What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Legs: 15 Mouthwatering Side Dishes

BBQ chicken legs are a classic summer treat that deserve equally delicious side dishes to complement their juicy, tangy flavor. With so many options, it can be tricky deciding what sides pair best with barbecue chicken legs. From refreshing salads to hearty potato dishes, I’ve gathered 15 of my favorite pairings that are sure to perfectly round out your next BBQ feast.

The Best Sides for BBQ Chicken Legs

1. Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad is a quintessential pairing with BBQ chicken legs. The cool, smooth potatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the charred smokiness of the chicken. Classic potato salad made with a mayo dressing is always a crowd-pleaser. For a lighter option, try an oil-based potato salad with vinegar. Whichever you choose, potato salad adds a delicious crunch factor.

2. Coleslaw

Tangy coleslaw is another classic match for BBQ chicken legs. Its crisp texture and sweet, tart dressing balance beautifully with the savory chicken. Using shredded cabbage and carrots, coleslaw adds vitamins, fiber and fresh crunch to the meal. For a bit of heat, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing.

3. Corn on the Cob

Buttery grilled corn on the cob is a quintessential summer pairing Brush the corn with a compound butter before grilling to add extra flavor. The natural sweetness of the corn complements the charred chicken perfectly For added visual appeal, go for bi-colored corn.

4. Macaroni Salad

Cool and creamy macaroni salad makes a satisfying match for BBQ chicken legs. Toss elbow macaroni with diced celery, red onion, bell pepper and a zippy dressing like mustard, mayo or vinaigrette. Add tuna or chicken for extra protein. The pasta soaks up the chicken juices and barbecue sauce deliciously.

5. Baked Beans

No barbecue would be complete without a heaping scoop of baked beans. Their rich, sweet and smoky flavors complement BBQ chicken legs flawlessly. Jazz up canned beans or make them from scratch, simmered with onion, garlic and bacon. For a fun twist, stir in pineapple chunks or bourbon. Baked beans add protein and fiber.

6. Pasta Salad

For a filling and nutritious pairing, pasta salad is just the ticket. Rotini, farfalle or wagon wheel pasta lend fun shapes and textures. Toss with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, feta or mozzarella cheese and Italian dressing. Pasta salad provides a hearty balance to the richness of BBQ chicken legs.

7. Potato Chips

Crunchy salty potato chips are an easy go-to pairing that helps temper the saucy chicken. Offer classic chips alongside or kick things up with a BBQ salt and vinegar or spicy flavor. Slice potatoes into thin wedges and fry or bake them into homemade chips. Dip the chips right into any drippings for finger-licking goodness.

8. Cornbread

Warm cornbread straight from the oven or grill is a tasty accompaniment for BBQ chicken legs. Enjoy squares of cornbread with honey butter to soak up the juices Or crumble cornbread over the chicken for added texture Cornbread’s hint of sweetness and crumbly texture perfectly complement the barbecue flavors.

9. Collard Greens

For a traditional Southern pairing packed with nutrients, collard greens hit the spot. Slowly simmered with smoked ham hocks or bacon, onions and garlic, collards add an earthy flavor and luxurious texture. Their slight bitterness balances the sweet barbecue sauce beautifully.

10. Watermelon Slices

On a hot day, chilled watermelon slices offer sweet relief alongside saucy chicken legs. Watermelon contains vitamins A and C, and its high water content hydrates. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle with minced mint or feta cheese crumbles. The juicy sweetness cuts the richness perfectly.

11. Corn Fritters

Savory corn fritters make a moreish pairing for BBQ chicken legs. Fry patties of fresh corn, egg, flour, scallions, cheddar and spices until golden brown. You can also oven bake them. The sweet corn flavor and crispy texture complement the barbecue chicken wonderfully.

12. Cucumber Salad

For a light, refreshing pairing packed with crunch, cucumber salad fits the bill. Simply toss sliced cucumbers with red onion, tomato, vinegar, olive oil, fresh dill and salt and pepper. Chill before serving. Its cool crispness balances the chicken’s warmth and richness flawlessly.

13. Grilled Vegetables

Fire up an assortment of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions and eggplant to serve with your chicken legs. Brush with olive oil and seasonings and grill until tender. The smoky char complements the BBQ chicken. Add feta or Parmesan for extra flavor. Grilled veggies add nutrients like vitamins C and A.

14. Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad makes a sweet, juicy pairing for saucy chicken legs. Dice up melons like watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe. Add pineapple chunks, grapes, strawberries, blueberries and mango too. Toss all the fruit with a honey lime dressing. The vitamin C-packed salad cools the palate perfectly.

15. Creamy Coleslaw

We can’t forget fan-favorite creamy coleslaw! Shredded green and purple cabbage and carrots are tossed in a rich dressing like mayo, sour cream or buttermilk ranch. Sweeten it up with pineapple tidbits or raisins if you like. The crisp, creamy slaw cuts through the barbecue sauce beautifully.

Tips for Serving Sides with BBQ Chicken Legs

• Offer a mix of lighter and heavier sides to please all appetites. Liven up the plate with colors and textures.

• Make ahead options like pasta salads, baked beans and coleslaw simplify your workload.

• Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, scallions, bacon bits, hot sauce and other fun garnishes.

• Skewer grilled veggie kabobs to cook alongside the chicken for easy one-stop grilling.

• Lay out disposable damp towels for cleaning sticky fingers.

• Keep sides chilled on ice or nestled in slow cookers set to warm.

With so many phenomenal sides to choose from, you can’t go wrong pairing BBQ chicken legs with potatoes, beans, salads, cornbread and more. These 15 options offer foolproof matches that will have your guests begging for seconds. From coleslaw to corn fritters, create a mouthwatering spread that perfectly complements the finger-licking barbecue chicken legs.