Let’s face it – I’ve been obsessed with chicken tacos lately. They’re quick, delicious, and everyone in my family gobbles them up without complaint (miracle!). But after making them like three times in two weeks, even I had to admit we needed some variety in what we serve alongside these tasty handheld meals.
If you’re like me and wondering “what to eat with chicken tacos” you’ve landed in the right place! I’ve spent way too many hours researching and testing the perfect side dishes that’ll make your taco night absolutely unforgettable.
Why Side Dishes Matter for Taco Night
Before diving into specific sides, let me tell ya – the right sides don’t just fill the plate they completely transform your taco experience! They add
- Different textures (crunchy, creamy, soft)
- Contrasting flavors (sweet, spicy, tangy)
- Extra nutrients (helloooo veggies!)
- That “wow factor” when guests come over
Now let’s jump into the best sides to pair with your chicken tacos!
Classic Mexican Sides for Chicken Tacos
These traditional sides bring authentic flavors that perfectly complement your tacos:
1. Spanish Rice
This fluffy, tomatoey rice soaks up all the delicious taco juices. It’s practically mandatory at my house! The tomato sauce, onion, and garlic create a perfect carb companion to chicken tacos.
2. Refried Beans
Warm, creamy refried beans are a no-brainer with tacos. I like to both serve them on the side AND add a dollop right on my taco. Black beans work great too if you prefer more texture.
3. Mexican Corn
Whether you serve it on the cob (elote style) with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder or off the cob as a salad, sweet corn balances the savory flavors in chicken tacos beautifully.
4. Pico de Gallo
This fresh chunky salsa of tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice brightens up the entire meal. Make extra because it always disappears first!
5. Guacamole
Is it even taco night without guac? I think not! The creamy avocado with lime, cilantro, and a bit of salt creates the perfect dip for chips or topping for tacos.
Fresh and Zesty Salads and Slaws
These lighter options add crunch and freshness to balance the heartier tacos:
6. Taco Slaw
This crunchy coleslaw with cilantro and lime is perfect on the side or heaped right on top of your taco. The jalapeño brings heat while the cabbage and carrots add satisfying crunch.
7. Zesty Quinoa Salad
For something light yet protein-packed, this citrusy quinoa salad with beans is perfect. It’s especially good with spicy tacos since it offers a cool contrast.
8. Mexican Street Corn Salad
All the flavors of elote but in an easier-to-eat form! Sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, lime, and Mexican crema create a colorful side everyone loves.
9. Jicama Slaw
Cool and crunchy jicama with mango, red onion, cilantro, and a honey lime dressing is so refreshing alongside spicy chicken tacos.
10. Avocado Salad
Chunks of ripe avocado mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, and a bit of lime juice. It’s like a deconstructed guacamole and so refreshing!
Unique and Creative Sides
Want to think outside the box? Try these unexpected but delicious sides:
11. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Oven-roasted sweet potato wedges offer a healthier starch option with natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with spicy taco seasoning.
12. Churros
Who says you can’t have dessert as a side? Churros bring a sweet note to your meal – crispy outside, soft inside, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. YUM!
13. Tostilocos
This wild creation features tortilla chips topped with jicama, cucumber, lime juice, and hot sauce. It’s crazy but delicious!
14. Chicken Tortilla Soup
When I’m feeling extra, I’ll make a small batch of tortilla soup to serve alongside tacos. The brothy, spicy soup with crispy tortilla strips is to die for!
15. Watermelon Feta Salad
On hot summer nights, nothing beats the cool contrast of chilled watermelon and feta cheese drizzled with honey lime dressing.
Rice and Grain Sides
Carbs are essential for a satisfying taco night:
16. Cilantro Lime Rice
This zesty rice dish is super easy to make and packs a punch with fresh lime and cilantro. Lighter than Spanish rice but equally delicious!
17. Mexican Rice II
This restaurant-style rice is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. It’s flavorful without being too spicy.
18. Lime Cilantro Rice
Simple yet delicious – the cilantro and lime carry the flavor without overpowering your taste buds. Perfect with spicy turkey or chicken tacos!
Bean-Based Sides
Beans add protein and fiber to round out your meal:
19. Frijoles de Olla
These “beans in a pot” are one of the most common dishes in Mexico for good reason – they’re simple yet delicious and go with ANY taco recipe.
20. Black Bean Salad
A hearty and healthy choice combining black beans, corn, and diced veggies tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Light yet substantial!
21. Cowboy Caviar
This blend of black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, and salsa makes a fantastic dip for tortilla chips or a topping for your tacos.
Dips, Sauces, and Salsas
These add moisture and flavor to every bite:
22. Fresh Pineapple Salsa
This tropical salad with pineapple, peppers, cilantro, and lime balances sweet and savory flavors. Especially amazing with fish tacos!
23. Salsa
Homemade salsa from fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and lime juice is a game-changer. You control exactly how spicy or mild it is!
24. Chili Con Queso
This gooey, cheesy dip spiced with chili peppers is heaven for cheese lovers. Perfect for dipping chips or drizzling over tacos.
25. Seven Layer Dip
Layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, veggies, and cheese create an impressive side that disappears quickly at parties!
Vegetable Sides
Get your greens in with these tasty veggie options:
26. Roasted Vegetables
A sheet pan of cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, and onions seasoned with taco seasoning makes an easy, healthy side.
27. Grilled Vegetables
Drizzle with cilantro lime dressing or chipotle sauce for veggies that are just as tasty as the tacos themselves!
28. Spicy Tex-Mex Salad
This unusual salad with pinto beans, black beans, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and corn chips tossed in Catalina dressing comes together in just 5 minutes!
Sweet Endings
End your taco feast on a sweet note:
29. Fruit Salad
Fresh watermelon, mango, pineapple, and berries tossed in honey lime dressing balance savory tacos with something sweet and refreshing.
30. Fried Plantains
Sweet, starchy fried plantains with a sprinkle of salt make a unique sweet-savory treat that adds different texture and flavor to your meal.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Taco Bar
When I host taco night, I like to create a DIY taco bar with several sides. Here are my tips:
- Offer variety: Include at least one item from each category (rice, beans, salad, salsa)
- Consider temperature: Mix hot sides with cool ones
- Think about timing: Prepare make-ahead sides earlier in the day
- Add garnishes: Don’t forget lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños!
- Remember beverages: Margaritas for adults, horchata for kids
My Go-To Chicken Taco Night Menu
When friends come over, this is my foolproof menu:
- Chicken tacos (obvs!)
- Spanish rice
- Black beans
- Fresh guacamole with chips
- Pico de gallo
- Taco slaw
- Margaritas or Mexican beer
Everyone always leaves happy and full!
Final Thoughts
Chicken tacos aren’t just a meal – they’re a opportunity to create a feast that brings people together. With these amazing side dish ideas, you’ll never wonder what to eat with chicken tacos again!
The best part? Many of these sides can be made ahead, allowing you to actually enjoy taco night instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Mix and match based on your mood, the season, and what ingredients you have on hand.
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken tacos? I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my rotation!
Now excuse me while I go plan my next taco night… all this writing has made me super hungry!
Veggie Sides for Tacos
Healthy Taco Salad If you’re wondering what to serve with tacos, you can never go wrong with a simple salad. Toss your favorite greens with cilantro lime dressing, or make a heartier taco salad with avocado, crunchy veggies, black beans, and savory vegan taco “meat.”
Grilled Vegetables Drizzle them with cilantro lime dressing or chipotle sauce, and they’ll be just as tasty as the tacos themselves!
Grilled Avocados Who needs guac when you can have grilled avocados? Stuff the creamy, lightly charred halves with a tart veggie “ceviche,” or serve them simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Cucumber Gazpacho This cool, creamy soup is essentially salsa verde in gazpacho form, so naturally, it’s a great choice to serve with tacos. Top it with fresh herbs, charred corn, or even pico de gallo to take it over the top!
Other Dips to Serve with Tacos
Kale Guacamole This extra green, extra healthy guac is just as creamy and zesty as the classic kind. Finely chopped steamed kale blends seamlessly into the dip – even guac purists will love it!
Vegan Cheese You don’t need dairy to make an addictive queso dip! Simple ingredients like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cashews blend into a gooey, tangy dip that’s just as good as the real thing.
Vegan Seven Layer Dip When I was growing up, I could never get enough of my mom’s taco dip at family gatherings. This recipe is a lightened-up ode to hers, made with refried beans, seasoned quinoa, guac, fresh veggies, and a tangy cashew sour cream. It’s a great side dish for tacos, but Jack and I have also been known to eat the whole thing for dinner on its own!
Chicken Fajita Tacos
FAQ
What side dishes pair well with tacos?
- 10 Flavorful Sides to Go with a Taco Bar. July 11, 2023.
- Refried Beans. Refried beans, or “frijoles refritos,” have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. …
- Traditional Mexican Rice. …
- Taco Slaw. …
- Seven-Layer Dip. …
- Mexican Street Corn Salad. …
- Zesty Black Bean Salad. …
- Grilled Corn on the Cob.