20 Best Beer Can Chicken Sides – What to Serve As A Side
When you are cooking beer can chicken, there are a few things to consider. One of the most important is what sides to serve with it.
Many different recipes go well as their side dish, but it can be tough to determine which ones will pair best together.
So in this article, we will explore some of the best beer can chicken sides and help you figure out what to cook for your next big feast!
Best Beer Can Chicken Sides
- Salads
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Vegetables
- Mexican Street Corn
- Macaroni Salad
- Potato Salad
- Corn On The Cob
- Greek Salad
- Coleslaw
- Marmite Roast Potatoes
Salads
Salads are a great way to add some freshness and color to your plate, and they can be a healthy option too. But what if you’re looking for something a little bit heartier to go along with your beer can chicken? Here are some great salad ideas that will round out your meal nicely.
One option is a simple green salad, topped with some crumbled blue cheese and bacon bits. The creamy blue cheese dressing will complement the flavors of the chicken nicely, and the bacon provides a nice crunch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a pasta salad with roasted vegetables. The roasted vegetables will add depth of flavor to the dish, and the pasta will help to soak up all of the delicious juices from the chicken.
Mashed Potatoes
When thinking about what sides to pair with your beer can chicken, mashed potatoes are a great option.
They are versatile and can be flavored in many different ways to complement the chicken. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
When choosing the perfect mashed potato recipe to pair with your chicken, you need to consider the flavors of your beer can chicken. If you are using a spice rub or marinade, make sure the mashed potatoes don’t compete with those flavors. You want them to complement each other. Adding garlic or rosemary to the potatoes is a great way to do that.
Moreover, you should think about the texture of the potatoes. Do you want them smooth and creamy or rustic and chunky? That will depend on personal preference, but keep in mind that smoother potatoes will pair better with delicate chicken flavors, while chunkier potatoes can stand up to heartier dishes.
Finally, don’t forget about toppings! Adding cheese, bacon, or green onions to your mashed potatoes will give them even more flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
When it comes to side dishes, roasted vegetables are a great option to pair with beer can chicken. Not only do they add a nutritious element to the meal, but they also help to round out the flavors of the dish.
In terms of nutrient content, roasted vegetables are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
In terms of flavor, roasted vegetables can help to balance out the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the beer. Additionally, they can add a touch of acidity to the dish, which can help to cut through the fat of the chicken.
When choosing roasted vegetables as a side dish for beer can chicken, it is important to select items that will complement the flavors of the dish. Some great options include roast potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic.
Each of these vegetables has a unique flavor that can help to enhance the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, they all have a high degree of natural sweetness, which can help to offset the bitterness of the beer.
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn, or Elotes, is a popular summertime dish in Mexico consisting of corn on the cob that is grilled or roasted and then smothered in a delicious mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh lime juice.
It is the perfect accompaniment to any summer BBQ and pairs particularly well with beer can chicken. The mayonnaise and sour cream help to create a creamy base that coats the corn and keeps the cheese and chili powder from falling off.
The cotija cheese adds a delicious salty flavor, while the chili powder provides just a touch of heat. Fresh lime juice helps to brighten up the flavors and gives the dish a refreshing zing.
Mexican Street Corn is also a great side dish for pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. It is super easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time so that all you have to do is throw it on the grill when you’re ready to eat.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a great side dish for beer can chicken sides. It is creamy, crunchy, and tangy, and it goes well with the rich flavor of beer can chicken. Macaroni salad is also a good source of protein and fiber, and it is low in calories.
This side dish is also a good choice for those who are watching their weight, as it is filling and satisfying. In addition, macaroni salad is easy to make, and it can be made ahead of time. This side dish can be served cold or at room temperature, and it will keep in the fridge for up to four days.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a great side dish for beer can chicken. It’s simple to make, versatile, and pairs well with the flavors of chicken and beer. Plus, it’s a good way to use up any leftover potatoes you have.
Here are some tips for making the perfect potato salad:
- Use waxy or all-purpose potatoes. They hold their shape better and won’t turn to mush when cooked.
- Cut the potatoes into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- Season the potato salad with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. Mustard is also a common ingredient in potato salad.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced onion, celery, or pickles.
- Use mayonnaise or a yogurt-based dressing – avoid vinaigrettes, which will make the salad soggy.
- Let the potato salad sit for at least an hour before serving, to allow the flavors to develop.
Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that can be used with a variety of main courses. Beer can chicken sides are no exception! Corn on the cob pairs well with chicken because it is a flavorful and versatile side dish.
Corn on the cob is also a healthy side dish option, as it is packed with nutrients. Additionally, corn on the cob is easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways. For example, corn on the cob can be boiled, grilled, or roasted.
When pairing corn on the cob with beer can chicken sides, there are many delicious recipes to choose from. Some popular recipes include Corn on the Cob with BBQ Chicken and Corn on the Cob with Herb Chicken.
Greek Salad
A Greek salad is a perfect side dish for beer can chicken. There are a few reasons why this is the case.
- First, the salad is full of healthy ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives. These ingredients are all low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for a side dish.
- Second, the salad is also full of flavor. The juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy olives all work together to create a flavor that pairs well with beer can chicken.
- Finally, the salad is easy to prepare. Simply chop up the vegetables and mix them. This makes it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Coleslaw
When most people think of coleslaw, they think of the mayonnaise-based dish that is often served as a side at picnics and barbecues. However, coleslaw can be made with a variety of different dressings, including vinegar, mustard, and even yogurt.
As a result, it can be a versatile and flavorful side dish for a variety of different main courses. For example, coleslaw made with vinegar and spices can be a perfect complement to grilled chicken or fish.
Or, if you’re looking for a lighter option, yogurt-based coleslaw can be a great way to add some creaminess to a salad without using mayonnaise.
Marmite Roast Potatoes
Marmite Roast Potatoes are the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. The savory and umami flavors of the Marmite pair perfectly with the roasted chicken, and the potatoes help to soak up all of the delicious juices.
Marmite is also a great way to add some extra flavor to your roast potatoes. Simply toss some potatoes in a bit of Marmite before roasting, and you’ll be rewarded with hearty and flavorful potatoes that are sure to please even the most discerning palate.
And if you’re looking for an extra bit of punch, try roasting your potatoes in Marmite-infused chicken fat. The result is a side dish that is packed with flavor and sure to stand out from the rest.
FAQ When Choosing What to serve with Beer Can Chicken?
What are other options when choosing beer can chicken sides?
- Radish And Coriander Pickle
- Bacon-Wrapped Baby Potatoes
- Cheesy Onion Rings
- Garlic Potato Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Slaw
- Grilled Zucchini
- Grilled Asparagus
- Grilled Eggplant
- Spicy Jalapeno Mac N’ Cheese
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Pasta Salad
What are some tips when choosing beer can chicken sides?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing beer can chicken sides.
First, think about the flavors that you want to include in your dish. Do you want something savory or sweet? Spicy or mild? Once you’ve decided on the flavors that you want to include, it will be easier to narrow down your choices.
Second, consider the cooking method of your beer can chicken. Will it be grilled, roasted, or baked? This will also help to narrow down your choices.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the size of your beer can chicken. If you’re making a small bird, you might want to choose sides that are also on the smaller side. Conversely, if you’re making a large bird, you might want to choose sides that are hearty and filling.
Conclusion
When it comes to beer can chicken sides, the options are endless. You can choose anything from a simple salad to cheesy onion rings.
So don’t be scared to get creative and experiment with different flavors. And, most importantly, have fun! After all, beer can chicken is supposed to be enjoyed.