Buffalo Chicken Rings has become a staple in American cuisine, loved for its bold and spicy flavor. Whether served as wings, pizza, or in a sandwich, buffalo chicken brings a tangy heat that leaves people craving more. However, with such a dominant flavor, it’s essential to balance the spice with side dishes, dips, and drinks that complement the dish rather than compete with it.
In this article, we will explore a wide range of options that taste good with buffalo chicken. From traditional accompaniments like celery sticks and blue cheese dip to creative pairings such as sweet potato fries and quinoa salad, there’s something for every palate. Whether you are hosting a game day, planning a dinner, or preparing a meal for family and friends, these ideas will ensure your buffalo chicken is well-balanced and enjoyable.
Understanding Buffalo Chicken
Before diving into the best pairings, let’s first understand what makes buffalo chicken so unique. Buffalo chicken is known for its signature sauce, a blend of hot sauce, butter, and vinegar, which creates a spicy, tangy, and slightly creamy coating. The flavors are bold and fiery, which is why it pairs well with cooling and crunchy sides.
Buffalo chicken originated in Buffalo, New York, where it became famous as a bar food served with celery and blue cheese dip. Over time, its popularity spread across the U.S. and beyond, and today you can find buffalo chicken recipes in various forms, from wings to wraps and even pizza.
To truly appreciate the full flavor of buffalo chicken, you need to pair it with sides that balance the heat and acidity. One of the best guides for finding these pairings is Buffalo Chicken Recipe Ideas, which includes numerous combinations and flavor suggestions.
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Buffalo Chicken
Now that we’ve covered the origins and the flavor profile of buffalo chicken, let’s dive into the best side dishes that complement its spicy heat. These options range from classic to creative and can be tailored based on your preferences or dietary needs.
1. Crispy Vegetables
Celery sticks and carrot sticks are the traditional go-to vegetables served alongside buffalo chicken. Their cool crunch provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chicken. The slight sweetness of the carrots also helps mellow out the spiciness, making them an essential part of any buffalo chicken meal.
2. Dips and Dressings
One of the best things you can serve with buffalo chicken wings is a cooling dip like blue cheese dressing or ranch. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of these dips help tone down the spiciness and enhance the overall eating experience.
- Blue cheese dip: A classic pairing for buffalo chicken, the richness of blue cheese balances the fiery heat of the wings.
- Ranch dressing: Another popular choice, ranch dressing adds a smooth and tangy flavor that complements the boldness of buffalo chicken.
3. Starches
Adding starchy side dishes to your buffalo chicken meal can provide a satisfying contrast to the spiciness of the sauce. Popular options include:
- French Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, fries are a classic pairing that never fails.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you prefer a creamy option, mashed potatoes will balance the spice with their smooth texture.
- Baked Potatoes: A baked potato loaded with toppings like sour cream or cheese provides the perfect vehicle for absorbing the heat of the buffalo sauce.
For more inspiration on how to pair starches with spicy foods, check out this helpful guide on Beer Pairing with Spicy Foods, which offers insight into flavors and textures that complement buffalo chicken.
4. Salads
A light and refreshing salad is the perfect counterbalance to buffalo chicken’s intense flavor. Some of the best salad pairings include:
- Caesar Salad: The creaminess of Caesar dressing and the crisp lettuce provide a cooling effect.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy cabbage and tangy dressing work wonderfully with the heat from the buffalo chicken.
- Green Salad: A simple salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers can bring a fresh element to your meal.
5. Mac and Cheese
If you’re a fan of comfort food, then mac and cheese is a must-try side dish for buffalo chicken. The creamy, cheesy goodness helps to neutralize the heat, creating a rich and satisfying pairing. This is particularly popular when serving buffalo chicken wings or sandwiches.
6. Cornbread
For a touch of sweetness, cornbread is a fantastic accompaniment to buffalo chicken. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture contrasts beautifully with the spicy and tangy chicken. Cornbread is especially great if you want a hearty side that can soak up the sauce.
Buffalo Chicken in Different Forms
Buffalo chicken can be served in various ways, and each form has its own ideal pairings. Whether you’re serving wings, pizza, or sandwiches, you’ll want to match your sides accordingly.
1. Buffalo Chicken Wings
When serving traditional buffalo chicken wings, it’s essential to have cooling elements on the side. Celery, blue cheese dip, and carrots are the perfect companions to help manage the heat. Pairing the wings with a cold lager or light beer also enhances the meal.
2. Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Buffalo chicken sandwiches are a hearty option, and they go well with crispy fries or a light salad. You can add toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado to further enhance the flavor. Pickles and ranch dressing are also popular additions.
3. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Buffalo chicken pizza is a delicious fusion of spicy and savory. Pair it with sides like garlic knots, a Caesar salad, or mozzarella sticks to create a well-rounded meal.
Unique and Creative Pairings with Buffalo Chicken
If you’re looking to step outside the box and try some unique pairings, there are plenty of creative sides and dishes that complement buffalo chicken in unexpected ways.
1. Pickled Vegetables
Pickled onions, pickles, and other pickled vegetables are excellent for cutting through the richness and heat of buffalo chicken. The tangy, acidic flavor of pickles provides a sharp contrast that enhances the overall experience.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
For a healthier twist, swap regular fries for sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness balances the spice from the buffalo sauce, and they add a nutritional boost to your meal.
3. Quinoa Salad
A light and nutritious option, quinoa salad pairs perfectly with buffalo chicken. The nutty flavor of quinoa, combined with fresh vegetables, provides a wholesome and refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
4. Avocado-Based Dishes
Avocado is known for its creamy texture, which makes it an excellent companion to buffalo chicken. Try serving it as a side salad with avocado, lime juice, and cilantro, or even as guacamole to dip your buffalo chicken into.
5. Sliders and Mini-Buffalo Bites
For a party-friendly option, mini buffalo chicken sliders or bites are a fun way to serve the dish. Pair them with small sides like chips, mini salad cups, or even cornbread muffins to complete the meal.
Drinks That Pair Well with Buffalo Chicken
Pairing drinks with buffalo chicken is just as important as the side dishes. Whether you’re looking for alcoholic or non-alcoholic options, here are some great drinks that pair well with buffalo chicken:
1. Beer
Buffalo chicken and beer are a match made in heaven. The carbonation and bitterness of beer help cut through the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. Consider serving:
- Lagers: Light and crisp, they won’t overpower the chicken.
- IPAs: The hoppiness of an IPA complements the bold flavors of buffalo sauce.
2. Cocktails
If you prefer cocktails, spicy buffalo chicken goes well with a refreshing drink. Popular cocktail choices include:
- Margaritas: The acidity and sweetness of a margarita balance the heat.
- Mojitos: The mint and lime flavors help cool the palate after eating spicy buffalo chicken.
3. Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing buffalo chicken with:
- Iced tea: The tannins in tea help neutralize spiciness.
- Lemonade: The acidity and sweetness of lemonade provide a refreshing contrast to the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What flavors go well with Buffalo Chicken Rings? Buffalo chicken pairs well with cooling flavors like blue cheese, ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables like celery and carrots.
Can I serve Buffalo Chicken Rings with pasta? Yes, buffalo chicken goes well with mac and cheese or even pasta salads with a creamy dressing.
What type of cheese pairs best with Buffalo Chicken Rings? Blue cheese is the traditional choice, but you can also pair buffalo chicken with mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.
What vegetables go well with buffalo chicken? Celery, carrots, cucumbers, avocado, and pickled vegetables are all excellent choices.
What’s a good dessert to serve with buffalo chicken? Something light and refreshing like lemon bars or fruit salad is ideal after a spicy meal.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken is a bold and spicy dish, but with the right pairings, it can become a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of classic sides like fries and blue cheese dip, or you want to experiment with sweet potato fries and quinoa salad, there’s no shortage of delicious options. Don’t forget to pair your meal with the right drink, whether that’s a lager, margarita, or iced tea.
By exploring these pairings, you’ll ensure that your next buffalo chicken meal is not only flavorful but also perfectly balanced. Feel free to mix and match to suit your tastes, and enjoy the fiery, tangy goodness of Buffalo Chicken Rings!