Bojangles Sides & Fixin's, Ranked — Prices & What to Actually Order

Ask a Bojangles regular what to order and half of them will start with a side, not the chicken. That tells you something. The fixin's here aren't filler — a couple of them are good enough to drive the whole trip. So I ranked all eight, top to bottom, with honest reasons. Disagree all you want; the Dirty Rice debate is allowed to get heated.

The ranking

1. Dirty Rice — the sleeper champion

If you've only ever defaulted to fries, this is the side that changes your order forever. Spiced, savory rice with a deep Cajun backbone, it's the most "Bojangles" thing on the side menu and the one regulars guard like a secret. At ~$2.99 it's also a steal. The one catch: it's made with meat in the seasoning, so it's off the table for vegetarians.

2. Bo-Tato Rounds — the dependable default

The unofficial mascot of the menu, and for good reason. Little seasoned potato rounds, crispy edges, fluffy centers — somewhere between a tot and a wedge. They're what comes with most combos by default, and honestly you rarely need to change it. Get them fresh and they're excellent; get them sitting and they're still pretty good.

3. Mac 'n Cheese — punches above its price

Creamy, mild, and reliably comforting. It's the side that keeps kids quiet and adults reaching for "just one more bite." It's not gourmet, but at ~$3.29 it over-delivers, and the large is a genuine crowd-pleaser at a family table.

4. Cajun Pintos — the smart, cheap, light pick

Wildly underrated. Savory seasoned pinto beans with a gentle Cajun lean, around 120 calories, and one of the cheapest things on the board. If you want something that isn't fried and won't wreck your day's numbers, this is it. (Strict vegetarians: confirm preparation locally, as bean dishes are sometimes cooked with pork.)

5. Seasoned Fries — solid, never spectacular

Good fries with a nice seasoning dusting. They do the job, they're never offensive, but they don't have the personality of the rice or the rounds. The safe choice when someone at the table is fry-loyal.

6. Mashed Potatoes 'n Gravy — pure comfort

Soft, buttery mash under a ladle of brown gravy. It's old-school Southern comfort and it pairs beautifully with bone-in chicken. Drops a few spots only because it's a touch one-note next to the spiced options above it.

7. Cole Slaw — the cooling counterweight

Creamy, cold, and a smart contrast to all that Cajun heat. Not exciting on its own, but as the cooling element on a spicy plate it earns its keep. Reliable, vegetarian-friendly, fine.

8. Green Beans — the "I should eat a vegetable" pick

Last only because it's the least exciting, not because it's bad. At ~35 calories it's the lightest side by a mile, and sometimes that's exactly what a fried-chicken plate needs for balance. Order it without guilt.

Which sides are vegetarian-friendly?

Worth knowing if you're skipping meat. The safer bets are Cole Slaw, Green Beans, Seasoned Fries, Bo-Tato Rounds and Mac 'n Cheese. Steer clear of Dirty Rice, which contains meat, and double-check Cajun Pintos, since bean dishes are occasionally cooked with pork. Preparation can vary by location, so if it matters for dietary or religious reasons, confirm with staff — and see our allergen guide for more.

Regular vs large: when to size up

Every fixin' comes in a regular (individual) and a large (picnic) size. Solo meal? Regular is plenty. Feeding three or more, or building a spread? The large is the better per-ounce value and saves you ordering three of the same thing. Family meals already include the large versions, which is part of why they're such good value.

Counting calories across your whole order? The calorie & cost calculator totals sides and mains together, and the nutrition guide has the full per-side numbers.

Sides & Fixin's FAQ

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