Let’s face it – there’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of sticky, tangy, finger-lickin’ BBQ chicken wings! But even the most delicious wings need some awesome sidekicks to create a truly satisfying meal. If you’ve ever wondered “what goes with BBQ chicken wings?”, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to wing companionship!
As someone who’s hosted countless backyard BBQs and game day parties I can tell you that choosing the right sides can elevate your wing experience from good to absolutely unforgettable. So let’s dive into the 15 best side dishes that pair perfectly with BBQ chicken wings!
Classic Companions: The Top 5 Traditional Sides
These tried-and-true classics have stood the test of time for a reason – they’re absolutely perfect with wings!
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is probably the most classic pairing with BBQ chicken wings and for good reason! The cool, crunchy texture and tangy dressing create the perfect contrast to spicy smoky wings.
What makes coleslaw work so well:
- The crunchy texture balances the tender meat
- The tangy vinegar cuts through the richness
- It’s refreshing between bites of spicy wings
- The creamy element soothes your palate
You can go traditional with mayo-based slaw or try a vinegar version for even more zing!
2. Macaroni and Cheese
Is there anything more comforting than creamy, cheesy mac and cheese alongside your wings? I think not! This indulgent side dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Mac and cheese brings:
- Creamy richness that complements the smoky wings
- A hearty element to round out the meal
- Kid-friendly appeal for family gatherings
- Endless customization options (add bacon, jalapeños, or different cheeses)
The rich, cheesy goodness balances out the bold flavors of BBQ wings, creating a harmonious blend that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
3. Baked Beans
Another BBQ classic that pairs wonderfully with wings is baked beans. These savory, slightly sweet beans provide a hearty counterpoint to crispy wings.
What makes baked beans a winner:
- Rich, savory flavor with smoky undertones
- Hearty texture that’s satisfying and filling
- Versatile with flavor variations (smoky, sweet, or spicy)
- They’re a traditional BBQ side that guests expect
The combination of smoky beans and tangy wings is truly a match made in BBQ heaven!
4. Cornbread
Nothing says “southern comfort” quite like warm, buttery cornbread alongside BBQ chicken wings. This sweet and savory side is an absolute must-try!
Why cornbread rocks with wings:
- The sweet notes balance spicy wing flavors
- Moist texture soaks up extra sauce
- Can be enhanced with honey butter for extra richness
- Add jalapeños for a spicy twist
I love serving cornbread still warm from the oven, maybe with a little honey butter on the side. It’s practically irresistible!
5. Potato Salad
Creamy, tangy potato salad provides a substantial side that complements the bold flavors of BBQ chicken wings beautifully.
What makes potato salad special:
- Creamy texture contrasts with crispy wings
- The cold temperature refreshes your palate
- Versatile base for various flavors and add-ins
- Works with different potato varieties for unique textures
A good potato salad brings that perfect balance of creaminess and tang that helps cut through the richness of wings.
Fresh and Crispy: Lighter Side Options
Sometimes you need something lighter to balance out those indulgent wings!
6. Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp, refreshing garden salad is the perfect lighter option to serve alongside rich BBQ chicken wings.
Benefits of a garden salad:
- Crisp, fresh textures balance the richness
- Nutritional balance to the meal
- Vibrant colors make your spread more appealing
- Customizable with seasonal vegetables
The bright, fresh flavors provide a welcome contrast to the bold, smoky notes of the wings.
7. Cucumber Salad
For a truly refreshing side, cucumber salad is hard to beat! This light, crisp dish cleanses the palate between bites of wings.
What makes cucumber salad special:
- Ultra-refreshing between bites of wings
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Light and crisp texture contrast
- Cooling effect helps with spicy wings
I like to add a splash of vinegar, some fresh dill, and a touch of sweetness to my cucumber salad for maximum impact!
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob
When BBQ season is in full swing, grilled corn on the cob is a natural companion to those tasty wings.
Why corn works so well:
- Sweet flavor complements smoky BBQ
- Fun finger food like the wings themselves
- Charred flavor from grilling enhances the experience
- Butter toppings add richness and flavor
There’s something so satisfying about alternating between bites of juicy wings and sweet, buttery corn!
Crispy and Crunchy: Indulgent Sides
Sometimes you just want to double down on that delicious crunch factor!
9. French Fries
You can never go wrong with the classic combination of wings and fries. This dynamic duo is a staple for a reason!
What makes fries the perfect wing partner:
- Crispy exterior with fluffy interior
- Endless seasoning options to match your wing flavors
- Perfect for dipping in the same sauces as your wings
- Crowd-pleasing appeal for any gathering
Whether you go for traditional fries, seasoned wedges, or even sweet potato fries, they’re sure to be a hit!
10. Onion Rings
Golden brown, crispy onion rings provide that perfect crunchy contrast to tender, juicy wings.
Why onion rings are amazing with wings:
- Crispy, crunchy texture complements the wings
- Sweet onion flavor balances spicy BBQ
- Great for dipping in various sauces
- Impressive presentation for guests
At Wings and Rings, their golden brown onion rings are a fan favorite, especially the Buffalo Bleu Rings or Sweet Smokin’ Rings for something a little different!
11. Sweet Potato Fries
For a slightly more nutritious twist on the classic fry, sweet potato fries bring a touch of sweetness to complement BBQ wings.
Benefits of sweet potato fries:
- Natural sweetness balances spicy wings
- Crispy texture with a softer interior
- Nutritional benefits over regular fries
- Various seasoning options from sweet to spicy
The combination of sweet and savory makes these a fantastic option alongside wings of any flavor!
Unique and Creative Wing Companions
Want to impress your guests with something a little different? Try these creative sides!
12. Pickles and Pickled Vegetables
Don’t underestimate the power of tangy pickles alongside BBQ chicken wings! The acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
What makes pickles work:
- Tangy acidity balances rich flavors
- Crunchy texture contrasts with tender meat
- Palate-cleansing effect between bites
- Variety of options from dill pickles to pickled vegetables
I love setting out a variety of pickled goodies – dill pickles, pickled jalapeños, and even pickled red onions make for an impressive spread!
13. Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower
For a vegetarian option that packs a flavor punch, try buffalo cauliflower alongside your BBQ wings.
Why buffalo cauliflower rocks:
- Similar flavor profile to the wings themselves
- Vegetarian-friendly option for diverse groups
- Lighter alternative that still delivers on flavor
- Impressive presentation that looks gourmet
The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce paired with the earthy cauliflower creates a delicious contrast to traditional BBQ wings.
14. Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that pairs surprisingly well with BBQ chicken wings.
What makes garlic bread special:
- Buttery, garlicky flavor complements wings
- Crispy exterior with soft interior
- Soaks up extra sauce deliciously
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
The rich, savory notes of garlic bread stand up beautifully to bold wing flavors!
15. Deviled Eggs
For something a little unexpected but totally delicious, try serving deviled eggs alongside your BBQ chicken wings!
Why deviled eggs work:
- Creamy, rich texture contrasts with wings
- Cool temperature refreshes the palate
- Protein-packed option for hungry guests
- Customizable flavors to match your wings
These creamy, tangy bites provide the perfect break between wings and are always a hit at parties!
Don’t Forget the Dips!
No wing feast is complete without an array of dipping sauces! Here are some must-haves:
- Ranch dressing – The classic cooling dip
- Blue cheese dip – Tangy and rich
- BBQ sauce – For extra flavor
- Honey mustard – Sweet and tangy
- Buffalo sauce – For heat lovers
Tips for Creating the Perfect Wing Spread
- Balance temperatures – Mix hot sides with cold ones
- Consider textures – Include crispy, creamy, and crunchy elements
- Think about flavors – Sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory
- Offer variety – Not everyone loves the same things
- Keep it simple – Don’t try to make too many different sides
Final Thoughts
When it comes to what goes with BBQ chicken wings, there’s no shortage of delicious options! Whether you stick with classics like coleslaw and mac and cheese or venture into more creative territory with pickled veggies and buffalo cauliflower, the key is to balance flavors and textures.
The next time you’re planning a wing feast, try a few different sides from this list to create the ultimate spread. Your guests will be impressed, and more importantly, they’ll leave with full bellies and happy hearts!
What’s your favorite side to pair with BBQ chicken wings? I’m personally torn between crispy onion rings and tangy coleslaw, but I’d love to hear your go-to wing companions in the comments!
Broccoli cheddar tots
Give classic tater tots a twist with this broccoli cheddar tots recipe. This dish combines finely chopped broccoli with cheese to create a healthier version of the classic side.
Air fryer fried pickles
Recreate this classic festival food right at home using just a few ingredients. These fried pickles are juicy and tangy with a crisp outer shell – plus theyre a bit healthier when you air fry.
Buttery soft pretzel bites are a great way to soak up the heat from a spicy chicken wing. However, these are a little bit of a labor of love, especially if you make your own dough, so be sure to prep ahead of time.
Creating a homemade chex mix provides a fresh twist to your favorite packaged snack. Unlike opening a standard bag of chips, this mix offers variety with cereal, crisp pretzels, and bagel chips.
If youre in the mood for a quick, easy, and delicious side, try garlic bread. Its buttery, garlicky flavors go excellent with chicken wings.
Light and sweet cornbread can calm any heat on your taste buds from your chicken wings. Plus, this recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make.
With just five ingredients, you can create a biscuit recipe thatll steer you away from store bought for the rest of time. All you need is flour, baking powder, milk, butter, and salt to create light, fluffy biscuits.
If you decide to grill your chicken wings, you can also add a few ears of corn to the spread. Grilled corn on the cob adds a unique char flavor to the buttery and salty starch – and it doesnt require any extra prep or dishes.
Transform your summer vegetable into a delicious bite by coating shredded zucchini in eggs, flour, parmesan, and seasonings. Fry them in oil for less than five minutes or bake in the oven. If youre on a gluten free diet, alternative options like chickpea flour work great for this side dish as well.
Gordon Ramsay’s Hot Ones Inspired Wings
FAQ
What to eat with barbecue chicken wings?
BBQ chicken wings pair well with a variety of sides, from classic barbecue staples to fresh, lighter options. Consider serving them with potato salad, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
What side dish to go with chicken wings?
For the ultimate wing experience, try pairing: Spicy buffalo wings with cooling sides like ranch, blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and creamy coleslaw. Sweet BBQ wings with savory sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, or cornbread.
What side dishes go with BBQ chicken?
The sides I’ve mentioned—grilled corn on the cob, quinoa salad with avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber-tomato salad, coleslaw with Greek yogurt dressing, grilled vegetable skewers, cauliflower rice, Greek-style roasted eggplant, avocado-mango salsa, and zucchini noodles with pesto—are all healthy, vibrant …
What goes well with chicken wings?
- Ranch: A creamy dip that will tone down the spice of any wing.
- Bleu cheese: This tangy option also perfectly balances any hot wing heat.
- Garlic parmesan: Garlicky yet velvety, this sauce will elevate any wing platter.