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    Home » Chicken

    47 Perfect Sauces and Sides for Your Next Chicken BBQ

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated May 6, 2026 · Published May 7, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your next chicken BBQ, you'll want to check out these 44 sauces and sides. From classic BBQ sauce to tangy coleslaw versions, there's something for everyone to enjoy alongside your grilled chicken. Get ready to take your BBQ spread to the next level with these delicious accompaniments!

    Greek Cucumber Salad

    A serving of Greek cucumber salad.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Greek cucumber salad is quick to make with simple ingredients, ready in just 15 minutes. Packed with fresh flavors, crunchy cucumbers, and a tasty red wine vinaigrette, it's a great side for grilled chicken.

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    Carrots Vichy

    Carrots with parsley.
    Photo Credits: always use butter.

    Looking to spice up your next chicken BBQ? Whip up some tasty Air Fryer Baby Carrots in just under 20 minutes. These buttery and honey-coated carrots are a delicious side dish that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Caulislaw - Raw Cauliflower Salad

    Caulislaw - Raw Cauliflower Salad
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This cauliflower slaw combines cauliflower, carrots, and red onions with a delicious mayo dressing. It's a great side dish for your BBQ or to add to your burgers. Healthy, quick, and low-carb, it's a versatile option you'll love.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Dipping Sauce

    Garlic dipping sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Create a quick and easy Garlic Dipping Sauce in no time, perfect for dipping fries, veggies, and bread. Packed with a strong garlic taste that will enhance your dishes!

    Get the recipe

    French Potato Salad

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy a delicious French Potato Salad made with a creamy Dijon mustard dressing, perfect for your next BBQ. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.

    Get the recipe

    Loaded Potato Skins

    Air fryer potato skins.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer potato skins are super easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes. They're seasoned with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and gooey cheese for a delicious appetizer or side.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Halloumi & Peaches

    Grilled halloumi and peaches.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This flavorful salad will take your barbecue game to the next level.

    Get the recipe

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta.
    Photo credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This Mediterranean Black Lentil Salad with Feta is packed with delicious flavors! It's simple to prepare, full of protein, and perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Made with nutritious lentils, creamy feta, fresh veggies, and a tasty vinaigrette.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Grilled Italian Zucchini

    Easy Grilled Italian Zucchini
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This zesty grilled zucchini makes a tasty vegetarian side dish. It's seasoned with Italian flavors and cooked on the grill for a delicious result in just 20 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Classic American Potato Salad

    Classic American Potato Salad
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    This traditional American potato salad is a great choice for your next BBQ! It's creamy and flavorful, with boiled eggs adding a tasty twist.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Potatoes with Lemon & Feta Cheese

    Greek potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Discover how to whip up delicious Greek-style roasted potatoes with a zesty twist. Simple to prepare, these potatoes are bursting with tangy lemon, aromatic oregano, and savory garlic flavors. Sprinkled with melted Feta cheese, they make a fantastic side dish for any occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Avocado Lime Ranch

    Avocado lime ranch.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 5 minutes, whip up this tasty avocado lime ranch dressing that can be used as a dressing, sauce, or dip. The combination of avocado, lime, and classic ranch flavors gives a fresh and lighter twist, made easily with store-bought mayonnaise.

    Get the recipe

    Smashed Potatoes

    Smashed potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    When you're planning your next chicken BBQ, consider serving up some Crispy Roasted Smashed Potatoes with parmesan cheese. These potatoes are simple to make, using only a handful of ingredients, and come out crispy, cheesy, and downright tasty.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer French Fries

    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These French fries pair great with any main - and grilled chicken is no exception!

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

    Smoked mac and cheese.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with bacon is a deliciously cheesy dish with a hint of smokiness. This is a great option for game day or any casual dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Green Beans

    Green beans in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make delicious Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans with just a little prep and 4 minutes of cooking. They come out perfectly cooked and make a great side dish for any meal!

    Get the recipe

    Kale Wild Rice Salad

    Kale Wild Rice Salad.
    Photo credit: Through The Fibro Fog.

    This kale wild rice salad is a tasty mix of fresh fruits and veggies combined with wild rice, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. The vegan salad is simple to prepare and comes with a tangy ginger dressing that adds a burst of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Caprese pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Leftovers Then Breakfast.

    This Caprese Pasta Salad is a simple and tasty summer dish packed with fresh flavors! A zesty balsamic dressing brings together juicy tomatoes, smooth mozzarella, and soft pasta for a great addition to any gathering or BBQ.

    Get the recipe

    Summer Pasta Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

    Summer Pasta Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    A refreshing pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings. Made with noodles, veggies, and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing with fresh herbs.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Pasta Salad

    BBQ Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad is perfect for BBQ fans! It's made with elbow noodles, corn, tomatoes, scallions, chewy BBQ tofu crumbles, and a creamy dressing - a unique take on a classic dish.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Asparagus

    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    You'll love how tender and crispy this asparagus turns out. It's a quick and easy side dish that's hard to beat.

    Get the recipe

    Country Potatoes

    Country potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Create tasty Country Potatoes using leftover boiled potatoes in only 15 minutes. This simple diner-style side dish is packed with flavor from common pantry seasonings, ideal for any meal of the day.

    Get the recipe

    Avocado Mango Salad

    Avocado mango salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick avocado mango salad is a tasty and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish. Made with mango, avocado, lime, cilantro, and topped with salted roasted peanuts for an extra flavorful touch.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Looking for the perfect baked potato recipe? These air fryer baked potatoes minimize your cooking time and result in a tender, flavorful inside wrapped in a crispy delicious shell. With only three ingredients, this recipe will become your new favorite side dish, or top it with whatever you have in the fridge to make it a main!

    Get the recipe

    Gouda Mac and Cheese

    A spoonful of gouda mac and cheese being lifted out of the pan with a cheese pull.
    Photo credit: Ëmmeline Kemperyd.

    This Gouda Mac and Cheese is super easy to make without roux and flour, and no stovetop cooking required whatsoever! Just mix together raw pasta, shredded gouda, cheddar, and cream in a baking dish, bake 45 minutes, and enjoy!

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    Garlic Roasted Broccoli

    Garlic roasted brococli.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This tasty Garlic Roasted Broccoli is a perfect side dish that's crispy and flavorful. It's a healthy  option that only takes 25 minutes to make with minimal prep.

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    Homemade Tater Tots

    Homemade tater tots.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Discover how to create homemade Tater Tots bursting with delicious flavors. These crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside treats are seasoned with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Rice

    Creamy rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy rice is far from basic, packed with flavor from butter and chicken stock, making it a standout side dish for your next chicken BBQ.

    Get the recipe

    Chipotle Ranch

    Chipotle ranch.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Looking for a zesty twist on classic Ranch dressing? Try this Chipotle Ranch variation that's quick to whip up and perfect for drizzling on salads, tacos, burgers, or steak. Skip the buttermilk and opt for store-bought mayo for a creamy and flavorful dip for your chips or a sauce for chicken.

    Get the recipe

    Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

    Arugula salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Arugula Salad is a great side dish for your next BBQ. It has sun-dried tomatoes and a honey lemon dressing that's sweet, sour, and salty, with a peppery arugula kick. Ready in just 5 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Roasted Potatoes

    Mexican potatoes.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Create a tasty side dish of air fryer roasted potatoes in under an hour. Seasoned with Mexican flavors and garnished with lime and cilantro for a flavorful kick, perfect to pair with a refreshing sauce or sour cream.

    Get the recipe

    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    In just 15 minutes, whip up a tasty salad featuring spinach, sweetheart cabbage, flavorful chickpeas, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. It's a healthy, delicious, and simple dish that even salad skeptics will love.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Cornbread

    Air fryer cornbread.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This quick and easy cornbread recipe is made in the air fryer using simple ingredients you probably already have. It's great for any meal or snack and is sure to be a hit with everyone in your family.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Veggie Pasta

    Red lentil pasta.
    Photo credit: healing tomato.

    This red lentil veggie pasta is a great choice for a tasty dinner. It's mixed with a vegan butter sauce and herbs, making it a delicious option for any weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Cauliflower

    Cauliflower in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make delicious Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower in just a few minutes. Seasoned with a flavorful rub for a tasty side dish.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Pasta Salad

    Greek pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Home At Cedar Springs Farm.

    This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is packed with fresh veggies and a delicious dressing, making it a great choice for a summer side dish. Its simplicity and fantastic flavor make it a standout option for your next BBQ.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    This quick and tasty Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus makes a perfect side dish for any meal. It's simple to prepare, grills up perfectly, and great for meal prepping.

    Get the recipe

    Baby Potatoes

    Baby potatoes in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These tiny, crunchy potatoes are great any time of day. They're seasoned with plenty of salt, similar to Canarian "Papas Arrugadas."

    Get the recipe

    Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic

    Brussel sprouts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Elevate your frozen brussels sprouts with a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette and a hint of cayenne pepper in just 16 minutes of air frying. Enjoy perfectly roasted sprouts with a delicious caramelized finish.

    Get the recipe

    Avocado Pasta Salad

    Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This avocado pasta salad is a simple and nutritious side dish that's great for summer gatherings. It has a subtle yet tasty flavor that complements various main dishes perfectly.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetable Pasta Salad

    Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This tasty vegetable pasta salad is great for a vegan or vegetarian meal, or as a side dish for a grilled main course.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad

    Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad is a delicious option for your summer gatherings. It's both vegetarian and can be made vegan with simple swaps.

    Get the recipe

    Blue Cheese Sauce

    Blue cheese sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just a few minutes, you can whip up a delicious blue cheese sauce using only 6 simple ingredients. Packed with rich blue cheese taste, it pairs perfectly with salads, meats, and anything with a "Buffalo" kick.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Lemon Tahini Cauliflower

    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Try this simple and tasty Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini - a healthy and elegant choice that complements any BBQ meal.

    Get the recipe

    2-minute BBQ Sauce

    A spoonful of barbecue sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 2 minutes, whip up this easy Gluten Free BBQ Sauce using only 5 ingredients. It's slightly spicy with a hint of sweet honey, ideal for topping burgers or dipping chicken tenders.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Wedges

    Potato Wedges
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Make delicious air fryer potato wedges in just 15 minutes. Seasoned with salt and olive oil, they're a healthier option baked to perfection.

    Get the recipe

    Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    brussel sprouts with bacon.
    Photo Credits: always use butter.

    These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a quick and tasty side dish, ready in only 20 minutes. They're a delicious mix of salty bacon, crispy sprouts, and a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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