What to Serve with Smoked Chicken: 40+ Best Side Dishes
Smoked chicken is a treat for your taste buds! That smoky flavor is so good. But what to serve with smoked chicken? The right sides make your meal even better.
Some sides bring out the smoky taste. Others add new flavors that work well with the chicken. In this guide, I’ll show you lots of sides for your smoked chicken.
You’ll find something for everyone, whether it’s a family dinner or a big party. These sides will make your smoked chicken meal one to remember!
Why You’ll Love Smoked Chicken?
Smoked chicken has a deep, rich taste that’s hard to beat. You can pair it with so many different sides! It’s not hard to make – just pick your wood chips for the flavor you want. I love making it when friends come over for BBQs or when my family gets together.
What to Serve with Smoked Chicken?
Your smoked chicken deserves great sides! From crunchy salads to warm breads, here are my top picks. You’ll find fresh veggies, hearty potatoes, and sweet fruits that go perfectly with that smoky meat.
Fresh and Crunchy Salads
Fresh salads add a nice crisp bite that goes so well with smoky chicken. The cool, crunchy textures balance the warm, tender meat.
- Classic Coleslaw: The creamy dressing with crunchy cabbage is so good with smoky chicken! I like mine with a bit of apple cider vinegar for extra tang. My kids even eat this one!
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: So fresh and light! The juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers get a simple dressing of oil, vinegar, and herbs. It’s what I make when it’s hot outside.
- Grilled Corn Salad: Sweet corn kernels with a bit of char taste amazing! Mix with bell peppers, red onion, and lime juice. You can make this ahead of time too.
- Apple Walnut Salad: Crisp apple chunks with crunchy walnuts on fresh greens. The sweet-tart dressing makes this salad pop! My guests always ask for the recipe.
- Grilled Caesar Salad: The warm, slightly charred romaine hearts get so much flavor! Top with creamy dressing, croutons, and cheese. It’s fancy but easy to make.
Vegetable-Based Sides
Veggies bring color and nutrients to your plate! These cooked veggie sides add warmth and comfort to balance the smoky chicken. You can pick based on what’s in season.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: They get all crispy and sweet when roasted! A bit of bacon and maple syrup makes them irresistible. Even people who say they hate them love mine!
- Southern Style Collard Greens: Slow-cooked with a ham hock until tender and full of flavor. The pot liquor is so good you’ll want to drink it with a spoon!
- Grilled Asparagus: Just a little oil, salt, and a quick time on the grill. The tips get crispy while the stalks stay tender. I love how simple yet tasty this is.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: Fresh beans cooked until bright green then tossed with garlic butter. They snap when you bite them! My go-to when I need a quick side.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and buttery with a touch of herbs. The honey caramelizes a bit in the oven. Kids and grown-ups both clean their plates when I make these!
Potato Lovers’ Favorites
Potatoes are always a hit! They’re filling and soak up all those yummy chicken juices. I never have leftovers when I serve these potato sides with smoked chicken.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, buttery clouds of potato goodness! I add roasted garlic to mine for extra flavor. You can make them ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker.
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Fries: Baked until golden then tossed with garlic, herbs, and cheese. They’re crunchy outside and soft inside. My family fights over the last ones!
- Smoked Baked Potatoes: Put them in your smoker with the chicken! The skins get an amazing flavor. Top with all your favorite things like cheese and bacon.
- Loaded Potato Salad: All the good stuff from a loaded baked potato in a cold salad! Bacon, cheese, green onions, and a creamy dressing make this special.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Thin potato slices layered with cheese sauce and baked until bubbly. The top gets golden brown and crispy. It’s pure comfort food!
Rice and Grains
Rice and grains soak up all those tasty chicken juices! They fill you up and bring new flavors to the table. These sides are easy to make in big batches for crowds.
- Cajun Dirty Rice: Full of spices, peppers, and little bits of meat. It’s got a kick that works so well with the smoky chicken! I make this when I want something bold.
- Garlic Butter Rice: Simple but so good! The butter makes it rich while garlic adds punch. You can add herbs too. It’s my easy go-to side that everyone loves.
- Roasted Veggie Quinoa Medley: Healthy and colorful with roasted veggies mixed in. The quinoa gets nutty when cooked right. It’s what I make when I want something light.
- Southern Style Jambalaya: A meal itself but works great as a side too! Full of sausage, peppers, and spices. The rice soaks up all those amazing flavors.
Breads and Rolls
Warm bread is perfect for soaking up juices from your smoked chicken! These baked goods add comfort to any meal. I always make extra because they disappear so fast!
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory, it’s up to you! The crumbly texture is just right with smoky meat. I like to add jalapeños and cheese to mine for extra flavor.
- Garlic Bread: Buttery, garlicky, and toasted to perfection! The crunchy outside and soft inside make it irresistible. My kids would eat just this if I let them!
- Ciabatta Bread: Those big air holes catch all the juices from your chicken! The chewy crust and soft middle are so good. I warm it up right before serving.
- Soft Dinner Rolls: Pull-apart rolls fresh from the oven are hard to beat! Brush with butter while hot. They’re perfect for making little chicken sandwiches.
- Garlic Herb Biscuits: Flaky layers packed with garlic and herbs. They’re quick to make and smell amazing while baking. You’ll want to eat them straight from the oven!
Southern Comfort Dishes
These hearty sides bring that down-home feeling to your meal! They’re rich and filling – perfect for when you want to make your smoked chicken extra special.
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Gooey cheese sauce with a crispy top! This isn’t from a box – it’s the real deal. I make this when I want to show off a bit.
- Jalapeño Creamed Corn: Sweet corn kernels in a creamy sauce with a spicy kick! The jalapeños can be mild or hot – you pick. It’s creamy, sweet, and a little spicy.
- Baked Beans: Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor! I add bacon and brown sugar to mine. They simmer until thick and rich. The perfect BBQ side!
- Jalapeño Cheddar Grits: Creamy grits with sharp cheese and spicy peppers. They’re smooth, rich, and have just enough heat. A true Southern classic that I love!
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice, cheese, and spices. They look fancy but are easy to make! I like to prep these ahead for easy cooking.
Fruity and Refreshing Options
Fresh fruit brings sweet relief from the rich, smoky chicken! These bright sides add color and zing to your plate. They’re what I serve when I want something light and fresh.
- Pineapple Salsa: Sweet pineapple chunks with spicy jalapeño and zesty lime! The sweet-hot combo is perfect with smoky meat. It’s like a little party in your mouth!
- Watermelon and Feta Salad: Juicy watermelon with salty cheese and mint leaves. The mix of sweet, salty, and fresh is so good! It’s what I make on hot summer days.
- Grilled Peaches with Honey: The heat makes peaches extra sweet! A drizzle of honey and maybe some cinnamon is all you need. My guests always rave about this simple treat.
- Mango Salsa: Ripe mango chunks with red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s sweet, tangy, and a little spicy! The bright colors look so pretty on the table.
Sweet and Crunchy BBQ Sides
These sides are BBQ must-haves! They bring that cookout feeling to any meal with smoked chicken. I always include at least one of these when I’m serving smoked meat.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn gets even better with grill marks! Roll in butter, sprinkle with salt, and maybe add some chili powder. Simple but so good!
- Fried Okra: Crunchy cornmeal coating on the outside, tender green pods inside! The quick fry keeps them from getting slimy. My grandma taught me to make these when I was just a kid.
- Pickled Red Onions: Bright pink, tangy, and a little sweet! They cut through the rich chicken perfectly. I keep a jar in my fridge all summer for quick toppings.
- Sweet and Spicy Pickles: Crunchy cucumbers in a tangy brine with a hint of heat! They clean your palate between bites of smoky meat. My grandma’s recipe is the best!
Easy Sauces
The right sauce can make your smoked chicken even better! These sauces add moisture and new flavors. I like to offer a few options so everyone can pick their favorite.
- Classic BBQ Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky all at once! The tomato base gets depth from molasses and spices. I make mine a day ahead so the flavors can really blend together.
- Spicy Ranch: Cool and creamy with a kick! Add hot sauce to regular ranch or make your own. It’s perfect for dipping chicken or drizzling on top.
- Avocado Lime Crema: Smooth avocado blended with sour cream and lime juice. It’s rich yet fresh at the same time! I make this when I want something a little fancy.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy! The honey balances the mustard perfectly. My kids love this one – they dip everything in it!
- Chipotle Lime Sauce: Smoky chipotle peppers blended with zesty lime and creamy mayo. The heat builds slowly with each bite. My friends always ask for extra when I serve this!
Final Thoughts
Smoked chicken is so good, and now you have tons of sides to go with it! Mix and match these sides based on what you like.
Try creamy mac and cheese with tangy coleslaw one time. Next time, go for garlic bread and a fresh salad. The best part is finding your favorite combo!
I love hearing what others serve with their smoked chicken. Some of my best ideas came from friends!
What works for you might be different than what works for me. That’s the fun of cooking – making it your own.
Don’t be afraid to try new things with your smoked chicken meals. A side you never thought of might become your new favorite!
What sides do you like best with smoked chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas!
