Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’ve landed on this page, I’m guessing you’ve got some delicious salsa chicken ready to go but you’re scratching your head about what to serve alongside it. Don’t worry – I’ve been there too! There’s nothing worse than having an amazing main dish with lackluster sides.
Salsa chicken is such a versatile and flavorful main dish, but it definitely needs the right companions to make a complete meal Whether you’ve made your salsa chicken in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or just in a regular pan, I’ve got you covered with some amazing side dish ideas that will take your dinner from good to absolutely fantastic!
Why Serving Side Dishes with Salsa Chicken Matters
Before we dive into the specific sides, let’s talk about why pairing matters. Salsa chicken has a bold, sometimes spicy flavor profile that can be quite powerful on its own. Without proper side dishes, your meal might feel unbalanced or even too light to be satisfying.
The right sides can
- Balance out the spiciness of the chicken
- Add complementary textures and flavors
- Make the meal more filling and nutritious
- Turn a simple protein into a complete dinner experience
Now, let’s explore the best sides to serve with your salsa chicken!
1. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is absolutely perfect with salsa chicken! This flavorful and aromatic side brings a wonderful depth to your meal with its blend of tomatoes, onions, and garlic, enhanced by fragrant spices like cumin.
To make great Mexican rice, try sautéing the rice until golden brown before adding your liquid. This technique guarantees a fluffy texture that complements the salsa chicken beautifully. The rich flavors of the rice balance the tangy, sometimes spicy notes of the chicken.
I like to add a bit of chopped cilantro on top just before serving for that fresh pop of color and flavor!
2. Black Beans
Black beans are a nutritious powerhouse that pairs exceptionally well with salsa chicken. They’re not just delicious – they add a hefty dose of protein and fiber to your meal.
What I love about black beans is their versatility. You can:
- Serve them simply seasoned with a bit of cumin and garlic
- Make them into a bean salad with corn and red onion
- Mash them slightly for a more textured side
The earthiness of black beans creates a perfect foundation for the more vibrant flavors in your salsa chicken. Trust me, this combo is a winner every time!
3. Avocado Salad
An avocado salad brings a creamy, cooling element that balances the heat of salsa chicken perfectly. The rich, buttery texture of avocados creates a wonderful contrast to the tangy chicken.
For a quick avocado salad, I like to combine:
- Ripe avocados, chunked
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro
- A simple lime dressing
This refreshing side adds beautiful color to your plate while providing healthy fats and a nice textural contrast to the chicken.
4. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables offer a smoky, flavorful contrast that enhances salsa chicken beautifully. The charred edges and natural sweetness of grilled veggies complement the spicy, tangy chicken in a way that just works.
My favorite veggies to grill as sides include:
- Zucchini planks or skewers
- Bell peppers (all colors!)
- Red onion wedges
- Corn on the cob
Just brush them with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until they have those beautiful char marks. So simple yet so delicious!
5. Corn on the Cob
Speaking of corn – it deserves its own mention! Corn on the cob with its natural sweetness and juicy kernels is an incredible side for salsa chicken.
When I’m feeling fancy, I make Mexican-style elote by:
- Grilling the corn until slightly charred
- Brushing with mayo or sour cream
- Sprinkling with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice
The sweet corn provides a perfect counterpoint to the savory salsa chicken. And honestly, there’s something so satisfying about munching on corn on the cob alongside your main dish!
6. Cilantro Lime Rice
If you want to take your rice game up a notch, cilantro lime rice is the way to go! This zesty, aromatic side dish pairs beautifully with salsa chicken and is super simple to make.
The bright citrus notes from the lime and the fresh herbal flavor from the cilantro lighten up the entire meal. It’s especially good if your salsa chicken is on the heavier or spicier side.
I’ve found that the key to great cilantro lime rice is adding the cilantro and lime zest after the rice is cooked – this preserves their fresh flavors instead of cooking them away.
7. Refried Beans
Refried beans add a rich, creamy texture that complements salsa chicken perfectly. They’re hearty, satisfying, and packed with protein and fiber.
Whether you make them from scratch or doctor up the canned version (I’m not judging!), refried beans create a delicious base for the more complex flavors of salsa chicken.
Try adding a sprinkle of cheese on top of your warm refried beans for an extra indulgent touch!
8. Quinoa Salad
For a lighter, nutrition-packed option, quinoa salad is an excellent choice. Quinoa provides a complete protein and a pleasant nutty flavor that works well with the bold taste of salsa chicken.
I like to make my quinoa salad with:
- Cooked and cooled quinoa
- Diced cucumber and cherry tomatoes
- Red bell pepper and red onion
- A simple lime and olive oil dressing
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley
This refreshing side adds different textures and flavors while keeping things on the healthier side.
9. Tortilla Chips
Sometimes the simplest sides are the best! Tortilla chips provide that satisfying crunch that contrasts so nicely with the tender salsa chicken.
You can serve them alongside guacamole or queso dip for an even more delicious experience. They’re perfect for scooping up any extra salsa from your chicken too!
If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own tortilla chips by cutting corn tortillas into triangles, spraying with a little oil, and baking until crisp.
10. Pico De Gallo
Fresh pico de gallo brings bright, zesty flavors that enhance salsa chicken beautifully. This simple mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice adds a pop of fresh flavor to every bite.
What’s great about pico de gallo is that it’s not just delicious – it’s also packed with vitamins C and A, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.
I like to make mine about 30 minutes before serving and let it sit so the flavors can meld together.
11. Coleslaw
Coleslaw with its crisp texture and tangy dressing creates a wonderful counterbalance to rich salsa chicken. The cool, crunchy nature of coleslaw refreshes the palate between bites of the more intensely flavored chicken.
For a twist on traditional coleslaw, try a lime-cilantro version with:
- Shredded cabbage (green and purple for color)
- Grated carrots
- Cilantro
- A dressing of lime juice, a touch of honey, and a bit of mayo
The crunch factor makes this a particularly satisfying side!
12. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries with their natural sweetness and crispy texture provide a delightful contrast to savory salsa chicken. The slight sweetness works wonderfully against the spicy, tangy notes in the chicken.
For extra flavor, try tossing your sweet potato fries with a bit of cumin or chili powder before baking. And don’t forget a dipping sauce – chipotle mayo is amazing with both the fries and the chicken!
13. Green Salad
A vibrant green salad offers a refreshing, crisp element to balance the rich flavors of salsa chicken. It’s the perfect light side when you want something nutritious that won’t compete with your main dish.
For a salad that complements salsa chicken, I recommend:
- Mixed greens as a base
- Some crunchy elements like cucumber or jicama
- A few cherry tomatoes for color
- A simple vinaigrette with a hint of lime
The clean, fresh flavors cleanse the palate and add nutritional balance to your meal.
14. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes bring hearty comfort to the table alongside salsa chicken. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them incredibly satisfying.
Try seasoning your potatoes with complementary spices like paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cumin before roasting. The result is a side dish that stands up to the bold flavors of the chicken while adding substance to your meal.
I find that smaller potatoes roasted whole or larger ones cut into chunks work equally well – just make sure they get nice and crispy!
15. Butternut Squash Soup
For a slightly unexpected but delicious pairing, consider butternut squash soup alongside your salsa chicken. The natural sweetness and velvety texture of the soup creates an interesting contrast to the chicken.
Adding a hint of spice to the soup with some cayenne or chili powder helps it harmonize with the flavors in the salsa chicken. Serve it in small cups as a side rather than large bowls so it doesn’t overwhelm the main dish.
Final Thoughts: Mix and Match for the Perfect Meal
When I’m serving salsa chicken, I usually pick 2-3 sides from this list depending on how many people I’m feeding and how hungry we are. A typical combination might be:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans
- A simple green salad
Or for a more casual meal:
- Tortilla chips
- Guacamole or avocado salad
- Roasted corn
The beauty of salsa chicken is its versatility – it works with so many different side dishes! You can go full-on Mexican-inspired or mix it up with some unexpected combinations.
Happy cooking!
Ingredients in Stovetop Salsa Chicken
- âChicken Breasts
- âSalsa
- âOlive Oil
- âSalt and Pepper
What to Serve with Salsa Chicken
I like to serve salsa chicken with rice or cauliflower rice. Â Sometimes, I will make tacos with corn tortillas or layer the chicken on top of tortilla chips for easy nachos! This Mexican shredded chicken is also a flavorful protein for a salad. Plus, it would pair well with crusty bread or mashed potatoes and a green veggie. So simple and versatile- this just may become your new weekly go-to!
Unbelievably Flavorful Salsa Chicken – Effortless Recipe!
FAQ
What can be served with salsa chicken?
Rice and beans or tortillas are common combinations in Mexican cuisine when serving salsa chicken. However, you can also try more creative side dishes like bread rolls or mashed potatoes to add some variety and avoid having boring or plain sides with your salsa chicken.
What to serve with salsa verde chicken?
The best sides to serve with salsa verde chicken are charred corn on the cob, creamy mashed potatoes, basmati rice with vegetables, fresh fruit salsa, steamed broccoli, couscous with spinach and mushrooms, fresh Greek salad, baked sweet potato wedges, roasted zucchini and squash, and grilled vegetable skewers.
What is a good side dish to eat with salsa?
A simple butter topping enhances the corn’s natural sweetness, creating a balanced and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements the zest of salsa. Ceviche, with its marinated seafood and vibrant citrus flavors, offers an invigorating and zesty accompaniment to salsa.
What goes well with salsa?
Empanadas are another excellent pairing for salsa, offering a flaky, savory pastry that beautifully complements the salsa’s vibrant flavors. Originating from Spain and popular throughout Latin America, empanadas come with diverse fillings like beef, chicken, or cheese.
What to serve with salsa chicken and cornbread?
The combination of spicy salsa chicken and sweet cornbread is sure to please any palate. You can also add butter on top of the cornbread for some extra flavor. If you want to make this side dish even more hearty, try adding some bacon or cheese into the cornbread mix.
Does salsa verde chicken go with risotto?
Enhance the Flavors: Salsa verde chicken is undoubtedly delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can take it to the next level. Whether it’s a crisp salad or a savory risotto, the right side dish can complement and enhance the flavors of your chicken.
What side dish pairs well with chicken?
What dishes go with salsa?
- Topping for tacos, nachos, burritos and quesadillas
- Topping for fajitas and enchiladas
- Use as a salad dressing
- Add to grain bowls and salad bowls
- Serve with casseroles and crock pot meals
- Add a dollop to burgers, sliders or wraps
- Top grilled chicken, fish or steak
What to eat with salsa if you don’t have chips?
One of the best ways to eat salsa without chips is to replace the chips with a vegetable dipper. Cutting vegetables into manageable sticks seizes allows for an easy, one-bite dip into a delicious freshly made salsa. It is also an excellent idea for a finger food idea to serve at a party or gathering.
What did chefs pair with salsa?
- Grilled Red Raspberry Salmon.
- Baked Peach Chicken.
- Cherry Meatballs or Cherry Hamburgers.
- Corn Spaghetti Sauce.
- Black Bean Roll Up.
- Mango Fish Tacos.
- And more…