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.

Here are 20 amazing side dishes that complement chicken enchiladas perfectly, adding a variety of flavors and textures to your meal.

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The best side dishes to serve with chicken enchiladas are guacamole, refried beans, Spanish rice, pico de gallo, taco soup, pineapple salsa, steak fajitas, taquitos, vegetarian chili, nachos, frijoles charros, Mexican coleslaw, chicken tortilla soup, lazy enchiladas, carne asada, cheese dip, empanadas, and elote.

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1. Guacamole

Guacamole is a creamy, flavorful addition that pairs wonderfully with chicken enchiladas. Made from ripe avocados, lime juice, onions, and cilantro, it adds a cool and refreshing touch to the meal. The creaminess of guacamole balances the spiciness of the enchiladas, making it a favorite choice for adding both richness and a burst of fresh flavor.

2. Refried Beans

Refried beans are a classic side that brings warmth and heartiness to your enchilada meal. Their smooth texture and comforting, earthy flavors make them a perfect companion to the bold tastes of chicken enchiladas. You can top them with a sprinkle of cheese for an extra layer of flavor, creating a side dish that's both satisfying and delicious.

3. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice, with its fluffy texture and mix of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, adds a colorful and aromatic side to chicken enchiladas. It complements the main dish with its subtle sweetness and hint of spice, soaking up the enchilada sauce beautifully. This side dish is not only tasty but also brings a vibrant look to your table.

4. Pico De Gallo

Pico de gallo offers a fresh and zesty contrast to the rich and savory chicken enchiladas. This chunky salsa, made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, provides a bright burst of flavor that cuts through the heaviness of the enchiladas. It's a perfect side for those looking to add a light and refreshing element to their meal.

5. Taco Soup

Taco soup is a hearty and flavorful side that complements chicken enchiladas with its rich broth and mix of beans, corn, and spices. It's a comforting addition that shares some of the same spices and ingredients, creating a cohesive flavor profile across your meal. Serving this soup adds depth and warmth, making your dining experience even more satisfying.

6. Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple salsa brings a sweet and tangy twist to the table, offering a unique contrast to chicken enchiladas. The combination of juicy pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime creates a salsa that's both refreshing and slightly spicy. This side dish is ideal for adding a fruity punch that lightens up the meal and tantalizes the taste buds.

7. Steak Fajitas

Steak fajitas add a sizzling, savory option to your enchilada dinner. The marinated steak, sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, introduces a smoky flavor and a variety of textures. This side dish not only adds a protein-rich component but also brings a festive and interactive element to your meal, making it more engaging and enjoyable.

8. Taquitos

Taquitos are a crispy, delicious side that pairs excellently with chicken enchiladas. Stuffed with tender meat or a vegetarian filling, then rolled up and fried until golden, they offer a delightful crunch and savory flavor. Dipping them in guacamole or sour cream adds another layer of taste, making them a hit for those who love a mix of textures in their meal.

9. Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian chili is a hearty, flavorful side that brings a spicy and robust element to the table. Packed with beans, vegetables, and spices, it complements the chicken enchiladas with its rich, comforting warmth. This chili is a great way to add a vegetarian option to your meal, offering a satisfying and nutritious choice that's full of flavor.

10. Nachos

Nachos, layered with cheese, beans, jalapeños, and other toppings, create an irresistible side dish. The crunchy chips and melty cheese, along with the spicy kick of jalapeños, offer a perfect texture and flavor contrast to the soft and savory enchiladas. Nachos are ideal for sharing, adding a communal and fun aspect to your meal.

11. Frijoles Charros

Frijoles charros, or charro beans, are a smoky, hearty side dish made with pinto beans simmered in a flavorful broth with bacon, onions, and chili peppers. They bring a rustic and satisfying flavor to the meal, perfectly complementing the chicken enchiladas with their depth and richness. This side dish adds a traditional touch to your meal, showcasing the best of Mexican home cooking.

12. Mexican Coleslaw

Mexican coleslaw offers a fresh and crunchy side, combining cabbage, carrots, and a tangy lime dressing. Often spiced up with cilantro and jalapeño, it provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy and rich flavors of chicken enchiladas. This coleslaw is perfect for adding a light and healthy element to your meal, balancing out the richness with its crisp textures.

13. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a warm and inviting side that complements chicken enchiladas beautifully. Its savory broth, tender chicken pieces, and Mexican spices echo the flavors found in the enchiladas, creating a cohesive taste experience. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese, it adds layers of texture and richness to your meal.

14. Lazy Enchiladas

Lazy enchiladas offer a deconstructed take on the classic dish, layering tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese in a casserole form. This easy-to-make side dish provides all the flavors of traditional enchiladas without the hassle of rolling. It's a great option for adding variety to your meal, allowing guests to enjoy the beloved enchilada taste in a new and comforting way.

15. Carne Asada

Carne asada adds a grilled, smoky flavor to the meal, offering a succulent and juicy side that's hard to resist. Marinated in a mix of citrus and spices, then grilled to perfection, it provides a robust complement to the chicken enchiladas. The meat's tenderness and the marinade's zestiness make carne asada a crowd-pleaser, adding a hearty protein option to your feast.

16. Cheese Dip

Cheese dip is a creamy, indulgent side that's perfect for drizzling over or dipping your chicken enchiladas into. With its smooth texture and rich, velvety flavor, it adds a luxurious touch to the meal. Whether you opt for a classic queso or a spicy nacho cheese version, this dip is sure to elevate your enchilada experience, adding a gooey, cheesy delight to every bite.

17. Empanadas

Empanadas offer a flavorful pastry option, filled with a variety of ingredients like beef, chicken, or cheese. These little turnovers are baked or fried to achieve a crispy outside and a warm, savory filling. They introduce an additional texture and taste to the table, serving as a portable and convenient side that perfectly complements the saucy and tender chicken enchiladas.

18. Elote

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, then finished with a squeeze of lime. This side dish brings a smoky sweetness and a creamy texture to your meal, offering a delightful contrast to the savory enchiladas. Elote adds a traditional and flavorful touch that's both refreshing and satisfying.

19. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a zesty and aromatic side that pairs beautifully with chicken enchiladas. The fresh flavors of cilantro and lime juice brighten up the dish, offering a light and fluffy complement to the rich and hearty enchiladas. This rice is a fantastic option for those seeking a refreshing and simple side that still packs a flavorful punch.

20. Margarita

To complete your meal with a refreshing beverage, margaritas are an excellent choice. The tangy lime juice, tequila, and a hint of sweetness from the triple sec create a balanced and refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites. Serving margaritas alongside your chicken enchiladas adds a festive and lively element to your dining experience, perfectly rounding off the flavors of your meal.