15 Best Sides for Beer Can Chicken for Backyard Grilling

Grilled chicken with a beer can shoved inside? We are here for it.

The crispy skin, the smoky flavor, the tender meat that pulls right off the bone-this dish does heavy lifting on its own.

However, the sides make or break the plate. You need something that balances all that richness without getting lost in the smoke.

We stick to sides that either match the backyard BBQ vibe or cut through it with something bright and crunchy. Below, you will find 15 options that work whether you are feeding a crowd on Saturday or making dinner for Tuesday night.

#	Side Dish	Type	Best For	Prep
1	Creamy Coleslaw	🥗 Salad	✨ Any	✅ Easy
2	Garlic Mashed Potatoes	🍚 Starch	🎉 Hosting	⏱️ Medium
3	Grilled Corn on the Cob	🥬 Vegetable	👥 Crowd	✅ Easy
4	Buttermilk Biscuits	🍞 Bread	🎉 Hosting	⏱️ Medium
5	Roasted Brussels Sprouts	🥬 Vegetable	🌙 Weeknight	✅ Easy
6	Macaroni and Cheese	🍚 Starch	👥 Crowd	⏱️ Medium
7	Cucumber Tomato Salad	🥗 Salad	✨ Any	✅ Easy
8	Baked Beans	🍽️ Other	👥 Crowd	✅ Easy
9	Roasted Sweet Potatoes	🍚 Starch	🎉 Hosting	✅ Easy
10	Green Beans Almondine	🥬 Vegetable	🎉 Hosting	⏱️ Medium
11	Cornbread	🍞 Bread	👥 Crowd	✅ Easy
12	Grilled Zucchini	🥬 Vegetable	🌙 Weeknight	✅ Easy
13	Potato Salad	🥗 Salad	👥 Crowd	⏱️ Medium
14	Alabama White Sauce	🥢 Sauce	✨ Any	✅ Easy
15	Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce	🥢 Sauce	✨ Any	✅ Easy

What to Serve With Beer Can Chicken: 15 Sides

These sides either lean into the smoky, savory vibe or flip the script with something cool and tangy. We mix textures and temperatures so every bite feels balanced.

1. Creamy Coleslaw

The crisp, tangy cabbage cuts through the rich, smoky chicken skin. That cool crunch brings brightness to every bite.

Dress the slaw 30 minutes before serving so the cabbage softens slightly but stays crisp. We keep coming back to flavorful roasted coleslaw.

A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of celery seed takes the dressing from basic to memorable. Skip the pre-shredded bags-they turn soggy fast.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery potatoes soak up those savory pan drippings. The garlic adds a bold bite that stands up to the beer-infused chicken.

Keep them warm in a slow cooker on low while your chicken rests.

Here's what works:

• Use Yukon Golds for naturally creamy texture without extra cream
• Mash while hot, add butter first, then warm milk or cream
• Finish with roasted garlic cloves for deeper flavor

A side of simple mashed potatoes finishes the plate. The richness matches without overwhelming.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Charred, sweet kernels bring a smoky crunch that matches the grill-roasted chicken. The natural sweetness balances the savory meat.

Brush with butter and lime juice right off the grill for a zesty finish. We make this easy side almost every week.

Leave the husks on during grilling to steam the kernels inside while the outside chars. Peel back the husks after cooking and use them as a handle.

If you want extra flavor, rub the corn with mayo before grilling-it caramelizes into a golden crust.

4. Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky, buttery layers turn into the ultimate vessel for chicken and drippings. That tender crumb soaks up every bit of juice.

Use cold butter and do not overwork the dough-you want those flaky layers.

• Grate frozen butter into the flour for easier mixing
• Fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers
• Brush tops with melted butter right before baking

Tender buttermilk biscuits rounds things out nicely.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, caramelized edges add a nutty depth that stands up to the bold chicken flavor. The slight bitterness cuts through the richness.

Toss with balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes for a tangy glaze.

A few tips:

• Halve them so the cut sides hit the pan and crisp up
• Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
• Season with salt after roasting to keep edges crispy
• Add bacon bits or parmesan for extra punch

This is exactly why this brussels sprouts side works so well alongside. The nutty char plays off the smoky chicken without fighting for attention.

6. Macaroni and Cheese

That creamy, cheesy comfort stretches the meal and satisfies everyone at the table. The richness matches the chicken's juicy meat.

Bake with breadcrumb topping for a golden, crunchy crust. There is a reason a tasty side dish shows up on so many plates.

Use sharp cheddar for flavor and Gruyère for creaminess. Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika to echo the smoky chicken.

Cook the pasta one minute under so it does not turn mushy after baking.

Method	Time	Best For
Stovetop (creamy)	15 min	Weeknight speed
Baked (crispy top)	30 min	Hosting or meal prep
Slow cooker	2 hours	Hands-off, crowd portions

7. Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cool, crisp vegetables with a bright vinegar dressing refresh your palate between bites of smoky chicken. That acidity cuts right through the fat.

Salt the cucumbers for 10 minutes and drain to keep the salad from getting watery.

A few tips:

• Use cherry tomatoes halved so they release less juice
• Dress just before serving to keep everything crisp
• Add red onion for bite, fresh dill for brightness

Flavorful roasted tomato salad rounds things out nicely. The cool temperature resets your palate after rich, smoky bites.

8. Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky beans with molasses and bacon create a backyard BBQ vibe. The saucy texture contrasts with the crispy chicken skin.

Simmer canned beans with brown sugar, mustard, and bacon for a quick homemade taste.

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to cut the sweetness
• Stir in crispy bacon bits right before serving

Our go-to beans side does the heavy lifting here. The molasses and bacon fat echo the smoky grill flavor without overpowering the chicken.

9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Caramelized edges and tender flesh bring natural sweetness that balances the savory, herb-rubbed chicken. That golden crust adds textural contrast.

Cut into even chunks so they roast at the same rate-no mushy or undercooked pieces.

Here's how to nail it:

• Toss with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika
• Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway
• Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey

This quick side dish disappears fast at our table. The natural sweetness caramelizes against savory mains, and the edges crisp up just right.

10. Green Beans Almondine

Crisp-tender beans with toasted almonds and lemon bring a light, elegant touch. The bright acidity lifts the rich chicken.

Blanch the beans first, then sauté with butter and almonds for the best texture.

• Blanch for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water to lock in color
• Toast sliced almonds in butter until golden
• Squeeze lemon over the top right before serving

Delicious beans almondine recipe disappears fast at our table.

If You Want	Try This
More crunch	Add extra toasted almonds
Brighter flavor	Double the lemon juice
Richer finish	Use browned butter instead of plain

11. Cornbread

That slightly sweet, crumbly texture soaks up chicken drippings and adds a rustic, homey feel. The golden crust brings extra crunch.

Bake in a cast-iron skillet for crispy edges and a tender center.

Mix in cheddar cheese and jalapeños for a savory twist. Use buttermilk for extra tenderness and a subtle tang.

Brush the top with melted butter right out of the oven so it soaks in while the bread cools.

12. Grilled Zucchini

Charred, tender slices bring a smoky simplicity that does not compete with the chicken. The light flavor keeps the meal from feeling heavy.

Slice lengthwise for more surface area and better grill marks.

• Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
• Grill over medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side

There is a reason tender zucchini shows up on so many plates. The char adds depth without overwhelming the chicken.

13. Potato Salad

Creamy, tangy potatoes with celery and onion bring that classic picnic vibe. The cool temperature contrasts with the hot, juicy chicken.

Dress the potatoes while they are still warm so they absorb more flavor. Delicious potato salad recipe is worth the extra five minutes.

Use waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold-they hold their shape after boiling. Add a spoonful of mustard and a splash of pickle juice to the dressing for extra tang.

Chill for at least an hour before serving so the flavors meld together.

14. Alabama White Sauce

Tangy mayo-based sauce with vinegar and horseradish cuts through the richness and adds a zippy kick. The creamy texture clings to every bite.

Whisk together mayo, cider vinegar, horseradish, and black pepper-ready in 5 minutes.

• Use apple cider vinegar for a fruity tang
• Add a pinch of cayenne for heat
• Thin with water if the sauce gets too thick

A dollop of delicious white sauce recipe takes each bite somewhere more interesting. The horseradish bite wakes up your palate.

15. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Sweet and tangy with a smooth texture that makes every piece of chicken even juicier. That bold mustard bite wakes up your palate.

Mix equal parts Dijon, honey, and mayo-adjust ratios to taste. Easy dipping sauce does the heavy lifting here.

Use whole-grain mustard for texture or Dijon for smoothness. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Taste and adjust the honey if you want it sweeter or add more mustard for tang.

Here are a few more pairing ideas if you are building a bigger spread: our chicken dumplings guide and tomato basil chicken serving suggestions both offer solid options. For lighter meals, check out sides for orzo salad.