What to serve with chicken wings determines how you’ll enjoy it. Chicken wings are the ultimate finger food. Whether you grill, roast, or fry them up, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re planning a budget-friendly gathering, pairing chicken wings with your favorite sides is a sure way to keep everyone happy.
Chicken wings can be made with different flavors and seasonings depending on personal preference. The list of side dishes I will be curating will be the African style because African dishes are always distinct, giving a different feel.
Easy Sides for Chicken Wings (What to Serve with Chicken Wings)
Jollof Rice: The taste and aroma of West African jollof are so distinct and attractive. A perfect and complete meal for the day. It’s a colorful and tasty side dish that complements chicken wings perfectly. You can top it with fried plantain.
Piri Piri Sauce: How do you like some Piri Piri sauce with your chicken wings? This spicy sauce from Southern Africa is made with hot chili peppers and various spices and can be drizzled over your chicken wings, or you can steep the chicken wings in it for a more tasty feel. This is the best option if you’re taking fried wings because it’s less greasy.
Moroccan Couscous: In North Africa, couscous is a staple. Serve chicken wings alongside a Moroccan-style couscous dish, which includes vegetables, spices, and dried fruits, making it a satisfying meal.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw is one of the best sides for chicken wings. It gives you a good dose of veggies with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a touch of salad cream to balance it with protein, like chicken wings. This gives a well-balanced meal.
Chakalaka: Chakalaka is a popular breakfast in South Africa, a spicy dish made from beans, fresh veggies, onions, pepper, and tomatoes. You can kick start your day by serving this with chicken wings.
South African yellow rice: The subtle sweetness and warm spices of South African yellow rice pair well with the savory and slightly spicy flavors of chicken wings. It provides a good balanced contrast in flavors and textures.
Morrocan Roasted potatoes: The aromatic spices of Moroccan roasted potatoes go well with the bold and aromatic spices often found on chicken wings, such as those in a North African-style rub or marinade.
Yassa: Yassa chicken is a delightful partner for chicken wings, especially if the wings are prepared with a tangy or citrus-based sauce. The complementary flavors create a memorable combination. Yassa is a Senegalese dish.
Pilau Rice: Pilau rice pairs well with chicken wings, especially if the wings are seasoned with similar spices. The rice provides a flavorful and aromatic base for the chicken.
Hot pot potatoes: It’s one of the most common side dishes to pair with chicken wings. It is always a good pair. Hot pot potatoes are a spicy and flavorful potato dish with a kick. They are often seasoned with hot peppers and paprika. It’s a great choice if you love a spicy and bold combination.
What to Eat with Chicken Wings on Keto?
Harissa-Marinated Grilled Eggplant: Marinate eggplant slices with a keto-friendly harissa sauce and grill them to perfection. The smoky, spicy flavor pairs beautifully with chicken wings.
Collard Greens: Collard greens are a popular side dish in many African households and are a great option to serve with chicken wings. They’re healthy flavorful, and pair well with chicken wings.
South African Creamed Spinach (Spanakopita): Creamed spinach with a South African twist is a fantastic side dish. Use heavy cream and cream cheese to make it keto-friendly, and enjoy with wings.
Tunisian Tuna Salad: Whip up a Tunisian-inspired tuna salad with olives, capers, olive oil, and a mix of spices. It’s a refreshing and low-carb option that complements the richness of chicken wings.
Spicy Nigerian Okra Soup: Okra is a low-carb vegetable staple in Nigerian cuisine. Make a spicy okra soup alongside your wings for a satisfying keto meal.
What Are the Two Sides of A Chicken Wing Called?
The two sides of a chicken wing are called the drumette and the wingette (also known as the flat).
- Drumette: The drumette is the thicker portion of the chicken wing that looks like a mini chicken leg. It has a single bone running through it and is often meatier than the wingette.
- Wingette (Flat): The wingette, also known as the flat, is the middle section of the chicken wing. It has two parallel bones with a thin, elongated shape. It has a good amount of meat that can easily be pulled away from the bones.
