BBQ chicken is a great comfort food that you can eat any time of year. It tastes great the night it’s made, but I also love that the leftover chicken can be used in other meals the next day. BBQ chicken is loved the world over with charcoal grilled chicken being a favorite dish in Asia while Portugal uses piri piri peppers to flavor their BBQ chicken meal.
I love how well chicken pairs with such a variety of side dishes. It’s easy to find side dishes that compliment your BBQ chicken and elevate it to a whole new level! I’ve pulled together some of my favorite healthy sides for BBQ chicken and you’re sure to find one that matches the flavor or nutrients you’re looking for.
Pulled chicken is a versatile protein that can be used in everything from sandwiches and tacos to salads and pizza. While the chicken itself is flavorful and fulfilling, the right side dishes can take your pulled chicken meal from basic to spectacular. So what are the best options for sides to serve with pulled chicken? Keep reading for 15 delicious recipes to consider.
Starches and Grains
Carbs pair deliciously with pulled chicken to make a hearty and comforting meal. Try these starchy sides.
1. Cornbread
A warm wedge of cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of pulled chicken. The crumbs mix into the sauce and juices to soak up all that delicious flavor Bake an 8×8 pan of cornbread from a boxed mix or use this simple Skillet Cornbread recipe for a quick and easy side. The addition of corn kernels, cheese, and jalapenos can dress up classic cornbread
2. Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, which is creamy and cheesy, is the best comfort food ever. Most people like the classic version with elbow noodles, but shells or bowties hold the sauce better than any other shape. Change some of the full-fat cheese to low-fat shredded cheese to make it lighter. You can also make it even better by adding pulled chicken and sauce to the finished mac and cheese.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a pulled chicken essential. The best way to serve pulled chicken is on fluffy potatoes soaked in butter and cream. Add cheese, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or garlic to make it taste better. Yukon gold potatoes are more nutritious when you mash them with the skins still on.
4. Rice
Rice is a versatile base for pulled chicken. Steamed white or brown rice gives you a blank canvas, while flavored rice blends like lime cilantro add big flavor. For a fun twist, cook rice inside stuffed bell peppers or tomatoes as a side. The possibilities are endless when pairing rice with pulled chicken.
5. Baked Potato
A classic baked potato still can’t be beat. People can put butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and, of course, pulled chicken on top of their potatoes however they like. Large russet potatoes should be baked until they are soft all the way through. The insides of twice-baked potatoes can be mashed and mixed with cheese, garlic, and other flavors for a fun twist. The potato skins are then stuffed again.
Veggies and Salads
Fresh vegetables balance out pulled chicken’s richness, These veggie-based sides are full of nutrients
6. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a perfect partner for pulled chicken sandwiches. Packaged coleslaw mixes minimize prep time, or make homemade using shredded cabbage, carrots, onion, and a tangy dressing like mayo, Greek yogurt, or vinegar-based options. Add cranberries, apples, or other mix-in’s for extra crunch and flavor.
7. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus caramelize beautifully in the oven. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 425°F until browned and tender. Their mild flavor soaks up the seasoning of the pulled chicken.
8. Greek Salad
A fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, and feta cheese adds nutrition and brightness to a pulled chicken meal. The sharp flavors of the feta and olives pair nicely with the seasoning on the chicken. Dress it with a red wine vinaigrette or Greek dressing.
9. Wedge Salad
Iceberg lettuce wedges drizzled with a creamy blue cheese dressing are indulgent but delicious alongside pulled chicken. Garnish with crumbled bacon, diced tomato, and sliced red onion for the ultimate flavors. Croutons or pulled chicken topping the salad completes this classic pairing.
10. Caprese Salad
For Italian flair, a Caprese salad with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze is simple but impressive. The tomatoes pair nicely with zesty pulled chicken dishes like buffalo or jerk chicken.
Potluck and Party Favorites
For more substantial or shareable sides, these flavorful recipes please a crowd with pulled chicken.
11. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic for potlucks and barbecues. Traditional baked beans simmered with molasses are familiar, but experiment with bean varieties like kidney, cannellini, or pinto. Mix in onions, garlic, mustard, or bacon for next-level flavor. The sauce mingles deliciously with juicy pulled chicken.
12. Potato Salad
A hearty potato salad is easy to transport to parties and picnics. Potatoes hold their shape and soak up the flavor of the dressing. A mayo-based dressing is traditional, but substitute plain Greek yogurt for a healthier spin. Mix in hard boiled eggs, vegetables like celery or onion, and seasonings like mustard, dill, or paprika.
13. Pasta Salad
Fun shaped pasta tossed with a vinaigrette makes a bright, portable salad for pulled chicken meals. Rotini or wagon wheel pasta holds the dressing nicely. Add whatever chopped vegetables you enjoy – common choices are bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, broccoli, and red onion. Toss with Italian dressing or a homemade mix of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs.
14. Baked Beans
No-fuss green bean casseroles made with canned soup are a potluck staple for good reason – they transport well and everyone loves them! To upgrade boxed green bean casserole, use fresh green beans, slice the onions thinly, and toss on fried onions. The creamy mushroom sauce complements pulled chicken’s seasoning.
15. Corn Casserole
A warm and cheesy corn casserole is a great thing to bring to a potluck. The pulled chicken’s seasonings taste even better with the sweet corn. You can use fresh or frozen corn, and diced peppers will add color. Put crushed crackers or cornbread crumbs on top and bake until the top is golden.
Sauces and Condiments
Don’t overlook savory sauces and condiments to serve on the side with pulled chicken.
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Ketchup
- Hot sauce
- Blue cheese dressing
- Tzatziki sauce
- Chimichurri
- Mango chutney
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
Wrap Up
With so many diverse sides to choose from, it’s easy to find an excellent pairing for pulled chicken. Round out the meal with a starch like cornbread or rice, add nutrition with fresh vegetables, or bring a crowd-pleasing salad or casserole to a get-together. With all of these delicious options, from classics like mashed potatoes to fun new ideas like a Caprese salad, your next pulled chicken meal is sure to satisfy.
Nine Healthy Sides For BBQ Chicken
Grilled chicken and fries are a match made in heaven, but if you’re trying to eat healthy, they’re often cut from your side dish list. Thankfully, Well Plated has found the secret to making oven-baked fries that are crispy on the inside, but still tender on the outside to allow you to get your fix of potato fries without all the grease. Believe it or not, potatoes are healthy for you when eaten in moderation, especially if you leave on the skin. You’ll get fiber, vitamin C and B6 as well as potassium. There are a few secrets to getting crispy fries. First, use Yukon gold potatoes and second soak them in very hot (unsalted) water to slightly cook the inside. Cook at 450 °F and add your favorite fry spices and you’ve got a tasty solution for when you’re craving starchy sides for BBQ chicken.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: Yukon gold potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, salt, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
What’s better than a loaded baked potato? A healthy loaded baked potato with all of the flavor and none of the guilt! The savory flavors of baked potatoes and the smokey flavors of BBQ chicken are a classic flavor combination, and Recipe Runner has come up with some clever swaps to make healthy baked potatoes that you can serve with your grilled chicken. By using low-fat cream cheese instead of sour cream you still get the rich creamy flavor with a lot less fat and plenty of additional protein. One of the best parts of this perfect side dish is that it can be made in less than 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Ingredients: Russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, green onion, red onion, salt and pepper, paprika, and bacon.
Potato salad is a great summer side dish to serve at picnics and outdoor BBQs alongside some grilled chicken. Healthy Seasonal Recipes has taken this classic side dish and given it a protein-packed twist with a lot less fat by using fat-free Greek Yogurt in place of a lot of the usual mayonnaise. The addition of egg adds even more protein and gives this potato salad an even creamier feel. Katie recommends using thin-skinned waxy potatoes and staying away from starchy potatoes like russets because they’re a little too dry and crumbly on the inside.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time:30 minutes
Ingredients: Potatoes, Greek yogurt, mayo, celery, relish, Dijon mustard, hard-boiled eggs, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper, red onion, and parsley.
Low Carb and Keto Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with an ooey gooey bowl of warm mac and cheese. If you’re following a Keto diet it can be tough to pass up on this classic noodle side dish. Thankfully, there are creatives out there making dishes like a Keto mac and cheese recipe that’s just as cheesy and delicious as the classic. The secret to making Keto mac and cheese — cauliflower! Using cauliflower in place of the noodles, alongside tons of cheese offers a mac and cheese savory flavor without the carbs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients: Cauliflower, whole milk, cream cheese, salt and pepper, heavy cream, garlic powder, chili powder, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, bacon, crushed pork rinds, parmesan, and fresh parsley.
If you’re eliminating starchy sides from your diet but still want to pair your grilled chicken with some fries, why not try making vegetable fries? Wholesome Yum uses rutabaga to make fries that are safe for the Keto diet, and also very tasty. These are one of the best chicken side dishes to cook using an air fryer if you have one because the moving air allows each side of the fry to get super crispy. If you’ve only got 5 minutes to meal prep some sides to go alongside your BBQ chicken meal, you’ve got to try rutabaga fries!
Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable high in fiber, iron, and vitamin C. It’s also very low in carbs which makes Peace, Low & Low-Carb’s cheesy garlic roasted asparagus recipe a great Keto or low-carb side for chicken meals. If you struggle to get your kids to eat this healthy veggie, give this recipe a try. Adding cheese to vegetables can sometimes be the magic trick that encourages kids to take a few more bites.
Prep Time: Roughly 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: Asparagus spears, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and pepper, smoked white cheese and mozzarella cheese.
Try These Sauces to Serve with Shredded Chicken!
FAQ
What side goes with pulled chicken?
Pulled chicken, especially when served in sandwiches or sliders, pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Common choices include coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based), potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.
What to have pulled chicken with?
Serve the pulled chicken and beans with shredded lettuce and tacos, or rice and lime wedges to squeeze over, if you like.
What to serve with pulled meat?
20 Sides for Pulled Pork Sandwiches That Go Way Beyond Coleslaw01 of 21. Homemade Crispy Seasoned French Fries. 02 of 21. Easy Coleslaw Dressing. 03 of 21. Baked Beans. 04 of 21. Basic Corn Muffins. 05 of 21. Old-Fashioned Potato Salad. 06 of 21. Simple Macaroni and Cheese. 07 of 21. Awesome Pasta Salad. 08 of 21.
What goes best with barbecue pulled chicken?
Healthy Sides for BBQ Chicken to Impress Your GuestsGrilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter. Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Black Beans. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Sea Salt. Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta and Red Onion. Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt Dressing. Grilled Vegetable Skewers.