Have you ever made a delicious chili lime chicken and then got stuck wondering what to serve alongside it? I’ve been there too! This zesty, tangy protein is absolutely amazing but finding the right side dishes that complement those bold flavors can be tricky.
Well, worry no more! I’ve gathered 15 delicious sides that pair perfectly with chili lime chicken. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to make your weeknight meal more exciting, these sides will take your chili lime chicken to the next level.
Why Side Dishes Matter for Chili Lime Chicken
Chili lime chicken has this amazing combination of spicy heat from the chili and bright tanginess from the lime. When choosing side dishes, you want options that either:
- Balance the heat with cooling elements
- Complement the citrus notes
- Add different textures to create a well-rounded meal
- Bring in complementary flavors that enhance without overwhelming
Let’s dive into the best side dishes that accomplish exactly that!
Rice-Based Sides That Pair Perfectly
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
This is probably the most natural pairing with chili lime chicken. The zesty, aromatic flavor of fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice in the rice perfectly mirrors the flavors in your chicken while providing a neutral base.
Quick recipe tip: Cook jasmine rice according to package directions, then fold in fresh chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice while the rice is still hot. The heat helps release all those amazing aromas!
2. Coconut Rice
For a tropical twist coconut rice brings a creamy slightly sweet element that balances the spicy kick of chili lime chicken beautifully.
The subtle sweetness from coconut milk creates this amazing contrast with the zesty chicken. Plus, the fluffy texture makes it perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from your chicken.
3. Spanish Rice
This aromatic rice with hints of tomatoes and spices works wonderfully with chili lime chicken. The rice brings a savory depth that complements the brightness of the lime in your main dish.
Spanish rice adds that authentic Mexican restaurant vibe to your meal – making it feel like a special occasion even on a regular weeknight!
Fresh and Vibrant Salads
4. Black Bean and Corn Salad
This colorful salad packs a nutritional punch while complementing your chili lime chicken perfectly. The combination of black beans, corn, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing creates a side dish that’s both refreshing and substantial.
Make it special: Add diced avocado, red bell peppers, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for extra flavor and texture!
5. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
When you want something light and refreshing to balance the bold flavors of chili lime chicken, this simple salad is perfect. The cool, crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
I like to add some thinly sliced red onion and a simple vinaigrette to bring it all together. It’s quick to make but makes a big impact on your meal.
6. Avocado Salad
Creamy avocados bring the perfect cooling element to pair with spicy chili lime chicken. Combined with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, this side dish adds a fresh and nutritious component to your meal.
The healthy fats in the avocado also help to balance the heat from the chili, making each bite perfectly balanced.
7. Watermelon and Feta Salad
This might sound surprising, but the combination of sweet watermelon and salty feta creates an amazing counterpoint to chili lime chicken. Add some mint and a light drizzle of olive oil, and you’ve got a refreshing summer side that will wow your guests.
The contrast between the spicy chicken and cool, sweet watermelon is absolutely divine!
Vegetable Sides That Shine
8. Roasted Vegetables
A mix of colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper creates a nutritious and flavorful side dish. The caramelization from roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables, complementing the zesty chicken beautifully.
Pro tip: Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the roasted veggies just before serving to tie the flavors together with your chili lime chicken.
9. Garlic Butter Asparagus
For a quick and elegant side, garlic butter asparagus is ready in under 15 minutes and brings a sophisticated touch to your meal. The garlic and butter enhance the asparagus’s natural flavors while providing a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
This nutrient-rich vegetable adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate, making the whole meal feel more complete.
10. Grilled Corn on the Cob
There’s something magical about the combination of smoky grilled corn and zesty chili lime chicken. The sweet and smoky flavors of the corn balance the heat from the chili wonderfully.
For an extra special touch, try making Mexican street corn (Elotes) by slathering the grilled corn with a mixture of mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It’s a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with your chicken!
11. Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower takes on a delicious nutty flavor when roasted, making it an excellent pairing for chili lime chicken. The mild flavor of cauliflower provides a nice canvas that won’t compete with your zesty main dish.
Toss the roasted cauliflower with a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to echo the flavors in your chicken!
Hearty Sides for Bigger Appetites
12. Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt offer a crispy exterior and tender interior that pairs wonderfully with chili lime chicken. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the spicy heat of the chicken.
These are filling enough to satisfy bigger appetites while still complementing the flavors of your main dish perfectly.
13. Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread
This spicy and savory cornbread brings a delightful balance of heat and sweetness that works beautifully with chili lime chicken. The cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from your chicken, and the cheesy, spicy flavors complement the main dish rather than competing with it.
I love making this when I’m feeding a crowd – it’s always a hit!
14. Quinoa Salad
For a protein-packed side dish with a Southwest flair, quinoa salad with black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing makes a perfect accompaniment to chili lime chicken. The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of quinoa contrast beautifully with the spicy, zesty chicken.
This is one of my go-to sides when I want something hearty but still healthy to round out the meal.
15. Spicy Coleslaw
A zesty coleslaw with a kick of heat brings a crunchy, tangy element to your plate that pairs wonderfully with chili lime chicken. The cool, crisp texture provides a nice contrast to the chicken, while the spicy dressing complements its flavors.
This is super easy to make ahead of time, which makes it perfect for entertaining or meal prep!
Tips for Creating the Perfect Chili Lime Chicken Meal
When planning your menu, keep these tips in mind:
- Balance temperatures: Pair something cool (like a fresh salad) with the warm chicken
- Consider textures: Include something crunchy alongside the tender chicken
- Think about colors: Create a visually appealing plate with bright, colorful sides
- Prep ahead: Many of these sides can be made in advance, making your meal easier to pull together
Making It a Complete Meal
For a truly spectacular dinner, try combining a few of these sides:
Casual Dinner:
- Chili lime chicken
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black bean and corn salad
Summer Cookout:
- Chili lime chicken
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Watermelon and feta salad
- Sweet potato fries
Elegant Dinner Party:
- Chili lime chicken
- Coconut rice
- Garlic butter asparagus
- Avocado salad
Final Thoughts
Chili lime chicken is such a versatile main dish that works beautifully with so many different sides. The key is finding sides that either complement or balance its bold, zesty flavors.
Whether you prefer something light and fresh like a cucumber tomato salad, or something more substantial like cheesy jalapeño cornbread, there’s a perfect side dish for every occasion and preference.
I hope these suggestions have given you plenty of inspiration for your next chili lime chicken dinner! What’s your favorite side to serve with this zesty main? I’d love to hear about your own perfect pairings in the comments!
Happy cooking!
1 Black Bean Salad
Black bean salad is a nutritious and refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with lime chicken. The combination of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing offers a hearty and flavorful accompaniment that enhances the overall meal.
Zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” are a light and refreshing side dish that works well with lime chicken. The spiralized zucchini provides a low-carb, healthy alternative to traditional pasta, and its delicate flavor pairs nicely with the zesty chicken.
1 Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a classic, elegant side dish that adds a touch of sophistication to your lime chicken meal. The tender green beans, sautéed with butter and toasted almonds, provide a delicious and slightly crunchy accompaniment that enhances the overall dining experience.
Chile Lime Chicken
FAQ
What to have with chilli and lime chicken?
- Serve with rice and a side of maple dijon roasted carrots.
- Pair with pearl couscous with roasted vegetables.
- Cut the chicken into smaller bites and eat over a hearty kale salad.
What compliments chili lime?
Serve in tacos: It’s featured in my Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, and also delicious with mango salsa, avocado corn salsa and black bean salsa. Serve in burritos: Add it to a large tortilla along with your favorite fixings such as rice, beans, lettuce and cheese.
What is a good side dish for sweet chili lime chicken?
Serve the Sweet Chili Lime Chicken hot, with your favorite sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
What goes well with chilli chicken for dinner?
It is usually accompanied with Hakka noodles, Fried rice, Schezwan fried rice or even plain steamed basmati rice. Manchow soup or Corn soup are other popular sides that go well in this meal.
What to serve with cilantro lime chicken?
Cilantro Lime Chicken has a specific flavor that you may want to consider when pairing it with a side dish. It has a sour, citrusy taste paired well with savory sides. Consider dishes like potatoes with herbs, simply steamed vegetables, or creamy polenta. These dishes will complement the chicken without overpowering its unique flavor profile.
What to eat with lime chicken?
Keep your lime chicken lean and healthy with these fresh and light sides. These dishes will fill you up and energize you without weighing you down. Mashed potatoes are our favorite, but there’s nothing wrong with mixing things up once in a while. A great low-carb alternative to potatoes is this mashed cauliflower.
What is cilantro lime chicken?
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy chicken dish, cilantro lime chicken is a great option. This version of chicken is marinated in a mixture of cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil, which gives it a wonderful flavor and complements the subtle taste of chicken.
Can you eat roasted Broccoli with lime chicken?
And it’s a classic meal-prep pairing for chicken. But this roasted broccoli recipe with lime chicken is way better than your average boring meal prep dinner. A squeeze of lemon juice, a generous sprinkle of parmesan, and freshly minced garlic transform the blah florets into something vibrant and delicious.
Do sugar snap peas taste good with lime chicken?
A bowl of sugar snap peas is the epitome of freshness. These veggies are crunchy and sweet, which balance really well with the zesty, tangy taste of the lime chicken. They’re great as they are, but I like finishing them off with a healthy sprinkling of parmesan cheese to add a lightly nutty twist.
How do you cook Spuds with lime chicken?
The potatoes are roasted with an herby lemon broth, which infuses them with a zesty flavor that complements your lime chicken. This method means the spuds won’t turn out as crispy as usual, but their flavor and fluffy interiors more than make up for it.