Best Sides for Chicken Wings: 14 Perfect Side Dishes
The Super Bowl is just around the corner, and if you're anything like me, you're already daydreaming about what to serve. Chicken wings are a must, of course, but let’s be honest—no wing spread is truly complete without a few great side dishes. If you’re throwing a game-day bash or just craving some seriously good finger food, the sides are what really take your chicken wing dinner to the next level.
From cheesy loaded potato skins to crispy veggie fries, these delicious sides are here to elevate your wings to a whole new level. They’ve got all the right flavors, textures, and fun vibes to make sure your spread is as impressive as it is tasty. And let’s not forget about the sauces—the perfect dipping options are just as important to complete the experience. So, before we dive into the sides, let’s make sure we’ve got those favorite sauces lined up!
Need a good chicken wings recipe? Try my favorite chicken wing recipe here: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings here.
Let's start off with Dipping Sauces!
Before we get into the sides, we need to make sure we have some dipping sauces lined up for our wings! Here are some of my favorites:
Buffalo Sauce: This is the classic, and for good reason. It’s got that perfect balance of spice and tang that makes every bite of wing feel extra satisfying.
Blue Cheese Dressing: I’m a big fan of blue cheese with wings. The bold, tangy flavor really adds something special, especially with spicy wings.
Honey BBQ: When I’m craving something sweet and smoky, honey BBQ is my go-to. It’s sweet, a little smoky, and the perfect complement to crispy wings.
Garlic Parmesan: If I’m not feeling something spicy, garlic parmesan is the answer. It’s buttery, garlicky, and has just the right amount of flavor—no heat, just pure deliciousness.
Ranch Dressing: Sometimes, nothing beats a creamy dip like ranch. It cools down the heat from the wings and just feels like a comforting combo.
If you’re like me and love ranch, I’ve got a healthy twist that’s lighter but still creamy and delicious. This Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip is perfect to pair with your wings or even some veggies. Here’s how to make it:
Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
3/4 cup plain whole milk, full-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chives, chopped
1 teaspoon dill, dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy with your favorite wings or veggies (buffalo cauliflower is a great choice!).
Best Sides for Chicken Wings:
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower
A delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, these crispy and crunchy cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce, giving them a spicy kick. Paired with a homemade ranch dip made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and various seasonings, these cauliflower "wings" are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or any occasion! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like blue cheese dip or ranch.
Get the recipe here.
Pigs in a Blanket
Using Trader Joe's Parmesan Pastry Puffs, these nitrate-free hot dogs wrapped in a pastry puff are a perfect addition to your chicken wing spread. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce for the best game-day treat.
Loaded Potato Skins
Inspired by TGI Fridays, these loaded potato skins are the ultimate Super Bowl appetizer and pair deliciously with savory chicken wings. With their crispy skin, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings, these copycat potato skins are incredibly tasty and will be devoured in no time at your next party!
Jalapeño Poppers
These air fryer jalapeno poppers sprinkled with bacon are a must-have for football season and an amazing side dish to pair with chicken wings. Their crispy golden exterior and flavorful filling made with Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese make them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried, cream cheese-filled, stuffed mini peppers.
Get the recipe here.
Carrot Fries
Ditch the traditional potato fries and try these healthier and colorful Air Fryer Carrot Fries. They are a healthy and tasty side dish for chicken wings, especially if you need to add a nutritious boost to your meal! These crispy fries are packed with flavor, coated in a punch of spice, and topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Pizza Rolls
Ready in just 10 minutes using an air fryer, these TikTok-viral Pizza Rolls are an easy recipe and fun snack to serve with your chicken wings. With a simple combination of tortillas, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and string cheese, they are so much better than frozen pizza rolls from the grocery store!
Air Fryer Broccoli
If you’re looking to add some greens to your game-day spread, this Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli is the way to go. It’s so simple—just 20 minutes, and you’ve got crispy, tangy broccoli that’s actually hard to resist. I love how it balances out all the rich, savory flavors of chicken wings and dipping sauces, making it a perfect addition to the dinner table. Veggies never looked (or tasted) so good!
Healthy Mac and Cheese
This Healthy Mac and Cheese is a game-changer for anyone looking for a dairy-free version of the classic comfort food. Made with creamy cashews and nutritional yeast, it’s packed with cheesy goodness while staying completely plant-based. It’s the perfect side dish if you’re avoiding dairy but still want that rich, satisfying flavor of traditional macaroni and cheese. Plus, it’s so much better than the boxed stuff—this one’s wholesome, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your dinner table or game-day spread!
Avocado Fries
These thick, breaded avocado strips are one of my favorite sides to make. The air fryer gives them a crispy coating, while the inside stays perfectly creamy. Packed with healthy fats, they’re a great side dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. I love serving them with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo, but they’re versatile enough to pair with almost anything. Whether it’s part of a spread for the dinner table or a snack for game day, these always get devoured quickly!
Sweet Potato Fries
These homemade mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside—just how they should be! I love making them in the air fryer because they come out perfectly golden with minimal effort. They’re perfect for football Sundays, casual get-togethers, or anytime you need a snack that hits the spot. Dip them in marinara sauce, and you've got the ultimate snack combo. They’re a crowd-pleaser every time and make the perfect side to go with your chicken wings! Trust me, these won't last long on the table.
Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are anything but your typical veggie side! When you air fry them, they get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Toss them with some parmesan and crispy bacon, and you’ve got a seriously tasty side dish that’ll steal the show. If you want to take your chicken wings to the next level, add these to your spread. The combo of savory bacon, cheesy parmesan, and crunchy sprouts is the perfect match for wings, and I promise, everyone will be going back for more!
Zucchini Fries
Packed with a variety of beans, vegetables, and savory spices, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with your game-day spread. Serve it in a bowl, as a topping for loaded nachos, or with your chicken wings for a complete meal.
When it comes to the best appetizers for chicken wings, there are plenty of delicious side dishes to choose from! Whether you're hosting a game day party for the Super Bowl or simply craving some tasty finger foods along with your chicken wings, these recipes have got you covered. From classic favorites like mac and cheese and mozzarella sticks to more unique options like vegan buffalo cauliflower and avocado fries, there's something for everyone's taste buds!
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