Chicken wings are a fan favorite, especially when it comes to dinner time. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or just treating yourself, chicken wings always hit the spot. But what about the rest of the meal? To make your dinner truly satisfying, you’ll need to pair those wings with the right side dishes, drinks, and even desserts. In this article, we’ll explore various options that go well with chicken wings for dinner, helping you create a meal that’s both delicious and memorable.
What Are the Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Wings for Dinner?
When planning a meal with chicken wings, side dishes play a crucial role in complementing the flavors. You might wonder, “What side dishes go best with chicken wings?” Well, let’s dive into that.
Classic Fries: The Timeless Choice
Fries are a go-to side dish for chicken wings, and for good reason. They’re crispy, salty, and pair perfectly with the juicy wings. You can go for traditional French fries, sweet potato fries, or even try something a bit more adventurous like waffle fries. Here’s a quick look at how different types of fries can complement your chicken wings:
| Type of Fries | Flavor Profile | Pairing Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Fries | Salty, crispy | Best with spicy wings to balance flavors |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Slightly sweet, soft inside | Pairs well with BBQ or honey-glazed wings |
| Waffle Fries | Crispy with more surface area | Perfect for dipping into various sauces |
Coleslaw: The Fresh and Tangy Partner
Coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch to your meal. The creamy, tangy flavor of coleslaw cuts through the richness of the chicken wings, making it an ideal side dish. You can opt for a classic mayonnaise-based coleslaw or try a vinegar-based version for a lighter option.
Macaroni and Cheese: The Comfort Food Companion
If you’re aiming for comfort, macaroni and cheese is the way to go. The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs beautifully with the spicy or tangy flavors of chicken wings for dinner. Here’s why:
| Macaroni & Cheese Type | Texture | Flavor Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheddar | Creamy, rich | Best with hot wings to soothe the heat |
| Baked Mac & Cheese | Crispy top, cheesy center | Great with BBQ wings for a smoky contrast |
| Gouda Mac & Cheese | Smooth, smoky | Pairs well with honey-glazed or sweet wings |
What Drinks Go Well with Chicken Wings for Dinner?
Pairing the right drink with your chicken wings can elevate your dinner experience. Drinks not only complement the flavors but also help cleanse your palate between bites. Let’s explore some great drink options.
Beer: The Classic Wing Companion
Beer is a natural choice when it comes to chicken wings for dinner. Whether you prefer a light lager, a hoppy IPA, or a rich stout, there’s a beer that pairs perfectly with every type of wing.
| Beer Type | Flavor Notes | Ideal Wing Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Lager | Light, crisp | Perfect with mild or lemon pepper wings |
| IPA | Bitter, hoppy | Balances spicy buffalo wings |
| Stout | Rich, malty | Complements BBQ or honey-glazed wings |
Iced Tea: A Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option
If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, iced tea is a refreshing choice. The slight bitterness of tea pairs well with the rich, flavorful chicken wings, especially when sweetened just right.
Lemonade: The Sweet and Tangy Sip
Lemonade, with its sweet and tangy profile, offers a delightful contrast to spicy wings. It’s a family-friendly option that’s both tasty and refreshing.
What Are the Best Vegetables to Pair with Chicken Wings?
Vegetables are an essential part of any balanced meal. They not only add color and texture but also provide a healthy contrast to the richness of chicken wings for dinner.
Grilled Vegetables: A Flavorful Addition
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are excellent choices. The charred, smoky flavors from the grill complement the wings perfectly.
| Vegetable | Preparation Style | Pairing Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Peppers | Grilled, slightly charred | Great with spicy wings for a sweet contrast |
| Zucchini | Grilled, tender-crisp | Pairs well with BBQ wings |
| Asparagus | Grilled, slightly charred | Complements honey-glazed wings |
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Nutty, Savory Option
Roasted Brussels sprouts add a nutty, savory element to your meal. When caramelized in the oven, they develop a sweet yet slightly bitter flavor that goes well with a variety of wing sauces.
Corn on the Cob: The Sweet, Crunchy Side
Corn on the cob is another fantastic vegetable side. Its natural sweetness and crunchy texture make it a perfect match for chicken wings for dinner, especially when brushed with a bit of butter and sprinkled with seasoning.
What Are the Best Sauces to Pair with Chicken Wings?
Sauces are a big deal when it comes to chicken wings for dinner. They can make or break the dish, so choosing the right ones is key.
Ranch Dressing: The Cool and Creamy Classic
Ranch dressing is a favorite dip for chicken wings. Its cool, creamy texture provides a perfect balance to spicy wings, making it a must-have at any wing dinner.
Blue Cheese Dressing: The Bold and Tangy Choice
For those who love a strong, tangy flavor, blue cheese dressing is the way to go. Its sharpness cuts through the richness of the wings, especially when paired with buffalo sauce.
| Sauce Type | Flavor Profile | Best Wing Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Ranch Dressing | Cool, creamy | Ideal with spicy buffalo wings |
| Blue Cheese Dressing | Bold, tangy | Pairs well with hot or buffalo wings |
| Honey Mustard | Sweet, tangy | Great with BBQ or honey-glazed wings |
Honey Mustard: The Sweet and Tangy Kick
Honey mustard combines sweetness with a bit of tang, making it a versatile sauce that works well with many different wing flavors, particularly BBQ and honey-glazed wings.
What Are Some Unique Sides to Elevate Your Chicken Wing for Dinner?
Sometimes, you want to go beyond the classics and try something a little different. Unique sides can add a touch of creativity to your meal, impressing your guests and making the dinner more memorable.
Garlic Bread: The Savory, Buttery Companion
Garlic bread isn’t just for pasta. Its savory, buttery flavor with a hint of garlic complements chicken wings beautifully, especially when the wings are on the spicier side.
Pickles: The Tangy, Crunchy Twist
Pickles might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but their tangy, crunchy nature provides a delightful contrast to the richness of chicken wings. Whether you choose dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or even pickled vegetables, they’ll add a zesty kick to your dinner.
| Unique Side | Flavor Profile | Pairing Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Savory, buttery | Best with spicy wings |
| Pickles | Tangy, crunchy | Pairs well with BBQ or hot wings |
| Fried Pickles | Crispy, tangy | Great as a starter or side dish |
Fried Pickles: A Southern Delight
Fried pickles take the tanginess of regular pickles and add a crispy, crunchy coating. They’re a popular side in the South and pair exceptionally well with chicken wings for dinner, adding a bit of Southern charm to your meal.
What Desserts Go Well with Chicken Wings for Dinner?
After enjoying a hearty meal of chicken wings and sides, you’ll want to finish with something sweet. The right dessert can round out the meal, providing a satisfying end to your dinner.
Ice Cream: The Cool and Creamy Finale
Ice cream is a universally loved dessert, and it pairs well with chicken wings for dinner. The cool, creamy texture of ice cream is a delightful contrast to the heat of spicy wings, making it a refreshing way to end your meal.
| Dessert | Flavor Profile | Ideal Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream | Cool, creamy | Great with spicy wings for a cooling effect |
| Chocolate Brownies | Rich, fudgy | Complements BBQ or honey-glazed wings |
| Fruit Salad | Fresh, light | Best with any wing flavor for a refreshing finish |
Chocolate Brownies: The Rich, Fudgy Treat
Chocolate brownies are rich and fudgy, making them an indulgent dessert that pairs well with BBQ or honey-glazed wings. The sweetness of the brownies provides a perfect contrast to the savory wings.
Fruit Salad: The Fresh and Light Option
For a lighter dessert option, fruit salad is a great choice. The fresh, sweet flavors of mixed fruits cleanse the palate and leave you feeling refreshed after a hearty meal.
Conclusion
When it comes to planning a dinner with chicken wings, the possibilities are endless. From classic sides like fries and coleslaw to unique options like fried pickles and garlic bread, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Don’t forget to pair your wings with the right drinks and desserts to complete the experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a casual dinner at home, these pairings will ensure your chicken wings are the star of the show.
FAQs
What is the best dipping sauce for chicken wings for dinner?
Ranch dressing is the most popular dipping sauce for chicken wings due to its cool, creamy texture, which complements the heat of spicy wings.
Can I serve chicken wings with pasta?
Yes, chicken wings can be served with pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese or a light pasta salad. They add a hearty, protein-rich element to the meal.
What are some healthy sides to serve with chicken wings for dinner?
Grilled vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, and fresh salads are healthy sides that pair well with chicken wings for dinner, adding nutrients and balance to your meal.
How do I choose the right drink to pair with chicken wings for dinner?
Consider the flavor profile of your wings. Light beers pair well with mild wings, while hoppy IPAs balance out spicy wings. Non-alcoholic options like iced tea and lemonade are also great choices.
What’s a unique dessert to serve with chicken wings for dinner?
Fried ice cream offers a unique twist on the classic dessert, combining the cool creaminess of ice cream with a crispy, fried coating that pairs beautifully with the flavors of chicken wings for dinner.
This article is designed to provide a comprehensive guide to pairing chicken wings with the perfect sides, drinks, and desserts, ensuring a memorable dinner experience.