Chicken wings are a favorite among finger foods. Succulent and flavorful, it is no wonder they are such a popular food. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best chicken wing side dish options.
Whether serving as an irresistible appetizer or as part of the main meal, the versatility of chicken wings makes them an easy food to pair. There are so many options, but we’ve picked out some of the most popular as well as some of the best.
Read on to find out what you can serve with chicken wings.
Side Dishes for Chicken Wings
1. Stuffed Peppers
Jalapeno poppers are a well-known side to chicken dishes. But for a more mild and filling alternative, why not serve stuffed peppers instead? Raw or baked, they are an effortless and speedy side.
We recommend filling with rice, cream cheese, and spring onions. You can personalize the filling according to your preferences; the choices are endless!
Stuffed peppers can make an interesting and excellent side dish idea for bbq chicken wings.
2. Dips
Dips are a great little filler food to plump out any meal. A cool, sour cream and chive dip, or perhaps some garlic mayonnaise, is ideal for dunking chicken wings. Whether combined for a more moist appetizer, or in addition to some of our other suggestions, such as onion rings or french fries, as part of a full meal, you can’t go wrong.
3. Onion rings
Onion rings are a no-brainer. A favorite to many, a greasy, crispy onion ring is the quintessential guilty pleasure. So when serving chicken wings, why not go all out, combine onion rings and sour cream and chive dip to top off your meal.
4. Rice
Rice is a staple carbohydrate and a base for many dishes. The non-offensive taste allows it to take on the flavors of other foods. We think fried rice with an assortment of veggies is the perfect pairing for sticky chicken wings of all the many rice dishes.
If you’re watching your diet or have health restrictions then rice might be one of the most ideal healthy sides for chicken wings.
5. Cornbread
Cornbread is the ultimate southern comfort food and, while a little unconventional, actually pairs nicely with chicken wings. The subtle sweetness and fluffy texture works well with moist, succulent chicken wings. Add in one of our earlier mentioned dips, and you have a sublime medley of flavors.
6. Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a timeless favorite, popular among children and adults alike. The creamy richness alongside the tangy flavor of chicken wings makes for the perfect comfort food duo. You can be as straightforward or fancy as you like; mac and cheese from a packet is a good budget option while quick and easy. Homemade macaroni and cheese can add some indulgence to your chicken wings if you have the time and expertise.
7. Pasta Salad
Everyone loves pasta; it’s filling and can be enjoyed in a multitude of different ways. Pasta salad, in particular, is a superb addition to chicken wings, creating a substantial and more well-rounded meal. The rich creaminess pairs particularly well with spicy chicken wings!
8. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a staple of any barbeque or buffet, a simple and versatile side dish that goes with a wide range of different mains. So it is no surprise that potato salad makes a great side to have with chicken wings. The rich and salty flavor of chicken wings is complemented wonderfully by the creaminess of potato salad. Additionally, the heat of the chicken contrasts nicely with potato salad which is traditionally served cold.
9. French Fries
It goes without saying that french fries are a delicious accompaniment to chicken wings. Crunchy, salty, and tasty, what could be better? If you want to add a little excitement to this well-loved classic, load them up! Sour cream, garlic mayo, cheese, and jalapenos are just a few great toppings you can load your fries with to make a luscious side to your chicken wings.
If you’re thinking about what goes with chicken wings for dinner then this would be our choice. It’ll be filling, delicious, and it’ll go down as a treat with the whole family.
10. Coleslaw
Chicken wings are rich and full-bodied when it comes to flavor. Coleslaw can make an excellent addition by providing a cool and creamy contrasting flavor. Coleslaw is easily sourced at most grocery stores and is a great budget option. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can always make your own with fresh veggies, which you can tailor to your personal taste.
11. Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is an age-old classic, often paired with barbeque and grilled foods. The sweet and salty flavor, combined with the slight crunch, compliments chicken wings wonderfully. There are various methods of cooking corn on the cob, such as boiling, though we recommend grilling or baking when serving with chicken. When cooked, add some butter and a pinch of salt and serve while hot.
12. Celery and Carrot Sticks
Celery and carrot sticks are a quick, low-effort side to add a little crunch. Simply peel and chop your carrots and celery into little sticks, add some hummus or guacamole, and you have the perfect healthy addition to your plate of chicken wings.
Conclusion
No matter what sounds good to you there is always a number of excellent options that you can choose when it comes to side dishes to serve with chicken wings. Try one of the options above to find a new go-to classic!
As a seasoned culinary enthusiast with a passion for diverse flavor profiles and a deep understanding of food pairings, I'm here to guide you through the delectable world of chicken wings and their perfect side dishes. With a wealth of firsthand experience and an extensive knowledge of gastronomy, I can confidently provide insights into the ideal accompaniments for your succulent chicken wings.
Let's delve into the concepts and culinary wisdom presented in the article:
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers, as suggested in the article, offer a mild and filling alternative to the well-known jalapeno poppers. The versatility of this side dish is highlighted, recommending a personalized filling with ingredients such as rice, cream cheese, and spring onions. The concept here is to provide a flavorful and texturally interesting pairing for chicken wings.
Dips
Dips play a crucial role in enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether it's a cool sour cream and chive dip or a zesty garlic mayonnaise, the article emphasizes the versatility of dips. These can be paired with chicken wings for added moisture or alongside other suggested sides like onion rings and french fries to create a well-rounded meal.
Onion Rings
Onion rings, a classic guilty pleasure, add a greasy and crispy texture to complement the succulence of chicken wings. The article suggests combining them with a sour cream and chive dip, showcasing the synergy of flavors and textures in a single meal.
Rice
The staple carbohydrate, rice, is recommended in the form of fried rice with an assortment of veggies. The neutral taste of rice allows it to absorb the flavors of other foods, making it an ideal accompaniment for sticky chicken wings. The article also mentions its suitability as a healthy side option for those watching their diet.
Cornbread
Highlighting the southern comfort food, cornbread, the article suggests that its subtle sweetness and fluffy texture pair well with moist chicken wings. The recommendation is to add one of the earlier mentioned dips to create a delightful medley of flavors.
Macaroni and Cheese
A timeless favorite, macaroni and cheese, is described as a creamy and rich complement to the tangy flavor of chicken wings. The article acknowledges the flexibility of this side dish, ranging from quick and easy options to more indulgent homemade versions.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad, known for its versatility, is presented as a substantial and well-rounded addition to chicken wings. The rich creaminess of the pasta salad is said to pair particularly well with spicy chicken wings.
Potato Salad
The classic potato salad is highlighted as a simple and versatile side dish that complements the rich and salty flavor of chicken wings. The article notes the contrast in temperature, with the cold potato salad enhancing the overall dining experience.
French Fries
French fries, a beloved classic, are described as a delicious accompaniment to chicken wings. The article suggests loading them up with toppings such as sour cream, garlic mayo, cheese, and jalapenos to elevate the classic fries into a luscious side dish.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is recommended for its cool and creamy contrasting flavor, providing a refreshing balance to the rich and full-bodied taste of chicken wings. The article mentions both store-bought and homemade options, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Corn on the Cob
The age-old classic, corn on the cob, is presented as a sweet and salty addition to chicken wings. The article suggests grilling or baking the corn, adding butter and a pinch of salt for a delightful serving.
Celery and Carrot Sticks
Finally, celery and carrot sticks are proposed as a quick and low-effort side dish, adding a refreshing crunch to the plate of chicken wings. Pairing them with hummus or guacamole enhances the overall dining experience with healthy and flavorful elements.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to a variety of side dishes that can elevate the enjoyment of chicken wings. Whether you prefer the classics like french fries or explore more adventurous options like stuffed peppers, there's a perfect pairing for every palate.