Cilantro Lime Chicken is one of the most popular dishes in Mexican cuisine. Its combination of tart lime and fragrant cilantro creates a unique flavor that’s sure to please a wide variety of palates.
But what do you serve with it? If you’re looking for some delicious sides to complement your Cilantro Lime Chicken, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 dishes that will pair perfectly with this beloved dish.
From classic Mexican flavors to more complex international fares, these side dishes are sure to make your meal complete. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want something extra special for your family, these recipes offer plenty of options for creating an unforgettable meal.
So get ready for some flavorful fun – let’s check out the perfect sides for Cilantro Lime Chicken!
Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Cilantro Lime Chicken– 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 Cilantro Lime Chicken!
| Side Dish | Why it goes well with Cilantro Lime Chicken |
|---|---|
| Mexican Rice | The aromatic and flavorful Mexican rice complements the zesty and tangy flavors of cilantro lime chicken, providing a delicious and satisfying base. |
| Refried Beans | The creamy and savory refried beans offer a hearty and protein-rich component that pairs well with the vibrant flavors of cilantro lime chicken. |
| Charro Beans | The smoky and savory charro beans add depth and complexity to the meal, creating a flavorful combination with the cilantro lime chicken. |
| Mexican Cornbread | The slightly sweet and corn-infused Mexican cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the zesty and tangy chicken, offering a satisfying side option. |
| Elote (Mexican Street Corn) | The grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, and spices enhances the grilled flavors of the cilantro lime chicken, creating a delicious combination. |
| Pico De Gallo | The fresh and tangy flavors of pico de gallo, with its combination of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, provide a refreshing accompaniment to the cilantro lime chicken. |
| Guacamole | The creamy and rich guacamole, made from ripe avocados, complements the zesty and citrusy flavors of the cilantro lime chicken, adding a delightful creaminess to the dish. |
| Sautéed Vegetables | The vibrant and tender sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, provide a healthy and flavorful side that pairs well with the cilantro lime chicken. |
| Roasted Potatoes | The crispy and seasoned roasted potatoes offer a satisfying and hearty component to the meal, balancing the bright flavors of the cilantro lime chicken. |
| Corn Tortillas | The traditional corn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and serve as a perfect vessel to enjoy the cilantro lime chicken, adding a comforting and authentic touch. |
| Flour Tortillas | The soft and versatile flour tortillas provide an alternative option for enjoying the cilantro lime chicken, allowing for delicious wraps or tacos with various toppings. |
| Mexican Salad | The fresh and vibrant Mexican salad, with its combination of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, adds a light and refreshing element to the meal, complementing the cilantro lime chicken. |
| Tostones (Fried Plantains) | The crispy and slightly sweet tostones add a delightful crunch and tropical flavor to the meal, creating an interesting contrast with the cilantro lime chicken. |
| Mexican Coleslaw | The tangy and crunchy Mexican coleslaw, often dressed with lime juice and cilantro, adds a refreshing and zesty side dish that pairs well with the cilantro lime chicken. |
| Churros | The sweet and cinnamon-dusted churros serve as a delicious dessert option that complements the savory flavors of the cilantro lime chicken, providing a satisfying end to the meal. |
1. Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is a delightful and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with cilantro lime chicken.
This classic Mexican dish is simple to prepare, yet full of flavor. It’s made with ingredients like long grain white rice, garlic, onion, bell pepper, and tomato sauce.
The fragrant aromas of the sautéed vegetables combine with the savory tomato sauce to create an unforgettable flavor profile.
Adding a little bit of heat from jalapeño or chili powder will make it even more delicious!
The rice also absorbs all of these flavors for added depth and interest in every bite.
Once everything has been cooked together and absorbed into the rice, it’s ready to be served!
Mexican Rice is an ideal accompaniment for cilantro lime chicken due to its contrasting texture and robust flavor. Enjoy this classic side dish any day of the week!
2. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with cilantro lime chicken. It’s delicious and easy to make, making it the perfect accompaniment for any dinner spread.
The combination of smoky, creamy refried beans with juicy, zesty chicken is simply irresistible.
Here are some tips for making a delicious batch of refried beans:
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Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding 1 tablespoon of oil or butter.
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Sauté one chopped onion until softened before adding 4 cloves of minced garlic and stirring until fragrant.
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Pour in 2 cans of drained pinto beans and mix well before pouring in 1 cup of vegetable broth.
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Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes before mashing with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency.
Once your refried beans are finished, serve them alongside your cilantro lime chicken to create the perfect meal!
3. Charro Beans
Charro beans, also known as “frijoles charros,” are an essential accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken.
This traditional Mexican dish is a delicious side that adds flavor and texture to the meal. These beans are simmered in a flavorful broth made with bacon, onion, garlic and spices.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 4 slices |
| Onion | 1/2 chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 2 minced |
| Pinto beans | 1 can drained and rinsed |
To make Charro Beans, start by cooking bacon in a large pot until crispy. Then add the chopped onion, garlic and spices (salt, pepper, cumin and oregano). Saute until the onion is softened. Add the pinto beans along with enough water or stock to cover them. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until beans are tender. Serve these Charro Beans as a side to your cilantro lime chicken for an unforgettable meal.
4. Mexican Cornbread
Mexican Cornbread is an excellent accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken.
It’s a great way to add a touch of Mexican flavor and texture to the dish.
And it’s incredibly simple to make: all you need are some basic pantry ingredients, a few minutes of prep time, and about 25 minutes in the oven.
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious cornbread:
- 4 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup canned corn kernels, drained and rinsed
Simply preheat your oven to 375°F and grease up an 8×8 inch baking pan.
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, then stir in the wet ingredients until everything is just combined.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm alongside cilantro lime chicken for a complete meal that everyone will love!
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
The air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly grilled Elote, or Mexican Street Corn, as it’s lovingly prepared on a hot summer day.
The street vendor skillfully rubs a generous amount of cotija cheese and chili powder onto each cob before sprinkling them with a tantalizing mixture of lime juice and cilantro.
Meanwhile, the sizzling corn kernels are gently caressed by melting butter as they roast over an open flame.
This delicious side dish is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal, especially Cilantro Lime Chicken.
Whether served steaming hot off the grill or at room temperature, Elote offers a burst of flavor to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
Its creamy texture, combined with the zesty flavors of lime and cilantro, makes for an amazing culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.
| Table | Description |
|---|---|
| Cotija Cheese | Rich, salty flavor |
| Chili Powder | Adds warmth and spice |
| Lime Juice | Brightens up every bite |
| Cilantro | Adds freshness and zing |
| Butter | Makes it creamy and delicious |
Elote is one of those dishes that you can enjoy time and time again – no matter what time of year it is. So if you’re looking for an exciting way to add some flair to your Cilantro Lime Chicken dinner, this Mexican Street Corn side dish is definitely worth trying!
6. Pico De Gallo
Pico de Gallo is an amazing accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken.
This Mexican side dish packs a flavorful punch, with fresh tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos. It’s perfect for adding a zesty kick to your meal.
To make Pico de Gallo, you’ll need diced tomatoes, chopped white onion, minced jalapeno peppers, fresh lime juice and cilantro leaves.
Start by combining the diced tomatoes and chopped onion in a bowl. Then add in the minced jalapeno peppers and mix everything together.
Squeeze some lime juice over the top and stir it in until evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle in some chopped cilantro leaves for extra flavor.
The great thing about Pico de Gallo is that it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it as a dip or use it as a topping on tacos or nachos. It can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes like quesadillas or burritos.
With its bright flavors and vibrant colors, Pico de Gallo will take your cilantro lime chicken dish to the next level!
7. Guacamole
As the zesty and delectable aroma of cilantro lime chicken fills the kitchen, your taste buds can hardly contain their excitement!
You know that the perfect accompaniment to this flavorful dish is guacamole – and you won’t be disappointed!
With its creamy texture and bright flavor, it will make for a truly unforgettable experience.
To make guacamole that’s worthy of being served alongside your cilantro lime chicken, start by mashing ripe avocados with a fork until smooth.
Then add in diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, pepper and freshly squeezed lime juice to taste.
Mix everything together until you reach your desired consistency.
This dip requires no cooking – just combine all the ingredients and you’re good to go! Serve chilled with tortilla chips or use it as a topping over rice and beans. Your guests will love this tangy side dish that ties together all the flavors of your meal.
8. Sautéed Vegetables
Guacamole is the perfect accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken – its creamy texture and zesty flavor make it a great partner for a tangy dish. But don’t stop there!
To round out your meal, why not sauté some vegetables?
Sautéed vegetables are an easy way to quickly prepare some healthy and delicious sides.
You can use any combination of your favorite vegetables – bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, squash, carrots, and more.
All you need to do is heat up some oil in a skillet, toss in the veggies and seasonings of your choice (maybe garlic powder or Italian seasoning?), then cook until they’re tender-crisp.
Serve alongside your cilantro lime chicken for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Here are five great vegetable combinations that will take your cilantro lime chicken dinner to the next level:
- Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms
- Carrots, celery, and zucchini
- Eggplant, tomatoes, and garlic
- Broccoli florets with red pepper flakes
- Summer squash with fresh herbs such as basil or thyme
No matter which combination you choose, your sautéed vegetables will add color and nutrition to your plate while providing a tasty complement to the bright flavors of cilantro lime chicken.
9. Roasted Potatoes
The oven creaks open and the aroma of roasting potatoes wafts out.
The potatoes are cut into evenly-sized cubes and doused in olive oil, salt and pepper.
They cook slowly to a crisp, golden-brown perfection.
Every bite is an explosion of flavor, with just the right amount of crunch.
These roasted potatoes pair perfectly with the cilantro lime chicken dish; their unique flavors complement each other, bringing out the best in both dishes.
The warm warmth of the spuds contrasts nicely with the zesty citrus undertones, while the cilantro provides a fragrant finish that has your mouth watering for more.
When served together, these two dishes create a delectable combination that’s sure to please any palate.
With the savory creaminess of the potatoes mingling with the tangy lime marinade on the chicken, this dish is simple yet satisfying – perfect for any occasion!
10. Corn Tortillas
Roasted potatoes provide a comforting, hearty side to cilantro lime chicken.
But for an equally tasty, yet lighter accompaniment that still packs a flavorful punch, try adding corn tortillas.
This traditional Mexican staple is the perfect complement to the zesty chicken dish.
Corn tortillas offer a twist on classic flatbreads. They are made with masa harina – ground corn treated with lime and water – which gives them their unique flavor and texture.
Whether grilled or fried into chips, these flavorful tortillas make for an ideal partner to the juicy chicken dish.
Plus, they’re versatile: serve them alongside salsa and guacamole for an unbeatable appetizer, or use them as tacos shells filled with your favorite fillings like black beans, grilled onions or roasted peppers.
No matter how you prepare them, corn tortillas make for a delicious addition to any plate of cilantro lime chicken.
11. Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and they make a great accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken.
Perfectly soft and chewy, these delicious wraps will make your meal complete.
To create flour tortillas that are the perfect mix of sweet and savory, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, vegetable oil, and warm water.
Mix together the dry ingredients until combined before adding the oil and water.
Knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball before rolling out individual tortillas with a rolling pin.
Heat up each piece in a hot pan for about one minute on each side for that classic light brown hue.
Serve your finished tortilla alongside your cilantro lime chicken for an unforgettable meal!
12. Mexican Salad
When it comes to serving up a feast with cilantro lime chicken, Mexican Salad is definitely an option worth considering.
Bursting with fresh flavors, this simple salad is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal.
Here’s how to make it:
- Start by gathering the ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado
- Red onion
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to put this salad together. Start by chopping the lettuce and tomatoes and adding them to a large bowl. Dice the avocado, red onion and cilantro, and add them to the bowl as well.
Squeeze the lime juice over top of everything, and drizzle with olive oil. Mix everything together until evenly combined, season with salt and pepper, and give one final stir before serving.
This vibrant Mexican Salad is sure to be a hit when served alongside cilantro lime chicken – its bright flavors are sure to elevate any dish!
13. Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Tostones, or fried plantains, are a beloved dish of many Latin American countries and provide the perfect accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken.
Not only do they bring a delicious combination of sweet and salty flavors to the meal, but their crunchy texture is a wonderful contrast to the tenderness of the chicken.
Preparing them is simple – just slice some plantains, fry them in oil until golden, and then flatten them with a spoon before frying again for an extra crispy exterior.
The great thing about tostones is that you can customize them however you like. Try sprinkling with lime juice or garlic for added flavor; serve with chili powder for a bit of heat; or top with salsa or guacamole for even more deliciousness.
You can also opt for a less traditional approach by substituting regular plantains with sweet ones instead, as they will offer an even sweeter taste sensation when cooked.
Tostones make an excellent side dish to any meal, but especially cilantro lime chicken – their unique flavor profile pairs perfectly together. Whether you opt for the traditional approach or go your own way with seasoning and toppings, one thing’s for sure: it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
14. Mexican Coleslaw
It’s time to add some delicious sides to your cilantro lime chicken.
Mexican coleslaw is a flavorful accompaniment that will really bring out the zesty flavors of your meal. This crunchy, tangy slaw is easy to make and will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Simply mix all ingredients in a bowl until evenly combined, then let the slaw sit for 10 minutes before serving it alongside your cilantro lime chicken. The bright colors of the cabbage and cilantro are sure to be a beautiful addition to any plate, and its light yet flavorful taste will have everyone reaching for seconds!
15. Churros
When it comes to adding a bit of sweetness to any meal, few desserts can beat churros.
These fried-dough treats are not only delicious but also relatively easy to make.
In their most basic form, churros consist of flour, butter, and eggs that get mixed together to form a dough. This dough is then piped into long thin strips and deep-fried until golden brown.
A sprinkle of sugar is all that’s needed before they’re ready to be served with a side of melted chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping.
Churros are the perfect accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken as they provide a light and delicious contrast to the savory flavors in the dish.
Biting into a freshly made churro will give you an explosion of flavor with every crunchy bite, while the creamy dipping sauces add another layer of texture and taste.
Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make at home so there’s no need for takeout when making this meal. For those looking for something extra special on the side of their cilantro lime chicken dinner, churros are definitely worth considering. They’re sure to satisfy everyone who indulges in them!
Conclusion
I’m sure you’re already drooling over the deliciousness of these 15 dishes that pair perfectly with cilantro lime chicken.
From Mexican Rice to Churros, this combination is sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your appetite!
With so many options, you can tailor the meal to whatever your heart desires.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy weeknight meal, cilantro lime chicken is sure to be a hit.
So get creative and make it your own — I guarantee it will be a crowd pleaser!
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