15+ Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken

If you find yourself asking what can you eat with grilled chicken, you’re in the right place! This list of over 15 side dishes for grilled chicken gives you some practical ideas without overwhelming you with possibilities. There are grilled veggies and fruits, salads and coleslaws, and several starchy sides; take a look through and pick what works for your next family dinner, big cookout, or neighborhood BBQ!

Grilled chicken is a really versatile protein, both in terms of cooking it and the flavor of it. Even better, it’s one of the most popular proteins so is a total crowd pleaser too! If you’re planning on grilling up some chicken soon but need side dish suggestions, this post has you covered.

Why are these the best sides for grilled chicken?

Listen, I get it. There are a million articles out there about what to serve with grilled chicken. Why is this list any different? Well…

• I know grilled chicken. I have created a TON of grilled chicken recipes and recipes using grilling chicken – things like marinated grilled chicken thighs, Greek grilled chicken breast, and even a whole smoked chicken. I wrote a guide about buying chicken for grilling. And I have even more recipes and guides still on the way.
• I have served my family grilled and smoked chicken countless times. And these are the side dishes that I serve the most with grilled chicken. They are tried and true family favorites – yes, even the grilled onions.
• These are allergy friendly side dishes that taste delicious. We are a gluten free household, and at times have been dairy free, paleo, and Whole30 as well. All of these side dish recipes are gluten free with many being dairy free, paleo, and Whole30 as well. So you can confidently bring these to a cookout knowing a wide variety of people can eat them.

So what sides go with grilled chicken?

Anything and everything is fair game! From veggies to fruits, salads to starchy sides, you’ve got a lot of options.

Below are some of my family’s favorite healthy sides for grilled chicken. And even better – these work for chicken that’s cooked a different way too!

What to serve with grilled chicken

Salads and Slaws

Salads are a great option to pair with grilled chicken. We love coleslaws and there are several shown here. Change up the slaw depending on what type of chicken you’re making! We like to make our own healthy coleslaw dressing but you can also buy some at the store.

Pineapple Coleslaw

This Pineapple Coleslaw recipe is quick and easy to make. Perfect for grilled chicken or pulled pork, it’s great to bring or serve at any summer BBQ. Plus it’s gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant!

Get the recipe

Healthy Apple & Broccoli Slaw (Paleo, Whole30)

This Healthy Apple & Broccoli Slaw is an easy recipe that puts a paleo and Whole30 twist on a classic. A perfect side dish for a BBQ or to eat along grilled meat on a weeknight, you’ll never go back to original coleslaw!

Get the recipe

Spring Green Salad

This Spring Green Salad is an easy, healthy gluten free recipe to celebrate the flavors of spring. Great for Easter or just a weeknight dinner, it uses asparagus, peas, and pistachios for crunch. A simple honey dijon dressing recipe is also included!

Get the recipe

Kohlrabi, Kale, & Carrot Coleslaw

Need a sweet and tangy option for your coleslaw that happens to be gluten and dairy free? Look no further. Great for a potluck or BBQ, this Kholrabi, Kale, and Carrot Coleslaw is a crunchy crowdpleaser.

Get the recipe

Grilled Veggies

Veggies are super easy to cook up on the grill, and really tasty! Typically all you need is a little salt and the flavor shines through – which makes them a perfect pairing for grilled chicken!

Easy Grilled Asparagus Recipe (GF, Paleo, Whole30)

This easy Grilled Asparagus recipe is so simple to make and the perfect side dish. With just salt as the seasoning, it’s a great way to eat this healthy green veggie. Includes a how to video! (Gluten Free, Paleo, Whole30)

Get the recipe

Perfectly Grilled Onions

These Grilled Onions are a great addition to any dinner and are perfect for burgers, steak, or salad. Cut an onion into wide rings, then cover in oil and grill them up. An easy recipe with how to photos guiding you every step of the way! (Whole30, Paleo, + Gluten Free)

Get the recipe

Grilled Zucchini (Whole30, Paleo, GF)

This Grilled Zucchini recipe is as easy as it gets. Cut up the zucchini, cover it with oil and some salt for seasoning, then get it on the bbq. A simple and healthy way to enjoy this summer veggie!

Get the recipe

Grilled Bell Peppers (Whole30, Paleo, GF)

These Grilled Bell Peppers are the perfect veggies for your next bbq and are so easy to make. Just cut up the peppers, cover with oil and season with salt, then cook on the grill to perfection. Eat them on a salad, in a sandwich, or with slices of steak. This simple, how to recipe will be one you use all summer long!

Get the recipe

Starchy Salads

Craving some carbs? These starchy salads are great sides for rounding out a meal with grilled chicken as the main dish.

Corn Tomato Avocado Salad

This Corn Tomato Avocado Salad is the perfect recipe for summer. Made with grilled corn and topped with chopped basil and lime juice, it's a healthy side dish for BBQ season!

Get the recipe

Greek Rice Salad (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

This Greek Rice Salad has only 5 main ingredients, including cucumber and red tomatoes, and is a great healthy summer recipe. With a simple vinaigrette dressing, it’s an easy cold side dish that your family will love (Gluten Free + Vegan)

Get the recipe

Instant Pot Gluten Free Potato Salad

This Gluten Free Potato Salad made in the Instant Pot is an easy recipe for a crowd. It uses celery and shallots for a little crunch and may with mustard and vinegar for a little kick. Put is some cut up hard boiled eggs and a dash of paprika on top and you've got a winner.

Get the recipe

Grilled Fruits

Fruit as a side? Yup! These fruity side dishes are great particularly with slightly sweet grilled chicken (think like a quick marinated grilled teriyaki chicken). Or you can have them as part of dessert!

Healthy Grilled Pineapple (Whole30, Paleo, GF)

This Grilled Pineapple recipe is simple, healthy, and completely delicious. There’s just three ingredients (and no sugar!), but it tastes like a dessert. Place the slices on your bbq and prepare to add an amazing side to your dinner.

Get the recipe

Grilled Peaches (Whole30, Paleo, GF)

These Grilled Peaches are an easy and delicious side for any bbq. Great on top of a salad, with chicken, pork, or steak, they’re also perfect for a healthy dessert. This super simple recipe for how to grill peaches is also vegan, gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant.

Get the recipe

Grilled Fruit Kabobs with Sweet & Spicy Glaze – Miss Allie’s Kitchen

These grilled fruit kabobs are charred on the grill for amazing flavor and then brushed with a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for a side or light dessert!

Get the recipe

Starchy Sides

If you can’t get enough carbs, try one of these sides with your grilled chicken. And if you’re going to a cookout, make the cornbread muffins to bring along – they’re great for sharing!

Grilled Corn on the Cob (No Husk)

This Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe (with no husk or foil) is as simple as it gets. The corn gets placed on the grill and rotated until heated on all sides, then it’s time to dig in. An easy gluten free side dish for summer eating, it goes great with burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and much more.

Get the recipe

Easy Grilled Potatoes

These Grilled Potatoes are perfectly crispy and delicious. Yukon gold potatoes are cut into thin slices then covered in a simple seasoning and grilled. An easy and healthy recipe that’s gluten free and Whole30 compliant.

Get the recipe

Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins

These Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins are easy to make from scratch and will give you the best homemade cornbread muffins. They’re dairy free too, and taste amazing – soft, slightly sweet, and moist. Plus they take less than 30 minutes to bake! You definitely want to add these muffins to your dinner table.

Get the recipe

Pin this list of side dishes for grilled chicken to use later!

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND PINTEREST TO SEE MORE GOOD TO EAT, GLUTEN FREE FOOD ON AND OFF THE GRILL.