Chicken wings are a popular treat for many occasions. They’re great for parties, game nights, or just a casual dinner at home. But what should you serve with them? The right side dishes can make your wing meal even better.

Picking good sides for chicken wings can take your meal to the next level. Some sides can cool down spicy wings, while others add new flavors to the mix. From veggies to starches, there are many tasty options to choose from. Let’s look at 12 great sides that go well with chicken wings.

1. Crispy French Fries

Crispy french fries are a perfect side for chicken wings. They offer a satisfying crunch that complements the tender wings.

To make them, cut potatoes into even strips. Soak them in cold water to remove excess starch.

Pat the fries dry and fry them twice. The first fry cooks them through. The second fry at a higher temperature makes them crispy.

Season your fries with salt right after cooking. For extra flavor, try garlic powder or paprika.

Serve your crispy fries hot alongside your favorite wings. They’re great for dipping in the same sauces as your wings.

2. Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw is a perfect side dish for chicken wings. It adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot and crispy wings. You can easily make this classic slaw at home.

Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing. The dressing usually contains mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Some recipes add a touch of mustard for extra tang.

Chill the coleslaw before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the cabbage to soften slightly. The cool, creamy slaw helps balance out spicy wing flavors and cleanses your palate between bites.

3. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

Garlic parmesan breadsticks are a tasty side for chicken wings. You can make them at home with store-bought dough or from scratch. Brush the dough with melted butter mixed with garlic and herbs.

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before baking. The breadsticks will come out golden and crispy. Their flavor complements garlic parmesan wings perfectly.

Serve the warm breadsticks alongside your wings for a satisfying meal. They’re great for dipping in extra wing sauce or ranch dressing too.

4. Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded potato skins make a tasty side dish for chicken wings. You can prepare them by baking potatoes until tender, then scooping out most of the flesh.

Brush the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake again until crispy.

Fill the skins with cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions. Pop them back in the oven to melt the cheese.

The crispy exterior and gooey cheese complement the wings nicely. The potatoes also help balance out the spiciness of hot wings.

5. Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread

Cheesy jalapeño cornbread is a tasty side for chicken wings. It adds a spicy kick to your meal.

To make it, mix cornmeal, flour, and baking powder. Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour in buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the batter in a hot, greased skillet. This creates a crispy crust. The inside stays soft and moist.

Serve the cornbread warm. Its cheesy, spicy flavor pairs well with wings. The contrast of textures is great too.

6. Buttermilk Onion Rings

Buttermilk onion rings make a great side for chicken wings. To make them, slice onions into rings and soak them in buttermilk for 30 minutes to an hour.

Mix flour with seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika. Dip the soaked rings in the flour mixture, then back in the buttermilk, and again in the flour for a thick coating.

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry the rings for about 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

These crispy, tangy onion rings pair perfectly with spicy wings. The buttermilk adds flavor and helps the coating stick for extra crunch.

7. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites offer a tasty veggie twist on classic chicken wings. To make them, cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.

Coat the florets in a batter made from flour, water, and spices like garlic powder. Then bake them until lightly browned.

Brush the baked cauliflower with a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter. Pop them back in the oven for a final crisp.

Serve your buffalo cauliflower bites hot with ranch dressing, celery, and carrot sticks on the side. They make a great appetizer or side dish for wing nights.

8. Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese

Stuffed mushrooms with cheese make a great side for chicken wings. You can use button mushrooms or larger portobello caps for a heartier option.

Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and herbs like parsley or chives for the filling. Spoon this mixture into the mushroom caps.

Bake the stuffed mushrooms until they’re tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The rich, creamy flavor pairs well with spicy or tangy wings.

Serve these bite-sized treats warm alongside your chicken wings. They offer a nice contrast in texture and taste to complement your main dish.

9. Honey Butter Corn on the Cob

Honey butter corn on the cob is a tasty side dish that pairs well with chicken wings. You can make it by grilling or air frying corn cobs.

To prepare, brush corn with oil and sprinkle with seasonings like salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.

While the corn cooks, mix melted butter with honey and a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor. Once the corn is done, brush it generously with the honey butter mixture.

This sweet and savory combo complements the flavors of your chicken wings perfectly. The natural sweetness of the corn shines through, enhanced by the rich honey butter coating.

10. Ranch Dipping Sauce

Ranch dipping sauce is a classic choice for chicken wings. You can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk as the base.

Add dried herbs like parsley, dill, and chives for flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning. Whisk everything together until smooth.

For a twist, try adding grated Parmesan cheese to your ranch sauce. This adds a savory kick that pairs well with wings. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

11. Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato wedges are a tasty and nutritious side for chicken wings. You can easily make them at home by cutting sweet potatoes into wedges and seasoning them.

Toss the wedges with oil, salt, and pepper. Add spices like paprika or cinnamon for extra flavor. Bake them in a hot oven until they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Sweet potato wedges offer a nice balance to spicy wings. Their natural sweetness complements the savory chicken. They’re also packed with vitamins and fiber, making your meal more nutritious.

12. Bacon-wrapped Jalapeños

Bacon-wrapped jalapeños make a spicy and savory side for chicken wings. You can prepare these tasty bites in the oven or on the grill.

Start by cutting jalapeños in half and removing the seeds. Fill them with cream cheese and wrap each piece in bacon.

Cook until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender. The cream cheese helps balance the heat from the jalapeños.

These appetizers offer a great contrast to chicken wings. The crispy bacon and creamy filling complement the wings’ flavors nicely.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken wings offer more than just tasty flavor. They pack nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Let’s look at the vitamins, minerals, and other key components found in wings.

Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken wings contain several important vitamins and minerals. They’re a good source of niacin and vitamin B6. These B vitamins help your brain work well and make red blood cells. Wings also provide phosphorus and selenium. Your bones and immune system need these minerals to stay strong.

Wings have some vitamin A too. This nutrient keeps your eyes healthy. You’ll also get small amounts of iron from wings. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood.

Calories and Macronutrients

The calories and macronutrients in wings can fit into a balanced diet. A typical wing has about 70 calories. Most of these calories come from protein and fat.

Wings are high in protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. Each wing gives you about 6 grams of protein.

The fat in wings is a mix of saturated and unsaturated types. Wings have very few carbs. This makes them a good choice if you’re watching your carb intake.

Remember, how you cook your wings affects their nutrition. Fried wings have more calories and fat than baked or grilled ones.

Pairing Guide

Chicken wings pair well with many sides. The right combinations enhance flavors and create balanced meals.

Flavor Profiles

Match wing flavors with complementary sides. For spicy buffalo wings, cool ranch dip or blue cheese dressing works great. Celery and carrot sticks offer a refreshing crunch.

Pair sweet barbecue wings with tangy coleslaw or potato salad. The contrast balances the flavors nicely.

For garlic parmesan wings, try a Caesar salad or garlic bread. These sides echo the garlic notes in the wings.

Lemon pepper wings go well with light, citrusy sides like a Greek salad or lemon rice pilaf.

Seasonal Pairings

In summer, serve wings with fresh corn on the cob or a crisp cucumber salad. These light sides won’t weigh you down in hot weather.

Fall calls for heartier options. Try roasted sweet potatoes or a warm quinoa salad with autumn vegetables.

Winter wings pair well with comforting sides like mac and cheese or loaded baked potatoes.

In spring, opt for lighter fare. A mixed green salad or steamed asparagus complements wings nicely.

Remember to adjust portion sizes based on the occasion and your guests’ preferences.