BBQ Chicken Sides: Easy Recipes for Memorial Day & Summer Cookouts
Memorial Day is coming up quick, and if you’re wondering what to serve with BBQ chicken, I gotchu. This recipe roundup is full of fresh, colorful BBQ chicken sides that balance out all that smoky, saucy goodness. From bright salads to easy grain-based options, plus flavor-packed, heartier sides that hold up great for cookouts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it simple, there’s something here that fits right into any backyard setup.
Still figuring out the main? I’ve included 10 go-to grilling recipes at the end to help make your Memorial Day spread extra tasty.
10 Recipes for BBQ Chicken Sides:
Spinach and Arugula Salad with Corn, Strawberries & Avocado
Loaded with sweet corn, strawberries, avocado, and a light vinaigrette, this salad brings a bright, fresh contrast to rich, saucy BBQ chicken. It’s an easy win for any backyard hang.
Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
A hearty, scoopable side that holds up all day at a cookout. Packed with beans, deli meat, cheese, and a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, this one pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken and only gets better as it sits.
Pineapple Coconut Rice with Thai Basil and Lime
Creamy, a little sweet, and super fresh, this coconut rice brings a bright, slightly tropical vibe to any summer spread. It’s one of those sides people keep going back for.
Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes
Smoky, sweet, and savory, this charred corn salad is loaded with fresh summer flavor. Tossed with avocado, feta, and a zesty dressing made right in the bowl, it’s an easy go-to for any BBQ or cookout.
Rainbow Noodles with Tangy Asian Dressing
A big, colorful noodle salad that’s loaded with crunch and bold flavor. This one holds up really well, making it perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or anything where it might sit out a bit.
Mexican Tuna Salad
Fresh, zesty, and full of bold flavor, this Mexican tuna salad is a lighter, protein-packed option that works great as a scoopable side or served with chips at a cookout.
Lemon Orzo with Feta
Lemony orzo tossed with roasted veggies and chunks of feta makes for a colorful, vegetarian side that’s always a hit at potlucks or backyard get-togethers.
Asian Cucumber Slaw with Sweet Chili Dressing
Crunchy, fresh, and full of tangy flavor, this cucumber slaw is tossed in a creamy sesame-chili dressing. A quick, easy side that pairs perfectly with grilled mains.
Epic Healthy Cowboy Caviar
Hearty beans, a rainbow of veggies, and a zingy lime vinaigrette make this cowboy caviar the kind of side you set out with chips and watch disappear.
Little Gem Salad with Caesar Vinaigrette and Crispy Shallots
This simple little gem salad is tossed in a light Caesar vinaigrette and finished with parmesan, radishes, pistachios, and crispy shallots. A fresh, crunchy side that balances out richer dishes.
Tips for Building the Perfect BBQ Chicken Plate:
When you’re putting together a spread like this, a little variety goes a long way. Try to mix in a few fresh, crunchy options like slaws or leafy salads. And then add something a little heartier, like bean salads or orzo.
You can prep a lot of these recipes ahead of time. I’m all about making things easier if you’re hosting or bringing a dish somewhere. Salads like cowboy caviar, dense bean salad, and rainbow noodles actually get better as they sit. Prepping ahead is truly a game changer for seamless hosting!
Don’t overthink it. Pick a couple BBQ chicken sides that sound good, then make your favorite chicken recipe.
And if you’re still figuring out the main, I’ve got a few go-to grilling recipes for you below. 👇🏼
10 Grilling Recipes to Pair With These Sides:
The Best Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
These grilled chicken thighs are juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor thanks to a simple, versatile marinade. The kind of main you can pair with just about any side.
The Absolute Best Marinated Flat Iron Steak
Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, this marinated flat iron steak features a sweet, smoky, garlicky marinade that grills up perfectly tender every time.
Juicy Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breast
Made with a quick balsamic marinade and finished with a rich glaze, this grilled chicken is packed with flavor and brings a slightly sweet, tangy twist to the table.
Easy Pull-Apart Chicken Pesto Sliders
Soft, pull-apart chicken pesto sliders layered with melty mozzarella, juicy chicken, and a creamy pesto sauce. I like to use the balsamic grilled chicken recipe above for that extra layer of flavor.
Baja Shrimp Tacos with Fajita Veggies and Chipotle Slaw
These Baja shrimp tacos are smoky, zesty, and loaded with flavor. Grilled shrimp and veggies, chipotle slaw and creamy avocado in a little tortilla hug. Muah!
Caramelized Onion Burger (next level smash burger)
Juicy caramelized onion burgers with melty cheese, special sauce, and buttery brioche buns. Easy and BEYOND good. The ultimate homemade smash burger recipe!
Versatile Meal Prep Thin Chicken Breast
Juicy, flavorful thin chicken breast with a simple seasoning that works for just about anything. While I usually make this in the oven, it grills up just as well and is perfect for an easy go-to protein.
The Best Easy Sweet Chili Salmon
Sweet chili salmon that’s perfectly balanced with a little sweetness and subtle heat. It cooks up beautifully on the grill and comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
Juicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs
Honey lime chicken thighs coated in a sweet, citrusy glaze with a touch of heat. They get perfectly caramelized on the grill and stay juicy throughout.
Sweet Chili Ground Chicken Burgers with Sesame Slaw
Juicy, flavor-packed ground chicken burgers with sweet chili glaze, sesame slaw and bang bang sauce. Packed with flavor and perfect for throwing on the grill.
These are the kinds of dishes that disappear fast and have people asking for the recipe before they leave. If you’re hosting for Memorial Day or bringing something to share, you really can’t go wrong here. If you make any recipes, I’d love for you to leave a review and star rating on the blog.
For specific tips, variations, and storage instructions, be sure to check each individual recipe.
If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! For more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Youtube – I love connecting with you all there!
