Chicken wings are a staple of many events. Whether you are having people over for a football game, a party, or a cookout, chicken wings are often the center of attention. However, they do not go alone often, so knowing what to serve with chicken wings can make all the difference.
Continue reading to find out all the best side dishes for chicken wings and where you can serve any of these recipes together or apart.
What Are Chicken Wings?
When we refer to chicken wings, we can refer to three different types of wings. The first type is the whole wing. The second type is called the flat, and the third type is the drumette, which looks like a small drumstick.
You can cook chicken wings in various ways, but many like to dry rub or marinate their wings before cooking them. Wings can also be fried, baked, grilled, or steamed. The preparation depends on the purpose of the wings, whether they will be eaten on their own or as part of a soup or stew.
For the most part, chicken wings only contain white meat, but they are flavorful and resemble dark meat. Buffalo wings are often what people imagine when they hear the word “chicken wing.” These are very spicy, tangy, and buttery wings that are a staple of fast food, pubs, bars, and sports games.
In most cases, chicken wings can be very healthy, but this highly depends on the preparation method. Buffalo, barbecue, soy-glaze, and other common sauces and marinades can be high in sugar and fat. Most wings are served with dipping sauces too, like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
Nutrition Facts
One grilled chicken wing with sauce (55 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
138 calories
31.3 g water
10.5 g protein
8.52 g fat
4 g carbohydrate
0.11 g fiber
3.27 g sugar
11.6 mg calcium
0.429 mg iron
9.35 mg magnesium
66 mg phosphorus
116 mg potassium
312 mg sodium
11.3 µg selenium
6.05 µg vitamin A
61.6 mg cholesterol
Chicken wings are a good source of protein and can be low in fat. Still, some sauces and preparation methods increase the fat, sugar, and sodium content. By preparing them at home and choosing your ingredients, you can make sure your chicken wings are healthy.
What Goes With Chicken Wings
Below are some options for side dishes that you can serve with chicken wings at any time!
#1. Potato Skins
When you think of sports or football, you certainly think about wings but potato skins are also part of this list. You can modify this recipe to fit your taste and add more flavors, but it is delicious as is.
Ingredients:
6 large baking potatoes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup bacon bits or crumbled bacon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
½ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your potato skins:
Start by preheating your oven to 400 °F.
Clean and cut your potatoes into halves. Scoot out some of the pulp.
Combine the oil with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Brush your oil mix onto the potatoes, and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake your potatoes for about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Sprinkle the potatoes with cheese and bacon bits. Place them again in the oven and bake for 2 to 4 minutes.
Remove from the oven, top with sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve your potato skins warm.
#2. Apple Coleslaw
An apple coleslaw is not the regular coleslaw you are used to seeing. However, it is crunchy, tart, and sweet, which makes it a great choice.
Ingredients:
½ cup Greek yogurt
⅓ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 package coleslaw mix or 2 cups shredded cabbage and carrots
1 red onion, sliced
2 granny smith apples, cored and sliced into strips
½ cup sliced almonds
⅓ cup dried cranberries
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your apple coleslaw:
Whisk the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl.
Once the vinaigrette is mixed, add salt and pepper. Whisk some more.
Add the coleslaw mix, apple sticks, and red onion to another bowl. Pour in the almonds and dried cranberries, and toss everything.
Pour the Greek yogurt vinaigrette over the slaw. Continue tossing until everything is covered.
Place your apple coleslaw in the fridge for at least one hour. Serve cold.
#3. Italian Dressing Pasta Salad
Serving pasta salad always goes well when it comes to getting together and parties. This recipe is easier to make and can last for plenty of leftover meals.
Ingredients:
1 box rotini pasta
1 cup Italian dressing
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your Italian dressing pasta salad:
Cook your pasta according to the box instructions. Drain and place it in a large bowl.
Wash and chop your vegetables. Transfer them to a large bowl.
Mix in the Italian dressing, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Serve your Italian dressing pasta salad cold next to your chicken wings.
#4. Carrot Fries
Saving calories does not seem like an option for those that want some crunch and tasty fried food with their wings. Still, these carrot fries are sweet, savory, and much healthier than regular fries.
Ingredients:
4 large carrots
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your carrot fries:
Begin by preheating the oven to 375 °F.
Wash and clean your carrots. Trim the ends and chop them into long sticks that resemble fries.
Mix the olive oil, parsley, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Line a baking sheet and place your carrot sticks on it. Drizzle the olive oil mixture on top of your carrots and toss well.
Bake for 20 minutes, but move the carrots halfway through.
Serve your carrot fries warm with ranch dressing or ketchup.
#5. Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese are another one of those dishes that is also a staple of many festivities and occasions. In this case, the broccoli adds more crunch and makes your mac and cheese more filling.
Ingredients:
1 box macaroni pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon cumin
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your baked broccoli mac and cheese:
Cook your pasta according to the box instructions.
In the meantime, preheat your oven to 375 °F.
Wash and chop your broccoli. Set it aside.
Add the olive oil to a saucepan. Once warm, add the flour, and whisk.
After a couple of minutes, pour the milk. Continue whisking for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the garlic powder, mustard powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add the cheddar cheese to the milk sauce, and continue mixing until the cheese melts entirely.
Add your cooked pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Mix and cook for 2 more minutes.
Stir in the breadcrumbs and mix one more time.
Transfer your mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Pour more cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden.
Serve your baked broccoli mac and cheese warm next to your favorite chicken wings.
#6. Ranch Dip
Many of us think of chicken wings and immediately jump to a dip that goes well with them. This ranch dip is a homey twist on a traditional and popular sauce to serve with your wings.
Ingredients:
⅓ cup mayonnaise
⅔ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon dill
1 teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon chives
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Follow these steps to prepare your ranch dip:
Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Whisk for a few minutes until everything is well-mixed.
Cover your bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Serve your ranch dip cold next to your wings to dip in.
Tip: Your ranch dip can last up to a week when stored in the refrigerator.
#7. Honey Mustard Dip
For those that want a different kind of dip, this honey mustard one is a perfect choice. You can pretty much make it the day of or long before then and save it for later.
Ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Follow these steps to prepare your honey mustard dip:
Combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Mix well.
Slowly stir in honey, lemon juice, and white vinegar.
Whisk well for a few minutes until everything is cohesive.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour, but preferably more.
Serve your honey mustard dip cold next to your wings to dip them in.
Tip: this honey mustard dip will last for a few days when refrigerated well.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Side Dish?
Chicken wings are always a must when it comes to sports games or parties. They often come with dips or equally delicious side dishes. You can prepare them any way you like, but knowing what goes with chicken wings can be key.
For buffalo chicken wings or fried chicken wings, it might be a good idea to serve them with something that can cut through the flavor. Try the ranch dip or the honey mustard dip, both of which go well with a seasoned or spicy wing. The apple coleslaw is also a good choice because it is tart and sweet.
When it comes to soy-glazed or baked chicken wings, you can serve something a little more filling and dense. Try going with baked broccoli mac and cheese that is crunchy and decadent. Potato skins are always a good idea, particularly when it comes to big dinners or parties.
If you are serving your chicken wings in any other shape or form, a more simple side dish can do the trick. The Italian dressing pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser and easy to make. The carrot fries are a good option when you want crunch but without the added fat.
Conclusion
If you are getting ready to serve your favorite chicken wings, then knowing what to serve with them is essential. Try any of these side dishes on their own or together, and they will complement your wings perfectly. Enjoy your chicken wings any time with tasty side dishes too!
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
