Recipes for Leftover Smoked Chicken are the best way to use up extra smoked chicken meat in another meal. Chicken seems to be one of those dinners I can smoke quickly, and the whole family loves dinner. So why not use it for dinner or lunch the next day??.
I like to pack smoked meat leftovers for lunch and eat them for dinner the next day. Repurposing smoked chicken into other meals is fantastic for the tummy but also good for meal prepping. The good-tasting food is just a bonus.
I smoke most of my meat on my Pit Pellet Smoker; cooking low and slow is how I cook with it. You can use it as an oven to cook leftovers, and the smoke flavor makes them taste even better! I love how cheap they are compared to other pellet grills, plus it hasn’t disappointed me yet.
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A classic dinner that’s full of flavor is smoked chicken. While the smoky, savory chicken tastes great by itself, the right side dishes can really take your meal to the next level.
You want sides for smoked chicken that go well with the smokey flavor without overpowering it. Crispy, fresh vegetables and salads work well, as do hearty starches and creamy comfort foods.
Here are 17 of the best side dish ideas to consider serving with smoked chicken:
Fresh Vegetable Sides
Since smoked chicken has a strong, rich flavor, crunchy, bright vegetables go well with it. These new sides make your plate look better by adding color and texture.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Buttery grilled corn is a classic pairing. Toss the corn with a chili-lime butter before grilling to make it taste even better. The char from the grill goes well with the smokey chicken.
Roasted Carrots
Honey garlic roasted carrots make an easy, tasty side Toss carrot sticks in a brown sugar glaze spiked with garlic before roasting for a sweet, aromatic side The natural sweetness offsets the savory chicken.
Green Beans with Almonds
Blanched green beans sautéed with garlic, onion, and toasted almonds make a flavorful accompaniment. The crunch of the almonds is a nice textural contrast to the tender smoked meat.
Parmesan Asparagus
Roasting asparagus with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and garlic takes this vegetable to the next level. The lemon zest brightens up the plate.
Broccoli Salad
Chopped raw broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and nuts tossed in a sweet vinegar dressing offers a refreshing crunchy side. Dried cranberries add a touch of tartness and color.
Colorful Salads
Cool, crisp salads with zesty dressings help cut through the richness of smoked chicken. Try lighter options like:
Apple Coleslaw
For a fun twist on coleslaw, use shredded apple instead of cabbage. Toss with carrot matchsticks and a creamy dressing. Dried cranberries add sweetness.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Cool watermelon and cucumber chunks tossed with feta cheese make a refreshing summer salad. The mint and lime dressing adds zing.
Caprese Salad
Skip the lettuce and create a caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
Grilled Corn and Avocado
Charred corn kernels, diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice is a delicious and easy corn salsa. Serve it over greens.
Mediterranean Tabbouleh
Bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, mint, and lemon juice make this fresh Middle Eastern salad. It packs tons of herbs and brightness.
Hearty Comfort Sides
Smokey chicken calls for equally hearty, comforting sides. Some top options include:
Mac and Cheese
A creamy baked mac and cheese with a smoky cheese like Gouda is a match made in heaven. For a crispy topping, add Parmesan breadcrumbs.
Scalloped Potatoes
Slice potatoes thin, layer them in a baking dish with cream and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s rich, creamy perfection next to smoky chicken.
Baked Beans
Smoky baked beans — either homemade or from a can jazzed up with onions, bacon, brown sugar, and spices — make a classic partner for smoked chicken.
Potato Salad
A mayo-based potato salad with hard-boiled eggs, onion, celery, mustard, and pickle relish pairs perfectly. Use smoked paprika to complement the chicken.
Creamed Spinach
Sautéed spinach blended with cream cheese, garlic, and spices is a tasty, creamy green side. The veggies balance the richness.
Simple Starch Sides
You can’t go wrong rounding out a smoked chicken dinner with a hearty side of carbs. Options like:
Skillet Cornbread
A wedge of moist, golden cornbread is essential for soaking up any delicious pan juices. Bake it in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges.
Dinner Rolls
Warm, fluffy rolls are ideal for serving with pan gravies or for making sandwiches. Brush with butter or herbs for extra flavor.
Rice Pilaf
A rice pilaf made more flavorful with sautéed veggies, herbs, and spices is an easy starch to whip up. Try brown rice or wild rice for extra texture.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes are a classic. For variety, try roasted garlic or cheddar cheese mashed potatoes.
Roasted Root Vegetables
A medley of root veggies like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato roasted with olive oil is a nutritious, hearty side.
What to Avoid Serving with Smoked Chicken
When considering side dishes for your smoked chicken dinner, steer clear of options that are overly sweet, acidic, or spicy. These strong flavors will clash rather than complement the savory chicken. Avoid:
- Sweet salads with fruit – the sugars will fight with the smoke
- Heavy cream-based pastas – can be too rich next to smoked meat
- Citrus-based sides – tartness doesn’t pair well
- Heavily spiced dishes – will overpower the smoky flavor
- Strong vinaigrettes on salads – opt for lighter dressings instead
Putting Together the Perfect Smoked Chicken Dinner
Smoked chicken deserves sides that enhance its deep, wood-fired flavor rather than compete with it. For a well-balanced meal, choose a mix of fresh vegetables, hearty starches, and salads with lighter dressings.
Some fail-proof pairings to try include grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, roasted carrots, cornbread, and coleslaw. With so many delicious options, you can experiment to find your favorite combinations.
Just steer clear of strong flavors that clash with the star of the show. Focus on bright, crunchy produce and creamy comfort foods to round out the meal. With the right sides, your smoked chicken will shine as the main event.
How To Make Shredded Smoked Chicken!
Smoke your chicken breasts or other chicken. Once you are done smoking, you can shred the chicken. See my Shredded Smoked Chicken post. (see it ->here).
Now if you don’t have leftover smoked chicken for some of these recipes, you can use Crockpot Shredded Chicken; I have done this for chicken noodle soup and pot pies. It’s still pretty tasty in a pinch.
Recipes Using Smoked Chicken
Smoked Chicken Noodle Soup—This Smoked Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the best way to make comfort food on your smoker! For extra flavor, add smoked chicken breast! Get the recipe –
Smoked Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food that you can make on a pellet grill!! The crumble and chicken inside the pot pie taste great after being smoked. Get the recipe > here.
Leftover Smoked Chicken Salad– An easy way to use leftover smoked chicken; this was what we made the first time we asked ourselves what to make with smoked chicken! Pair up with good bread to make the perfect sandwich for lunch at work the next day! Get the recipe -> here.
Smoked White Chicken Chili– Shred the chicken into a delicious white bean chili! Just shred up the smoked chicken and throw it in the Dutch oven the next day on the smoker. Get the recipe ->here.
Stove Top Casserole– This is the ultimate leftover smoked chicken casserole when you add in smoked chicken! Made with stuffing, cheese, and creamy sauce. Use the shredded smoked chicken to bake or smoke this casserole! Get the recipe -> here.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup– Add the smoke flavor to this fantastic comfort food, shred the chicken, and allow it to simmer with the pot pie fixings for a tasty soup. Get the recipe ->here.
Easy Chicken Quesadilla Dip– Make an easy dip for an appetizer or tailgating. The added smoke flavoring will pair great with the dip ingredients. Get the recipe-> here.
Smoked Chicken Fried Rice– Use leftover shredded chicken breasts to make this delicious fried rice. Get the recipe -> here.
How to Smoke Chicken Breast That Doesn’t SUCK
FAQ
What are good sides for smoked chicken?
Smoked chicken pairs well with just about any side dish. We have even served with coleslaw, potato salad, cucumber salad, and pasta salad. They are all easy to make and a crowd favorite.
What to make with a smoked chicken?
Traeger Cheesy Chicken Roll Ups. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Smoked BLT Chicken Salad. Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Pasta is one of my favorite kid friendly leftover smoked chicken recipes!Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps. Smoked BBQ Pork Potato Skins. Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos. Cheesy Chicken Mexican Casserole.
What side dishes go well with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerCrispy Parmesan Potatoes. Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm. Creamy Polenta. Elise Bauer. Stir-Fried Mushrooms with Garlic and Chile Oil. Coconut Lime Rice. Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar. 5-Minute Yamitsuki Cabbage. Garlic Fried Rice. Lyonnaise Potatoes.
What side dish goes with smoked meat?
BBQ Baked Beans. Traeger BBQ Baked Beans are the ultimate sidekick for your smoky, savory meats. Roasted Sweet Potato Steak Fries. Grilled Vegetables with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette. Grilled Watermelon with Lime & Smoked Chili Salt. Summer Grilled Corn and Farro Salad.