Good sides for BBQ chicken

Hillside Slaw

Most say mayonnaise. Other say vinegar. Call the whole thing off and use yogurt like Austin, Texas-based chef Sonya Coté. And she doesn't stop there. She stirs kale, bok choy, daikon and fruit into her unconventional slaw (see the recipe).

Cheddar Waffles

Cheddar Waffles

Collard Greens with Benne Seeds

Collard Greens with Benne Seeds

Keep it classic with the Southern staple: boiled greens sweetened with a touch of honey and sprinkled with benne seeds (that's sesame seeds for the uninitiated) for a little crunch (see the recipe).

Fresh Corn Hush Puppies

Pommes Aligot

Pommes Aligot

In lieu of mashed potatoes, elevate the humble drumstick with a heaping side of pommes aligot (see the recipe), a classic French potato dish made with cream and plenty of melted Tomme cheese.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad

Japanese Potato Salad

Japanese Potato Salad
Swap that blue-topped jar of mayo for Kewpie. The rice vinegar in the beloved Japanese condiment brightens the usually heavy starchy side, as does the crunch of crisp cucumbers, carrots and onion (see the recipe).