White chicken chili is a delicious, hearty dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
It’s easy to make, and the leftovers can be frozen for future meals.
But what do you serve alongside it?
Here are 15 options that will elevate your white chicken chili experience!
From classic side dishes to unique accompaniments, these recipes will help you create a meal to remember.
When it comes to serving up white chicken chili, there are endless possibilities!
The warm and creamy flavors of this dish pair well with so many different types of foods.
We’ve compiled 15 recipes that are sure to wow your guests.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional like cornbread or something more adventurous like roasted vegetables – we’ve got you covered!
Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With White Chicken Chili – 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 White Chicken Chili!
| Side Dish | Why It Goes Well with White Chicken Chili |
|---|---|
| Cornbread | The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread complements the spicy and savory flavors of white chicken chili. |
| Baked Potatoes | Baked potatoes provide a neutral and starchy base that balances out the bold flavors of white chicken chili. |
| Roasted Vegetables | The caramelized and slightly smoky flavors of roasted vegetables add depth and a contrasting texture to the chili. |
| Avocado Salad | The creamy and refreshing nature of avocado salad helps to cool down the heat from the chili while adding a pleasant contrast. |
| Fruit Salad | A light and fruity salad provides a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of white chicken chili. |
| Cauliflower Rice | For those looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice complements the chili while offering a lighter alternative to rice. |
| Sauteed Spinach | Sauteed spinach adds a nutritious element to the meal and its earthy flavor pairs well with the spiciness of the chili. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | The crispy and caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a flavorful and slightly bitter note that complements the chili’s richness. |
| Fried Plantains | The sweet and caramelized flavor of fried plantains contrasts well with the spicy and savory flavors of white chicken chili. |
| Quinoa Pilaf | Quinoa pilaf is a protein-rich and nutty side dish that provides a hearty base and complements the chili’s flavors. |
| Wild Rice Pilaf | The nutty and chewy texture of wild rice adds complexity to the meal and pairs well with the robust flavors of the chili. |
| Baked Sweet Potatoes | Baked sweet potatoes offer a sweet and creamy counterpart to the spicy chili, creating a balanced and satisfying combination. |
| Buttered Noodles | Buttered noodles provide a simple and comforting side that helps to mellow out the spiciness of the chili. |
| Roasted Mushrooms | The earthy and umami-rich flavor of roasted mushrooms complements the chili and adds a meaty texture to the overall meal. |
| Garlic Bread | The garlicky and crispy nature of garlic bread pairs well with the bold flavors of white chicken chili, offering a satisfying bite. |
1. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic accompaniment to white chicken chili. It’s warm, crunchy, and slightly sweet.
The perfect combination of flavors to bring out the best of the chili.
To make your own cornbread, you’ll need all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter or vegetable oil, an egg and milk.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and greasing an 8×8 inch pan.
Next mix together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt.
In another bowl whisk together 1/3 cup sugar (or honey), 1/3 cup melted butter or vegetable oil, one egg and 1 cup of milk until combined.
Stir wet into dry ingredients just until moistened – don’t overmix!
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve it hot from the oven with your favorite topping – butter or jam are always delicious choices! Enjoy every last crumb with your white chicken chili!
2. Baked Potatoes
The sweetness of cornbread pairs wonderfully with the savory flavor of white chicken chili.
This classic Southern side dish is a perfect accompaniment to this comforting dish.
Cornbread is easy to make and can be prepared either sweet or savory depending on your preference.
It’s also a great way to use up any leftovers you may have, like sour cream or chopped vegetables.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, baked potatoes are a great choice.
Baked potatoes can be dressed up with all sorts of tasty toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or chives.
They provide a great base for the warm and flavorful chili while adding an extra layer of texture and flavor that will elevate your meal.
For those who prefer their potatoes soft and creamy, mashed potatoes are always an option as well!
No matter which side dish you choose to pair with white chicken chili, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
A comforting bowl of chili accompanied by the perfect side can make for an unforgettable meal that everyone will enjoy.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to white chicken chili.
Not only do they bring a delicious depth of flavor and texture, but they also add vibrant color and nutrition to the meal.
A variety of vegetables can be roasted to pair with the chili, such as bell peppers, onions, garlic, carrots, squash, eggplant and potatoes.
The key is to cut them into uniform pieces before roasting so they all cook evenly.
To make them extra flavorful, toss them in olive oil and seasonings like smoked paprika or cumin before roasting.
Roasted vegetables offer an unbeatable combination of crunchy texture and caramelized sweetness that will perfectly complement the creamy white chicken chili.
They’ll take your meal from good to great!
4. Avocado Salad
The sight of an avocado salad is enough to make your mouth water.
Fluffy greens, vibrant tomatoes, and creamy avocados come together in a bowl that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Served alongside a comforting bowl of white chicken chili, this salad adds a zesty kick that will have you coming back for more.
This delicious dish comes together quickly, with minimal effort required.
Start by slicing the avocados in half and scooping out the flesh into a bowl.
Add some diced tomatoes for color, crunchy cucumber for texture and top off with some freshly cut cilantro for flavor.
Toss everything together with a light vinaigrette of olive oil and lime juice, taking care not to mash up the avocados too much.
A sprinkle of feta cheese or crumbled tortilla chips makes this salad even more tantalizing.
Serve it up next to your chili and prepare yourself for an unforgettable meal!
5. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a great accompaniment to white chicken chili.
It’s a light and fresh complement to the hearty chili, and it adds a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make.
Start by selecting your favorite seasonal fruits – apples, pears, oranges, pineapple, blueberries and raspberries are all excellent options.
Carefully cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces; for something extra special, try adding some dried cranberries or cherries for added flavor and texture.
Place in a bowl with a light squeeze of lemon juice or honey to bring out the sweetness of the fruit.
A sweet and flavorful fruit salad is an ideal side dish for white chicken chili.
It’s easy to mix up your favorite fruits and add in some extras like dried cranberries or cherries to create something truly delicious – a perfect addition to any meal!
6. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a fantastic accompaniment to white chicken chili.
It’s light and fluffy texture can help balance out the flavors of the chili, while its subtle nuttiness adds an extra layer of complexity.
Plus, it’s low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it a great healthful addition to any meal.
Making cauliflower rice is easy and fun; plus, it takes almost no time at all! All you need is one head of cauliflower, some spices for flavoring, and a food processor or blender.
Once everything is prepped, just throw it into the food processor and pulse until you get the desired texture – you’ll have fresh cauliflower rice in just minutes!
Serving cauliflower rice alongside white chicken chili makes for a delicious combo that everyone will love.
Its lightness keeps the chili from becoming too heavy and its subtle nuttiness pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
So if you’re looking for a healthy side dish to complete your meal, try adding some cauliflower rice!
7. Sauteed Spinach
Switching gears from the light and fluffy cauliflower rice, let’s move on to something with even more flavor: sauteed spinach.
This leafy vegetable is a delicious accompaniment to your white chicken chili; it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and its slight bitterness helps balance out the flavors of the chili.
Plus, it only takes about 8 minutes to cook!
Here’s how to make an easy sauteed spinach side dish:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally (about 2 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This simple side dish works great with a variety of dishes, including white chicken chili!
The combination of flavors will tantalize your taste buds as you savor every bite of this hearty chili meal.
And it’s so easy to make – a quick side dish that’ll be sure to impress your guests!
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delicious accompaniment to white chicken chili.
They add a crunchy texture, subtle nuttiness, and a pop of bright green to the dish.
To make them, start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
Then, clean and trim one pound of Brussels sprouts before tossing them in oil and salt.
Place the sprouts onto a sheet pan with space between each one and roast for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
To give these roasted Brussels sprouts an extra layer of flavor, try adding some minced garlic or fresh herbs before roasting.
Alternatively, consider topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese after they have come out of the oven.
This will create an even more savory flavor that pairs nicely with the complex spices in white chicken chili.
The result is a simple yet delightful side that is sure to be enjoyed by all who partake in this comforting meal.
The flavors meld together perfectly to create something truly special – the perfect accompaniment to any bowl of white chicken chili!
9. Fried Plantains
The perfect accompaniment to a bowl of white chicken chili is a side of fried plantains.
Crispy on the outside, sweet and soft on the inside, these golden slices are sure to please.
To make this delicious dish, start by slicing unripe plantains into thin discs and tossing them in a hot pan with oil.
Gently fry each side until golden brown and then remove from heat.
The result is a savory yet sweet treat that pairs perfectly with chili.
Sprinkle with sea salt for an extra something special and serve alongside your homemade bowl of white chicken chili for an unforgettable combination of flavors.
10. Quinoa Pilaf
The sweet and savory flavor of fried plantains makes them a great accompaniment to white chicken chili.
The caramelized sweetness of the plantain provides a pleasant contrast to the smoky, spicy flavors in the chili.
Fried plantains are also a great way to add some crunchy texture to the dish.
For those looking for an even heartier side dish, quinoa pilaf is an excellent choice.
Quinoa is high in protein and contains essential amino acids that can help boost your immune system.
This hearty, nutty grain has a wonderful taste and pairs wonderfully with white chicken chili. It’s also easy to make – just cook the quinoa with vegetable broth and spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano for added flavor.
For those who want something a bit more robust than fried plantains or quinoa pilaf, try adding roasted sweet potatoes as a side dish.
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrition and are naturally sweet, making them an ideal pairing for white chicken chili.
Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness while adding more texture and flavor to your meal.
11. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild Rice Pilaf is a classic side dish to serve with white chicken chili. It’s an excellent way to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meal.
The combination of wild rice, crunchy vegetables, and herbs creates a filling yet light accompaniment that will elevate your chili from good to great.
Making Wild Rice Pilaf is easy; it requires less than an hour of work.
Begin by sautéing onion and celery in butter until softened and fragrant. Add garlic, thyme, and mushrooms, then cook for a few minutes more.
Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, stir in cooked wild rice and season with salt and pepper.
To finish off the dish, top it off with a bit of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve up your Wild Rice Pilaf alongside your white chicken chili for an unforgettable meal!
12. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Moving on from the Wild Rice Pilaf, we come to a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with white chicken chili – Baked Sweet Potatoes.
This classic accompaniment is both comforting and flavorful.
To make this delicious dish, start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
Wash and dry two large sweet potatoes, then pierce each of them several times with a fork.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, and bake for 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing them in half lengthwise.
Top each potato half with butter, salt and pepper, plus any other desired toppings like fresh herbs or sour cream.
Enjoy alongside your white chicken chili for a truly comforting meal!
13. Buttered Noodles
Buttered Noodles are a classic side dish for white chicken chili that adds a hint of creamy comfort to the meal.
It couldn’t be easier to make – just boil some egg noodles, drain them, and stir in butter and seasonings.
The result is a simple yet delicious accompaniment that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the chili.
For something different, try adding your favorite herbs or spices to the noodles to give them an extra kick.
Some tasty options include garlic powder, paprika, or freshly chopped parsley.
You can also mix in a cup of shredded cheese for extra creaminess or stir in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
No matter how you serve them up, Buttered Noodles are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table!
With their versatile flavor profile and quick-and-easy preparation, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen whenever you’re looking for an easy side dish to complete any meal.
14. Roasted Mushrooms
Buttered noodles, creamy and buttery, are an essential side to white chicken chili.
The noodles provide a hearty base for the chili, adding carbohydrate and protein to the dish.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the meal.
Roasted mushrooms offer another delicious accompaniment for white chicken chili.
Mushrooms have a meaty texture that makes them a great substitute for ground beef in any dish.
Roasting the mushrooms brings out their umami flavor and keeps them from getting soggy or mushy when cooked with liquid.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives them an extra cheesy crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich chili flavors.
To serve with white chicken chili, choose something light and crisp like a salad with vinaigrette or a slaw made with tangy dressing.
Fresh vegetables like radishes, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers add color and crunch to your plate while adding beneficial vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fiber.
Enjoy this comforting meal on its own or alongside your favorite sides.
15. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to white chicken chili, providing a warm and savory counterpoint to the dish.
Whether you opt for store-bought convenience or take the time to make your own from scratch, garlic bread is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
Here are five tips to ensure you get perfectly garlicky goodness every time:
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Start with good quality, fresh ingredients. Avoid pre-made mixes and frozen garlic bread as they often lack flavor and texture.
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To achieve maximum flavor, use plenty of minced garlic cloves – at least 3 cloves per loaf or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
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Mix the butter with the minced garlic before spreading it onto the bread slices so that each piece is evenly coated with both butter and garlic.
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Toast in the oven until golden brown but not burnt; this will give you a crunchy outer crust with a soft interior.
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Serve plain or sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavorful kick.
So, next time you’re serving white chicken chili, don’t forget the garlic bread! It’ll be an easy way to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoy these 15 ideas for sides to serve with your white chicken chili.
From the classic cornbread to the decadent garlic bread, there’s something sure to please everyone at your table.
These dishes are all guaranteed to complement your chili and take it up a notch.
Plus, they’re all easy to make and will be ready in no time at all.
So go ahead and whip up a batch of white chicken chili – I’m sure you’ll be glad you did!
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