15 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve with Chili Lime Chicken

Are you wondering what to serve with chili lime chicken? You’re in the right place! This zesty, flavorful protein deserves equally exciting side dishes to create a complete meal that will wow your family or guests.

Chili lime chicken is a vibrant dish that combines spicy heat with tangy citrus notes. The bold flavors make it versatile enough to pair with numerous sides, from rice dishes to fresh salads and roasted veggies. I’ve gathered 15 of the most delicious side dishes that perfectly complement chili lime chicken, enhancing its flavors while creating a balanced meal.

Rice and Grain Dishes

1. Cilantro Lime Rice

This aromatic rice dish is a natural pairing for chili lime chicken. The fresh cilantro and tangy lime complement the similar flavors in the chicken while providing a perfect base for soaking up those delicious juices.

How to make it special:

• Use jasmine or basmati rice for more fragrance
• Add a touch of lime zest for extra zing
• Finish with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving

2. Coconut Rice

Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk with a touch of shredded coconut adds a creamy, tropical balance to the zesty chicken. The subtle sweetness of coconut rice creates a perfect contrast to the spicy kick of chili lime chicken.

3. Quinoa Pilaf

For a nutritious alternative to rice, try quinoa pilaf! Cook quinoa in vegetable broth and mix with sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Top with toasted almonds and dried cranberries for a delightful texture contrast. This protein-packed side adds nutty flavor and interesting texture to your meal.

4. Farro Salad

This ancient grain has a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor that stands up well to bold flavors Try a Mediterranean version with cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta, or go with a Tuscan style combining kale, cannellini beans, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Fresh and Vibrant Salads

5. Black Bean and Corn Salad

This colorful salad is a crowd-pleaser that perfectly complements chili lime chicken. The combination of black beans, sweet corn, red onion, and a zesty lime dressing creates a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Pro tip Use fresh corn kernels whenever possible for the sweetest flavor and consider adding diced avocado or crumbled feta to elevate this simple salad.

6. Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This refreshing salad provides the perfect cooling contrast to spicy chili lime chicken. Simply combine crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and red onion with your favorite dressing.

To make it extra special, try adding:

• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Sliced olives
• Cooked pasta or quinoa for a heartier version

7. Avocado Salad

Creamy avocados combined with fresh ingredients creates a luscious side dish that’s hard to resist. The richness of avocado provides a nice balance to the bold flavors of chili lime chicken, while still keeping things light and fresh.

8. Green Salad with Citrus Dressing

A simple green salad with a bright citrus dressing is sometimes all you need to complete your meal. Use fresh, crispy greens like romaine or iceberg lettuce, and make the dressing with freshly squeezed citrus juice and good quality olive oil. Add thinly sliced red onion and a sprinkle of feta cheese to elevate the flavors.

9. Watermelon and Feta Salad

This surprising combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta cheese, and fresh mint makes for a refreshing side dish. Add a squeeze of lime juice to tie in with the flavors of the chicken!

Roasted and Grilled Vegetables

10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Spicy roasted sweet potatoes make an incredible accompaniment to chili lime chicken. The sweetness of the potatoes balances the heat from the chicken, while their spicy seasoning ties everything together.

The key is roasting them at a high temperature to get that perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior. Season with cayenne pepper, lime juice and zest for a cohesive flavor profile.

11. Grilled Zucchini and Squash

Grilling zucchini and squash brings out their natural sweetness while adding smoky flavor. Slice them thinly, brush with olive oil, and grill for about 5 minutes per side until they’re tender with nice grill marks.

I like to sprinkle them with a little lime zest after grilling to tie in with the chicken flavors. So simple but so good!

12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Don’t underestimate the humble Brussels sprout! When roasted properly, they develop a slightly nutty flavor and crispy exterior that pairs beautifully with chili lime chicken.

How to elevate them:

• Roast with olive oil or butter to enhance flavor
• Add garlic or onions for depth
• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat

13. Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is another vegetable that transforms when cooked at high heat. The caramelization brings out natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with the tangy chicken. After roasting, try tossing the cauliflower with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to tie the flavors together.

Fun and Flavorful Extras

14. Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)

Elotes are a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with chili lime chicken. Grilled corn on the cob slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice creates a street food favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

15. Pineapple Salsa

Add a tropical twist to your meal with fresh pineapple salsa! The sweet and spicy combination complements chili lime chicken beautifully. Mix diced pineapple with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for a bright and refreshing side that doubles as a topping for the chicken.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Chili Lime Chicken Meal

When planning your menu, consider these tips to create a well-balanced meal:

1. Balance temperatures – If your chicken is hot off the grill, consider a cool salad to contrast.

2. Mix textures – Pair something creamy (like avocado) with something crunchy (like roasted vegetables).

3. Consider the heat level – If your chicken is very spicy, balance with cooling sides like cucumber salad or coconut rice.

4. Create color contrast – A vibrant plate is more appetizing, so think about adding different colored vegetables.

5. Prep ahead when possible – Many of these sides can be made in advance, allowing you to focus on perfecting your chicken.

Turning Leftovers Into New Meals

Got leftover chili lime chicken? Here’s one of my favorite ways to use it up:

Burrito Bowls – Combine leftover chicken with rice or quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, red onions, and your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole. It’s an entirely new meal with minimal effort!

Final Thoughts

Chili lime chicken is a versatile protein that can be paired with countless side dishes. Whether you prefer something light and fresh like a cucumber salad, or something more substantial like spicy sweet potatoes, there’s a perfect companion for your chicken.

The key is to choose sides that either complement the zesty, spicy flavors or provide a pleasant contrast. With the 15 options I’ve shared, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for your next chili lime chicken dinner!

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chili lime chicken? I’d love to hear about your own creative pairings in the comments below!