Nothing beats the smoky aroma of BBQ chicken sizzling on the grill as it transforms your backyard into a culinary paradise. We’ve all been there – standing in the kitchen wondering what to make for dinner when the perfect solution sits right outside on your patio.
BBQ chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings families together and creates lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or simply craving that perfect char-grilled flavor on a Tuesday night, we’ve got the inspiration you need to elevate your dinner game.
From classic marinades that’ll make your neighbors peek over the fence to creative side dishes that complement smoky chicken perfectly, we’re about to share our favorite BBQ chicken dinner combinations. These tried-and-tested ideas will turn your ordinary evening into a backyard feast that everyone will be talking about long after the last bite.
Classic BBQ Chicken Thighs With Coleslaw and Cornbread
Chicken thighs deliver the perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat that makes this combination our go-to BBQ dinner. These juicy cuts pair beautifully with refreshing coleslaw and warm cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Preparation starts with selecting bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor retention. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub at least 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat your grill to medium heat around 350°F for optimal cooking temperature.
Grilling technique involves cooking thighs skin-side down first for 6-8 minutes to achieve crispy skin. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush honey glaze onto the thighs during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning while creating that glossy finish.
Honey glaze combines 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce for sweet and tangy flavor. Mix these ingredients in a small bowl and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Apply the glaze using a silicone brush to ensure even coverage across all surfaces.
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Fresh cabbage forms the foundation of this cooling side dish that cuts through rich BBQ flavors. Shred 4 cups of green cabbage and 1 cup of purple cabbage using a sharp knife or food processor for consistent texture. Add 2 large carrots, julienned, for extra crunch and vibrant color.
Dressing preparation requires mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar to create the perfect creamy base. Whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon celery seed in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste before combining with vegetables.
Assembly involves tossing vegetables with dressing at least 2 hours before serving for optimal flavor development. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving alongside your honey glazed chicken thighs.
Southern Style Cornbread
Cornmeal selection impacts the final texture, so we recommend using medium-ground cornmeal for authentic results. Combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
Wet ingredients include buttermilk and eggs that create tender, moist cornbread with tangy flavor. Beat 2 large eggs in a separate bowl, then add 1 cup buttermilk and 1/3 cup melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir just until combined to avoid tough cornbread.
Baking requires a preheated cast iron skillet or 8-inch square pan for golden crust formation. Grease your pan with butter and heat in a 425°F oven for 5 minutes before adding batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts With Loaded Baked Potatoes
Tender chicken breasts paired with indulgent loaded potatoes create our ultimate comfort food combination. This hearty meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your backyard grill.
Marinated Chicken Breast Preparation
Marinating transforms ordinary chicken breasts into juicy, flavorful centerpieces for our BBQ dinner. We combine BBQ sauce with garlic, yellow mustard, and a splash of water to create depth in every bite. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before adding our marinade mixture.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, though overnight marinating produces the best results. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated breasts while turning them frequently until they’re cooked through but remain moist.
Brush extra BBQ sauce onto the chicken during the final few minutes of cooking to create a glossy, caramelized glaze. Alternatively, we can oven-bake the chicken using bone-in, skin-on pieces with layered BBQ sauce applications for maximum juiciness.
Twice-Baked Potato Toppings
Loaded twice-baked potatoes elevate our BBQ chicken dinner with their creamy, indulgent texture. Start by baking whole potatoes until they’re fork-tender, then slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the fluffy interior while leaving enough potato flesh to maintain the skin’s structure.
Mix the scooped potato with butter, garlic, shredded cheese, and your favorite seasonings until smooth and creamy. Popular topping combinations include sour cream, crispy bacon bits, fresh green onions, and extra melted cheese. Refill the empty potato skins with this rich mixture and return them to the oven.
Bake the stuffed potatoes again until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese bubbles appetizingly. These twice-baked beauties provide the perfect creamy contrast to our smoky grilled chicken.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Fresh green beans sautéed in aromatic garlic butter round out our complete BBQ chicken dinner. Steam or blanch the green beans until they reach that perfect tender-crisp texture that retains their vibrant color. Drain the beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting our garlic butter sauce.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add minced fresh garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss the blanched green beans into the buttery garlic mixture and sauté until they’re lightly browned and coated evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
These garlic butter green beans provide a fresh, vegetable component that balances the richness of our loaded potatoes and BBQ chicken perfectly.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Wings With Mac and Cheese
Wings deliver an unbeatable combination of smoky flavors and comfort food satisfaction when paired with creamy mac and cheese. This ever-changing duo transforms any dinner into a finger-licking feast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Dry Rub Wing Seasoning
Creating the perfect dry rub starts with brown sugar as our base for sweetness and beautiful caramelization. Ground paprika and smoked paprika work together to deliver that signature smoky flavor and gorgeous color we’re after. Cumin adds earthy depth while onion powder and garlic powder provide savory complexity.
We recommend brining your wings beforehand in a mixture of water, salt, brown sugar, and crushed garlic to ensure maximum juiciness. After patting the wings completely dry, coat them generously with our dry rub mixture. Salt and ground black pepper finish off this winning combination that creates a flavorful crust when grilled or baked.
Grilling technique matters here – we cook the wings until they’re done through, then finish with generous basting of your favorite BBQ sauce for that sticky, smoky glaze everyone craves.
Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese becomes restaurant-worthy when we blend three distinct cheeses for maximum flavor impact. Sharp cheddar brings the classic tangy bite that cuts through rich smokiness. Mozzarella contributes creamy meltability that creates those perfect cheese pulls. Parmesan adds a savory, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.
We can prepare this comfort side two ways – baked for a golden, crispy top crust or served creamy style straight from the stovetop. Either method provides the perfect creamy balance to complement our smoky, spiced wings. The richness of this three-cheese blend creates an indulgent foundation that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
Pickled Jalapeño Garnish
Pickled jalapeños provide the bright, tangy contrast our BBQ chicken dinner needs to shine. Their acidity cuts through the richness of our three-cheese mac and the smokiness of our dry-rubbed wings. This simple garnish adds a refreshing bite that enhances the overall flavor complexity of every mouthful.
We love how these pickled peppers deliver just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the other flavors. They bring a crisp texture and vibrant color that makes our plate look as good as it tastes. The tangy brine cleanses the palate between bites, making each wing and forkful of mac and cheese taste fresh and exciting.
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks With Grilled Corn Salad
Drumsticks bring an entirely different BBQ experience to our table, offering juicy meat that’s perfect for casual dining and outdoor gatherings. This combination features tender chicken with a bourbon-enhanced glaze alongside vibrant Mexican street corn flavors.
Bourbon BBQ Sauce for Drumsticks
Start by seasoning skin-on drumsticks with Lawry’s seasoning salt and garlic powder, then marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor penetration. We recommend creating our bourbon BBQ sauce by blending traditional BBQ sauce with bourbon, peach preserves, garlic, and a touch of hot sauce for complexity and richness.
Grill the drumsticks over medium heat for 18-20 minutes, turning frequently until they reach an internal temperature of 180°F. Brush the bourbon BBQ sauce onto the chicken during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking to achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze without burning.
Alternatively, bake the drumsticks at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through and applying the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and develop deep flavors.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Transform traditional Mexican street corn into a fresh salad that perfectly complements our smoky drumsticks. Remove kernels from grilled or roasted corn cobs while they’re still warm to capture that charred sweetness.
Mix the corn with mayonnaise or Mexican crema, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder or Tajin seasoning. This combination creates a tangy, spicy side dish that balances the rich bourbon BBQ flavors beautifully.
Serve the corn salad immediately while warm, or let it rest at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together before serving alongside your drumsticks.
Avocado Lime Dressing
Blend ripe avocado with fresh lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper until completely smooth for a creamy, zesty dressing. Add jalapeño to the mixture if you prefer additional heat that complements the Mexican corn salad.
Drizzle this versatile dressing over the corn salad or directly onto the grilled drumsticks for extra freshness and richness. Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to three days, though it’s best used immediately for optimal color and flavor.
This avocado lime dressing ties together all the elements of our BBQ chicken dinner, bringing brightness and creaminess that enhances both the smoky chicken and vibrant corn salad.
Whole BBQ Chicken With Roasted Vegetables
A whole BBQ chicken dinner reaches its peak when paired with perfectly roasted seasonal vegetables. This combination creates a complete meal that showcases both smoky grilled flavors and caramelized vegetable goodness.
Spatchcocked Chicken Technique
Spatchcocking transforms your whole chicken cooking game by removing the backbone and flattening the bird for faster, more even cooking. We’ll place the chicken breast-side down and use kitchen shears to cut along either side of the backbone, completely removing it from the bird.
Flipping the chicken breast-side up comes next, followed by pressing down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the entire bird. Tucking the wing tips behind the shoulders prevents them from burning during the cooking process.
Benefits of this technique include reduced cooking time and consistently juicy meat throughout both the breast and thigh portions. Results show evenly cooked, tender, and flavorful meat that’s ready in significantly less time than traditional whole bird cooking methods.
Seasonal Roasted Vegetable Medley
Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets create the foundation for our colorful medley that complements BBQ chicken perfectly. Squash varieties such as zucchini and yellow squash add different textures and flavors to balance the meal.
Bell peppers, onions, and garlic round out our vegetable selection with their aromatic qualities and natural sweetness when roasted. We’ll toss all vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before placing them in the oven.
Caramelization occurs when these vegetables roast at high heat, developing deep flavors that enhance the overall BBQ chicken dinner experience. Nutrition and vibrant colors make this side dish both visually appealing and health conscious.
Herb Butter Finishing Touch
Compound butter made with softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs creates the perfect finishing element for our BBQ chicken. Parsley, thyme, and rosemary work exceptionally well when mixed into the butter base along with salt and pepper.
Brushing or dolloping this herb butter over the hot chicken just before serving adds richness and aromatic appeal to the dish. Glossy finish and enhanced moisture result from this simple yet elegant addition that complements the smoky grilled flavors beautifully.
Timing is crucial when applying herb butter, as the heat from the freshly cooked chicken helps melt and distribute the flavors throughout the meat.
BBQ Chicken Skewers With Rice Pilaf
BBQ chicken skewers bring together the perfect combination of smoky grilled flavors and colorful vegetables in one convenient package. This complete dinner features tender marinated chicken paired with fragrant coconut rice pilaf and fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical twist on classic BBQ.
Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs
Marinating the chicken pieces in BBQ sauce, garlic, and your favorite spices creates the foundation for flavorful skewers. We recommend using chicken thighs or breasts cut into uniform chunks for even cooking throughout the grilling process.
Threading alternating pieces of marinated chicken with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms creates visual appeal and balanced nutrition. The vegetables char beautifully alongside the chicken while adding natural sweetness to complement the smoky BBQ flavors.
Grilling the kabobs over medium high heat for 12-15 minutes ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature while developing those coveted grill marks. We suggest turning the skewers every 3-4 minutes and basting with additional BBQ sauce during the final few minutes for a glossy, caramelized finish.
Coconut Rice Pilaf Recipe
Sautéing onions and garlic in a large skillet until fragrant forms the aromatic base for this tropical inspired side dish. The combination of these foundational ingredients creates depth of flavor that perfectly complements BBQ chicken.
Toasting the rice briefly in the skillet with the sautéed aromatics enhances its nutty flavor before adding the cooking liquid. This step prevents the rice from becoming mushy while ensuring each grain maintains its individual texture.
Combining coconut milk with chicken broth in equal parts provides the ideal cooking liquid ratio for fluffy, flavorful rice. We simmer this mixture until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender, typically 18-20 minutes depending on the rice variety.
Finishing with toasted nuts like almonds or cashews and fresh chopped cilantro adds texture and brightness to the completed pilaf. These final touches transform simple rice into an elegant side dish worthy of any BBQ chicken dinner.
Pineapple Salsa Topping
Dicing fresh pineapple into small, uniform pieces creates the sweet foundation for this vibrant tropical salsa. We combine the pineapple with finely chopped red onion and jalapeño for the perfect balance of sweetness, sharpness, and heat.
Mixing the chopped ingredients with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt brings all the flavors together while the acid helps preserve the bright colors. Fresh cilantro adds an herbal note that ties the salsa to the coconut rice pilaf beautifully.
Serving this pineapple salsa as a topping for BBQ chicken skewers adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the rich, smoky flavors. The tropical elements create a restaurant quality finish that transforms ordinary BBQ chicken into an extraordinary dinner experience.
Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches With Sweet Potato Fries
We’ll transform our BBQ chicken experience with this comfort food combination that delivers restaurant quality flavors in your own kitchen. This pulled chicken sandwich pairs perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries for a satisfying dinner that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Method
Set your slow cooker up with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for the most tender results. Place the chicken inside with your favorite BBQ sauce, adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a premade BBQ rub for extra flavor depth.
Cook on low heat for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken becomes tender enough to shred easily with two forks. This hands-off cooking method ensures juicy, fall-apart meat without requiring constant attention.
Shred the cooked chicken directly inside the slow cooker and mix thoroughly with the accumulated sauce to coat every piece evenly. The result is perfectly tender pulled chicken that’s ready for sandwich assembly and packed with smoky BBQ flavors.
Brioche Bun Selection
Choose fresh brioche buns for their soft, slightly sweet, and buttery texture that complements the savory and tangy BBQ chicken beautifully. These premium buns hold up exceptionally well to juicy fillings without becoming soggy or falling apart.
Toast the brioche lightly before assembling your sandwiches to enhance both texture and flavor while creating a barrier that prevents the bun from absorbing too much sauce. This simple step elevates your sandwich from good to restaurant quality.
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin, uniform fries to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Consistency in size helps achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
Toss with olive oil and seasonings including salt, pepper, and optionally smoked paprika or garlic powder for enhanced flavor complexity. The oil helps create that golden, crispy coating we’re after.
Spread in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and optimal heat circulation around each fry. Overcrowding prevents proper crisping and leads to soggy results.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness on all sides. These healthier fries provide the perfect sweet contrast to our savory BBQ chicken sandwiches.
BBQ Chicken Salad With Grilled Peaches
We’re elevating BBQ chicken dinners with this fresh, vibrant salad that combines smoky flavors with sweet summer produce. This recipe transforms traditional BBQ chicken into a lighter meal that’s perfect for warm weather dining.
Mixed Greens and Chicken Combination
Arugula forms the perfect base for this BBQ chicken salad, providing a peppery bite that complements the smoky meat. We recommend using boneless chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with your favorite BBQ rub and grilled until juicy. Spinach and spring mix work equally well if you prefer milder greens.
Chop the BBQ chicken into bite-sized pieces after it’s cooled slightly from the grill. We’ve found that chicken thighs stay more tender and flavorful than breasts in salads. Season the chicken with smoky BBQ sauce while it’s still warm so the flavors penetrate the meat.
Distribute the chicken evenly across your bed of mixed greens to ensure each bite contains the perfect balance of protein and fresh vegetables. We typically use about 6 ounces of cooked chicken per large salad serving.
Grilled Peach Preparation
Halve fresh peaches and remove the pits before grilling to create the ideal fruit component for this salad. We brush each peach half lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization on the grill.
Grill the peaches for 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. This process caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken.
Slice the grilled peaches into wedges once they’ve cooled enough to handle. We find that quarter-inch thick slices work best for distributing throughout the salad without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a 1:3 ratio for the perfect balance of acidity and richness. We add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to help emulsify the dressing and provide subtle heat.
Sweeten the vinaigrette with honey or maple syrup to complement the grilled peaches and balance the tangy balsamic vinegar. We typically use about one tablespoon of sweetener per half cup of dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before drizzling over the assembled salad. We recommend tasting the dressing on a piece of lettuce first to ensure the flavors are balanced perfectly with your exact ingredients.
Conclusion
We’ve shared some of our favorite BBQ chicken dinner combinations that’ll transform your next meal into something special. From classic thighs with coleslaw to tropical skewers with pineapple salsa these recipes offer endless possibilities for creating memorable dinners.
Each combination brings its own unique flavors and textures to the table. Whether you’re craving comfort food like pulled chicken sandwiches or something lighter like our BBQ chicken salad with grilled peaches there’s an option that’ll satisfy your taste buds.
The beauty of BBQ chicken dinners lies in their versatility and ability to bring people together. Fire up that grill gather your loved ones and let these delicious combinations create lasting memories around your dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes BBQ chicken thighs better than chicken breasts for grilling?
BBQ chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than breasts due to their higher fat content. They stay juicy during grilling and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The dark meat also absorbs marinades and BBQ sauce better, resulting in a more flavorful final dish that’s perfect for casual outdoor dining.
How long should I marinate BBQ chicken before grilling?
For best results, marinate BBQ chicken for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor penetration. The marinade should include BBQ sauce, garlic, and acidic ingredients like mustard or vinegar. This process helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with smoky, tangy flavors throughout.
What’s the secret to getting crispy skin on grilled BBQ chicken?
Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning and start grilling skin-side down over medium-high heat. Don’t move the chicken too early – let it develop a golden crust first. Finish with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes to prevent burning while achieving a glossy, caramelized glaze.
Can I make BBQ chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake BBQ chicken at 425°F for 25-35 minutes depending on the cut. Start by baking without sauce, then brush with BBQ sauce in the final 10 minutes. For extra flavor, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to caramelize the sauce and create that signature BBQ appearance.
What are the best side dishes to serve with BBQ chicken?
Classic pairings include creamy coleslaw, cornbread, and mac and cheese. For lighter options, try roasted seasonal vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad with grilled peaches. Mexican street corn salad and twice-baked potatoes also complement BBQ chicken’s smoky flavors perfectly.
How do I prevent BBQ chicken from drying out?
Use bone-in, skin-on pieces when possible, as they retain moisture better. Don’t overcook – use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brine the chicken beforehand or marinate overnight, and avoid applying sugary BBQ sauce too early to prevent burning while keeping meat moist.
What’s the difference between dry rub and wet marinade for BBQ chicken?
Dry rubs create a flavorful crust and work well for wings and thighs, typically containing brown sugar, paprika, and spices. Wet marinades penetrate deeper into the meat, making them ideal for breasts and whole chickens. Both methods enhance flavor, but wet marinades also help tenderize tougher cuts.
How do I make pulled BBQ chicken at home?
Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat shreds easily with a fork. Mix the shredded chicken with additional BBQ sauce and serve on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw for an authentic pulled chicken sandwich experience.
