What to serve with enchiladas? We’ve got you covered with this collection of side dish recipes for enchiladas. This list of tasty ideas is split up into beans We also link you to some good enchilada recipes and tips for wine pairing for enchiladas.
We are big fans of enchiladas, so as Cinco de Mayo approaches we wanted to help you put together a delicious Mexican meal featuring homemade enchiladas. Having the right sides with your enchiladas will make the meal taste even better and make it a whole.
I’m guessing you might already have an enchilada recipe in mind. But just in case, here are a few quick links to some good enchilada recipes before we get to our list of enchilada side dishes. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Here are some tasty enchilada recipes from Cooking Chat and around the web. You can generally go with corn tortillas or wheat tortillas for these recipes.
OK, now that you have some basic recipes for the main course, it’s time to get into answering the question, What to serve with enchiladas?
Chicken enchiladas are a beloved Mexican-inspired dish, known for their rich and savory flavors. Soft tortillas wrapped around chicken and smothered in a delicious enchilada sauce, then baked with melted cheese on top – it’s pure comfort food at its finest!
But what should you serve alongside these cheesy, saucy delights to make for a complete and satisfying meal?
If you serve your chicken enchiladas with the right sides, they will taste even better. The important thing is to find sides that go well with the main dish and bring out its flavors while also adding new textures and elements to make the meal more complete.
In this article, I’ll suggest 20 of the very best side dishes to enjoy with chicken enchiladas. From creamy guacamole to warm vegetarian chili, these recipes are sure to perfectly match your enchiladas and impress your guests!
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchiladas
1. Guacamole
Spicy chicken enchiladas go really well with guacamole, which is cool and creamy. Guacamole is made from ripe avocados, lime juice, onions, cilantro, and seasoning. It goes well with the hearty baked enchiladas because it is fresh and rich. Its smooth and luscious texture balances out the meal beautifully.
2. Refried Beans
Warm and comforting refried beans have a wonderfully smooth texture and earthy, mellow flavors They’re a staple side dish in Mexican cooking and pair so nicely with chicken enchiladas, adding substance while soaking up that delicious enchilada sauce. Garnish with shredded cheese or chopped onions for extra flavor
3. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice goes great with chicken enchiladas because it is light and fluffy and has a bright color from the diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spiciness and soaks up all the tasty sauce.
4. Pico de Gallo
A fresh pico de gallo salsa adds tons of bright, zesty flavor as a topping or dip for your saucy enchiladas. Diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice and chili peppers make a light and tangy condiment that cuts through the richness perfectly.
5. Nachos
For some crunch factor, cheesy nachos are an awesome side for chicken enchiladas. Crispy tortilla chips layered with refried beans, melted cheese, jalapeños, salsa and all your other favorite nacho toppings offer great textures.
6. Mexican Coleslaw
Mexican coleslaw is the perfect lighter side dish for cheesy enchiladas because it is cool and crisp. Cabbage and carrots shreds in a tangy dressing made of lime juice and spices cut through the richness and bring out new tastes.
7. Cilantro Lime Rice
Simple yet so delicious, rice cooked with lots of fresh cilantro and lime juice is a refreshing side dish. It adds a burst of bright flavor and balances the heaviness of the enchiladas with its light, fluffy texture.
8. Elote
Grilled corn slathered in a spicy, creamy sauce makes for an amazing side. Also known as Mexican street corn, elote brings sweet and smoky flavors plus a fun texture contrast to complement the soft enchiladas.
9. Frijoles Charros
Hearty pinto beans simmered with bacon, onions and chiles create frijoles charros, an incredibly flavorful accompaniment. They add richness and smokiness that enhances the enchiladas beautifully.
10. Roasted Veggies
Roasting cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, peppers or any favorite veggies adds a healthy side option with delicious caramelized flavors. Their charred edges and tender interiors pair nicely with the textures of enchiladas.
11. Green Salad
For something light and fresh, a crisp green salad tossed in a tart vinaigrette is a great option. Lettuce, cucumbers, radishes and herbs cut through the richness but don’t overpower the enchilada flavors.
12. Quesadillas
Warm and gooey quesadillas – filled with cheese, chicken, beans or veggies – make a delicious shareable side. Cut into wedges, they offer a similar flavor profile as enchiladas but with an irresistible crispy edge.
13. Taquitos
Crispy, crunchy taquitos rolled up with shredded chicken or cheese fillings are amazing for texture contrast. Dip them in sour cream or guacamole for even more flavor.
14. Empanadas
These stuffed pastries offer portability and variety, with fillings like spiced beef, chicken or cheese. Bake or fry them up to golden and enjoy their crispy outer shells and savory insides.
15. Taco Soup
A hearty taco soup with ground beef, beans, corn, spices and toppings makes a flavorful accompaniment. The rich broth echoes the enchilada flavors and is super satisfying.
16. Salsa and Chips
For easy snacking, a bowl of fresh salsa with tortilla chips lets you dip to your heart’s content. Tomato-based salsa offers a hit of garlic, onion and lime to balance the enchiladas.
17. Vegetarian Chili
Warm up with a pot of hearty vegetarian chili full of beans, corn, peppers, spices and simmered veggies. It makes a very filling side with similar flavors as enchiladas but with extra nutrition.
18. Fajitas
Sizzling fajitas are a fun interactive side. Steak or chicken is marinated, grilled and served with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas with all the fixings for amazing tacos.
19. Rice and Beans
This classic combo is easy, protein-packed and full of flavor. Cook ’em up Latin-style with spices and herbs or just keep it simple – either way, rice and beans make an excellent addition.
20. Margaritas!
What better beverage to enjoy with your chicken enchiladas than a tangy, refreshing margarita? The sweet and citrusy flavors pair so nicely with the spicy, savory meal. It’s a fiesta!
Elevate Your Chicken Enchilada Dinner
So there you have it – 20 fantastic side dish ideas that will perfectly complement your chicken enchiladas! From dips and salsas to salads, grains and more, you’re sure to find a delicious match.
By pairing your enchiladas with light, fresh options as well as hearty, comforting ones, you can round out the flavors and textures for a fully satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix-and-match either!
The next time you’re making these family-friendly favorites, reference this list for sensational sides. Your enchilada dinner will be taken to new levels of flavor and fun. ¡Buen provecho!
Salads, Slaw and Other Veggies
Need some veggies to go with your Mexican meal! A good salad can round out an enchilada meal nicely. Slaw can be a great option, too. And we have some other creative veggie dishes for you, too.
People love to eat spicy Mexican street corn salad with enchiladas or fajitas. You can make it ahead of time, and you can adjust the heat level to suit your tastes.
An important dish in Mexico, Ensalada de Nopales, or Cactus Salad, is a tasty, vegan-friendly, and refreshing side dish. Its quick and SO versatile.
This apple jicama slaw is slightly sweet and has a burst of fresh crunch. It goes well with enchiladas and is good for you.
Our Cucumber Radish Salad with Maple Vinaigrette has a tasty combo of crunchy and a bit of sweetness. A light, healthy side for your enchiladas.
This Southwestern Quinoa Salad is a simple and colorful side dish with a zesty salsa lime dressing. Recipe is gluten free and vegan.
The combination of ingredients along with the blending of the lime, oil and balsamic vinegar makes this black bean salad perfect side dish for enchiladas.
This Mexican Air Fryer Corn On the Cob is juicy and cooked to tender charred perfection in just 10 minutes. Delicious with enchiladas!
Make this quick and easy Mexican Pickled Red Onions Recipe using red onions and vinegar as its base. A very popular 5-ingredient condiment or side in Mexico for tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, tortas, and more!
Chips, salsa & guacamole
I have to have some chips on the side when eating any kind of Mexican food! And where there are chips, salsa and guacamole can’t be far behind!
Chips and salsa are a must when you are serving enchiladas! Oh yes, dont forget the guac! We also include some other good dips to serve up for your Mexcian meal. A tasty collection of recipes.
An easy to make chipotle salsa.
This easy pineapple salsa recipe is fresh, super delicious, sweet, savory and spicy at the same time. Its also vegan and gluten free.
Sharing our own go-to recipe for guac! In addition to the tasty recipe, we cover some suggestions for good wine pairings to go with guacamole.
A super simple salsa recipe with tomatoes, peppers, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
If you want something a little heftier to go with your chips than just the salsa, give our Baked Fiesta Dip a try!
Simple and refreshing mango salsa is a perfect complement to enchiladas: can be made with fresh or frozen mangoes and has been paired with jalapeños and lime juice to give it a bit of a kick!
This chorizo dip recipe starts with a layer of cream cheese, followed by a delicious chorizo and tomato mixture. These layers get baked along with a topping of melting cheese for a savory and spicy snack, perfect for game day or your next gathering.
I love beans and rice on the side with enchiladas! Of course, beans and rice can be a meal on their own, but today we focus on how they can round out an enchiladas dinner.
When I get enchiladas at a restaurant, I always enjoy that side of refried beans on the side! Here we give you several options for making beans at home, including authentic Mexican refried beans recipe. And of course, beans and rice go together, so in this section we also give you several ideas for rice dishes to serve on the side.
The Easiest Refried Beans are not only simple to make, they are SO much better than store-bought. Use a food processor to combine a nice veggie sauté with pinto beans, a touch of hot sauce, and some butter. Some cilantro sprinkled on top at the end makes a nice presentation!
Instant Pot Ranchero Charro Beans are the perfect side dish to accompany enchiladas or any Mexican entree. This flavorful side dish is budget friendly and easy to make with a few pantry ingredients.
Fiesta Saffron Rice Recipe is an easy side dish that starts with a rice package that includes seasonings. Add fresh vegetables for a fiesta of flavors and colors!
Forget about Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice and make your own! This recipe is bursting with fresh lime and cilantro flavor, and is perfect in burrito bowls or as a side dish for tacos, enchiladas and more!
Authentic and creamy Black Beans get loads of flavor from a few simple ingredients. Great as a side dish for enchiladas.
Costa Rican Style Gallo Pinto is a rice and beans dish with its origins in Central America.
Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas | Easy Family Dinner Recipes by MOMables
FAQ
What goes well with chicken enchiladas?
Some foods, like Mexican rice, refried beans, and cornbread, go really well with chicken enchiladas and chicken spaghetti. These side dishes add variety and depth to your meal, making it a satisfying dining experience. Mexican quinoa provides a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with chicken enchiladas.
What to eat with enchiladas?
If you’re limiting your carb intake, cauliflower rice is a suitable side dish for you. It tastes similar to rice but has fewer carbohydrates. Besides, it absorbs a bunch of the flavors from the enchiladas. To prepare, finely chop a head of cauliflower, and then steam or roast it. 9. Black Beans and Rice How about a Latin-style rice dish?.
Can you eat chicken enchiladas with tacos?
Well, you can have them as a side dish for your chicken enchiladas. The two dishes will be extremely different, yet they will balance each other nicely. The enchiladas are chewy, cheesy, and creamy, while tacos are crispy, and you can stuff them with fresh ingredients, such as lettuce and tomatoes.
What are chicken enchiladas?
Chicken enchiladas are a beloved dish, known for their rich, savory flavors wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in delicious sauce and cheese. When you’re serving up this comforting meal, picking the right sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
What to serve with enchiladas in Instant Pot?
Instant Pot Ranchero Charro Beans are the perfect side dish to accompany enchiladas or any Mexican entree. This flavorful side dish is budget friendly and easy to make with a few pantry ingredients. Fiesta Saffron Rice Recipe is an easy side dish that starts with a rice package that includes seasonings.
What to serve with enchiladas & fajitas?
Mexican street corn, or elote, is the best side dish to go with enchiladas, fajitas, or tacos. It’s grilled corn that’s covered in a sauce made of sour cream, mayonnaise, and chili powder as well as cheese. It’s a popular snack served by street vendors in Mexico, so it’s often called Mexican street corn.
What is a good side with enchiladas?
A good side dish for enchiladas is one that complements their savory and often rich flavors. Good options include refried beans, Mexican rice, and various salads like Mexican street corn salad or a simple avocado salad.
What are chicken enchiladas served with?
10 Delicious Side Dishes for Enchiladas01 of 11. Grilled Corn Salad. View Recipe. 02 of 11. Green Rice with Green Chiles. 03 of 11. Jicama Mango Salad with Cilantro and Lime. 04 of 11. Chef John’s Gazpacho. 05 of 11. Best Spanish Rice. 06 of 11. Lemony Cabbage-Avocado Slaw. 07 of 11. Mexican Style Cornbread. 08 of 11. Simply Guacamole.