Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready to make your next wing night even more amazing? Chicken Wings are super yummy all by themselves, but they can be even better when you add some awesome side dishes. Whether you’re having a big party or just a cozy night in with your family, these 15 perfect side dishes for wings will make your meal complete. Let’s dive in and see how we can make your wings even more delicious!
Table of Contents
Why Side Dishes Matter
First, let’s talk about why side dishes are so important. Imagine eating a big plate of wings all by themselves. They’re great, right? But after a while, you might start to feel like something is missing. That’s where side dishes come in! They add extra flavors, textures, and fun to your meal. Plus, they can help you feel full and satisfied without eating too many wings.
Side dishes are like the best friends of your wings. They make everything better and more exciting. So let’s find out which side dishes can be the perfect buddies for your wings.
1. French Fries
French fries are like the superheroes of side dishes. They go with almost anything, and wings are no exception! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, french fries are perfect for dipping in the same sauce as your wings.
- What you need:
- 2 large potatoes
- 2 cups of oil for frying (or use an oven for baking)
- Salt
- Optional: pepper, garlic powder, cheese
- How to make them:
- Wash and cut potatoes into long, thin strips.
- For frying: Heat oil in a pan. Carefully put potatoes in hot oil and fry them until golden brown.
- For baking: Put the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 400F (200C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Take them out of the pan and sprinkle with salt.
- If you want, you can add some pepper, garlic powder, or cheese on top!
2. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a cool and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with hot and spicy wings. It’s made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and sometimes other veggies. The best part is the creamy dressing that holds everything together.
- What you need:
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Optional: red cabbage or bell pepper.
- How to make it:
- Put all the shredded vegetables in a big bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir everything well.
- Let it sit in the fridge for a bit, and serve!
3. Celery Sticks and Carrot Sticks
Sometimes, the simplest side dishes are the best. Celery sticks and carrot sticks are super easy to prepare and super healthy. All you need to do is wash and cut the vegetables into sticks. You can serve them with a little bowl of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- What you need:
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks of celery
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- How to make it:
- Wash carrots and celery well.
- Cut both the carrots and celery into sticks.
- Serve them on a plate with a little bowl of dressing!
4. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that goes great with wings. You can boil, grill, or even microwave corn on the cob to make it tender and delicious. Once it’s cooked, you can slather it with melted butter and sprinkle it with a little salt and pepper.
- What you need:
- 2 ears of corn
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: parsley or dill.
- How to make it:
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
- For boiling: Put the corn in a pot of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- For grilling: Grill the corn over medium heat until tender and a little charred.
- Take the corn out of the pot and slather with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
- If you want you can add parsley or dill!
5. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic side dish that everyone loves. They’re sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy, which makes them perfect for pairing with wings. You can buy canned baked beans and heat them up, or you can make your own from scratch.
- What you need:
- 1 can of baked beans (or homemade, recipe below)
- 1 pound of dried navy beans
- 6 cups of water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 can of baked beans (or homemade, recipe below)
- How to make them:
- For canned: Heat baked beans in a pot over medium heat.
- For homemade: Put the dried navy beans and water in a pot and simmer for 2 hours, or until soft. Then, add the rest of the ingredients (onion, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper) and simmer for another 30 minutes.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a creamy and delicious side dish that can make your wings even more amazing. To make them, you’ll need potatoes, garlic, butter, milk, and a little salt and pepper.
- What you need:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper
- How to make them:
- Boil potatoes and garlic until they are super soft (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes. Put them back in the pot.
- Add the butter and milk.
- Use a masher to mash everything together until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
7. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is another comfort food that goes great with wings. It’s creamy, cheesy, and super yummy. You can make it from a box, or you can make your own from scratch.
- What you need:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, or your favorite)
- Salt and pepper
- How to make it:
- Cook macaroni according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, melt some butter in a pan. Add flour and mix well.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni.
- You can bake it for 10-15 minutes at 350F (175C) until bubbly and golden brown, if you want.
8. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a fancy-sounding side dish that’s actually pretty easy to make. It’s made from green beans that are cooked until they’re tender, then tossed in a buttery sauce with toasted almonds and a little lemon juice.
- What you need:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- How to make it:
- Cook green beans until they are bright green and tender, but still a little crunchy (5-7 minutes if boiling).
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the almonds and cook until slightly golden and fragrant.
- Add green beans to the pan, and toss with butter and almonds.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and serve.
9. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a tasty and filling side dish that’s perfect for wing night. It’s made from rice that’s cooked with onions, carrots, and celery in a flavorful broth.
- What you need:
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 carrot, chopped
- 1/2 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- How to make it:
- Melt butter or oil in a pan. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft.
- Add rice and cook until golden brown.
- Pour in the broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover it. Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
10. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side dish that’s perfect for wing night. It’s made from romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing.
- What you need:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- How to make it:
- Put chopped lettuce in a big bowl.
- Add croutons, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over everything. Toss well.
11. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that go great with wings. You can use almost any type of vegetable.
- What you need:
- Your favorite vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms), cut into thick slices.
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: your favorite seasonings.
- How to make it:
- Brush the vegetables with olive oil, salt and pepper and any seasonings you might want to use.
- Grill over medium heat until tender and a little charred.
12. Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern favorite that goes great with wings. It’s sweet, crumbly, and super yummy.
- What you need:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- How to make it:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 375F (190C) until golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean (about 20-25 minutes).
13. Potato Salad
Potato salad is another classic side dish that’s perfect for wing night. It’s creamy, tangy, and super yummy.
- What you need:
- 2 pounds potatoes, boiled and cubed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- Salt and pepper
- How to make it:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Let it chill in the fridge for a bit and serve.
14. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a healthy and refreshing side dish that goes great with wings. You can use almost any type of fruit.
- What you need:
- Your favorite fruits (apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, berries), cut into bite-sized pieces
- How to make it:
- Cut all the fruits into small pieces.
- Mix them together in a bowl.
- You can serve it immediately, or keep it in the fridge to cool it down.
15. Onion Rings
Onion rings are a crispy and delicious side dish that goes great with wings. They’re made from sliced onions that are coated in batter and then fried until they’re golden brown.
- What you need:
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying.
- How to make it:
- Mix flour, milk, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the batter.
- Dip the onion rings into the batter.
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion rings until golden brown and crispy.
Conclusion
Wow, we’ve talked about a lot of side dishes for wings! From crispy french fries to creamy mashed potatoes, there are so many delicious options to choose from. Each side dish adds its own special flavor and texture to your meal, making it even more enjoyable.
Remember, side dishes are like the best friends of your wings. They make everything better and more exciting. So next time you’re planning a wing night, don’t forget to pick out a few of these perfect side dishes. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ: 15 Perfect Side Dishes for Wings
General Questions About Side Dishes for Wings
- Why are side dishes important for a wing meal? Side dishes are like the best friends for your wings! They help to make the meal more fun and complete. They can add different flavors, so your mouth doesn’t get bored, and they can give you extra things to eat so you feel full and happy!
- Can any side dish go with wings? While most side dishes will taste good with wings, some side dishes are definitely better than others! Think about what flavors you like, how spicy your wings are, and if you want something crunchy or creamy!
- Do I need a lot of time to make good side dishes? Not at all! Some of the best side dishes, like carrot sticks with ranch, are super quick to make! You can also choose to make sides that take longer, like baked beans or mac and cheese, but there is an option for everyone!
- Can I make side dishes ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! Some side dishes, like coleslaw and potato salad, taste even better when they have been in the fridge for a little while. This is great for when you are having a party and want to get everything prepared!
- How many side dishes should I have with wings? That’s up to you! You can have one favorite side dish, or you can have two or three different ones. The key is to pick side dishes that you like and that go well with your wings!
- Why are French fries so popular? French fries are like the superheroes of side dishes! They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and they go with everything! You can dip them in your wing sauces, ketchup, or anything else!
- What makes coleslaw cool and refreshing? Coleslaw is cool and refreshing because it is made with cold vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s perfect to balance the spiciness of the wings and help cool your mouth down!
- Are carrot and celery sticks really a good side dish? Yes, even though they are super simple, carrot and celery sticks are a great option! They are crunchy and healthy, and the ranch or blue cheese dressing is delicious and cool, making them perfect to eat with rich wings!
- Why does corn on the cob taste so good in the summer? Corn on the cob is a summertime treat that is buttery and sweet! It goes great with wings because it’s easy to eat with your hands, and has a simple, yummy flavor that balances other flavors!
- Are baked beans really that delicious? Yes! Baked beans are a popular side because they are sweet, tangy, and a bit smoky. They go great with BBQ and other types of wings, and they are very satisfying!
- Why do people love mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes are super creamy, smooth, and comforting. They are a great side to soak up sauces, and they are also very satisfying for hungry bellies!
- What’s so great about mac and cheese? Mac and cheese is very cheesy, creamy, and delicious! It’s also a classic dish that both adults and children love. It pairs well with wings because it is very comforting, especially if the wings are very spicy.
- What is “almondine” in green beans almondine? “Almondine” just means that it is made with almonds! The toasted almonds add a buttery, crunchy, and interesting twist to simple green beans!
- What makes rice pilaf a good side? Rice pilaf is a hearty and flavorful side dish made with rice, broth, and vegetables. It adds extra nutrition and texture to your meal, and goes well with many different types of sauces!
- Is Caesar salad a good side even for wing night? Yes, Caesar salad is great because it adds fresh and crispy greens to your meal, and its tangy dressing balances well with the richness of the wings.
- Why would I grill vegetables? Grilling vegetables makes them smoky, tender, and super flavorful, making them a delicious, healthy, and interesting option!
- What is so special about cornbread? Cornbread is sweet, crumbly, and buttery, making it a great treat! It is especially delicious with spicy and flavorful wings, and is also a very kid-friendly option!
- What makes potato salad so comforting? Potato salad is creamy and savory, and has many different textures that make it super delicious. The combination of mayo, mustard, boiled potatoes, and eggs makes it a super yummy side!
- Is fruit salad really a side dish? Yes, fruit salad is a great side dish that balances the savory flavor of wings! It’s super refreshing, sweet, juicy, and makes for a great treat after eating savory foods!
- Why are onion rings so crispy? Onion rings are crispy because they are dipped in a batter and fried until they are golden brown and crunchy, making them very delicious!
Cooking and Preparation Questions
- Do I have to use oil to make French fries? Not necessarily, you can also bake them in the oven. Baking is a healthier option that still delivers a great crispy taste, or you can also use an air fryer.
- Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for coleslaw? Yes, you can, just make sure to buy it from a reliable source and that it is fresh. Pre-shredded cabbage is a great option if you want to save some time in the kitchen.
- What kind of dressing do you recommend for carrots and celery? Ranch and blue cheese are great options, but you can also use other creamy dressings such as thousand island or Italian dressing, or simply eat them by themselves.
- Can I use frozen corn on the cob? Yes, you can use frozen corn on the cob, but just make sure to cook it as directed on the package, and be aware that frozen veggies tend to be a bit more watery than fresh ones.
- Is it okay to use canned beans for baked beans? Yes, if you are using canned beans for the baked beans, just make sure to heat them thoroughly. But you can also make your own from scratch with dried beans and other ingredients.
- Can I add other flavors to my garlic mashed potatoes? Absolutely! You can add your favorite herbs or spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or chives!
- Can I use other types of cheese in mac and cheese? Of course! You can use cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that you like, making it as cheesy as you want!
- What if I don’t have almonds for the green beans? You can try using other nuts like pecans or walnuts, or just leaving them out and having buttery green beans with lemon.
- Do I have to use chicken broth for rice pilaf? No, you can use any type of broth, such as vegetable broth or beef broth, or even just plain water.
- What if I don’t have anchovy paste for my Caesar dressing? It is optional and you can omit it if you do not have any. The Caesar dressing will still be very delicious and tangy!
- What kind of vegetables can I use for grilled veggies? You can use a wide range of vegetables such as peppers, onions, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and many others!
- Can I add things to my cornbread? Absolutely! You can add cheese, jalapeños, or other ingredients to make your cornbread even more special.
- What is the best way to boil potatoes for potato salad? Cook them in salted water until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. This will make them easier to mash when you add them to your salad.
- What kind of fruit is good for fruit salad? You can use a wide range of fruit such as apples, bananas, berries, oranges, grapes, and melons! The important part is to choose fruits that you enjoy, or what is available at the time.
- Can I make onion rings in the oven instead of frying? Yes, you can bake your onion rings at 400F (200C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden. This will be a healthier version!