Okay, so yesterday I was craving chicken wings, but I didn’t want just wings. I wanted a full, satisfying meal. So I started thinking, what goes best with chicken wings? I mean, wings are great, but they need a supporting cast, right?
First, I prepped my wings. I used my go-to recipe – a simple dry rub with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a little cayenne for kick, and some salt and pepper. Tossed the wings in that goodness and baked them until they were crispy and golden brown. While those were cooking, I started thinking about the sides.
The Classic Route
- Fries: Can’t go wrong with fries. I went with classic, shoestring fries. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Made sure to season them well right out of the fryer.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: Gotta have that crunch! And, you know, something slightly healthy to balance out the indulgence. I sliced them up nice and thin.
- Blue Cheese Dressing:This is mandatory in my place, that is a must-have with wings. I made a homemade version this time – so much better than store-bought! It’s just blue cheese crumbles, mayo, sour cream, a little milk to thin it out, and some seasonings. Super easy.
I figured this was a good starting point. Classic, reliable, always hits the spot.
Getting a Little Fancy
But then I thought, maybe I could switch it up a little. So, I made a second batch of wings (because, why not?) and experimented with some different sides.
- Mac and Cheese: Okay, this is pure comfort food. I made a super creamy, cheesy version with a little breadcrumb topping. It was rich, decadent, and surprisingly good with the spicy wings.
- Coleslaw: Needed something to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese. I made a simple coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing. No mayo in this one, wanted to keep it light.
This combo was definitely more indulgent, but, so delicious with the wings.
The Verdict
Honestly, both sets of sides were awesome. The classic route with the fries, veggies, and blue cheese is always a winner. It’s familiar, comforting, and just works. But the mac and cheese and coleslaw combo was a really nice change of pace. The richness of the mac and cheese paired surprisingly well with the wings, and the coleslaw added a necessary brightness.
So, my recommendation? Depends on your mood! Feeling traditional? Go classic. Want something a little more decadent? Try the mac and cheese and coleslaw.
You really can’t go wrong either way.
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