Sides for Chicken Wings (The ultimate List)

From classic sides to healthy sides, here is all the inspiration you need when deciding what sides for chicken wings will appear on your table. 

From game day to award shows to even New Year’s Eve, below you’ll find the perfect bites to please every taste preference. Hands down, your guests (or just you!) will be impressed. 

Fries and Potato Wing Side Dishes

Potato Wedges

Hearty and crispy on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside, potato wedges are a classic wing accompaniment. Their simple, satisfying flavor makes them a perfect canvas for a variety of dips and seasonings, contrasting well with the rich, spicy flavor of wings.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries, with their natural sweetness providing a delightful counterpoint to the savory wings. Plus, the air fryer gives them a crispy exterior without the added calories of deep frying

French Fries

With their golden, crispy exterior and tender interior, homemade French fries are a universally loved side that matches wonderfully with any flavor of wings. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the seasoning to your liking, adding an extra touch of personalization to your meal.

Ranch Potatoes

These creamy, tangy potatoes coated with zesty ranch seasoning serve as an excellent contrast to the heat of buffalo wings. Their creamy, comforting flavor makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Avocado Fries

A unique twist on the traditional fry, avocado fries offer a creamy interior encased in a crispy coating, adding an unexpected but delightful element to your wing feast. Their mild flavor and rich texture pair well with both spicy and mild wings.

Potato Salad

This refreshing, tangy side dish, typically dressed with a light vinaigrette, provides a nice balance to the hearty, spicy wings. The tender potatoes and bright, acidic dressing cut through the richness of the wings, offering a palate-cleansing component to your meal.

Tater Tots

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, homemade tater tots are a nostalgic and fun side dish. Their compact size and savory flavor make them perfect for dipping, providing a playful counterpart to a plate of wings. Try these loaded tater tots.

Salads and Slaws for Wings

Classic Coleslaw

This timeless side dish with its tangy, creamy dressing and crisp cabbage is a cooling antidote to the spiciness of wings. The refreshing crunch of the coleslaw offers a pleasing textural contrast to the tender, saucy meat of the wings.

Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Not just any slaw, but KFC’s slaw! Mimicking the popular fast-food side, this coleslaw boasts a finer chop and a sweeter dressing, making it a comforting companion to any style of wings. The sweet and tangy meld well with both mild and spicy wings, rounding out the meal with its refreshing taste.

Macaroni Salad

A comforting classic, macaroni salad brings together tender pasta, creamy dressing, and crunchy veggies, offering a counterpoint to the savory wings. Its mild, creamy flavors and diverse textures make it a versatile side that pairs well with a wide range of wing sauces.

Easy Stuffed Peppers

These vibrant, flavorful peppers filled with a savory mixture offer a more substantial side to pair with wings. The balance of the hearty filling and the tender, sweet pepper provides a contrasting bite to the bold flavors of the wings, creating a well-rounded meal.

Cowboy Caviar

A colorful medley of beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers, cowboy caviar delivers a vibrant, tangy bite that plays off nicely against the rich flavors of wings. Its fresh, zesty flavor and crisp textures offer a refreshing counterpoint to the heaviness of the wings, creating a well-balanced meal.

Crudité Platter

From celery sticks to carrot sticks, crudité is probably the most classic side dish you think of when someone says wings. A selection of fresh, crunchy vegetables served with a dip or two, a crudité platter provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the saucy, savory wings. The array of colors and textures can help cleanse the palate between bites of wings, making each mouthful as enjoyable as the first.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

With its fresh, crisp cucumber slices and tangy, herby dressing, this salad offers a cooling respite from the heat of spicy wings. The fresh dill adds a burst of brightness that complements the wings.

Mediterranean Cucumber & Tomato Salad

A healthy side dish bursting with flavor. This light, refreshing salad with its punchy dressing and crisp, juicy vegetables serves as a palate cleanser to the spicy, saucy wings. The combination of fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and tangy dressing creates a perfect contrast to the hearty wings.

Italian Pasta Salad

Loaded with colorful vegetables, tangy vinaigrette, and hearty pasta, this salad is a satisfying side that stands up well to the strong flavors of wings. The combination of textures and taste in this salad offers a delightful counterpart to a plate of wings.

More Delicious Side Dishes for Chicken Wings

Mozzarella Sticks

These are a classic, indulgent side dish with their gooey cheese centers and crispy breading. They pair excellently with wings, offering a different kind of richness that complements the spiciness of the wings, and their stick shape makes them just as fun to dip as the chicken wings themselves.

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Beer Battered Onion Rings

These offer a deeply satisfying crunch and sweet, tender onions within, standing up well to the rich taste of wings. The beer in the batter lends a subtle depth of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with both spicy and mild wings.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

This sophisticated side dish features the sweet chewiness of dates, the pungent creaminess of blue cheese, and crisp, salty bacon — a combination that holds its own against robustly flavored wings. Their unique combination makes them a great choice for an upscale wing night.

Chipotle Veggies

Spiced with smoky chipotle, these bell peppers and onions deliver a punch of flavor and a wholesome balance to the meaty wings. The charred, earthy notes of the grilled veggies serve as a healthy and delicious counterpart to the rich wings.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

This creamy, comforting side dish, with its melty cheese and tender pasta, is a soul-satisfying accompaniment to any style of wings. Its rich, cheesy flavor provides a delightful contrast to the tanginess or heat of your wings.

Vegetable Fritters

Light, crispy, and packed with colorful veggies, these fritters are a delicious, lighter alternative to heavier sides. The variety of vegetables within the fritters complements the boldness of wings, adding a veggie-filled crunch to your meal. You can even make taro fritters if you’re feeling like something new. Check out our whole post on taro recipes and what taro tastes like.

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Infused with a smoky flavor from the grill, this side dish is a summer classic that pairs well with wings. The natural sweetness of the corn and the smoky, charred flavor from the grill complements the savory heat of the wings perfectly.

Garlic Butter Rice

A simple, comforting side dish, garlic butter rice is subtly flavored yet satisfying, offering a smooth, buttery counterpart to the bold, spicy wings. Its mellow flavor and soft texture provide a comforting backdrop to wings.

Jalapeno Poppers

These offer a burst of heat and creamy cheese which work together to cut through the richness of the wings. Their spicy kick can either match or amplify the heat of your wings, depending on the sauce you choose.

Roasted Garlic

The soft, caramelized cloves of roasted garlic add a sweet and savory element to the meal, working as a flavorful spread for bread or as a unique, standalone side. Their intense, mellow sweetness and soft texture contrast wonderfully with crispy, spicy wings.

Dipping Sauces for Juicy Chicken Wings

Smoked Queso

This creamy, smoky, and spicy dip is an indulgent accompaniment to wings. The rich, melty cheese and smoky profile provide a dip that stands up to the bold flavor of wings, creating a decadently satisfying pairing.

Caramelized Onion Dip

This dip, with its sweet and savory caramelized onions swirled into a creamy base, is a fantastic partner for wings. Its deep, umami offers a sophisticated twist to the meal, complementing the robust taste of the wings and providing a smooth counterpart to their spicy heat.

Copycat Outback Ranch

This dip, mimicking Outback’s original recipe, offers a thick, creamy base with a medley of herbs and spices that play well with the spicy and savory wings. Its tangy freshness and herb-infused creaminess provide a satisfying counterpoint to the heat of the wings, enhancing their flavor while soothing your palate.

Guacamole

This classic, creamy dip, made from ripe avocados, cilantro, lime, and a hint of jalapeno, offers a cool, refreshing balance to the spiciness of wings. Its creamy texture helps cleanse the palate, allowing you to fully enjoy each flavorful bite of your wings.

Boom Boom Sauce

This spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet dip is an adventurous choice for wings. Its combination of creamy mayo, sweet ketchup, and spicy chili sauce adds an extra level of heat and complexity to the wings, making each bite even more exciting.

Texas Trash Dip

This cheesy, bean-filled dip, spiced with chili and pepper, is a robust, flavorful complement to wings. Its hearty nature and kick of spice can match the intensity of the wings, creating a satisfyingly indulgent spread for your wing feast.

Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

This creamy, onion-flavored dip, inspired by the popular Lawson’s original, is a delightful pairing for wings. Its smooth texture and savory onion provide a pleasing contrast to the spicy, tangy taste of the wings, mellowing out their heat without overshadowing their flavor.

Blue Cheese Dip

This tangy, creamy dip is a classic companion to wings, particularly buffalo wings. Its strong, pungency cuts through the richness of the wings, providing a cool, creamy counterbalance to their spicy heat.

Copycat Wingstop Ranch

This creamy, tangy, and slightly peppery dip, replicating Wingstop’s popular original, complements the robust flavors of wings perfectly. It offers a cooling effect against the spicy heat of the wings, while its unique flavor profile enhances the overall wing experience, making each bite more flavorful and balanced.

Great Side Dishes that Are Desserts

Millionaire Dollar Pie

This indulgently sweet, creamy dessert, filled with crushed pineapple, toasted coconut, and chopped pecans, provides a satisfyingly sweet finish to a spicy wing meal. Its tropical flavors and silky texture offer a delightful contrast to the savory heat of the wings, making it a deliciously refreshing palate cleanser.

Lemon Brownies

Fresh lemon juice is what makes these brownies so delicious. These tangy, moist treats, with their bright lemon burst and soft, brownie-like texture, bring a refreshing note to the end of a wing feast. Their tartness counteracts the spiciness of the wings, while their sweetness provides the perfect endnote to your meal, leaving you with a pleasantly cleansed palate.

Peanut Butter Balls

These decadent treats, with their rich peanut butter centers and smooth chocolate coating, offer a luxuriously sweet finale to a meal of wings. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate pairs well with the robust flavors of the wings, balancing out their spiciness with its sweet richness.

Churro Poppers

These small, sugary delights, coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and boasting a soft, doughy interior, provide a delightful contrast to the savory spice of wings. Their sweet and cinnamon-rich flavors create a comforting end to a spicy meal, while their poppable size makes for an easily shareable dessert.

Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe

This classic dessert, characterized by its rich, creamy texture and subtly tangy flavor, serves as an indulgently smooth counterpoint to a spicy wing meal. Its creamy coolness helps mellow out the heat of the wings, while its sweet and tangy flavors provide a pleasing contrast to the savory wing sauce.

Brown Sugar Peach Cake

This sweet, moist cake, laden with fresh peaches and enhanced by the caramel-like notes of brown sugar, offers a refreshing and satisfying end to a meal of wings. Its fresh, fruity flavors and soft, fluffy texture provide a soothing contrast to the spicy and savory notes of the wings, making it a delightful palate cleanser after a flavorful wing feast.

Edible Brownie Batter

This sweet, chocolatey treat offers a whimsical and indulgent conclusion to a plate of wings. Its fudgy richness and delightful raw texture make it a comfort food favorite that contrasts nicely with the heat and spice of the wings, creating a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Chicken Wings FAQs

What side goes with chicken wings?

Chicken wings can be paired with a variety of sides to complement their bold flavors. Here are a few options:

1. Dips: Dips like ranch, blue cheese, or even spicy ones like buffalo or barbecue sauce are great with wings. They add an extra layer of flavor and help cool down the palate if the wings are spicy.
2. Veggies: Crisp, fresh veggies like celery or carrot sticks are a classic side with wings. They offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the wings’ texture.
3. Potato Sides: French fries, potato wedges, or even a loaded baked potato can pair nicely with wings, providing a hearty, satisfying counterpoint to the wings’ rich flavors.
4. Salads: A simple green salad, coleslaw, or a tangy pasta salad can offer a lighter, refreshing balance to the meaty, often spicy wings.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a sweet, juicy side that can stand up to the robust flavors of wings.
6. Breads: Cornbread, garlic bread, or even soft rolls can complement wings by providing a neutral flavor that can mellow the heat from the wings, if spicy.

What healthy sides go with wings?

Chicken wings can be paired with a number of healthy sides that complement their savory flavors. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Veggie Sticks: A plate of fresh, crisp vegetables like carrot and celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices can provide a refreshing, nutritious contrast to the savory wings.
2. Greek Yogurt Dips: You can make a healthier version of traditional ranch or blue cheese dip by using Greek yogurt as a base, adding herbs and spices for flavor.
3. Quinoa Salad: A salad made with quinoa, mixed with a variety of fresh veggies, can offer a nutritious and protein-packed side dish that pairs well with wings.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can be lightly grilled with a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning for a healthy and flavorful side.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries and can be a tasty pairing with wings.
6. Fresh Salsa or Guacamole: These dips are packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes, onions, avocados, and more. They’re delicious, refreshing, and pair well with wings.

Are chicken wings good for a diet?

Whether or not chicken wings are good for a diet depends on the specific diet and how the wings are prepared.

Chicken wings themselves are a source of protein, but they are also high in fat and calories, especially the skin. Traditional preparation methods, such as deep frying or coating in sugary or high-fat sauces, can significantly increase the caloric content, making them less suitable for a diet focused on weight loss.

However, there are ways to prepare chicken wings that are more diet-friendly. For instance, grilling, baking, or air frying chicken wings can reduce the amount of fat compared to deep frying. Opting for sauces that are low in sugar and fat can also make a difference.

Why are buffalo wings served with celery?

Buffalo wings are traditionally served with celery for a few reasons:

1. Flavor Balance: The clean, crisp, and slightly bitter flavor of celery helps to balance out the spiciness and tanginess of the buffalo sauce. It provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft, juicy texture of the chicken wings.
2. Palate Cleanser: Celery acts as a palate cleanser, refreshing your mouth between the intensely flavored wings. This can help you better taste and appreciate each wing.
3. Heat Relief: The coolness of the celery can provide a bit of relief from the spiciness of the wings, similarly to the traditionally served blue cheese or ranch dip.

Why are they called Buffalo Wings?

Buffalo wings, also known as chicken wings, got their name from the city where they were invented, Buffalo, New York. The name “Buffalo Wings” doesn’t have anything to do with the animal buffalo, but rather, it’s a reference to the city.

The dish was first served in 1964 at a family-owned establishment in Buffalo called the Anchor Bar, owned by Frank and Teressa Bellissimo. The story goes that Teressa invented the dish when she needed a fast and easy-to-prepare food to serve to her son and his friends.

She took some chicken wings, which were often used for soups or thrown away at that time, deep-fried them, and then tossed them in a spicy, tangy sauce. The wings were served with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks, which was all that was available in the bar’s kitchen at the time.

The dish was a hit and quickly became a popular bar food and appetizer not only in Buffalo, but eventually throughout the United States and then internationally. Hence, the name “Buffalo Wings” has stuck around as a tribute to the city of their origin.

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Have questions or suggestions about sides for chicken wings? Leave them in the comments below.