Barbecue chicken (or BBQ chicken) refers to grilled or cooked chicken covered in barbecue sauce. In most cooking situations, the word “barbecue” refers to cooking an ingredient (usually meat) over a barbeque grill. However, the sweet and tangy flavors of [barbeque sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/aaron-franklins-bbq-rib-sauce-recipe) have become nearly synonymous with barbecue-style cooking.
The sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of BBQ chicken pair well with an array of side dishes and appetizers. Serve any of the following BBQ side dish recipes alongside barbecue chicken at your next potluck, cookout, or weeknight meal: 

1. __Baked beans__: This sweet and savory side dish is a staple of BBQ joints, picnic potlucks, and summer gatherings. [Baked beans](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/baked-beans-recipe) is a side dish that involves cooking beans low and slow in a sweet and savory sauce. Depending on the region and personal preference, the sauce is often built from animal fat—usually bacon or salt pork—and a sweetener like maple syrup, brown sugar, or molasses. Modern recipes may incorporate BBQ sauce, ketchup, green bell pepper, dry mustard powder, tangy yellow mustard, funky, umami-packed Worcestershire sauce, or liquid smoke.
2. __Baked potatoes__: Baked potatoes are the perfect base to sop up all the extra sauce from your BBQ chicken. To make a [baked potato](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/different-ways-to-cook-all-types-of-potatoes), first, pierce the potato with a fork and place it in an oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, right on the rack, then bake for almost an hour, or until fork-tender. Cut the potato in half, sprinkle it with salt, and melt a dab of butter on each side. Top the buttery potato with your favorite accompaniments, like <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream","linkCopy":"sour cream","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sour cream</a>, chives, and bacon bits. 
3. __Coleslaw__: This classic dish of shredded cabbage in mayonnaise-based dressing adds crunch and creaminess to a barbecue chicken plate. Common [coleslaw](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/coleslaw-recipe) ingredients include shredded carrots, onions, broccoli, and cauliflower. However, you can take liberties with this simple dish by swapping out the vinaigrette or other ingredients. Try an Asian slaw with a sweet, spicy, and even tangy dressing with a rice vinegar base. An apple cider vinegar–based slaw can give your barbeque plate ample tartness. 
4. __Cornbread__: This quick bread contains cornmeal, popular in Southern cooking and enjoyed by many people for its tender, crumbly texture and sweet aroma. Southern [cornbread](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-cornbread-recipe-plus-7-cornbread-variations) traditionally incorporates little to no sugar and has a high cornmeal-to-flour ratio, while Northern-style cornbread is sweeter and more cake-like. Either version can make a great, toothsome accompaniment to barbecue chicken. 
5. __Grilled vegetables__: If you’re preparing your barbecue chicken on the grill, throw in some vegetables alongside to infuse them with a smoky flavor. Grilled or [roasted brussels sprouts](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/oven-roasted-brussels-sprouts), zucchini, sweet potatoes, and [red peppers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-roast-bell-peppers) are great options. 
6. __Mashed potatoes__: Mashed potatoes are a classic BBQ side that’s easy to make for a group. Simply boil your choice of potatoes and mash them, adding milk, butter, and salt to make them creamy and savory. Elevate your basic mashed potatoes by making [pomme purée](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-recipe-for-pomme-potato-puree), an ultra-creamy French variation on the traditional side dish.
7. __Pesto pasta salad__: Instead of the typical creamy macaroni salad, try serving an Italian pesto pasta with barbecue chicken. Pesto pasta salad consists of a short-noodle pasta dressed in basil [pesto sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-basil-pesto-easy-recipe-and-tips-for-making-perfect-pesto) and served cold. 
8. __Pickled vegetables__: Pickled veggies are a great side to serve alongside barbecue chicken: The vinegary notes in the pickle brine balance the sauce’s sweetness perfectly. Try pickled [jalapeños](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-complete-guide-to-jalapeno-peppers) for some heat. Sprinkle [pickled sweet corn](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-corn-recipe) on top of your chicken for some sweet brininess. [Pickled green beans](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-green-beans-recipe) are also a hearty and fresh-tasting addition to any barbecue plate. 
9. __Potato salad__: A creamy potato salad recipe makes the perfect side dish for BBQ chicken. To make [potato salad](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/potato-salad-recipe), combine cooked potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, fresh herbs, and crunchy elements like pickles or crisp radishes. There are a few foundational ingredients in a classic recipe, which has its roots in traditional [German potato salad](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/authentic-german-potato-salad-recipe-by-chef-thomas-keller): Mayonnaise, mustard, diced red onions, and green onions like scallions or chives. Tangy, dairy-free potato salads come together with a basic vinaigrette, made with dill pickle juice or white vinegar, which chefs typically serve warm.
10. __Smacked cucumber salad__: Chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s easy cucumber salad recipe involves dressing knife-smacked cucumbers in a mixture of sesame seeds, parsley leaves, garlic, and olive oil. His [smacked cucumber salad](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cucumber-salad-recipe-by-yotam-ottolenghi) provides balance to starchier or meat-based dishes like cucumber salad. 
11. __Watermelon-feta salad__: Watermelon feta salad is a twist on fruit salad consisting of fresh watermelon, fresh mint, and savory feta cheese. Refreshing [watermelon feta salad](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/summer-watermelon-feta-salad-recipe) is a refreshing addition to any summertime cookout and an ideal side for BBQ chicken.
Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Aaron Franklin, Yotam Ottolenghi, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.
The list of sides dishes for BBQ chicken is endless, from traditional dishes like coleslaw and cornbread to creative sides like watermelon feta salad. These delicious plates make perfect sides for barbecues and weeknight meals alike. Read on for a breakdown of the best sides for BBQ chicken.

The list of sides dishes for BBQ chicken is endless, from traditional dishes like coleslaw and cornbread to creative sides like watermelon feta salad. These delicious plates make perfect sides for barbecues and weeknight meals alike. Read on for a breakdown of the best sides for BBQ chicken.

11 Sides for BBQ Chicken: Foods to Serve With BBQ Chicken

Barbecue chicken (or BBQ chicken) refers to grilled or cooked chicken covered in barbecue sauce. In most cooking situations, the word “barbecue” refers to cooking an ingredient (usually meat) over a barbeque grill. However, the sweet and tangy flavors of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/aaron-franklins-bbq-rib-sauce-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/aaron-franklins-bbq-rib-sauce-recipe","linkCopy":"barbeque sauce","category":null}'>barbeque sauce</a> have become nearly synonymous with barbecue-style cooking.

What Is BBQ Chicken?

The sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of BBQ chicken pair well with an array of side dishes and appetizers. Serve any of the following BBQ side dish recipes alongside barbecue chicken at your next potluck, cookout, or weeknight meal: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Baked beans: This sweet and savory side dish is a staple of BBQ joints, picnic potlucks, and summer gatherings. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/baked-beans-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/baked-beans-recipe","linkCopy":"Baked beans","category":null}'>Baked beans</a> is a side dish that involves cooking beans low and slow in a sweet and savory sauce. Depending on the region and personal preference, the sauce is often built from animal fat—usually bacon or salt pork—and a sweetener like maple syrup, brown sugar, or molasses. Modern recipes may incorporate BBQ sauce, ketchup, green bell pepper, dry mustard powder, tangy yellow mustard, funky, umami-packed Worcestershire sauce, or liquid smoke. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Baked potatoes: Baked potatoes are the perfect base to sop up all the extra sauce from your BBQ chicken. To make a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/different-ways-to-cook-all-types-of-potatoes' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/different-ways-to-cook-all-types-of-potatoes","linkCopy":"baked potato","category":null}'>baked potato</a>, first, pierce the potato with a fork and place it in an oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, right on the rack, then bake for almost an hour, or until fork-tender. Cut the potato in half, sprinkle it with salt, and melt a dab of butter on each side. Top the buttery potato with your favorite accompaniments, like <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream","linkCopy":"sour cream","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sour cream</a>, chives, and bacon bits. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Coleslaw: This classic dish of shredded cabbage in mayonnaise-based dressing adds crunch and creaminess to a barbecue chicken plate. Common <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/coleslaw-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/coleslaw-recipe","linkCopy":"coleslaw","category":null}'>coleslaw</a> ingredients include shredded carrots, onions, broccoli, and cauliflower. However, you can take liberties with this simple dish by swapping out the vinaigrette or other ingredients. Try an Asian slaw with a sweet, spicy, and even tangy dressing with a rice vinegar base. An apple cider vinegar–based slaw can give your barbeque plate ample tartness. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Cornbread: This quick bread contains cornmeal, popular in Southern cooking and enjoyed by many people for its tender, crumbly texture and sweet aroma. Southern <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-cornbread-recipe-plus-7-cornbread-variations' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-cornbread-recipe-plus-7-cornbread-variations","linkCopy":"cornbread","category":null}'>cornbread</a> traditionally incorporates little to no sugar and has a high cornmeal-to-flour ratio, while Northern-style cornbread is sweeter and more cake-like. Either version can make a great, toothsome accompaniment to barbecue chicken. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Grilled vegetables: If you’re preparing your barbecue chicken on the grill, throw in some vegetables alongside to infuse them with a smoky flavor. Grilled or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/oven-roasted-brussels-sprouts' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/oven-roasted-brussels-sprouts","linkCopy":"roasted brussels sprouts","category":null}'>roasted brussels sprouts</a>, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-roast-bell-peppers' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-roast-bell-peppers","linkCopy":"red peppers","category":null}'>red peppers</a> are great options. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic BBQ side that’s easy to make for a group. Simply boil your choice of potatoes and mash them, adding milk, butter, and salt to make them creamy and savory. Elevate your basic mashed potatoes by making <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-recipe-for-pomme-potato-puree' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-recipe-for-pomme-potato-puree","linkCopy":"pomme purée","category":null}'>pomme purée</a>, an ultra-creamy French variation on the traditional side dish. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Pesto pasta salad: Instead of the typical creamy macaroni salad, try serving an Italian pesto pasta with barbecue chicken. Pesto pasta salad consists of a short-noodle pasta dressed in basil <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-basil-pesto-easy-recipe-and-tips-for-making-perfect-pesto' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-basil-pesto-easy-recipe-and-tips-for-making-perfect-pesto","linkCopy":"pesto sauce","category":null}'>pesto sauce</a> and served cold. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Pickled vegetables: Pickled veggies are a great side to serve alongside barbecue chicken: The vinegary notes in the pickle brine balance the sauce’s sweetness perfectly. Try pickled <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-complete-guide-to-jalapeno-peppers' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-complete-guide-to-jalapeno-peppers","linkCopy":"jalapeños","category":null}'>jalapeños</a> for some heat. Sprinkle <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-corn-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-corn-recipe","linkCopy":"pickled sweet corn","category":null}'>pickled sweet corn</a> on top of your chicken for some sweet brininess. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-green-beans-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-green-beans-recipe","linkCopy":"Pickled green beans","category":null}'>Pickled green beans</a> are also a hearty and fresh-tasting addition to any barbecue plate. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 9. Potato salad: A creamy potato salad recipe makes the perfect side dish for BBQ chicken. To make <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/potato-salad-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/potato-salad-recipe","linkCopy":"potato salad","category":null}'>potato salad</a>, combine cooked potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, fresh herbs, and crunchy elements like pickles or crisp radishes. There are a few foundational ingredients in a classic recipe, which has its roots in traditional <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/authentic-german-potato-salad-recipe-by-chef-thomas-keller' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/authentic-german-potato-salad-recipe-by-chef-thomas-keller","linkCopy":"German potato salad","category":null}'>German potato salad</a>: Mayonnaise, mustard, diced red onions, and green onions like scallions or chives. Tangy, dairy-free potato salads come together with a basic vinaigrette, made with dill pickle juice or white vinegar, which chefs typically serve warm. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 10. Smacked cucumber salad: Chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s easy cucumber salad recipe involves dressing knife-smacked cucumbers in a mixture of sesame seeds, parsley leaves, garlic, and olive oil. His <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cucumber-salad-recipe-by-yotam-ottolenghi' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cucumber-salad-recipe-by-yotam-ottolenghi","linkCopy":"smacked cucumber salad","category":null}'>smacked cucumber salad</a> provides balance to starchier or meat-based dishes like cucumber salad. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 11. Watermelon-feta salad: Watermelon feta salad is a twist on fruit salad consisting of fresh watermelon, fresh mint, and savory feta cheese. Refreshing <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/summer-watermelon-feta-salad-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/summer-watermelon-feta-salad-recipe","linkCopy":"watermelon feta salad","category":null}'>watermelon feta salad</a> is a refreshing addition to any summertime cookout and an ideal side for BBQ chicken. </li></ol>

11 Foods to Serve With BBQ Chicken

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The list of sides dishes for BBQ chicken is endless, from traditional dishes like coleslaw and cornbread to creative sides like watermelon feta salad. These delicious plates make perfect sides for barbecues and weeknight meals alike. Read on for a breakdown of the best sides for BBQ chicken.

The list of sides dishes for BBQ chicken is endless, from traditional dishes like coleslaw and cornbread to creative sides like watermelon feta salad. These delicious plates make perfect sides for barbecues and weeknight meals alike. Read on for a breakdown of the best sides for BBQ chicken.
