What Sides To Have With Wings: The Best Pairings for Every Occasion

Chicken wings are one of the most popular American dishes, perfect for parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings. Whether you love them fried, baked, or air-fried, wings are a go-to favorite that never disappoints. But let’s be honest—the right side dishes can take your wing experience to the next level! Pairing wings with the perfect side dishes enhances their flavor and makes your meal more satisfying. Wondering what sides to have with wings? Keep reading!

So today, I’m sharing a round-up of the best sides to serve with chicken wings! From crispy fries to creamy salads, here’s what sides to have with wings for every type of craving.

What Sides To Have With Wings

The best sides to have with wings balance out the heat and richness—think crispy fries, fresh celery and ranch, mac and cheese, or a classic coleslaw. Whether you’re going for bold flavors or something refreshing, the right side makes all the difference!

What Sides Go With Fried Chicken Wings

Fried wings have that crispy, golden-brown perfection that pairs beautifully with classic, indulgent sides. Here are the best options:

1. Crispy Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings add the perfect crunch to your meal. Their slightly sweet and savory flavor complements spicy chicken wings, and they taste even better when dipped in ranch dressing or cheese sauce.

2. French Fries

A sports bar favorite, french fries are the ultimate side dish for wings. Whether classic, curly, or waffle-cut, fries bring a crispy texture that balances saucy wings beautifully. Add a side of garlic parmesan seasoning for an extra flavor boost.

3. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is buttery, crunchy, and full of flavor. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and herbs pairs well with baked potatoes or spicy chicken wings, making it a must-have side.

4. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting—making it a great contrast to crispy wings. Add a little sour cream or cream cheese for an even richer texture.

What Sides Go With Baked Chicken Wings

Baked wings tend to be lighter than their fried counterparts, so pairing them with fresh, flavorful sides keeps things balanced. Here are some top picks:

5. Caesar Salad

A fresh caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons is a great way to lighten up a wing meal. The tangy flavors complement garlic parmesan or spicy chicken wings perfectly.

6. Sweet Potato Fries

A slightly healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness that balances out the heat of buffalo or spicy chicken wings.

7. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is cool, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a refreshing contrast to baked wings, especially when served on a warm day.

8. Baked Potatoes

Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, baked potatoes are a hearty side dish that pairs well with wings. Load them with sour cream and cheese sauce for a satisfying addition.

9. Air Fryer Veggies

For a healthier option, try air fryer Brussels sprouts, zucchini fries, or roasted carrots. Tossed in olive oil and lightly seasoned, these veggies bring balance to a wing feast.

Bonus Side Dishes for Extra Flavor

These additional sides pair well with both fried and baked wings, offering variety and excitement to your meal.

10. Coleslaw

Crunchy and slightly tangy, coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of wings.

11. Jalapeño Poppers

Stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, jalapeño poppers bring heat and creaminess to your wing spread.

12. Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—mozzarella sticks dipped in marinara or ranch dressing are a delicious addition to a wing night.

13. Cornbread

Cornbread’s slightly sweet and buttery flavor pairs well with wings, especially barbecue or honey garlic varieties.

14. Loaded Nachos

Topped with cheese sauce, sour cream, and jalapeños, nachos are a crowd-pleasing side for game day.

15. Pickles & Pickled Veggies

The tangy crunch of pickles helps cut through the richness of wings, making them a perfect pairing.

For more meal ideas, check out my post on healthy sides for chicken tenders.

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chicken wings? Let me know in the comments!