Have you ever found yourself with leftover BBQ chicken from last night’s dinner and wondered what to do with it? I’ve put together over 30 budget-friendly recipes that you can use to repurpose those BBQ chicken leftovers. You can use shredded or cubed barbecue chicken for one pot dinners, casseroles, sandwiches and so much more! All of these BBQ chicken recipes use leftovers and are delicious, easy to prepare and will satisfy even your picky eaters because they are family friendly!.
BBQ chicken is great during the busy week, and you can also make it ahead of time to save time! If you need a recipe, try my crockpot BBQ chicken recipe. It’s just 3 ingredients! Or pick up a rotisserie chicken and add your favorite BBQ sauce.
Have you ever pulled some delicious BBQ chicken out of your slow cooker and then thought “wait…what am I supposed to serve with this?” I’ve been there too! Shredded BBQ chicken is one of those versatile proteins that’s super easy to make but sometimes leaves us scratching our heads about what sides would complement it best.
Finding the right sides for your shredded BBQ chicken can take your meal from good to amazing, whether you’re having a backyard BBQ, cooking a family dinner, or just planning your meals for the week. Today I’m going to talk about my favorite sides, drinks, and even fun ways to use up any leftovers.
Classic Side Dishes for Shredded BBQ Chicken
Some side dishes are made to go with BBQ chicken. These tried-and-true choices never let you down.
Coleslaw
Nothing complements the rich, smoky flavor of shredded BBQ chicken quite like a crisp, refreshing coleslaw. The tangy, creamy texture offers the perfect contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken. You can go with a traditional creamy version or try a vinegar-based one for a lighter option.
Mac and Cheese
Is there anything more comforting than mac and cheese? This creamy, cheesy delight pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of BBQ chicken Try using different cheese varieties like cheddar and gouda to enhance the richness even further
Potato Salad
Classic tangy potato salad goes well with smoky BBQ chicken because it adds a creamy contrast. Try adding different herbs, like chives, dill, or parsley, to make the taste better. I personally love serving mine chilled for the best experience!.
Cornbread
Sweet and slightly crumbly cornbread is a match made in heaven for shredded BBQ chicken. Try variations like jalapeño or honey cornbread for unique twists. Top with butter, honey, or a drizzle of maple syrup to take it to the next level.
Baked Beans
Rich and savory baked beans complement BBQ chicken perfectly. Whether slow-cooked or baked, they provide a tender, flavorful side that harmonizes with the bold taste of the chicken. Try adding sweet molasses, tangy mustard, or smoky bacon for extra flavor.
Fresh and Healthy Options
If you’re looking for lighter sides to balance out your meal, these fresh options are perfect:
Grilled Vegetables
Nutritious and flavorful grilled veggies make a wonderful side for shredded BBQ chicken. Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are particularly delicious when charred on the grill. Season with garlic, herbs, and spices to enhance their natural flavors.
Garden Salad
A crisp garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to rich BBQ chicken. Make it special with homemade dressings and seasonal toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers for vibrant colors and textures.
Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer quite like corn on the cob! Grill it to achieve a delicious char that complements the smoky chicken, then brush with flavored butter for added richness.
Fruit Salad
For a surprising but delightful pairing, try serving a refreshing fruit salad alongside your BBQ chicken. The sweet and tangy flavors provide an excellent contrast to the smoky richness of the chicken. A light citrus dressing can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Carb-Loving Sides
If you’re looking for something hearty and filling, these carb-focused sides are the way to go:
Sweet Potato Fries
These savory-sweet fries offer a delicious contrast to shredded BBQ chicken. They’re loaded with vitamins and fiber, making them a somewhat healthier alternative to regular fries. Try them with dipping sauces like spicy aioli or honey mustard.
Garlic Bread
Aromatic garlic bread serves as a delightful accompaniment to BBQ chicken. The crispy texture and savory garlic flavor enhance the overall meal experience. Plus, it’s perfect for sopping up any extra BBQ sauce!
Mashed Potatoes
The strong flavors of BBQ chicken go well with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. The smooth texture of them goes well with the shredded meat. Experiment with different gravy options to find your perfect combination.
Pasta Salad
A zesty pasta salad made with cold pasta and tossed in Italian dressing adds an invigorating element to your BBQ chicken meal. The blend of crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing balances the rich, smoky taste.
Don’t Forget the Pickles!
Pickles deserve their own section because they’re such a perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken! They introduce a tangy and refreshing element to the meal, cutting through the richness of the BBQ. Try different dill variations for a crisp, invigorating bite that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
What to Drink with Shredded BBQ Chicken
No meal is complete without the perfect beverage! Here are some drinks that pair wonderfully with BBQ chicken:
For the Adults
- Beer: An ice-cold beer is the classic choice for BBQ
- Margaritas: The citrusy flavor complements the smoky BBQ
- White Sangria: A refreshing fruity option for summer gatherings
Non-Alcoholic Options
- Homemade Lemonade: Tangy and refreshing
- Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened, it’s a BBQ classic
- Fruit Punch: Kid-friendly and festive
Creative Ways to Use Leftover BBQ Chicken
Made too much chicken? No problem! Here are some delicious ways to repurpose your leftovers:
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Add your shredded chicken to a burger bun or sliced bread, maybe top with some bacon or coleslaw, and enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Layer your chicken over nachos with cheese, avocado, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and any other toppings you like.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Use your leftover chicken as a pizza topping for a unique and delicious twist on a classic.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with your leftover chicken, cheese, and maybe some grilled veggies for a quick and easy meal.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
Top baked potatoes with your shredded BBQ chicken for a satisfying meal.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken
Mix in some chopped pineapples with your leftovers for a sweet and tangy combination. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Family-Friendly Meal Ideas
If you’re feeding a family, these kid-approved options will please everyone:
BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Crispy tostadas topped with shredded BBQ chicken and your favorite toppings.
BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
A 15-20 minute meal that transforms leftover BBQ chicken into something new and exciting.
BBQ Chicken Tacos
Soft or hard shell tacos filled with BBQ chicken and topped with fresh veggies.
BBQ Chicken Casserole
Mix your chicken with cheese, beans, corn, and other add-ins for a hearty one-dish meal.
My Go-To Recipe for Shredded BBQ Chicken
If you need a simple recipe to start with, here’s my favorite 3-ingredient slow cooker BBQ chicken:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (1 packet)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (I love Sweet Baby Ray’s)
Instructions:
- Lay the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot
- Cover chicken with ranch seasoning on both sides
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the top
- Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 3.5-4 hours
- Once cooked through, shred the chicken with forks and stir it into the sauce mixture
This makes the perfect base for any of the meal ideas I’ve shared!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to what to eat with shredded BBQ chicken, the possibilities are truly endless. From classic sides like coleslaw and mac and cheese to lighter options like garden salads and grilled veggies, there’s something for everyone.
The beauty of shredded BBQ chicken is its versatility – you can enjoy it as the star of your meal with complementary sides, or repurpose leftovers into completely new dishes. Either way, you’re in for a delicious treat!
What’s your favorite side to serve with shredded BBQ chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Remember, the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family, so don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect. The most important ingredient is always the company you keep!
BBQ Chicken Ideas for Lunch
Leftover BBQ chicken is your ticket to making a quick and easy lunch the next day. These recipes give you an exciting new way to enjoy those leftovers at lunchtime.
- BBQ Chicken Wrap—Put your BBQ chicken on any kind of wrap for a tasty lunch.
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
- Leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Grilled Chicken Salad – This cold chicken salad is great on crackers, in lettuce cups, or in a sandwich. Adding BBQ and ranch on top will really spice things up!
- Well-known LOADED Chicken Salad—this tastes great with BBQ chicken
Healthy Leftover BBQ Chicken
You can eat light and healthy with these recipes! Here are some ways to use up your leftover BBQ chicken without feeling bad about it.
- BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad
- Zucchini Boats
- You can use white rice or cauliflower rice in the BBQ chicken power bowl.
- For the BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps, mix together the chopped cilantro, diced red onion, bell pepper, and BBQ chicken. Spoon the chicken mixture into butter lettuce cups and enjoy.
- Salad with BBQ Chicken and all your favorite toppings
What’s For Dinner? | NEW Crock Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken | Easy Family Dinner Ideas!
FAQ
What goes with pulled barbecue chicken?
Pulled BBQ chicken pairs well with a variety of classic BBQ sides. Common choices include coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob. For a lighter option, consider a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cucumber and tomato salad.
What is a good side dish for shredded chicken?
- Mac and cheese.
- potato salad.
- coleslaw.
- greens.
- seasoned green beans.
- biscuits.
- corn in many preperations.
- mashed potatoes.
What’s a good meal to make with shredded chicken?
40 Shredded Chicken Recipes For Easy Weeknight Dinners01 of 40. Chicken Pot Pie Soup. 02 of 40. Marry Me Chicken Soup. 03 of 40. Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup. 04 of 40. Chicken Gnocchi Soup. 05 of 40. Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas. 06 of 40. Green Chile Mac And Cheese With Chicken. 07 of 40. Poppy Seed Chicken. 08 of 40.
What to make for dinner with a barbecue chicken?
Top 100 bbq chicken recipes for dinner110-minute French onion chicken rice bake. 2BBQ chicken bacon pizza. 3Chicken, leek and sour cream pie. 4Chicken and cheese chimichangas. 5Chicken and black bean nachos. 6Creamy chicken and spinach potato bake. 7Lime and sriracha BBQ chicken tacos. 8Creamy Mexican chicken and corn salad.