What Goes Good with Chicken Tortilla Soup: 20+ Tasty Sides

Chicken tortilla soup is a beloved Tex-Mex classic that offers a flavorful medley of tender chicken, tomatoes, corn, beans, and Mexican spices. This hearty soup makes for a satisfying meal on its own, but can also be paired with a variety of sides to complement and round out the dining experience. In this article, we’ll explore over 20 delicious options for what to serve alongside chicken tortilla soup.

Crunchy Toppings Add Texture

A bowl of chicken tortilla soup tastes even better with some crispy crunchy toppings sprinkled on top. Tortilla strips made from either corn or flour tortillas cut into strips and fried until crispy, provide a nice contrast to the soup’s smooth texture. Crushed tortilla chips work well too. Other popular toppings include shredded cheddar or Mexican cheeses like queso fresco or cotija, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro, sliced black olives, lime wedges, and pico de gallo or salsa.

Warm Tortillas for Serving

What would tortilla soup be without fresh warm tortillas on the side? Either corn or flour tortillas lightly toasted or warmed, pair perfectly for dipping into the flavorful broth. For an extra crunchy kick, try cutting the tortillas into strips and frying them for tasty homemade tortilla strips.

Rice Dishes Add Heartiness

For a hearty, filling complement, rice dishes like Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, or cheesy rice casseroles make great additions. The rice soaks up the delicious flavors of the soup, while providing bulk and satisfaction. Jazz up plain white rice with tomato paste, garlic, onions, cumin, and cilantro for a vibrant Mexican rice.

Beans Provide Protein

Beans are another excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, not to mention their creamy, satisfying texture Pair black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans alongside soup for a protein and flavor boost Beans also add great texture contrast. Make them in the instant pot or slow cooker ahead of time for easy sides ready when the soup is.

Quesadillas Bring Cheesy Goodness

A freshly made quesadilla with melted cheese (and any other fillings you desire) offers the perfect accompaniment for a Mexican-style soup. The melted cheese pulls the whole meal together. Make quesadillas on the stove or simplify by using an air fryer or quesadilla maker appliance to quickly crispy, melty perfection.

Salads Provide Freshness

For lighter, healthier sides full of fresh vegetables and crunch, salads make ideal pairings. Great options include simple green salads, Mexican-style salads with corn, black beans, avocado and peppers, zesty cabbage slaws, and cucumber-tomato salads. Bright, crisp textures combined with acidity from citrus vinaigrettes balance the soup’s heartiness.

Elote-Inspired Sides

For a unique spin, try sides inspired by elote, or Mexican grilled corn. Make an elote-style salad with charred corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and crema. Or, oven-roast carrots with cumin, lime juice, chili powder, queso fresco and cilantro for a sweet, smoky take. These sides evoke the soup’s Mexican essence.

Guacamole Adds Creaminess

Rich, velvety guacamole makes for a satisfying accompaniment, both taste and texture-wise. The cool, creamy avocado dip helps balance the soup’s spice. Make it fresh or use a store-bought tub. Either way, guacamole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser alongside the soup. Try some pico de gallo or salsa on the side too for an extra punch.

Tacos Bring It Full Circle

Chicken tortilla soup likely has you craving more Mexican flavors, so tacos, enchiladas or tostadas on the side make for natural pairings. Fill tortillas with meat, beans, rice, peppers, onions, cheese—anything your taste buds desire. The soup provides built-in taco toppings too. For easy sides, look for baked tostadas you can quickly top and broil.

Meatballs Deliver Heartiness

If you’re looking for a heartier side to accompany your chicken tortilla soup, meatballs are just the ticket. Try Spanish-style meatballs simmered in enchilada or tomato sauce for a comforting, flavorful bite. The meatiness perfectly complements the soup. For fun, skewer them with toothpicks for mess-free dipping.

Peppers Add a Twist

For low-carb sides sans tortillas, stuffed peppers allow you to still enjoy Mexican flavors. Stuff poblano or bell peppers with cheese, ground beef, rice, beans, corn, etc. and bake until hot and melty. The pepper walls soak up the delicious soup broth beautifully. Roast jalapenos, sauté shishitos, or blister Padron peppers too for extra kick.

Nachos Please

Loaded nachos always make a welcome appearance at any Mexican meal. Top corn chips with melted cheese, beans, salsa, guac and all your favorite taco toppings. The savory chips sop up the soup perfectly. Make them loaded for a full meal or simplified as a side. Either way, nachos = happiness.

Tamales Bring Authentic Tastes

For an authentic, homemade touch, making tamales to enjoy alongside the soup adds Mexican tradition. Filled with meats, cheeses, chilies and more wrapped in masa dough, tamales take time but provide incredible rich flavor. Or, pick up prepared tamales from the store to simply heat and serve when you want an iconic food pairing.

Street Corn Revamps the Cob

Mexican street corn offers another fun way to enjoy corn on the cob doused in crema, lime juice, chili powder and queso fresco. Grill the corn or quickly broil it with the saucy toppings for an easy, festive side. The charred sweet corn kernels play perfectly with the spicy, creamy soup.

Satisfy with Sopes

Sopes—small, thick corn tortillas topped with beans, meat, lettuce, cheese and more—offer another traditional Mexican street food well-suited for serving with the soup. Sopes provide a hearty, hand-held option for spooning up mouthfuls of the delicious broth.