What To Serve With Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are a classic Mexican dish that can be served as an entrée or a snack.

They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re sure to please the whole family.

But the real beauty of chicken quesadillas is that they can be accompanied by so many different dishes.

To help you get creative in the kitchen, we’ve put together a list of 15 delicious accompaniments for your next chicken quesadilla feast.

From spicy salsas and vibrant salads to creamy dips and crunchy vegetables, there’s something here for everyone! So read on to find out how you can upgrade your chicken quesadilla night with these delicious sides.

Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Chicken Quesadillas– 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 Quesadillas!

Side DishWhy it goes well with Chicken Quesadillas
Spicy SalsasSpicy salsas, such as salsa verde or pico de gallo, add a kick of heat and flavor to the chicken quesadillas, enhancing the overall taste and providing a refreshing element.
Refried BeansCreamy and savory refried beans complement the chicken quesadillas, offering a rich and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the melted cheese and seasoned chicken.
GuacamoleThe creamy and tangy guacamole adds a delightful freshness to the chicken quesadillas, balancing out the richness and offering a cooling contrast to the warm and cheesy filling.
Mexican RiceMexican rice, with its savory flavors and aromatic spices, serves as a flavorful side dish that complements the chicken quesadillas, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Fresh SaladsA fresh salad, made with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables, provides a refreshing and light option to accompany the chicken quesadillas, adding a crunchy element to the meal.
Grilled VegetablesGrilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, offer a smoky and charred flavor that pairs well with the chicken quesadillas, adding a healthy and flavorful component.
Baked NachosBaked nachos, topped with melted cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings, offer a crunchy and indulgent side dish that complements the chicken quesadillas, providing a fun and satisfying option.
Roasted Sweet PotatoesRoasted sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the chicken quesadillas, creating a well-rounded and flavorful meal with a balance of flavors and textures.
Spicy CornSpicy corn, whether grilled or roasted, adds a burst of flavor and heat to the chicken quesadillas, offering a delicious and bold side dish that enhances the overall taste experience.
Creamy DipsCreamy dips, such as sour cream or chipotle sauce, provide a rich and tangy element to the chicken quesadillas, adding a luxurious and indulgent component to the meal.
Pickled VeggiesPickled vegetables, such as jalapenos or carrots, offer a tangy and crunchy side dish that complements the chicken quesadillas, providing a zesty and refreshing contrast of flavors.
Mashed PotatoesCreamy and buttery mashed potatoes serve as a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the chicken quesadillas, adding a touch of indulgence to the meal.
Sauteed MushroomsSauteed mushrooms offer a rich and earthy flavor that pairs well with the chicken quesadillas, adding depth and a meaty texture to the dish, especially for those who enjoy mushrooms.
Roasted CauliflowerRoasted cauliflower provides a tasty and nutritious side dish that complements the chicken quesadillas, adding a subtle sweetness and a slightly caramelized flavor to the meal.
Baked PlantainsBaked plantains, with their natural sweetness and soft texture, serve as a delicious and unique side dish that adds a tropical touch to the chicken quesadillas.

1. Spicy Salsas

Nothing complements a flavorful chicken quesadilla like a spicy salsa.

Whether you’re looking for something to put on the side or actually spread over the top of your quesadilla, there’s a salsa that’ll fit the bill.

One popular option is pico de gallo. It’s a classic Mexican salsa made with tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice.

It adds a great zest and crunch to any dish without being too overpowering. If you want something extra spicy, try adding some habanero peppers to the mix.

For something even more traditional, consider guacamole. This creamy dip is made from mashed avocados mixed with onions and spices like garlic and cumin.

Even if you don’t love avocados, guacamole can be surprisingly delicious when paired with other ingredients like tomatoes or jalapeños. So why not give it a try? You may just find yourself in love with this recipe!

2. Refried Beans

After the zesty zing of a spicy salsa, refried beans can provide a creamy and comforting contrast.

These classic Mexican staples are made by mashing pinto beans until they become a thick paste, which is then often cooked with onion, garlic, and lard or oil.

Refried Beans

Refried beans can be served in many ways, from creamy and smooth to chunky and hearty.

For those looking for an easy side dish to go alongside their chicken quesadillas, refried beans could be the perfect fit.

They can be served warm or cold as well as traditional or jazzed up with toppings like onions, cheese, cilantro, tomatoes, jalapenos – you name it! The possibilities are endless.

Refried beans add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal that will really make it stand out.

Whether you have them as a dip for chips or spooned onto your plate next to your quesadilla – they will add just enough richness to round out your meal perfectly.

3. Guacamole

Guacamole is a perfect accompaniment to chicken quesadillas.

It’s the classic Mexican condiment, full of flavor and texture that will bring your quesadilla experience to life.

Making guacamole is easy, and you can customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Here are four ingredients for a classic guacamole recipe:

  • 4 avocados
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Simply mash the avocados in a bowl, then stir in the lime juice, salt and cilantro. For extra flavor, add diced tomatoes or bell peppers. Adjust the seasoning as desired and serve alongside your chicken quesadillas.

Enjoy!

4. Mexican Rice

Accompanying a delicious chicken quesadilla with Mexican rice is a no-brainer.

Not only does the fragrant, flavorful side dish provide an ideal balance to the savory filling of the quesadillas, but it also adds a unique texture that can’t be found anywhere else.

Whether you opt for traditional Mexican rice or invent your own recipe, there’s no doubt that this dish will take your meal to the next level.

A great way to ensure your Mexican rice is as tasty as possible is to cook it in a blend of aromatic spices and vegetables. Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add onions, garlic, and bell peppers – all finely chopped – along with cumin and chili powder.

Once these ingredients are cooked through, add a cup of long grain white rice and stirring until it absorbs all the flavors from the vegetables.

Then pour in two cups of chicken stock (or water) and bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low and covering the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

After about 20 minutes, remove from heat and fluff up with a fork before serving alongside your quesadillas.

The result is fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So when you want something special to go with your chicken quesadillas, consider turning to this tried-and-true side dish for an incredible flavor experience!

5. Fresh Salads

A fresh salad is the perfect accompaniment to chicken quesadillas.

Not only does it add a much-needed crunch, but it can also be quite flavorful depending on the ingredients you choose.

Refreshing Salads For Balance

Here are four salads to consider when serving chicken quesadillas:

  • A colorful tomato and cucumber salad, with fragrant dill and feta cheese crumbles
  • A kale and almond slaw, with a tangy honey-mustard dressing
  • A classic Caesar salad, topped with grilled chicken and croutons
  • A light and zesty lemon-and-olive oil dressed green salad

These salads will bring an extra level of flavor to your chicken quesadilla feast. Plus, they offer a refreshing break from heavy Tex-Mex dishes like burritos and tacos.

So why not try one of these salads next time you’re serving up quesadillas? Your guests are sure to love them!

6. Grilled Vegetables

Fresh salads are a great accompaniment to any meal, but when it comes to chicken quesadillas, there’s another option that adds even more flavor.

Grilled vegetables provide an extra layer of crunch and smokiness that takes the dish to the next level.

Start by prepping your favorite vegetables – bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini work especially well with quesadillas.

Tandoori Roasted Vegetables

Slice them into thin strips and toss them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for seasoning.

Then fire up the grill and cook until everything is nicely charred.

This should only take about 5-8 minutes; keep an eye on them as they cook so they don’t burn!

Once your vegetables are cooked through, serve them alongside your chicken quesadillas for a delicious combination that everyone will love.

The warm flavor of the grilled veggies pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and spicy chicken in each bite.

It’s sure to be a hit at dinnertime!

7. Baked Nachos

Baked nachos are a delicious accompaniment to chicken quesadillas that adds crunch, flavor, and fun to the meal.

The ultimate cheesy snack food, nachos have endless variations that can be tailored to suit any palate.

Nachos

To make the perfect baked nacho dish, start with a layer of blue or yellow corn chips in an oven-safe pan. Top the chips with grated cheese and bake until melted. Add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapenos, black olives, onions, and peppers.

For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle the top with Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder.

For a heartier version of baked nachos, add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the chips before baking. After baking for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), top with crumbled bacon bits or chorizo sausage for even more flavor.

Serve your cheesy masterpiece with guacamole or sour cream for dipping and you’ve got yourself an irresistible side dish for your chicken quesadillas.

No matter how you choose to customize your nacho recipe, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a casual weeknight dinner at home, baked nachos will bring great taste and easy preparation to any meal that includes chicken quesadillas – giving everyone something tasty to savor!

8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

The perfect side for a delicious chicken quesadilla is a plate of roasted sweet potatoes. The vibrant orange hue of the potatoes creates an inviting sight, begging you to take your first bite.

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

As you do, the natural sweetness of the potatoes melds with the smoky flavor produced by roasting them in the oven. This dish offers a variety of textures that will tantalize your taste buds:

  • Crispy edges: These edges provide crunchy contrast to the soft interior and give this dish an extra layer of flavor with every bite.
  • Creamy centers: The creamy center is heavenly, melting on your tongue as you savor it.
  • Fragrant herbs: A sprinkling of fragrant herbs like rosemary or thyme will elevate the flavors and make this side even more special.

This simple yet special side dish can add depth and complexity to any meal when served alongside chicken quesadillas. Enjoying it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

9. Spicy Corn

After the savory roasted sweet potatoes, it’s time to switch it up with a side of spicy corn. This is the perfect compliment for those who are feeling adventurous and want to explore unique flavors.

Start by heating some oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add one cup of frozen or canned corn kernels to the pan and stir-fry them for about five minutes until they’re lightly browned.

Mexican Street Corn

Once done, add two tablespoons of butter, one tablespoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

The result is a side dish that is sure to carry any meal to new heights. The combination of chili powder and garlic powder gives an intense flavor while the butter adds richness—all perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the corn and enhanced by a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Serve this alongside your chicken quesadillas and you have yourself an unforgettable meal!

10. Creamy Dips

Creamy dips are the perfect accompaniment for chicken quesadillas. From guacamole to sour cream, these sauces add texture and flavor that can take your quesadilla dish to the next level.

Spinach Dip

Here are three creamy dip ideas that will pair perfectly with your favorite chicken quesadilla:

  1. Salsa Verde: This bright, tangy salsa is a great way to add a kick of flavor to your quesadilla. Make sure you choose a salsa verde made with tomatillos for the best flavor combination.

  2. Chipotle Cream: For those looking for something with a bit more heat, chipotle cream is the way to go! Simply mix together Greek yogurt and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an easy, yet tasty dip.

  3. Mango Avocado Dip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try this unique twist on guacamole! Mix together ripe avocados and diced mango with lime juice and cilantro – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

Chicken quesadillas are always better when served with a side of creamy dip. Serve up one (or all!) of these delicious dips for an easy way to elevate your meal!

11. Pickled Veggies

The perfect accompaniment to a plate of delicious chicken quesadillas is a colorful array of pickled vegetables.

The crunchy, vinegary flavor adds a delightful contrast to the rich, cheesy quesadillas. Plus, it’s easy to make!

Creating your own pickled veggies is incredibly simple.

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All you need are some fresh vegetables, vinegar and salt.

You can use any combination of vegetables you like—carrots, peppers, onions and cucumbers are all great options.

Once you’ve selected your veggies, just slice them into thin strips or cubes and place them in a jar or container with equal parts vinegar and salt. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator overnight.

TableVegetableVinegarSalt
1CarrotsWhite Wine VinegarCoarse Sea Salt
2PeppersApple Cider VinegarHimalayan Pink Salt
3OnionsRed Wine VinegarKosher Salt
4CucumbersRice Wine VinegarFlake Sea Salt
5RadishesBalsamic VinegarFleur De Sel

Once your pickled veggies have cooled down in the fridge, they’re ready to serve! Serve up your pickled veggies alongside your chicken quesadillas for an extra zesty kick that will add depth to every bite. The results are sure to surprise and delight everyone around the table!

12. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to chicken quesadillas. Not only are they a classic side dish, but their creamy texture and rich flavor make them ideal for pairing with the Mexican-style dish.

To prepare mashed potatoes that will complement your meal, start by boiling peeled potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and mash them with butter or a vegan alternative such as almond milk or coconut oil.

For an extra boost of flavor, add garlic, chives, Parmesan cheese or other spices like rosemary or thyme. Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper.

Mashed potatoes can be served hot for a comforting side dish or cold for a refreshing twist on the traditional recipe. Serve alongside your chicken quesadillas for a delicious meal that everyone will love!

13. Sauteed Mushrooms

Mashed potatoes provide the perfect accompaniment to chicken quesadillas, but for a truly decadent meal, why not add sautéed mushrooms?

Sauteing mushrooms is surprisingly easy to do and adds a savory, earthy flavor to any dish.

Start by heating some butter or oil in a pan.

Once the pan is hot, add thinly sliced mushrooms.

You can opt for white button mushrooms or use more exotic varieties such as shiitakes or oyster mushrooms.

Sautee them until they are lightly browned and just beginning to soften.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, top your quesadillas with the sautéed mushrooms and your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

14. Roasted Cauliflower

The tantalizing aroma of roasted cauliflower is sure to evoke a feeling of anticipation and excitement from anyone lucky enough to be in the vicinity. Its nutty, earthy flavor pairs perfectly with chicken quesadillas, making it a delicious side dish that will not disappoint.

Cauliflower

Here are just some of the reasons why this simple vegetable can add so much flavor to your meal:

  • Roasted cauliflower has an unmistakable crunchiness and a unique, smoky flavor.
  • The golden brown color and slight caramelization that come from roasting it brings out its natural sweetness.
  • It’s a great source of fiber and vitamins C, K, B6, folate, and more.
  • It has a relatively low calorie count compared to other vegetables, making it an ideal choice for those trying to watch their weight.

A well-prepared roasted cauliflower side dish can be the perfect accompaniment for chicken quesadillas – adding texture, flavor and nutrition to your meal. With its subtle yet complex taste, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!

15. Baked Plantains

Baked plantains are the perfect accompaniment to chicken quesadillas. Their sweet and savory flavor combines with the heat of the dish to create a balanced, flavorful meal.

For a delicious meal, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your plantains by cutting them in half lengthwise and removing the peel. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re lightly browned and tender.

Serve as is or mash them up and mix in some cilantro for a tasty topping that will take your dish to the next level.

Enjoy!

Conclusion

I’ve put together a list of dishes that are guaranteed to make your chicken quesadilla meal a memorable one.

From spicy salsas and fresh salads to refried beans and guacamole, you’ll have plenty of side dishes to choose from.

To add some extra flavor, I suggest trying out roasted cauliflower or sauteed mushrooms.

For a touch of sweetness, baked plantains can’t be beat.

And for an extra filling dish, mashed potatoes or Mexican rice are great options.

With all these delicious sides, your chicken quesadilla dinner will be truly amazing!

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About the author

Natalie is a food enthusiast who spends all of her time trying out new recipes, testing out new appliances, and making her kitchen as awesome as possible. She is a professional writer and blogs here about her love of food & kitchen.

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