What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Sandwiches? [7 Tasty Ideas]
I love BBQ chicken sandwiches, and I could eat one every day and be a very happy camper. The only problem is that not all side dishes are created equal when it comes to this tasty dish. Ultimately, it’s about serving dishes that will complement the smoky, savory flavors of the chicken. So, what to serve with a BBQ chicken sandwich?
BBQ chicken sandwich pairs perfectly with a diversity of dishes, but mainly salads, such as Caesar salad, pasta salad, Mexican street corn salad, spicy coleslaw, kale & apple salad, but also baked sweet potato fries and caramelized onion & mushroom quinoa.
BBQ chicken sandwiches are a summer staple, but what’s a BBQ without some delicious side dishes? These sides to serve with BBQ chicken sandwiches will help you enjoy them even more.
Caesar Salad
You can’t go wrong with Caesar salad if you’re looking for a refreshing side to serve with your BBQ chicken sandwich. This classic dish can be whipped up in minutes and is the perfect accompaniment to spicy BBQ flavors.
It’s made up of crunchy romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, garlic, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and lemon juice. To bring out the flavors even more, I like to drizzle some Worcestershire and hot sauce over the top for an extra kick.
Not only does it look pretty on the plate, but this salad is also packed with nutrients. The dark green leafy lettuce is high in vitamins K and A, which are both necessary for healthy eyesight and bone health. Plus, the parmesan cheese adds some welcome calcium to your meal too! Enjoy! [1]
Pasta Salad
During summer, pasta salad is one of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside BBQ chicken sandwiches. It’s a great way to cool off from the summer heat and add in some extra nutrients. And I love that it’s so versatile since you can add anything on hand! Here’s one idea:
Or follow my recipe:
To make my perfect summer pasta salad, I start with some cooked rotini, then add some diced tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots. Then I mix together a quick vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, and spices and put it all together. The result is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken sandwiches.
And the best part is that you can prep this dish ahead of time, so it’s a great one to make if you’re having friends over for dinner!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Oven-baked sweet potato fries are just a perfect accompaniment for any salad, especially those containing chicken. They’re the ideal combination of crispy and sweet and go so well with the smoky BBQ flavors.
You can make them at home using just a few simple ingredients: sweet potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper. Slice the sweet potatoes into thin fries, toss them in a bowl with oil and seasoning, then bake them in a preheated oven until crispy. Serve them hot, and enjoy!
While I love oven-baked potatoes and french fries, I sometimes change it up by pairing my chicken sandwiches with other root vegetables. My favorites are mashed potatoes and roasted carrots.
They all pair well with the chicken and add a sweetness or flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory chicken. And here’s an easy way to make them yourself!
Mexican Street Corn Salad
You can make a delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad from grilled corn, cabbage, feta cheese, and cilantro, among other ingredients.
Grilling the corn directly over the burners or in a grill basket gives it a unique smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken. The feta cheese adds a nice salty balance, while the cilantro brings out freshness that contrasts with the smokiness.
To finish it off, mix the ingredients before lightly tossing them with an olive oil & lime juice dressing so all the flavors blend together. That’s it!
Spicy Coleslaw
This next side dish is one of my favorites — spicy Southern-style coleslaw. It’s perfect for serving with BBQ chicken sandwiches because it has a bit of heat, which helps balance out the sauce’s sweetness.
To make my coleslaw, you’ll need shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, and black pepper. I like to add some diced jalapeño to give it an extra kick.
Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly combined, and then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Quinoa
For this side dish, I use a cup of quinoa and cook it according to the instructions on the package.
I like using olive oil, but you can really use any oil — just add it into a saucepan, along with some diced onion, mushrooms, and some garlic. Sauté for around 10 minutes until the onion is golden brown. Now throw in the quinoa and sauté for another 2 minutes.
The combination of caramelized onion, mushrooms, and garlic on top of the quinoa makes this side dish really flavorful! Serve it with BBQ chicken sandwiches for an incredible dining experience.
Kale & Apple Salad
Try making kale and apple salad for a healthy side dish that offers a bit of crunch and some delightful sweetness. Start by combining kale with red cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Then, add some diced apples for natural sweetness and top it off with your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
The acidity of the dressing pairs nicely with the smoky/savory flavors of the BBQ chicken sandwich. Plus, this salad is light enough not to weigh down your meal but still robust enough to satisfy healthy appetites.
What do you usually serve with your BBQ chicken sandwiches? I can’t wait to try your combos — so make sure you write them down in the comments below!
