Chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing favorite for game days, parties, and casual meals. They’re tasty on their own, but the right side dishes can take your wing feast to the next level.
You can pair chicken wings with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
From classic options like celery sticks and blue cheese dip to more substantial choices such as mac and cheese or potato wedges, there’s something for every taste.
Let’s explore some great sides that will complement your wings and keep your guests coming back for more.
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a top pick for chicken wings. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor balance out spicy wings perfectly.
You can make it with shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix in a creamy dressing for a classic taste. Or try a vinegar-based dressing for a lighter option. Add some chopped apples or raisins for extra sweetness.
Coleslaw is easy to make ahead of time. It stays fresh in the fridge for a few days. This makes it great for parties or game day gatherings.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular fries. They pair well with chicken wings, offering a sweet contrast to spicy or savory flavors.
To make them, cut sweet potatoes into thin strips. Toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Salt, pepper, and paprika work great.
Bake the fries in a hot oven until they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. You can also air fry them for extra crispiness.
Serve your sweet potato fries hot alongside your wings. They’re perfect for dipping in the same sauces you use for your wings.
3. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a perfect side dish for chicken wings. This creamy, cheesy comfort food balances out the spiciness of wings nicely.
You can make homemade mac and cheese or use a boxed mix for convenience. Add extra cheese on top for more flavor and a gooey texture.
Try mixing in some crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños to spice things up. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over your mac and cheese before baking.
Serve it hot alongside your wings for a filling and satisfying meal. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic pairing.
4. Onion Rings
Onion rings make a great side for chicken wings. The crispy, golden exterior pairs well with the savory wings. You can easily make them at home or order them at most restaurants.
To make onion rings, slice onions into rings and dip them in batter. Then fry them until they’re crispy and golden brown. Some people like to add spices to the batter for extra flavor.
Onion rings offer a nice contrast to chicken wings. Their crunchy texture complements the tender meat of the wings. You can dip both in the same sauces for a tasty combo.
5. Cornbread
Cornbread is a tasty side that pairs well with chicken wings. Its slightly sweet flavor balances out spicy wings nicely.
You can make cornbread from scratch or use a mix for convenience.
Serve warm squares of cornbread alongside your wings. The crumbly texture contrasts with the crispy wing coating. For extra flavor, add some honey butter or jalapenos to your cornbread recipe.
Cornbread soaks up wing sauce well too. This makes it great for cleaning your plate after finishing the wings. You can also crumble cornbread over salads for added crunch with your meal.
6. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a tasty side for chicken wings. They offer a sweet and savory flavor that balances spicy wings well.
You can make baked beans from scratch or buy them canned. Navy beans are often used as the base. Molasses adds sweetness, while bacon gives a smoky taste.
Baked beans are filling and provide protein and fiber. They’re easy to prepare in large batches, making them great for parties or game nights.
Serve your baked beans warm alongside wings. The mix of textures and flavors will please your guests.
7. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a tasty sidekick for your chicken wings. You can easily make it at home or buy it from the store.
To make your own, spread butter and minced garlic on bread slices. Sprinkle some herbs like parsley for extra flavor. Then toast it in the oven until golden and crispy.
The warm, garlicky aroma pairs well with the savory wings. The crisp texture also balances the tender chicken. You can use the bread to soak up any extra sauce from your wings too.
8. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken wings. You can make it ahead of time, which is great for parties or game day gatherings.
The creamy texture of potato salad complements the crispy wings nicely. It also helps cool your mouth if you’re eating spicy wings.
Try adding some chopped celery or pickles to your potato salad for extra crunch. You can use either mayonnaise or a lighter yogurt-based dressing, depending on your preference.
For best results, serve your potato salad chilled. This contrasts nicely with hot wings and adds variety to your meal.
9. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad makes a great side for chicken wings. You get a mix of crisp and creamy textures that complement each other nicely. The cool, refreshing lettuce balances out the heat from spicy wings.
To make it, toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. You can add grilled chicken if you want a heartier salad.
The tangy dressing pairs well with most wing flavors. It’s especially good with garlic Parmesan or lemon pepper wings. Caesar salad brings a lighter element to balance out the richness of the wings.
10. Fried Pickles
Fried pickles make a tasty side for chicken wings. You can create a fun contrast of flavors by pairing tangy pickles with savory wings.
To make fried pickles, slice dill pickles into coins or spears. Dip them in a batter of flour, eggs, and spices. Then fry them until golden and crispy.
Serve your fried pickles hot alongside a cool ranch or spicy mayo dipping sauce. The crunchy texture complements the tender chicken wings nicely.
This side dish adds a zesty kick to your meal. It’s sure to be a hit at parties or game day gatherings.
11. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks make a great side for chicken wings. These cheesy treats offer a delicious contrast to the savory wings.
You can buy frozen mozzarella sticks or make them at home. They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly in the oven or air fryer.
Serve mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato flavor pairs well with both the cheese and the wings.
For a fun twist, try different flavored coatings on your mozzarella sticks. Garlic Parmesan or Italian herb breadcrumbs add extra taste.
12. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a classic side for chicken wings. You can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs like parsley, dill, and chives.
Add some garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.
For a quick option, use a store-bought ranch seasoning mix. Just combine it with mayonnaise and milk. Serve your ranch dressing cold alongside hot, crispy wings for a delicious contrast.
Balancing Flavors
Picking the right side dishes for chicken wings is all about balancing flavors and textures. The best pairings complement the wings without overwhelming them.
Understanding Complementary Ingredients
When choosing sides for chicken wings, think about flavors that work well together.
Spicy wings pair nicely with cool, creamy dishes like coleslaw or ranch dip. For sweeter wing sauces, try tangy sides like pickles or vinegar-based potato salad. Garlic Parmesan wings taste great with fresh veggies or a light garden salad.
Consider these flavor combos:
- Buffalo wings + blue cheese dip
- Honey BBQ wings + cornbread
- Lemon pepper wings + Greek salad
Mix and match to find your favorite pairings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors to create a balanced meal.
Pairing Textures with Chicken Wings
Texture is just as important as flavor when picking sides for wings.
Crispy wings go well with soft, creamy sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. For a nice contrast, pair tender wings with crunchy veggies or crispy fries.
Some texture pairings to try:
- Crispy wings + creamy coleslaw
- Saucy wings + crispy celery sticks
- Breaded wings + soft dinner rolls
You can also mix textures within a single side dish. Add nuts to a salad or top baked potatoes with crispy bacon bits. This creates an interesting mix of textures that keeps your taste buds happy.
Exploring Dietary Options
Chicken wings can be paired with sides that fit different dietary needs. You can find tasty options whether you avoid meat or watch your carbs.
Vegetarian and Vegan Sides
You have many plant-based choices to pair with wings.
Try a crisp garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Dress it with a tangy vinaigrette for extra flavor.
Grilled veggie skewers are another great pick. Thread zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms on skewers. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs before grilling.
For a hearty option, make baked sweet potato fries. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and spices, then bake until crispy. They’re full of nutrients and taste great with wings.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Choices
If you’re watching carbs, you can still enjoy sides with your wings.
Celery and carrot sticks are classic low-carb options. Serve them with blue cheese or ranch dip for added flavor.
Cauliflower rice is a great stand-in for regular rice.
Pulse cauliflower in a food processor, then sauté it in a pan with oil and spices. It’s tasty and much lower in carbs than regular rice.
A simple side salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a high-fat dressing fits well into a keto diet.
Add some bacon bits or chopped nuts for extra crunch and protein.