If you’re wondering what to serve with your beer can chicken, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for beer can chicken.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with beer can chicken are mushroom stuffing, fondant potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, lemon garlic green beans, and brown butter sage rolls. You can also go with jalapeno popper mac and cheese, parmesan carrot fries, Caesar salad, or creamed spinach.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Thanksgiving favorites
Beer can chicken is a great alternative to your usual Thanksgiving turkey.
Pair it with classics like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, or stuffing to complete the feast!
Or whip up something unique, like glazed hasselback squash for a more interesting meal.
Mushroom stuffing
This mushroom stuffing is a must-have if you’re planning to serve your beer can chicken for a special dinner.
It’s oh-so-buttery and herby, with golden edges that are simply irresistible.
But what makes this special is the addition of mushrooms, which add an earthy, umami twist everyone will love.
Why we love this recipe: this will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
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Mushroom stuffing
Go Southern
Cornbread cranberry stuffing
Make it low-carb
Keto cauliflower stuffing
Grilled corn on the cob
Nothing beats grilled corn on the cob.
They’re super easy to make and only need about 15 minutes on the grill to cook.
But most importantly, grilling infuses the sweet corn kernels with a delectable smoky twist.
You can enjoy an ear of corn straight from the grill, but this recipe goes the extra mile by slathering the grilled corn with hot honey butter – yum!
Why we love this recipe: these are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
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Grilled corn on the cob
Go Mexican
Mexican corn in a cup (esquites)
Make it decadent
Baked parmesan creamed corn
Miso roasted brussels sprouts
Roasting is my go-to method for cooking brussels sprouts.
The high heat draws out the sprouts natural sugars, and gives them delightful crispy exteriors while keeping the insides tender.
They’re tasty with just a dash of salt and pepper, but this recipe roasts them with a miso vinaigrette, which gives them a deeper, umami bite.
Why we love this recipe: it involves zero hands-on cooking.
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Miso roasted brussels sprouts
Add heat
Chili honey lime roasted brussels sprouts
Skip the oven
Fried brussels sprouts
Lighter creamed spinach
Creamed spinach is an excellent veggie side dish for your beer can chicken, but it isn’t exactly the healthiest.
This recipe fixes that by using less butter, and replacing the heavy cream with a mixture of fat-free milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
These swaps will give the spinach leaves the classic creaminess without adding too many calories.
Why we love this recipe: a serving only has 123 calories.
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Lighter creamed spinach
Make it simple
Garlic butter sauteed spinach
Keep it fresh
Strawberry spinach salad
Honey-glazed hasselback squash
Want something unique with your beer can chicken? Look no further than this hasselback squash.
They take a bit more time to make than the potato version because they require two rounds of roasting, but they’re worth the extra effort!
The slits allow the herby honey-butter mixture to infuse the interiors, making them extra tasty.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a show-stopper.
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Honey-glazed hasselback squash
Add leafy greens
Roasted butternut squash kale saute
Make a favorite
Roasted butternut squash soup
Lemon garlic green beans
These green beans are the way to go if you want something quick and simple with your beer can chicken.
They may sound plain, but the lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes will lift and brighten your whole dinner.
Plus, you only need one pan to whip up this nourishing side dish.
Why we love this recipe: it’s great for regular and special dinners.
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Lemon garlic green beans
Make it indulgent
Homemade green bean casserole
Add more veg
Herb buttered green beans
Starches
Starchy dishes are an excellent accompaniment for your beer can chicken.
I usually go with a decadent pasta dish like mac and cheese if I’m craving something indulgent.
Or you can go with soft, fluffy dinner rolls to soak up your tender chicken’s savory juices.
Jalapeno popper mac and cheese
Growing tired of your usual mac and cheese? Switch things up with this fusion version.
It features a luscious four-cheese sauce studded with jalapenos, giving you creamy, fiery goodness in every bite.
And everything is topped with a buttery panko topping and bacon bits for a crunchy contrast.
Enjoy this spicy mac and cheese with a slice of your beer can chicken for a hearty meal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s great for serving a crowd.
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Jalapeno popper mac and cheese
Add veg
Broccoli mac and cheese
Make it dairy-free
Cashew mac and cheese
Fondant potatoes
Want a special potato side dish for your beer can chicken? You can’t go wrong with these fondant potatoes.
Making these involves cutting down the potatoes into cylinders, then quickly frying both ends to achieve golden, crispy exteriors.
The fondant potatoes are then finished in the oven with stock, making the inside delightfully tender and flavorful.
Why we love this recipe: they’ll make your spread look Insta-worthy.
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Fondant potatoes
Another elegant option
Cheesy garlic duchess potatoes
Keep it simple
Rosemary roast potatoes
Brown butter sage dinner rolls
These dinner rolls are an excellent starchy addition to your beer can chicken meal.
They’re super soft and fluffy, and perfect for mopping up your chicken’s juices and gravy.
And they boast a deep, nutty flavor, thanks to the combination of brown butter and sage.
Just a heads up – these rolls require two rounds of proofing, so plan ahead when making them!
Why we love this recipe: they’re made with an enriched dough, making them extra hearty.
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Brown butter sage dinner rolls
Skip the yeast
Irish soda bread
Make a favorite
Homemade buttermilk biscuits
Vegetables and salads
Keep your beer can chicken lean and healthy with a side of veggies or a bowl of salad.
You can go simple with plain sauteed veggies, or try something different with a cheesy cauliflower faux rice dish.
Beer can chicken is also an excellent addition to your classic Caesar salad!
Caesar salad
The key to a perfect Caesar salad is using homemade croutons and dressing.
This recipe uses baguettes and a garlic-parmesan olive oil mixture to achieve golden, extra crispy croutons.
Pro tip: anchovies are a must for classic Caesar dressing, but if you don’t mind straying from tradition you can swap the anchovies for Worcestershire and lemon juice.
Shred your beer can chicken and toss them with this Caesar salad for a light but satisfying meal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s restaurant-worthy without the hefty price tag.
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Caesar salad
Add a fruity bite
Kale salad with cranberries
Make it Italian-inspired
Family favorite salad
Parmesan carrot fries
Carrots are traditionally roasted and glazed, but did you know you can also transform them into fries?
Like sweet potatoes, they have a hint of sweetness that tastes superb with your juicy, herby chicken.
And the addition of parmesan cheese before roasting the fries gives them some extra crunch.
Make your beer can chicken meal more special with these vibrant carrot fries.
Why we love this recipe: these are highly addictive.
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Parmesan carrot fries
Stick with the basics
Brown butter honey-glazed carrots
Ditch the oven
Buttered carrots and peas
Parmesan cauliflower rice skillet
Cauliflower is one of my go-to alternatives for rice.
It’s low-carb, and develops a similar soft, fluffy texture when you cook it.
Cauliflower has a nice nutty flavor to it, which is enhanced by cooking it in vegetable stock and then mixing in parmesan cheese.
Serve your beer can chicken with this cauliflower rice dish for a delicious and healthy dinner.
Why we love this recipe: you can indulge in this with less guilt.
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Parmesan cauliflower skillet
Preheat the oven
Baked mushroom rice
Make it heartier
Greek lemon rice pilaf
Moroccan quinoa salad
Add a delicious Moroccan flair to your beer can chicken meal with a serving of this quinoa salad.
It’s studded with almonds and dried cranberries that add flavor and give this dish a contrasting chewy and crunchy bite.
Pssst… not a fan of cranberries? You can also use chopped dates, dried cherries, or fresh apples.
Why we love this recipe: it’s great for meal preps.
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Moroccan quinoa salad
Make it different
Greek quinoa salad
Make it Lebanese-inspired
Quinoa tabbouleh
The best dishes to serve with beer can chicken
- Mushroom stuffing
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Miso roasted brussels sprouts
- Lighter creamed spinach
- Honey-glazed hassleback squash
- Lemon garlic green beans
- Jalapeno popper mac and cheese
- Fondant potatoes
- Brown butter sage dinner rolls
- Caesar salad
- Parmesan carrot fries
- Moroccan quinoa salad
- Parmesan cauliflower rice skillet
What To Serve With Beer Can Chicken – Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Over medium high, heat oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid.
- Add green beans and pepper flakes. Toast to coat. Cover the pan and turn down the heat. Let the green beans cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and add in the garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt and pepper. Toss for a few minutes then serve immediately.
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