Chicken wings are arguably the king of finger foods and are always an easy favorite. But figuring out what to serve with chicken wings is tougher.
After all, what sides can possibly compare to wings’ crispy skin, juicy meat, and drool-worthy sauce?
Sometimes, people have a hard time figuring that out. So what do they do? They pick a dipping sauce and lay out some celery stalks and baby carrots.
And while there’s nothing wrong with those sides, I think we can do a bit better. That’s what this list is all about.
From classic and traditional sides to creative and trendy treats, it has you covered. You’ll never have to ask what to serve with chicken wings again.
What To Eat with Chicken Wings – 18 Tasty Side Dishes
1. Sweet Potatoes
Believe it or not, a simple but perfectly baked sweet potato works surprisingly well with chicken wings.
Especially if you stuff it with butter and a few other favorite toppings. (I recommend broccoli and lots of cheese if you’re stumped.)
You can even go the sweet route with cinnamon and brown sugar. Either way, sweet potatoes will definitely take your wings to the next level.
2. Stuffed Mini Peppers
Want some extra spice with your wings? Try these delicious stuffed peppers. They’re hot, cheesy, and exceptionally flavorful.
Usually, you’ll fry chicken wings. So, you may want to pair them with something less greasy. These baked stuffed peppers are perfect.
Also, don’t worry about them being too hot. Cooked peppers aren’t as spicy as raw ones, so most people will enjoy them.
Plus, stuffing them with cheese and bacon balances out the spice.
3. Avocado Fries
We all know French fries pair well with most things. Heck, even sweet potato fries are a big hit with most meals.
But have you ever tried avocado fries?
They’re crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy inside. They also contain lots of good, healthy fats. (That means less guilt than regular fries!)
These taste best in a creamy dipping sauce when 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’re typically a fan favorite.
With their crisp skins and flavorful onions, onion rings are something most people can’t turn down.
Serve fried or baked onion rings with your next batch of chicken wings. Then, take bets on what disappears first.
5. Fried Rice
Rice is a staple in many Asian cuisines, but it may seem like an odd choice for serving with wings.
Trust me, though. Whether it’s fried or steamed, it will round out your meal nicely. It works especially well with Asian-inspired and other spicy wings.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread is another highly loved side dish that seems a bit odd with chicken wings. Fortunately, I’ve done the taste test for you.
I can attest that the two pair nicely.
The bread’s subtle, somewhat bland sweetness contrasts nicely with the bold, 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 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
If plain old mac and cheese isn’t your thing, maybe macaroni salad will be. It, too, is creamy, delicious, and very easy to make.
It’s also filling and flavorful and tastes great cold. Making it the perfect make-ahead side dish for your wings.
It’s highly customizable, too. Don’t like eggs? Leave them out! Want a stronger oniony flavor? Add as much chopped onion as you like!
9. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is macaroni salad’s Italian cousin. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of Mediterranean flair to your feast.
It’s a delectable source of carbs and tastes great with chicken wings, especially the hot ones.
Since pasta is filling, it also makes an excellent side dish for serving big crowds.
10. Potato Salad
Potato salad is definitely one of the most common side dishes for wings. It’s also a favorite with BBQ, baked chicken, etc.
Let’s face it. Potato salad just complements chicken really well.
It’s rich, filling, and delightfully tangy. Plus, the combination of hot wings and cold salad is a real delight for your taste buds.
This particular recipe for it is one of my favorites. As long as you enjoy mustard, you’ll appreciate it, too.
11. Cauliflower Salad
Looking for a cool, creamy salad that’s a bit healthier than potatoes and pasta? Cauliflower salad could be just the thing.
It tastes incredible and is much more nutritious than other “salads” on this list. (It has fewer carbs and calories, too!)
Finally, it’s wonderfully easy to make. And don’t worry. It tastes so incredible that your kids won’t say no to it for long.
12. Fries with a Twist
I’ve already mentioned serving French fries with wings because DUH! French fries are the ultimate in crowd-pleasing side dishes.
But why not take the classic side up a notch?
How, you ask? By topping them with sour cream, cheese, ground beef, peppers, and more. Basically, by turning them into French fry nachos!
Pair this recipe with wings or serve it as the main course. It’s pretty hearty all on its own.
13. Coleslaw
Chicken wings are very rich, so it’s nice to balance them out with some veggies. Coleslaw is a terrific choice.
But this time, why not try a different dressing? The classic mayo dressing is great, but it can be pretty rich.
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.
14. Garden Salad
Speaking of nutritious side dishes! You can never go wrong with a traditional garden salad. It’s light, refreshing, colorful, and nutritious.
Its lightness balances out the heavy richness of chicken wings. AND you can easily personalize it to suit your preferences.
Select your favorite greens, veggies, protein, fruits, nuts, and dressing. As long as you use fresh produce, you’re golden.
15. Corn on the Cob
I don’t care what the main course is. Corn on the cob is ALWAYS the answer when it comes to what you should serve with it.
If you want to grill that corn to perfection and slather it with butter… Well, that’s just a bonus.
And don’t necessarily say no to this one just because it’s too cold to break out the grill. You can boil or bake corn on the cob just as easily.
16. Vegetable Platter
It may have seemed like I was hating on celery and carrot sticks earlier. I wasn’t. There IS a reason people often pair those things with wings, after all.
But don’t just stick to those two veggies. Jazz things up a little with an entire veggie tray. The options are pretty limitless.
The key is to use veggies that have a nice crunch. And be sure to serve them with ranch or blue cheese dip.
17. Oven-Roasted Veggies
As great as raw carrots and celery taste with wings, roasted root veggies are even better. Especially drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
You can whip up this delicious, guilt-free side in a little of no time, too. That makes it pretty perfect for most main courses.
18. Brussels Sprouts
I saved Brussels sprouts for last because they get such a bad rap. For some reason, people just never seem to love them like they should.
They get a lot of undeserved hate, but hear me out. When cooked right, Brussels sprouts are more than just quite good. They’re downright craveable.
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts — try them just once. I almost guarantee you’ll be hooked.
18 Sides for Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Avocado Fries
Onion Rings
Fried Rice
Cornbread
Mac and Cheese
Macaroni Salad
Pasta Salad
Potato Salad
Cauliflower Salad
Fries With a Twist
Coleslaw
Garden Salad
Corn on the Cob
Vegetable Platter
Oven-Roasted Veggies
Brussels Sprouts
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!
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I really want to try the avocado fries and the picture of it looks fab! Did you put anything on them before you fried them or are they plain?
Hi Racheal! You put a little lime juice on the avocado slices. Season them with salt and pepper, then dip them in flour, then egg, then coat them with panko. They’re to die for!