Chicken drumsticks: they’re juicy, they’re crispy, and they’re a total crowd-pleaser. But let’s be honest, a good side dish can make or break the meal. Whether you’re going for classic comfort food or something fresher, we have the perfect pairings.
From a fresh and healthy broccoli salad to creamy mac and cheese, grilled romaine, and molasses beans, there is a recipe below that will work for everyone.
Or add a burst of color with roasted carrots, keep it simple with rice, or bring some crunch with roasted potatoes and carrots. If you want something fresh, try a zesty pasta salad or a spring salad with peas and scallions.
Table of contents
Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Recipe: Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Carrots Topped with Brown Butter
Recipe: Grilled Carrots
Grilled Cornbread
Recipe: Grilled Cornbread
Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (Meat and Cheese)
Loaded with fresh veggies, mozzarella, and pepperoni, this Italian pasta salad is the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or family BBQs.
Chicken Broth Rice
Simple, easy rice doesn’t have to be boring. Rice made with chicken broth is the ultimate side dish that everyone loves.
Italian Peas With Bacon
This quick and flavorful side for chicken drumsticks can be made 12 months a year using fresh or frozen peas. it’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Spring Salad with Sauteed Peas and Scallions
This easy spring salad with peas and scallions is a unique and versatile side salad. Featuring mixed greens with sauteed peas and scallions, feta, golden raisins, and radish.
Creamy Stovetop Shells Macaroni and Cheese
This easy, cheesy and creamy Stovetop Shells Macaroni and Cheese recipe is made start to finish on the stovetop, and is ready in under 20 minutes! A mac and cheese the whole family will enjoy!
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
Grilled Corn Salad with Feta Dressing
This Grilled Corn Salad is a great summer side dish! It’s made with sweet corn, grape tomatoes, diced avocado, and tossed in a tangy lemon feta dressing.
Cheesy Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes
This is always a hit at my house whenever we have chicken drumsticks!
Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Recipe
Celery Salad with Mozzarella + Roasted Peppers
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Pecans and Hot Honey
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Cajun Corn on the Cob
This cajun corn is perfect for juicy grilled chicken drumsticks, its a classic pairing but works so well.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Grilled Broccoli
Recipe: Grilled Broccoli
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Smoked Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Easy Italian Chopped Salad
Crunchy lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and simple ingredients combine for a fresh hearty side dish perfect for any meal.
Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
These crispy Oven-Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes only require 7 ingredients and are the perfect easy side dish. Roasting at a high temperature (425 degrees) helps them develop lots of color and get nice and crispy.
Southern Corn Pudding Recipe with Brown Butter
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Simple Pesto Buns
These pesto buns are perfect for tri tip and they really a yummy comfort food.
Simple Italian Grilled Romaine Salad
Grilling lettuce is simple and infuses it with smokiness and great flavor. You can top the salad with lemon and parmesan, or blue cheese and bacon!
Molasses Baked Beans
This molasses baked beans recipe is perfect for chicken drumsticks. Soak the dried beans in the morning, boil them in the evening, and slow bake them overnight.
Hawaiian Rolls
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Recipe: Bacon Mac and Cheese
The Broccoli Salad
A classic recipe for Broccoli Salad featuring dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and red onion. This lightened up version of broccoli salad is perfect for chicken drummies
Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Best Warm Bacon Potato Salad (no mayo!)
Easiest Pommes Dauphinoise
Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe
Sheet Pan Roasted Peas
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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