BBQ chicken is a beloved main course for any cookout, but the side dishes are what truly complete the meal. Choosing the right accompaniments can transform your BBQ from good to outstanding, creating a balanced and memorable dining experience for your guests.
While BBQ chicken often takes center stage, the sides are your opportunity to introduce variety, flavor contrasts, and essential nutrients to the plate. A thoughtful selection of healthy side dishes not only enhances the taste of the chicken but also ensures a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
In this guide, I’ll share ten of my favorite healthy side dishes that harmonize perfectly with BBQ chicken. These options are designed to be fresh, flavorful, and nutritious, ensuring your BBQ is both delicious and wholesome.
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter, a classic BBQ side dish
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Herb butter elevates this BBQ classic.
Grilled corn on the cob is an essential BBQ side dish, bringing a touch of sweetness and smoky char that’s hard to resist. To keep this classic healthy, I opt for a light herb butter instead of heavier, cream-based sauces.
My herb butter is a simple blend of fresh, finely chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives, mixed with a squeeze of bright lemon juice, a hint of garlic, and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
The corn is grilled directly over medium heat until the kernels are tender, juicy, and have those desirable slightly charred marks.
Why it works: The inherent sweetness of grilled corn provides a delightful counterpoint to the smoky and savory BBQ chicken. The fresh herb butter adds an aromatic and flavorful boost without being heavy or overpowering. It’s a light yet satisfying side that allows the BBQ chicken to remain the star of the plate.
2. Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Black Beans
For a side dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, a quinoa salad is an excellent choice. It’s packed with nutrients and offers a wonderful textural contrast to BBQ chicken.
My quinoa salad starts with perfectly cooked quinoa, prepared according to package directions. Once cooled, I toss it with protein-rich black beans, creamy diced avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes halved, thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite, and a generous handful of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped.
To dress this vibrant salad, I whisk together a simple vinaigrette made with heart-healthy olive oil, tangy lime juice, earthy cumin, and a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle warmth.
Why it works: Quinoa serves as a nutritious foundation, providing a good source of protein and fiber, making it a genuinely healthy side. Black beans further boost the protein content and add a satisfying texture. Avocado contributes a creamy richness, while the cilantro-lime dressing brings all the flavors together with a refreshing zest. This quinoa salad offers a cool and refreshing contrast to the richness of BBQ chicken.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Sea Salt
Roasted sweet potato fries seasoned with cinnamon, a healthy and flavorful side for BBQ chicken
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Sweet potatoes: a versatile and nutritious BBQ pairing.
Sweet potatoes are a naturally sweet and nutrient-dense option that pairs exceptionally well with BBQ chicken. Their subtle sweetness and hearty texture create a comforting and healthy side.
I begin by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces for even roasting. Then, I toss them lightly with olive oil to encourage browning, ground cinnamon for warmth and spice, and a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
The sweet potatoes are roasted at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and slightly caramelized and crispy at the edges.
Why it works: Sweet potatoes introduce a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the savory and smoky notes of BBQ chicken. The cinnamon and sea salt enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes without making them overly sweet or heavily spiced. Roasting brings out their inherent sweetness, creating a satisfying side that’s both healthy and delicious.
4. Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta and Red Onion
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This cucumber and tomato salad is a simple, refreshing, and vibrant side dish, ideal for cooling down the palate alongside the richness of BBQ chicken, especially during warmer weather.
I combine thinly sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, finely sliced red onion for a bit of sharpness, and crumbled feta cheese, adding a salty and creamy element.
For the dressing, I whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar for tanginess, a touch of honey to balance the acidity, and dried oregano for a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
Why it works: The crisp cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes add juicy bursts of acidity and sweetness. Feta cheese introduces a salty and creamy component that elevates the simple salad. The honey-oregano dressing ties all the flavors together, offering a light sweetness that harmonizes with the BBQ chicken without overpowering it. This salad is light, flavorful, and perfectly complements a summer BBQ.
5. Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Coleslaw with Greek yogurt dressing, a healthier twist on a classic BBQ side
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, A lighter coleslaw perfect for summer BBQs.
Coleslaw is a quintessential BBQ side dish, offering a creamy and crunchy texture that’s traditionally paired with rich meats. However, I make it healthier and lighter by using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for the dressing.
I shred crisp cabbage and carrots and toss them with a dressing made from creamy Greek yogurt, tangy apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard for a bit of zest, a touch of honey to balance the tang, and a pinch of salt and pepper to season.
The dressing is still creamy and satisfying but significantly lighter than traditional mayonnaise-based versions, and the raw vegetables provide a satisfying crunch.
Why it works: This coleslaw is a lighter, tangier, and healthier rendition of the classic BBQ side. Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with fewer calories and more protein compared to mayonnaise. The tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the smoky chicken, offering a refreshing and palate-cleansing contrast.
6. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Colorful grilled vegetable skewers, a vibrant and healthy side dish for BBQ chicken
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Juicy and flavorful grilled vegetables for a balanced BBQ.
Grilled vegetable skewers are a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables into your BBQ meal. They are easy to prepare and offer a smoky, charred flavor that complements BBQ chicken beautifully.
I like to create skewers with a mix of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, sweet cherry tomatoes, and red onion wedges. The variety of vegetables ensures a range of flavors and textures.
Before grilling, I toss the vegetable skewers with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice for brightness, and dried oregano for an herbaceous note. They are grilled over medium-high heat until tender-crisp and slightly charred, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
Why it works: Grilled vegetables offer a smoky and savory flavor profile that mirrors and enhances the BBQ chicken. The diversity of textures and flavors from the assorted vegetables makes this side dish both interesting and nutritious. It’s also a simple and enjoyable way to increase the plant-based components of your BBQ spread.
7. Cauliflower Rice with Lemon and Parsley
Lemon and parsley cauliflower rice, a light and fresh side alternative to traditional rice
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Fresh cauliflower rice for a light summer meal.
Cauliflower rice is a healthy and light alternative to traditional rice and brings a fresh, vibrant element to the BBQ plate. Its mild flavor and versatile texture make it a great base for flavorful additions.
I make cauliflower rice by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. You can also find pre-riced cauliflower in many grocery stores for convenience.
To cook, I sauté the cauliflower rice in olive oil with minced garlic until tender-crisp. At the end of cooking, I stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for herbaceousness and color.
Why it works: Cauliflower rice is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it a great side for those looking to keep the meal light and health-conscious. The lemon and parsley add a refreshing zest, while the sautéing process brings out the slightly nutty flavor of the cauliflower. It pairs seamlessly with BBQ chicken without being heavy or overwhelming.
8. Greek-Style Roasted Eggplant
Eggplant, when roasted, transforms into a rich and savory vegetable that can stand up to the bold flavors of BBQ chicken. Its meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors make it a satisfying side.
I slice the eggplant into rounds, about ½ inch thick. Then, I brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil to help them roast evenly and become tender. Seasoning is simple but flavorful: dried oregano for a classic Greek touch, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
I roast the eggplant slices at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown and tender throughout.
Why it works: Roasted eggplant develops a smoky depth that complements the BBQ chicken’s flavors. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into the meal, and the Mediterranean-inspired seasoning profile adds a sophisticated touch without being overpowering. The tender texture of roasted eggplant provides a pleasant contrast to the chicken.
9. Avocado and Mango Salsa
Avocado and mango salsa, a bright and flavorful side dish with tropical notes
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Mango and avocado: a perfect salsa combination.
A bright and zesty salsa is always a welcome addition to a BBQ, offering a burst of fresh flavors and vibrant colors. This avocado and mango salsa is particularly delightful with BBQ chicken.
I dice fresh, ripe mango and creamy avocado into small, bite-sized pieces. These are mixed with finely chopped red onion for a bit of sharpness, fresh cilantro for herbaceousness, and a generous squeeze of lime juice to bring everything together.
For a subtle kick, a pinch of chili flakes can be added, but the natural sweetness of the mango usually provides a perfect balance of flavors.
Why it works: The creamy avocado and sweet mango provide a refreshing and cooling contrast to the smoky and sometimes spicy BBQ chicken. The lime juice and cilantro add brightness and zest, while the optional chili flakes introduce just a hint of heat. It’s a fun, fresh, and vibrant side dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ, adding a tropical twist to the meal.
10. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zucchini noodles with pesto, a light and healthy pasta alternative for BBQ chicken
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, “Zoodles” and BBQ chicken: a surprisingly perfect match.
For a lighter take on pasta salad, I use zucchini noodles, often called “zoodles.” They are a low-carb and low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, perfect for a health-conscious BBQ.
I spiralize fresh zucchini into thin noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Then, I toss the zoodles with a simple homemade pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. You can also use store-bought pesto for convenience.
The zucchini noodles can be served raw for a crisp texture or lightly sautéed for a slightly more tender bite.
Why it works: Zucchini noodles are a low-calorie and low-carb alternative to pasta, making them a great side for those wanting to keep the meal lighter and healthier. The pesto adds a rich, herbaceous, and savory flavor without being heavy. It’s a simple yet flavorful side that pairs surprisingly well with BBQ chicken, offering a fresh and vibrant contrast.
Conclusion
When you’re hosting a BBQ, the thoughtful selection of side dishes is what elevates a simple grilled chicken into a memorable and satisfying feast. The sides I’ve outlined—from grilled corn and quinoa salad to roasted sweet potatoes and zucchini noodles—offer a range of healthy, flavorful, and vibrant options. These dishes are designed not only to impress your guests but also to ensure a nutritious and well-balanced meal alongside your delicious BBQ chicken. By choosing the right accompaniments, you can create a BBQ experience that is both delightful and wholesome.
