Discover the best side dishes to serve with chicken wings! From creamy potato salad to sweet potato fries, explore delicious pairings for game day and casual meals.
I love chicken wings. But the proper big ones, either buffalo wings or jumbo two or three-joint wings that you can get a proper bite of meat from.
I don’t like wings that are super fiddly and not really worth the effort. What’s the point?
It’s not that I mind getting messy; I actually love messy eating, but there needs to be a payoff.
My son loves wings, too; they were probably his first step between kids’ menus and adult meals when eating out, like moving from chicken nuggets to a grown-up version.
Wings are incredibly popular because they are easy to share, they cook quickly, and they are super versatile. There are tons of different sauces, marinades and crispy coatings that you can put on wings, and when it comes to what to serve with chicken wings, there are countless options.
So, let’s take a look at what goes good with chicken wings.

Classic Sides That Pair Perfectly with Chicken Wings
What goes with chicken wings? Sometimes, the easy side dishes that we’re all familiar with are the best.
These delicious side dish ideas are absolute classics that you can’t go wrong with.

French Fries
Classic, crispy, and loved by everyone, French fries or other cuts of chips are probably the most popular side dish for chicken wings, whether we are cooking at home or eating out.
Chips are perfect because they are filling; you can eat them with your fingers, and they’ll taste great if any of the sauce off your wings drips on them. You can also dip them in any sauces you might be serving with your wings.
Add some salad or veggie sticks for a full meal with some extra nutrition.
Onion Rings
Another pub favourite with a crunchy exterior, onion rings are a fun side for wings. I love crispy onion rings. They’re a classic and tasty side. Adding a sharing pot to the table with wings is a great way to add a social element to your dinner.
Baked Potatoes
Looking for something that goes with wings but is a little bit more wholesome and comforting than fries or onion wings? A fluffy baked potato with lashings of melted butter is an excellent warm side dish. Add some soured cream and grated cheddar for a creamy element that always tastes amazing.
Potato Wedges
Easy-to-make and filling skin-on potato wedges are the perfect side dish. Try adding paprika, salt and pepper, and other spices to complement your chicken wings and any sauces you are serving.
Potato Wedges Recipe
Ingredients
- 1kg Maris Piper potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method
1. Cut potatoes into 6–8 wedges and place in a large bowl.
2. Cover with hot water and soak for 15 minutes.
3. Drain well, spread on a towel, and let air dry for 5 minutes. Dab off any excess water.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
5. Return the wedges to the bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
6. Spread the wedges on the tray in a single layer.
7. Bake for 40 minutes, tossing after 25 minutes.
Caesar Salad
A refreshing contrast to the spicy, savoury flavours of wings, a simple caesar with croutons and crisp romaine or cos lettuce can be the perfect side.
Pasta Salad
I love pasta salad. Even something simple with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and penne with salad cream is delicious. A fantastic simple side dish with anything!
Garlic Bread
If you’ve got super saucy wings, garlic bread is the perfect way to mop up any drips or bits left on your plate. It’s also a great option to serve with chicken wings if you are sharing or eating family-style.
Healthier Sides for Chicken Wings
What sides should I eat with wings is a question with many different answers, but let’s face it, most of them are unhealthy.
There’s no denying that wings are pretty unhealthy. But with some nutritious sides, they can easily be part of a balanced meal that’s healthier than you might think.
Some healthy options to serve with your chicken wings are also the perfect side dishes.

Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin C, so while the calorie content is typically similar to that of white potatoes, they are more nutritious and can be a healthier option, depending on how they are cooked.
Aside from the health factor, sweet potatoes offer a sweet flavour that’s perfect with spicy or BBQ wedges.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are only slightly healthier than baked white potatoes, but they are much healthier than other sweet options, adding a sweet element without tons of sugar.
Fresh Salads
Caesar, Greek, and green salads all offer refreshing and crispy options. An egg salad with tomatoes is a great alternative if you want to add some protein.
Air-Fried Veggies
If you want some veggies that taste gorgeous but aren’t covered in oil or butter, air-fried roast veggies are perfect!
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Bacon always works well with chicken, and maple bacon Brussels sprouts have it all. They’re sweet, salty, nutty, and wonderfully crisp. Perfect with tender chicken wings.
Ingredients
- 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- Four rashers of bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on the baking tray and sprinkle the chopped bacon over them.
4. Roast for 20 minutes, then drizzle with maple syrup and toss to coat.
5. Return to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sprouts are caramelised and the bacon is crispy.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Creamy, Comforting Sides
What’s a good side dish for chicken wings? Anything creamy! If you want some comfort food, these are the best options!

Creamy Potato Salad
I absolutely love a rich and satisfying potato salad. Whether it’s store-bought or made with chives from my garden, I could happily eat a whole bowl in one sitting.
Ingredients
- 1kg new potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 150g mayonnaise
- 100g sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cooled potatoes and gently toss to coat them in the creamy dressing.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Coleslaw
A creamy coleslaw is the perfect side with spicy wings. It’ll give you something cooling to tone down the spice for a satisfying eating experience.
On the other hand, if you are covering your wings in a creamier sauce, you might prefer a vinegarette coleslaw for a contrasting flavour and texture.
Garlic Mayo
Garlic mayo is one of the easiest and best sides with fried chicken wings. A small pot for dipping adds a tasty and creamy element.
What to Serve with Spicy & Buffalo Wings
What sides go well with hot wings and buffalo wings?
The best Sides for buffalo wings are often the same as what to eat with hot wings and what goes with BBQ chicken wings.
You want flavours that complement the spice without allowing the flavours to overpower your taste buds.
Blue Cheese and Ranch Dressing
You want cooling options that help offset the heat, and you might be tempted to go with a mild flavour. But you don’t have to.
Blue cheese and ranch are strong flavours, but the contrast works brilliantly with hot wings.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream Dips
For a milder flavour that’s perfect for balancing strong flavours and toning down spice, try simple cream cheese or sour cream dips.
The kind of sour cream dip you’d buy for dripping tortilla chips in is perfect.
Vegetable Sticks
Fresh, crunchy vegetables like celery sticks, cucumber, and carrot sticks to cool down the spice. Mixed veggie sticks are a great side dish for buffalo wings, especially if you’ve got a creamy sauce to dip it in.
Cornbread
Sometimes, a slice of bread is the best way to save yourself from spice, and cornbread offers a delicious and authentic side for wings.
Ingredients
- 150g cornmeal (or fine polenta)
- 150g plain flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 240ml buttermilk
- 60g unsalted butter, melted
- Two large eggs
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C and grease a baking dish or skillet.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Garlic and Honey Sauce
Creamy dipping sauces are great with wings, but a sweeter option makes a great, equally contrasting alternative.
Ingredients
- 100ml honey
- Four cloves garlic, finely minced
- 60ml soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Method
1. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chilli flakes (if using).
4. Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Dishes to Create a Full Meal with Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are often served as a snack, starter or as part of a buffet-type dinner where everyone grabs what they want.
But there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy chicken wings for dinner, with sides and a full plate of food as a sit-down meal.
When we’re thinking about what goes with chicken wings for dinner, we have to consider things like what we like, who are are serving, the occasion or time of day, and also things like nutrition, colour, taste, smell and texture, which are all elements of the perfect dinner.
Rice Pilaf or Seasoned Rice
Chicken wings are tasty, a great source of protein, and fairly filling. Something simple, like rice, is a great addition because, unlike wings, it’s really easy to eat. It’s also a great way to add more subtly flavours and textures, which are ideal if you are eating very flavourful wings.
Roasted Vegetables
Adding nutrition is important when we’re preparing a full dinner. Roasted veggies like carrots or peppers add colour, nutrition and a crunchy texture that contrasts chicken wings really well.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
A hearty side that pairs well with wings, especially BBQ style, corn is a colourful and fun option. My kids love corn, and the idea of getting to pick up two of the things on their plate really appeals to them.
Mac and Cheese
A creamy, chilled pasta option that pairs well with spicy wings, Mac and cheese is a classic side dish with chicken wings. I’d add some veggies, too.
Bacon Jalapeño Mac n Cheese
Fancy something spicy with your chicken wings? Add some crispy bacon bits and sliced jalapeño to your Mac and cheese. I love adding sliced chorizo, too.
Cheesy Baked Potato
A fluffy baked potato topped with butter and grated mature cheddar is filling, fun and the ideal side dish with a portion of chicken wings.
Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese
Mini peppers are colourful, fun and easy to eat. Add some goat’s cheese for a tasty and fun side dish that will look great on your chicken wings plate.
Perfect Sides for Game Day & Casual Gatherings
Chicken wings are great for casual gatherings! The key to what goes with chicken wings on game day is ease! Your sides for chicken wings at casual gatherings have to be easy to pick up from a plate, easy to hold, and easy to eat without needing a table and a knife and form. You want g=finger foods!
Nachos
Nachos are great for sharing; they offer a crispy texture, and you can add plenty of toppings for colour and flavour. A fab side for chicken wings.
Stuffed Jalapeños or Cheese Balls
Stuffing things is always great for gatherings. Easy to hold and eat, they offer a great option.
Chips and Dip
Easy and convenient for groups, chips and dips also offer you a chance to provide lots of different options for your guests.
Jalapeño Poppers
Who doesn’t love a popper?! An easy and delicious side for chicken wings.
Mozzarella Bites
I’m obsessed with mozzarella bites and would eat them with everything! The perfect melted cheese side.
FAQ Section
What are some side dishes for baked chicken wings?
Popular sides for baked chicken wings include creamy coleslaw, potato wedges, and a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, try serving them with mac and cheese or garlic bread.
What goes with buffalo wings for a side dish?
Buffalo wings pair perfectly with cooling sides like blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks. Other favourites include sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a Caesar salad to balance the spice.
What side dishes go well with wings?
Chicken wings go well with a variety of sides. Classics like French fries, coleslaw, and baked potatoes are always popular. For a lighter option, consider a crisp cucumber and tomato salad.
What goes best with spicy chicken wings?
Spicy chicken wings pair best with cooling sides like ranch or blue cheese dip, cucumber sticks, and coleslaw. A simple pasta salad can also provide a mild contrast to the heat.
Conclusion
What you choose to eat with your chicken wings will depend on when you are eating, how you are eating, who are you are eating with, what you like and dislike, and whether you want them to be part of a main meal. Hopefully, a combination of the above options will be able to tick all of your boxes.
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