Introduction
Barbeque chicken is a classic dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you are grilling it outdoors or baking it in the oven, barbeque chicken always tastes delicious. But what else goes well with barbeque chicken to make a complete meal? In this article, we will explore some of the best side dishes to complement barbeque chicken.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a great side dish for barbeque chicken. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked on the same grill as the chicken. Plus, they are full of vitamins and minerals that can help you meet your daily nutritional goals. Some of the best vegetables to grill include zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, and asparagus.
Grilling vegetables has many benefits. It locks in flavor and preserves nutrients, making them more flavorful and nutritious than boiled or steamed vegetables. Plus, grilling adds a smoky char that enhances the flavor of the vegetables.
When grilling vegetables, it is important to use high heat and keep an eye on them. If they are left on the grill too long, they can become mushy and unappealing. To prevent this, cut the vegetables into large chunks and brush them with oil before cooking. This will help them retain their shape and cook evenly.
Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are another great side dish for barbeque chicken. They are filling and can easily feed a crowd. Plus, they are versatile and can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit any taste. Some of the most popular toppings for baked potatoes include butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives, and chili.
Baking potatoes has many benefits. The high heat of the oven causes the starches in the potato to break down, resulting in a fluffy interior and crispy skin. Plus, baking potatoes allows them to absorb flavors from herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
When baking potatoes, it is important to scrub them clean and poke several holes in the skin. This will allow steam to escape and ensure that the potatoes bake evenly. The potatoes should be baked at 400°F for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a popular side dish for barbeque chicken. It is crunchy and refreshing, making it a perfect complement to the smoky flavors of barbeque chicken. Plus, it is easy to prepare and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Coleslaw has many benefits. It is low in calories and fat, but high in fiber and vitamins. Plus, it can be made with a variety of dressings, such as mayonnaise, vinaigrette, and yogurt, to suit any taste.
When preparing coleslaw, it is important to use fresh vegetables. Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots can be used, but they don’t have the same crunch as freshly chopped vegetables. To give the coleslaw an extra kick, add diced apples, raisins, or dried cranberries.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is another great side dish for barbeque chicken. It is sweet and juicy, making it a perfect foil for the smoky flavors of barbeque chicken. Plus, it is easy to prepare and can be cooked on the same grill as the chicken.
Eating corn on the cob has many benefits. It is a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it is a low-calorie snack that can help satisfy hunger without adding extra calories to your meal.
When cooking corn on the cob, there are several methods to choose from. It can be boiled, steamed, grilled, or microwaved. Whichever method you choose, it is important to let the corn cool before eating to avoid burning your mouth.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish for barbeque chicken. It is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, making it a perfect accompaniment to the smoky flavors of barbeque chicken. Plus, it is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Eating macaroni and cheese has many benefits. It is high in calcium and protein, which can help build strong bones and muscles. Plus, it is a comfort food that can help boost your mood and provide a sense of security.
When making macaroni and cheese, it is important to use a high-quality cheese. A sharp cheddar or Gruyere will give the dish the most flavor. For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt instead of cream and butter.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a great side dish for barbeque chicken. It is light and refreshing, making it a perfect complement to the smoky flavors of barbeque chicken. Plus, it is easy to prepare and can be made with whatever fruits are in season.
Eating fruit salad has many benefits. It is a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it is a low-calorie snack that can help satisfy hunger without adding extra calories to your meal.
When making fruit salad, it is important to use ripe fruit. Ripe fruit will be sweeter and have more flavor than under-ripe fruit. To make the salad more interesting, add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. You can also top it with a light dressing or honey for added sweetness.
Conclusion
Barbeque chicken is a classic dish that can be enjoyed year-round. This article explored some of the best side dishes to complement barbeque chicken, including grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, and fruit salad. Each one is easy to prepare and can help you create a delicious and nutritious meal.
No matter what side dishes you choose, they will all pair perfectly with barbeque chicken. So next time you’re planning a barbeque, try some of these tasty sides to make your meal complete.
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