What Goes Good With Chicken Tortilla Soup? 30+ Mouthwatering Side Dishes

Ah, chicken tortilla soup! That warm, spicy bowl of comfort that makes me feel like I’m sitting in a cozy Mexican restaurant even when I’m just at my kitchen table. But let’s be real – sometimes a bowl of soup just ain’t enough, ya know? I’ve been making this soup for years, and over time I’ve discovered tons of amazing sides that take this already delicious meal to a whole ‘nother level.

Whether you’re planning a Taco Tuesday feast or just want to jazz up your weeknight dinner, I’ve got you covered with over 30 amazing sides that perfectly complement the zesty, hearty flavors of chicken tortilla soup From classic Mexican sides to unexpected pairings, these dishes will make your soup night something special!

Classic Toppings for Chicken Tortilla Soup

Before we dive into side dishes, let’s talk about those essential toppings that can transform a basic bowl of soup into something spectacular:

These toppings add texture, freshness, and extra flavor dimensions that make each spoonful exciting. But now, let’s get to the main event – the side dishes!

Mexican-Inspired Side Dishes

1. Tacos

You can never go wrong with tacos alongside your soup! I personally love making shrimp or fish tacos to complement chicken tortilla soup. The seafood offers a nice contrast to the chicken in your soup, and the creamy sauces used in tacos balance out the acidity in the soup.

2. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are my go-to when I need something quick and satisfying. You can keep them simple with just cheese and jalapeños, or jazz them up with chicken or veggies. Mini quesadillas make great dippers for your soup!

3. Burritos

Burritos make your chicken tortilla soup meal more substantial. Try breakfast burritos with bacon, hash browns eggs and tomatoes, or go for veggie burritos with beans, rice, corn, and guacamole.

4. Mexican Cornbread or Jalapeño Cornbread

There’s something magical about the combination of spicy, savory soup and sweet, crumbly cornbread. The jalapeño version adds an extra kick that complements the soup’s flavors perfectly. Dipping cornbread into the soup? Heaven!

Rice and Bean Side Dishes

5. Cilantro Lime Rice

This refreshing rice dish provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the soup. It’s super easy to make – just toss cooked rice with lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. The brightness of the lime cuts through the spiciness of the soup.

6. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice with its tomato base and savory spices makes a hearty side dish that echoes some of the flavors in your soup while standing on its own.

7. Famous Butter Rice

Sometimes simplicity wins! A simple buttery rice can be the perfect mild companion to the bold flavors in your chicken tortilla soup.

8. Refried Beans

Creamy, savory refried beans provide a nice textural contrast to soup. They’re filling too, which makes your meal more satisfying.

9. Black Beans

For a healthier option, well-seasoned black beans cooked with onions, garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper make a delicious side that complements the Mexican flavors in your soup.

Fresh and Zesty Salads

10. Mexican Salad

A fresh salad with avocado, corn, tomatoes, and even a bit of orange or mango provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy soup. The sweetness from the fruits balances the heat nicely.

11. Black Bean Salad

Equal parts black beans and corn kernels with a vinaigrette dressing makes for a colorful and tasty side dish that complements the flavors in your chicken tortilla soup.

12. Mexican Slaw

A zingy cabbage slaw with a dressing made from canola oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, coriander, and hot sauce is waaay better than regular coleslaw alongside tortilla soup!

13. Jicama Salad

This crisp, refreshing salad featuring julienned jicama with other veggies offers a wonderful textural contrast to your soup. If you’ve never tried jicama, it’s like a sweeter, lighter version of potatoes.

14. Cucumber Tomato Salad

Light and refreshing, this classic salad offers a cool counterpoint to the warm soup. It’s super simple to make too!

15. Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad

This colorful salad with an apple cider vinaigrette is packed with fresh corn, ripe avocados, sweet basil, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini – perfect for summer!

Crispy and Crunchy Sides

16. Chips & Guacamole

While tortilla chips are a classic topping for the soup, serving them with guacamole on the side takes things to another level. The creamy guac is a perfect contrast to the spicy soup.

17. Crispy Avocado Fries

For something different, try avocado fries! These creamy-inside, crunchy-outside treats are like potato fries’ cooler cousin and make a fun side dish.

18. Potato Pancakes

Simple potato pancakes require just five ingredients plus oil for frying. They can be customized with different toppings or dips to complement your soup.

19. Fried Plantains

Sweet fried plantains provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup and add a touch of sweetness to your meal.

Grilled and Roasted Veggie Sides

20. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Grilled corn slathered with mayo or sour cream, dusted with chili powder, sprinkled with cotija cheese, and finished with lime juice and cilantro makes for a messy but AMAZING side dish!

21. Roasted Corn

For a simpler option, corn on the cob seasoned with butter, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper, then wrapped in foil and oven-roasted for 20 minutes is quick and delicious.

22. Chili-Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes roasted with chili and lime create a sweet-spicy-tangy combo that works beautifully with the soup. The caramelized edges are the best part!

23. Grilled Zucchini with Cotija Cheese

Zucchini gets a flavor upgrade when grilled and topped with cotija cheese. It’s a simple but effective side dish that adds a veggie component to your meal.

Hearty Add-Ons

24. Chorizo-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

For a more substantial side, try poblano peppers stuffed with spicy chorizo and topped with cheese. The smoky flavor of the peppers complements the soup wonderfully.

25. Sopes or Tamales

For an authentic Mexican meal, serve your soup with sopes (thick tortilla-like bases topped with beans, cheese, and meat) or tamales filled with various savory fillings.

26. Enchiladas

Sour cream chicken enchiladas, pork enchiladas, or beef enchiladas can turn your soup meal into a feast! They’re creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.

27. Taquitos

Crispy rolled tortillas filled with cheese and meat make a fun finger food to accompany your soup. My turkey taquitos are always a hit!

Dips and Salsas

28. Pico De Gallo

Fresh, chunky salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness to your meal. It can be a topping for your soup or served on the side with chips.

29. Fresh Mango Salsa

For a sweet-spicy twist, mango salsa offers a perfect blend that complements the savory soup. It’s especially good in summer!

30. Guacamole

Everyone loves guacamole! Make a classic version with avocados and lime juice, then customize with extras like tomato, onion, or jalapeño.

Unexpected but Delicious Pairings

31. Savory Scones

Flaky savory scones made with green onions and cheese make an unexpected but delicious accompaniment to chicken tortilla soup.

32. Mexican Chocolate Brownies

Who says you can’t have dessert with soup? Mexican chocolate brownies with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne provide a sweet ending to your meal while echoing the spices in the soup.

33. Beer

For adults, a light Mexican lager like Modelo or Tecate makes a refreshing beverage pairing. The clean, slightly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness complements the soup perfectly.

My Top 5 Favorite Sides for Chicken Tortilla Soup

After trying literally dozens of combinations, these are my personal favorites:

1. Cheesy jalapeño cornbread – The sweet-spicy-cheesy combo is unbeatable
2. Cilantro lime rice – Light but satisfying
3. Mexican street corn – Worth the mess!
4. Avocado fries – Unexpected and delicious
5. Mini quesadillas – Perfect for dipping!

Final Thoughts

Chicken tortilla soup is more than just a meal – it’s a flavor-packed journey worth savoring! The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is – you can pair it with so many different sides depending on your mood, the season, or what you have in your fridge.

Whether you stick to the classics or try your own creative combinations, the best part is making it your own. I’d love to hear what YOUR favorite sides are for chicken tortilla soup! Drop a comment below with your go-to pairings.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this writing has made me hungry – I think I need to go make some chicken tortilla soup and maybe some of those avocado fries I’ve been talking about…

Happy cooking!

Serve chicken soup with breads like grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, cornbread, or rolls to add bulk and a comforting element. Other options include salads like green salads or pasta salads for a fresh contrast, potatoes such as fries or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal, or crackers for a simple, light, and gluten-free choice.