Perhaps it’s the combination of crispy skin, juicy chicken, drool-worthy sauce, and rich and creamy dip. In fact, chicken wings are so good that we often serve them as the entire meal. But there are some incredible side dishes that pair perfectly with this game-day favorite. Besides the typical celery and carrot sticks dipped in ranch. And since chicken wings come with so many different sauces, the key is to first identify what flavors you’re working with. Are you serving sweet and tangy honey mustard wings, or some hot and spicy Sriracha wings? Are you going for Asian flavors or a classic Buffalo? Whatever your favorite sauce, there’s at least one perfect side dish to serve with your chosen flavors. Don’t worry, because I’ve done all the research for you. From classic and traditional side dishes to creative and trendy treats, I’ve got you covered. Check out the mouthwatering side dishes below, all best served with a basket of chicken wings. With these side dishes, your next party will be a guaranteed hit.
What To Eat With Chicken Wings – 18 Tasty Side Dishes
1. Sweet Potatoes
A simple but perfectly baked sweet potato pairs surprisingly well with chicken wings. It’s so easy to make, yet very rewarding. Just add a dab of butter and you’re good to go! But, while baked or fried sweet potatoes already make a fantastic side dish, you can still take it to the next level by stuffing them. You can stuff sweet potatoes with different stuff. My suggestion? Broccoli and lots of cheese. The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy is absolutely to die for! Plus, sweet potatoes and broccoli give a nice nutritious balance to the savory chicken wings.
2. Stuffed Mini Peppers
How about some stuffed peppers? These bad boys are hot and cheesy and go really well with chicken wings. Since wings are most likely fried, you may want to pair it with something less greasy. So instead of the traditional jalapeno poppers, why not bake some stuffed peppers instead? Also, don’t worry about it being too hot. Cooked peppers aren’t as spicy as they are raw, so they’re edible. Plus, when you stuff them with cheese and bacon, the amazing flavors balance out the spiciness of the pepper.
3. Avocado Fries
And I’m not just talking about the classic French fries here, nor its cousin, sweet potato fries. I’m referring to Avocado fries. Yup, you read that right! Avocado fries are crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. And, since avocados contain lots of healthy good fat, you can devour them less the guilt. You can even bake them or use an air fryer for an even healthier side dish. Avocado fries taste best dipped in a creamy dipping sauce and eaten alongside a basket of wings.
4. Onion Rings
Even the pickiest kids won’t say no to onion rings. Just like chicken wings, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This must be why these two finger-foods make a wonderful pair. Serve fried or baked onion rings at your next party and your guests will surely thank you.
5. Fried Rice
Rice is a staple in many Asian cuisines, so it’s only fitting to serve it with Asian-style wings. Whether it’s fried or steamed, it will round out your meal nicely.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread is a well-loved side dish, but pairing it with chicken wings is not that common. Honestly, I don’t know why few people have tried it, because it tastes great with wings! It has a subtle sweetness that provides a nice contrast with the savory flavors of chicken wings. You can even take it up a notch by making your own compound butter to top your cornbread.
7. Mac and Cheese
Don’t you just love things that are both delicious and effortless to make? When it comes to side dishes, mac and cheese is a beloved classic, and for good reason. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and thick, velvety, cheesy pasta is without a doubt a perfect fit. And best of all, it only takes a few minutes to whip up, whether you’re making it from scratch or pouring it out of the box.
8. Macaroni Salad
It’s creamy, delicious, filling, and very easy to make! Just combine cooked elbow pasta, mayo, hard-boiled eggs, mustard, shredded chicken, and your veggies of choice. Best served chilled.
9. Pasta Salad
It’s the perfect way to add an Italian flair to your feast. It’s a delicious source of carbs and tastes great with chicken wings, especially the hot kind. Since pasta salad is filling, it makes an excellent side dish to serve for big crowds.
10. Potato Salad
It’s definitely one of the most common side dishes to pair with wings. It complements chicken wings really well. It’s rich, filling, and phenomenal. The combination of hot wings and cold potato salad also gives a nice contrast that delights the taste buds. When making potato salad, use either Russet, white, or red-skinned potatoes. Boil them for 20 minutes and cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix it with mayo, salad, buttermilk, and season with salt and pepper. You may also add onion and celery for more flavor.
11. Cauliflower Salad
Everyone loves potato salad. But even though it disguises itself as a salad, let’s be honest – it isn’t exactly healthy. So, in today’s world where people are looking for lighter options, why not make a cauliflower salad to pair with your wings instead? It’s delicious, a lot more nutritious, and has much fewer calories. They’re also very easy to make. Boil the cauliflower until it’s at the same level of softness as a cooked potato. This way, even your kids won’t notice they’re actually eating a vegetable!
12. Fries With a Twist
You’re already most likely considering French fries to pair with your chicken wings, but, while fries taste amazing, why not take the classic dish to another level? There are many ways to revamp your fries. One is by topping them with sour cream, cheese, ground beef, jalapenos, and whatever else you want! Think of it as nachos, but using fries instead of chips.
13. Coleslaw
Chicken wings are very rich, so it’s nice to balance it out with some veggies. Coleslaw is another classic side dish that goes well with wings. But this time, why not try a different dressing? Some folks find the classic mayo dressing too creamy for their taste buds, especially when partnered with another rich dish. A vinegar-based dressing will give your slaw a nice refreshing flavor that will go well with any kind of wing. Plus, it’s a lot healthier than the traditional dressing. Very easy to make, too!
14. Garden Salad
And speaking of nutritious side dishes, we can’t not mention the classic garden salad. It’s a light, refreshing, colorful, and nutritious dish that balances out the heaviness of chicken wings. What’s great about salads is that you can personalize them to suit your preferences. Select your favorite greens, veggies, protein, fruits, nuts, and dressings. As long as you use fresh produce, you’re golden.
15. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob that’s grilled to perfection and slathered with butter is just divine. But, if you do not have a grill, don’t fret. You can still enjoy corn on the cob by baking it.
16. Vegetable Platter
Celery and carrot sticks are pretty common, but what can I say? They pair perfectly with chicken wings! You can kick things up a notch by serving other veggies as well, such as cucumber, radish, and asparagus. The key is to use veggies that have a nice crunch. Best paired with ranch or blue cheese dip.
17. Oven-Roasted Veggies
As raw carrots and celery taste great with wings, so do roasted root vegetables. To make, slice some carrots, potatoes, beets, and place on a baking tray. Drizzle some olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake. It’s 100% delicious, healthy, and guilt-free!
18. Brussels Sprouts
And speaking of roasting vegetables, we can’t let Brussels sprouts go unnoticed. These veggies get a lot of undeserved hate, but when cooked right, they’re actually quite good. If you cook them right, you’ll get delicious, crispy, and caramelized Brussel sprouts. Click on a star to rate it!
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