Top 20 Summer Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken

Top 20 Summer Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken

The aroma of BBQ chicken wafts through the air, signaling the start of summer evenings filled with flavor. With the right side dishes, you can elevate a simple meal into an unforgettable feast. Summer side dishes bring freshness, variety, and color to your table, perfectly complementing that smoky, charred goodness of grilled chicken.

Imagine tossing a vibrant salad full of mixed greens and juicy cherry tomatoes, or serving up a platter of colorful grilled vegetables. Each bite of these sides enhances your BBQ experience, making it more memorable. Summer invites an abundance of ingredients that are perfect for grilling or tossing into salads that dance with flavor. Utilizing the freshest produce of the season elevates ordinary meals, turning them into extraordinary culinary experiences.

In this article, discover twenty delightful side dishes that will beautifully accompany BBQ chicken. Whether you desire light and refreshing or hearty and filling, these recipes ensure your summer BBQs impress every guest. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a collection of delicious, easy-to-prep recipes that will keep your summer gatherings fresh.

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Refreshing Summer Salads

Fundamentals

Salads serve as vibrant, refreshing sides for BBQ chicken. With the right combination of ingredients, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fresh greens enhance any meal while providing essential nutrients. A flavorful salad transforms a grilled barbecue into something extraordinary.

Preparation/setup

Start by selecting the freshest vegetables and greens available. Remove any wilted leaves and ensure everything is washed and prepped before you begin. This setup makes assembly quick and easy. Choose your favorite bowl for mixing and prepare a dressing to enhance the salad without overshadowing its fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumbers, diced
• Red onions, thinly sliced
• Avocados, cubed
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley)
• Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions in a large bowl.
2. Gently fold in the avocados and crumbled feta.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss gently to combine, and serve immediately as a refreshing complement to BBQ chicken.

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Vibrant Grilled Vegetables

Technique

Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken. Choosing a variety of colors and textures makes your platter visually appealing while enhancing the taste.

Tips/tricks

Be sure to chop your vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to promote those beautiful grill marks. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favorite mix.

Ingredients

• Zucchini, sliced
• Bell peppers, cut into strips
• Asparagus, trimmed
• Olive oil for brushing
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your grill over medium-high heat.
2. Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until charred and tender.
4. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before serving alongside your BBQ chicken.

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Flavorful Corn Salsa

Perfecting results

Corn salsa brings a burst of flavor and a brightness that enhances the richness of BBQ chicken. Whether you use grilled corn or fresh kernels, this dish offers a delightful mix of tastes that will invigorate your meal.

Troubleshooting/variations

For added heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños into your salsa. You can also adjust the lime juice quantities to suit your taste. If fresh corn is unavailable, using canned corn works perfectly as well.

Ingredients

• Corn on the cob (or canned corn)
• Jalapeños, diced
• Cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Grill corn on the cob until charred, about 10-12 minutes. If using canned corn, skip this step.
2. Allow the corn to cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
3. In a bowl, combine corn with diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.
4. Mix well and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Colorful Fruit Salad

Serving/presentation

Fruit salads add a refreshing element to any BBQ, highlighting the season’s juicy offerings. Arrange colorful fruit in a decorative bowl for visual impact, enhancing your table setting without any fuss in preparation.

Pairings/storage

When pairing fruit with BBQ chicken, consider the sweetness of the fruit against the savory flavors of the chicken. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for future snacking throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Watermelon, diced
• Pineapple, diced
• Strawberries, sliced
• Blueberries
• Mint leaves for garnish
• Honey or lime juice for drizzle (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries.
2. If desired, drizzle with honey or lime juice to enhance the flavors.
3. Toss gently to mix, then garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

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Tasty Roasted Potatoes

Fundamentals

Potatoes can be roasted to create a crispy, flavorful side that boasts a comforting texture. Pairing them with herbs adds extra depth and richness, making them a perfect companion for BBQ chicken.

Preparation/setup

To prepare, wash and cut potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking. Preheat the oven and set up a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes or russet potatoes
• Olive oil for roasting
• Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F (220 C).
2. Toss chopped potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until coated evenly.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, shaking the pan halfway through.

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Creamy Coleslaw

Technique

Coleslaw serves as a crunchy, tangy complement to BBQ chicken, offering a contrast in texture and flavor. The creamy dressing balances the crispness of the vegetables, enhancing overall taste.

Tips/tricks

Chilling coleslaw for at least an hour before serving allows flavors to meld while keeping the vegetables crunchy. Experiment with additional seasonings to make the dish uniquely yours!

Ingredients

• Green cabbage, finely shredded
• Carrots, grated
• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
2. In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over cabbage and carrots, mixing well.
4. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best flavor.

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Tempting Baked Beans

Perfecting results

Baked beans add richness and sweetness that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken. Their hearty texture complements grilled flavors and round out the meal offering.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding liquid smoke to your beans. Adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or less, depending on your preference.

Ingredients

• Canned or dried beans (navy or kidney)
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Onion, diced

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C).
2. In a large bowl, combine baked beans with brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and diced onion.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

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Fun Veggie Platter

Serving/presentation

A veggie platter adds a colorful visual appeal while providing a healthy snacking option alongside your BBQ chicken. It invites guests to munch while the main dishes finish cooking and caters to various tastes.

Pairings/storage

Serve with your choice of dipping sauces, like ranch dressing or hummus, to enhance flavor and encourage everyone to enjoy the veggies. Cover leftovers for storage in the refrigerator and use them in salads or snacks later.

Ingredients

• Carrots, sliced
• Celery sticks
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Ranch dressing or hummus for dipping

Directions

1. Arrange sliced carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers on a large platter.
2. Place a bowl of ranch dressing or hummus in the center for easy dipping.
3. Serve immediately as part of your side dishes.

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Quinoa Salad

Technique

Quinoa salads offer a protein-packed, nutty-flavored side that adds heartiness without overwhelming your BBQ chicken. The combination of ingredients can be varied according to taste, making it versatile.

Tips/tricks

Ensure you rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness. Mix in additional vegetables and items for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• Cooked quinoa
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Cucumbers, diced
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped red onion, diced cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Creamy Cucumber Salad

Perfecting results

Cucumber salads provide a refreshing crunch, balancing the flavors of grilled chicken. A creamy dressing adds richness that enhances the natural sweetness of the cucumbers.

Troubleshooting/variations

Feel free to tweak the dressing with herbs like dill or tarragon for a unique flavor profile. Add cherry tomatoes or radishes for variation in texture and taste.

Ingredients

• Cucumbers, sliced
• Greek yogurt or mayo for dressing
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt or mayo with minced garlic and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Toss sliced cucumbers with the dressing until well-coated.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best taste.

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Savory Hummus with Pita Chips

Serving/presentation

Serving hummus with pita chips creates a flavorful and nutritious snack. It balances both lightness and taste against the heavier BBQ chicken, inviting guests to engage with the spread.

Pairings/storage

Hummus pairs beautifully with fresh veggies as well! Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for a delightful snack throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Canned chickpeas
• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth, adjusting with water if needed to reach desired consistency.
3. Serve with pita chips for dipping.

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Flavorful Garlic Bread

Technique

Garlic bread offers a warm, buttery addition that compliments BBQ chicken’s flavors. The crunch adds texture, making each bite more enjoyable.

Tips/tricks

Toast your garlic bread to a golden brown for the best texture. Keep an eye on it while baking to prevent burning!

Ingredients

• French bread or baguette
• Butter, softened
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C).
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
3. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over cut sides of the French bread.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.

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Each of these summer side dishes adds a unique twist to your BBQ chicken, helping you create a diverse and enjoyable meal that everyone will love. From fresh, vibrant salads to hearty baked beans, the key is utilizing seasonal ingredients to brighten your dish and keep your guests coming back for more. Embrace the summer spirit with these delicious sides and watch your BBQ gatherings transform into something truly special.

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