What To Serve With Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a beloved Tex-Mex classic, enjoyed in households all over the world.

But what dishes should you serve alongside them to make your meal complete?

We’ve got you covered with 15 delicious options that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

From tasty side salads to filling soups, there’s something here for everyone.

Let’s take a look at some of the best dishes to serve with chicken enchiladas!

Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Chicken Enchiladas– By Chef Natalie

To save you time, and to make your decision easy, I have built a nice chart on why these side dishes go well with Chicken Enchiladas!

Side Dish	Why it goes well with chicken enchiladas
Mexican Rice	Mexican rice is a classic side dish that complements the flavors of chicken enchiladas and adds a comforting element to the meal.
Refried Beans	Refried beans provide a creamy and savory component that pairs well with the chicken and cheese flavors in the enchiladas, adding depth to the overall dish.
Guacamole	The richness and creaminess of guacamole balance the spices in the chicken enchiladas and provide a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Pico De Gallo	Pico de gallo, with its fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, adds a burst of freshness and a tangy element that complements the flavors of the chicken enchiladas.
Queso Fundido	Queso fundido, a melted cheese dip, adds a gooey and cheesy goodness that pairs well with the chicken enchiladas, creating a deliciously indulgent combination.
Corn Salad	A light and refreshing corn salad adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the meal, balancing the richness of the chicken enchiladas.
Charro Beans	Charro beans, a Mexican-style bean dish, provide a flavorful and hearty accompaniment to the chicken enchiladas, enhancing the overall satisfaction of the meal.
Elote	Elote, a Mexican street corn, complements the chicken enchiladas with its smoky and grilled flavors, adding a unique twist to the meal.
Salsa Verde	Salsa verde, a tangy and slightly spicy green sauce, adds a zesty kick that enhances the flavors of the chicken enchiladas and adds a vibrant touch to the dish.
Tortilla Soup	A warm bowl of tortilla soup makes for a comforting side dish alongside chicken enchiladas, offering a combination of flavors that are reminiscent of Mexican cuisine.
Mexican Street Corn	Mexican street corn, grilled and topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and spices, adds a flavorful and slightly indulgent element to the chicken enchiladas.
Taco Salad	A taco salad, with its mix of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and toppings, offers a satisfying and crunchy side dish that complements the flavors of the chicken enchiladas.
Chile Con Queso	Chile con queso, a creamy and cheesy dip with a hint of spiciness, adds richness and flavor to the chicken enchiladas, creating a delicious combination.
Black Bean Soup	A hearty black bean soup provides a comforting and flavorful option as a side dish for chicken enchiladas, adding a dose of protein and fiber to the meal.
Cilantro Lime Rice	Cilantro lime rice, with its fragrant and citrusy flavors, complements the chicken enchiladas and adds a refreshing and aromatic element to the overall dish.

1. Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice is the perfect accompaniment to chicken enchiladas. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to make a meal feel more complete.

To get started, you’ll need long-grain white rice, oil, garlic, onion, cilantro, tomato sauce or paste, and chicken broth.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil until it’s shimmering.

Add garlic and onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

Add in the rice and stir for about 2 minutes to coat each grain with oil.

Pour in the tomato sauce or paste and chicken broth and give everything a good stir.

Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.

Simmer for 18 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Finally, stir in some freshly chopped cilantro before serving with your chicken enchiladas.

Fluffy Mexican Rice is an easy side dish that comes together quickly for any weeknight meal.

Its bold flavors will tantalize your taste buds while adding an extra element of comfort food to your plate!

2. Refried Beans

Continuing in the Mexican theme, refried beans are a delicious side dish to serve with chicken enchiladas.

This simple, classic dish is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and can easily become the star of your meal.

Refried beans are typically made from pinto beans which are simmered with onion and garlic until soft and then mashed together.

The mixture can then be cooked further for added texture and flavor before being served as a spread or dip.

The most common way to enjoy refried beans is to spoon them onto the side of your plate next to chicken enchiladas.

But they can also be used as an ingredient in burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.

The great thing about refried beans is that they can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed – making them perfect for busy weeknights!

They are also incredibly affordable and can easily feed a crowd on a budget.

Refried beans make an excellent accompaniment to chicken enchiladas, adding both flavor and texture to any meal.

3. Guacamole

A delightful accompaniment to chicken enchiladas is guacamole, a dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

It’s vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it an ideal side for any Mexican dish.

Here are three reasons why guacamole should be served with chicken enchiladas:

1. Guacamole is full of flavor – It’s creamy texture comes from ripe avocados, blended with freshly squeezed lime juice and diced tomatoes, cilantro, onions, garlic and jalapenos. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful experience with every bite.

2. It provides a perfect balance – The smooth creaminess of the guacamole pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the chicken enchiladas, making for an unforgettable combination.

3. It helps to tie the meal together – As a garnish or dip, guacamole helps to bring the entire plate together in harmony by adding a touch of color and flavor to any Mexican dish it accompanies.

This simple yet delicious side dish is sure to please everyone at your dinner table.

Whether you choose to serve mild or spicy guacamole, it’s sure to be a hit!

4. Pico De Gallo

Switching gears from the creamy and zesty guacamole, let’s move on to something equally delicious but with a bit more bite – pico de gallo.

This vibrant blend of tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice is a staple in Mexican cuisine that adds a bright flavor kick to any dish.

The great thing about pico de gallo is its versatility.

It can be used as a condiment or topping for tacos or burritos, it can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or vegetables, and it pairs wonderfully with enchiladas.

The freshness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the enchiladas and adds texture and crunch to each delicious bite.

Making pico de gallo is also incredibly easy – simply dice up your vegetables and combine them with lime juice and seasonings for an instant flavor boost.

Plus, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your taste.

Pico de gallo makes for an effortless yet flavorful side dish that will elevate your chicken enchiladas to another level.

5. Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido is an ideal accompaniment to chicken enchiladas.

This Mexican dish is a cheese lover’s dream, combining melted cheese with spicy chorizo and sweet roasted peppers.

It’s a great way to bring your meal to the next level!

To make Queso Fundido, start by prepping the ingredients.

It’s best to use semi-hard cheese such as Monterey Jack or Oaxaca.

You’ll also need some cooked chorizo, roasted peppers, and some butter.

Mix everything together in a skillet or baking dish, being sure to mix it well so all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Once everything is combined, bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve Queso Fundido hot out of the oven with warm tortillas or chips for dipping.

The combination of cheesy goodness, spicy chorizo, and sweet peppers will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite chicken enchiladas for an unforgettable meal.

6. Corn Salad

Corn Salad is an easy yet delightful side to serve with your chicken enchiladas.

It’s sure to please with its bright colors and fresh flavors!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ears of corn, boiled and cooled
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice from 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Start by cutting the kernels off the cob and transferring them to a bowl.

Add the bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, lime juice, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until everything is evenly distributed.

Taste for seasoning; adjust as needed.

Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving so that all the flavors can meld together.

Enjoy this summery side with your chicken enchiladas!

7. Charro Beans

Charro beans are a classic accompaniment to Mexican dishes, such as chicken enchiladas.

This savory side dish is made with pinto beans and a mix of spices that make it irresistible.

Charro beans are simmered for hours in a flavorful broth until the beans are tender and bursting with flavor.

Just one bite of this comforting side dish will transport you to the heart of Mexico.

To make charro beans, start by soaking dried pinto beans overnight in cold water.

The next day, drain off the soaking liquid and rinse the beans thoroughly.

Then, place the rinsed beans in a large pot or Dutch oven along with a few cloves of garlic, an onion, and your favorite seasonings.

Fill up the pot with enough water to cover the beans by at least two inches and bring it to a boil over high heat before reducing to low heat and simmering for several hours until the beans reach desired tenderness.

The final step is to season the cooked charro beans with cilantro and lime juice.

Stir everything together until combined, then serve hot alongside other Mexican dishes like chicken enchiladas for an unforgettable meal!

8. Elote

A perfect side dish to accompany chicken enchiladas is elite, a Mexican-style corn often served as a street food.

Roasted or boiled corn on the cob is slathered in mayonnaise, rolled in cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili powder.

It’s an irresistible combination of salty and sweet that pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory flavors of enchiladas.

This easy, crowd-pleasing side is incredibly simple to whip up at home.

Start by boiling one ear of corn per person for five minutes in salted water.

When ready, let the ears cool before brushing them with mayonnaise and rolling them in crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder.

For even more flavor, you can also sprinkle some lime juice over top for an extra zesty kick! Elote is a great way to add a pop of color to any plate.

Not only does it look beautiful next to your enchiladas, but its creamy texture and bold flavors make it an ideal accompaniment to this classic Mexican dish.

9. Salsa Verde

After enjoying the elite, it’s time to move on to a classic accompaniment to chicken enchiladas: salsa verde.

This bright, tangy sauce is made from tomatillos and jalapeno peppers and adds a flavorful kick to any Mexican dish.

The tomatillos in salsa verde give it a tart flavor, while the jalapenos add just the right amount of heat.

Salsa verde is incredibly easy to make at home – all you need are some fresh tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic cloves, cilantro and lime juice.

Simply blend these ingredients together until they reach your desired consistency – chunky or smooth – and voila! You have an authentic-tasting salsa verde that will take your chicken enchiladas up a notch.

If you’re short on time or don’t feel like making your own salsa verde, store-bought varieties are widely available and range from mild to extra spicy.

Whichever type you choose, it’s sure to be a delicious addition to your meal.

Whatever kind of salsa verde you use for your chicken enchiladas, it’s sure to bring out all the flavors of this classic dish.

10. Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a classic accompaniment to chicken enchiladas.

It’s easy to make and full of bold, delicious flavors.

The cornerstone of any tortilla soup recipe is a flavorful broth.

Start by sautéing some garlic and onion in a large pot until fragrant.

Then add the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Simmer for 20 minutes or so to allow the flavors to meld together.

The next step is to build the body of your soup with some hearty ingredients like cooked shredded chicken, hominy and black beans.

Let these simmer in the broth for 10-15 minutes before stirring in some freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice for an added burst of flavor.

Finally, top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips and diced avocado or sour cream for extra texture and creaminess.

This simple but delicious soup is sure to be a hit with your dinner guests!

Serve it alongside your chicken enchiladas for an unbeatable combination that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

11. Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn is the perfect accompaniment to chicken enchiladas.

There’s nothing quite like the creamy, tangy flavors of classic Mexican street corn to take your enchilada experience up a notch.

This popular Mexican side dish gets its delicious flavor from a combination of ingredients, all perfectly balanced for an unforgettable taste.

The base of Mexican street corn is freshly shucked sweet corn that has been charred over hot coals or grilled on a hot griddle until each kernel is lightly browned and bursting with flavor.

This is then combined with mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese for added depth.

The finishing touch? A generous sprinkling of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice that really elevates this dish beyond what you’d expect from something so simple.

This classic street food side dish pairs perfectly with chicken enchiladas, bringing out the best in each other’s flavors without overpowering one another.

The texture and taste of Mexican street corn make it an ideal complement to the rich flavors of chicken enchiladas:

• Creamy: The mayo-sour cream combo makes it super creamy and smooth.

• Tangy: The slight tanginess from the lime juice keeps things interesting.

• Crunchy: The crispness of charred corn adds just enough crunch to give it some bite.

• Savory: Cotija cheese adds a salty kick that ties everything together nicely.

A beautiful balance between all these elements makes this side dish truly special – and an excellent choice when serving up chicken enchiladas!

12. Taco Salad

Taco salad is an ideal side dish to serve with chicken enchiladas.

This delicious Mexican-style salad combines the flavors of crunchy tortilla chips, succulent shredded chicken, and a creamy, flavorful dressing that ties all the ingredients together.

It’s a great way to round out your meal!

To make taco salad, start by preparing the chicken.

Simmer boneless and skinless chicken breasts in a pot of salted water until cooked through, then shred it using two forks.

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with crunchy tortilla strips, diced tomatoes, black beans, and your favorite type of cheese.

Finally, mix up a creamy taco dressing from sour cream or Greek yogurt combined with lime juice and spices like chili powder and cumin. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving for a burst of flavor that’ll make your guests’ mouths water.	Ingredient	Amount
Shredded Chicken	2 lbs
Tortilla Strips	2 cups
Diced Tomatoes	1 can (14 oz)
Black Beans	1 can (15 oz)
Cheese	1 cup (grated)		Avocado	2 (diced)

13. Chile Con Queso

Taco salad may have satisfied your craving for Mexican-style food, but it’s time to take things to the next level.

Chile con queso is a decadent dish that pairs perfectly with chicken enchiladas.

It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s packed with flavor.

To make chile con queso you’ll need some butter, oil, onions, jalapeños, garlic, tomatoes, and tomato paste.

Then you’ll need two cups of grated cheese – either Monterey Jack or cheddar will do.

Lastly, you’ll want one cup of heavy cream and a few tablespoons of flour as a thickening agent.

Start by heating the butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Once it’s melted add your diced onion and jalapeño peppers and sauté until they’re tender – about five minutes should do the trick.

Then add the garlic and cook for another minute before adding the tomatoes, tomato paste, cheese, and cream.

Cook everything together until the cheese is melted and then slowly stir in the flour while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens up nicely.

Serve this delicious dip alongside your chicken enchiladas for a truly unforgettable meal!

14. Black Bean Soup

A hearty bowl of black bean soup is the perfect accompaniment to chicken enchiladas – and it’s surprisingly simple to make! Rich, smoky, and packed full of flavor, black bean soup has all the makings of a classic Mexican dish.

From its humble beginnings as a staple in local diets to its emergence as a popular international favorite, black beans have been celebrated throughout Latin American cuisine for centuries.

The foundation of any good black bean soup recipe is, of course, the beans themselves.

Start by soaking dried black beans overnight, or rely on canned beans for a quicker preparation time.

For added depth and complexity of flavor, use an aromatic combination of garlic, onions, celery, carrots, and bell peppers.

Then comes the spices; cumin adds earthy depth while smoked paprika lends a hint of smokiness – perfect for bringing out the best in chicken enchiladas.

Once you’ve assembled your ingredients, simmer them together until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded into one another.

Serve up steaming bowls straight away or prepare ahead to let the flavors deepen overnight before serving with your favorite enchiladas.

With just a few ingredients and some hands-off simmering time, you’ll have created a comforting bowl of soup that will be sure to impress!

15. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is the perfect accompaniment to chicken enchiladas.

It offers a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smoky, tangy taste of the enchiladas.

Preparing it is also incredibly easy and fast, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Here are five reasons why cilantro lime rice should accompany your next batch of chicken enchiladas:

• Flavor: Cilantro and lime provide a bright, zesty flavor that complements the savory notes of the enchiladas.

• Texture: The nutty texture of cooked rice makes for a tasty contrast with the smooth filling in the enchiladas.

• Easy to make: This dish takes just minutes to prepare, so you can quickly put together a delicious meal without sacrificing quality.

• Healthy: Cilantro lime rice is low in calories and fat, making it an ideal side dish for any health-conscious eater.

• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with other ingredients like bell peppers or corn to make it even more flavorful and interesting.

Cilantro lime rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken enchiladas.

It’s an easy way to add some nutrition and variety to your Mexican dinner.

Give it a try next time you’re whipping up some chicken enchiladas – you won’t be disappointed!

Conclusion

The perfect accompaniment to chicken enchiladas is a combination of flavorful side dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

From Mexican rice, refried beans, and guacamole, to pico de gallo, queso fundido, and taco salad – all are guaranteed to take your meal up a notch.

Complete the flavor profile with chile con queso, black bean soup, and cilantro lime rice for an all-round delicious dining experience.

I can tell you from experience that these sides are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!