Green beans add a contrasting colour, texture and flavour, as well as some nutrition. Cook indoors and add a knob of butter to the dish before bringing them out to your table.

Charred Peppers

Charred bell peppers on the grill or even roasted in the oven are a fantastic way to add a lovely natural sweetness that will taste great with your chicken. Another option is adding chunks of pepper to your BBQ skewers before grilling.

Fresh & Light Salad Recipes

If you are enjoying your chicken with summer picnics, salads make a fresh, tasty addition that’s light, healthy and colourful. Salads are some of the best side dishes for BBQ chicken.

Macaroni Salad

A creamy, tangy macaroni salad is a simple but satisfying side that complements the smoky flavour of BBQ chicken.

Potato Salad

Fluffy potatoes, fresh herbs, and a light dressing make for a delicious side. Add a touch of lemon juice for extra freshness.

Pasta Salad

A light pasta salad with olive oil, red onion, tomatoes, and feta cheese is a great summer side dish.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing adds a fresh contrast to grilled chicken.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a light and flavourful side dish.

Watermelon Salad

Sweet watermelon, feta cheese, and fresh mint create a refreshing, unexpected side that pairs perfectly with barbecue dishes.

Corn Salad

This simple and refreshing corn salad is packed with flavour and is perfect as a side for BBQ chicken or any summer meal. The zesty lime dressing brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, while fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables add texture and freshness.

Ingredients:

4 ears of fresh corn (or 300g frozen or tinned corn, drained)
1 red onion, finely diced
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red pepper, diced
1 small cucumber, diced
1 handful fresh coriander, chopped
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
1 avocado, diced (optional)
50g feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Dressing:

Juice of 2 limes
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Method:

If using fresh corn, boil the cobs for 5 minutes, then drain and let them cool before slicing off the kernels.
If using frozen corn, cook according to packet instructions, then drain and cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, red pepper, cucumber, and fresh herbs.
Gently fold in the avocado (if using) and crumble the feta over the top.
Pour the lime dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavours develop.

Hearty & Comforting BBQ Sides

My favourite Sides to have with BBQ chicken are Classic Side Dishes that are hearty, comforting and filling. I love carbs!

Cornbread

Soft, slightly sweet cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken.

Ingredients:

150g fine cornmeal (polenta)
150g plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
50g caster sugar (adjust to taste)
2 large eggs
250ml milk (or buttermilk for extra flavour)
60g unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)

Method:

Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and grease a 20cm square baking tin or ovenproof dish with a little olive oil or butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and melted butter until combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing – a few lumps are fine!
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving it warm with butter or honey.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is perfect whether it’s a main meal or a side dish. I’d eat it all of the time. I use basic ingredients like macaroni, flour, butter, milk and cheese, but I also love adding things like bacon, chorizo, garlic, mustard and vegetables.

Sweet Potatoes

and offer a healthy addition while still being sweet and comforting. They’re pretty much perfect. Sweet potato mash, roast, or pan-fried sweet potato chunks or wedges all make great additions to a summer BBQ and taste amazing with chicken.

Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with olive oil and herbs make a delicious side dish. If you are looking for more potato sides for BBQ chicken, fried is another option.

Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer or oven-baked sweet potato fries add a crispy, slightly sweet balance to smoky barbecue flavours.

Fried Okra

Golden and crispy, fried okra brings a crunchy texture that works well alongside BBQ chicken.

Grilled Courgette

Lightly charred and seasoned courgette adds a smoky, fresh flavour to your meal.

Grilled & Smoky Side Dishes

Grilled Corn

Brushing corn with butter and grilling it brings out its natural sweetness, making it a great BBQ side.

BBQ Baked Beans

A slightly different take on classic baked beans, slow-cooked in a rich barbecue sauce.

Grilled Pineapple

The caramelised sweetness of grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with smoky barbecue chicken.

Sauces

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is an essential at a BBQ, even if your chicken is marinaded, you’ll want the option to add some more flavour.

Ketchup

I’m a big ketchup lover. I wouldn’t have it on BBQ chicken, but if there are sides like wedges or fries, I need ketchup and mayo!

Mustard

Mustard is another must at any BBQ!

Garlic Mayo

Garlic mayo offers a creamy, flavoursome sauce that’s great with tangy BBQ.

Salad Dressings

If you are serving salads as a side, you might want to offer some dressing options, especially if you are hosting guests.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Sweet chilli offers a sweet alternative that’s great if your BBQ chicken isn’t covered in BBQ sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you serve with BBQ chicken?

Popular sides include coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, and grilled vegetables.

What is the best side dish for BBQ?

It depends on personal preference, but classics like cornbread, pasta salad, and roasted potatoes are great choices.

What to make for dinner with barbecued chicken?

Pair it with simple sides like fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or a comforting starch like cornbread or baked potatoes.

What goes with BBQ chicken thighs?

Lighter sides like cucumber and tomato salad or heartier options like sweet potato fries complement BBQ chicken thighs well.

What are some healthy sides for BBQ chicken?

Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and air-fried potatoes are great, healthy options.

What sides go well with grilled chicken?

Simple options like roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, and grilled pineapple work well with grilled chicken.

Conclusion

When planning what to serve with BBQ chicken, the key is balancing flavours and textures. Whether you prefer classic BBQ sides like baked beans and coleslaw or fresher options like watermelon salad and grilled courgette, there’s something for everyone. Try mixing and matching these sides to create a meal that’s packed with flavour and variety.