BBQ Chicken and Potato Salad for Lazy Summer Days

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a summer plate piled high with BBQ chicken and potato salad. The smoky sweetness of perfectly grilled chicken, slathered in tangy sauce, pairs effortlessly with the creamy, cool comfort of a well-made potato salad. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or bringing a dish to a picnic in the park, this classic combo never fails to please a crowd. In this post, we’ll explore what makes BBQ chicken and potato salad such a timeless duo—and how to elevate your meal with the right wine, flavor twists, and serving tips.

Here’s a classic, crowd-pleasing BBQ Chicken Recipe—perfect for summer grilling and pairing with potato salad and a glass of wine!

Classic BBQ Chicken (Grilled)

Serves: 4–6
 Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
 Cook time: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 3–4 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the BBQ Sauce (or use your favorite bottled sauce):

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Pat the chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Optional: marinate in the fridge for 1–4 hours for more flavor.

Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 –15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

Preheat grill to medium heat (350–400°F). Grill chicken over indirect heat (skin side down first) for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally. Move to direct heat and begin brushing with BBQ sauce, flipping and basting every 5 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F and sauce is caramelized (about 10–15 minutes more).
Tip: Keep one side of your grill cooler for indirect cooking. This prevents burning before the chicken is fully cooked.

Roasted Potato Salad

Small golden Yukons, baby reds, or a mix of Russets and sweet potatoes all make a delicious version. Roasting them not only gives you optimum flavor, it’s safer and easier than boiling them.

Roasted Potato Salad

You can peel and cube them, but for smaller potatoes with thin skins, just scrub them well, and cut them into halves or quarters. Place those on an oiled pan and drizzle with grapeseed or sunflower oil. Sprinkle generously with Montreal Steak Seasoning, or The Blend from Kinder’s Seasonings. Roast on 375 until they start to brown, about 20 minutes. Then flip them and continue to cook until they are tender inside and crispy outside.

Chill the potatoes for at least four hours in a shallow pan. Wash and chop one cup each of celery and green onions for each pound of potatoes and set aside. Make the dressing by combining one cup of real mayo, to 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard, and 1/4 cup grapeseed oil or avocado oil. Add the juice of one lemon and one ½ tsp each garlic powder and chili powder, ¼ tsp black pepper and ¼ tsp sea salt. Mix and taste to adjust the seasoning. Add chopped celery and onion and mix well before combining with chilled potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, smoked paprika, and chopped bacon or sunflower seeds.

*This recipe makes enough dressing for two pounds of potatoes, lightly dressed.

BBQ chicken and potato salad are a timeless duo because they balance bold, smoky heat with cool, creamy comfort—a harmony that hits every corner of the palate. The sweet-savory glaze on the grilled chicken brings charred depth and finger-licking flavor, while the potato salad adds a soothing, starchy contrast that refreshes between bites. This pairing also bridges textures: crisp, caramelized skin meets tender potatoes in a rich, tangy dressing. Plus, both dishes are endlessly customizable and travel well, making them perfect for cookouts, picnics, and family gatherings. Together, they feel nostalgic yet endlessly fresh—summer on a plate.

Serve the chicken and potato salad with fresh corn on the cob. Pair with WSCW 2024 Texas Lenoir Blush for the perfect summer meal! If you prefer a drier wine, try the 2018 Texas Blanc du Bois Dry, or the 2021 Texas Lenoir chilled.