What To Serve With Chicken Tacos? 17 Best Side Dishes

Chicken tacos are a hit at any dinner table. With their spicy, savory fillings and crunchy shells, they're already pretty perfect. But the right side dishes can make your chicken taco meal go from good to amazing.

Here are 17 amazing side dishes that fit right in with your chicken tacos, making your meal complete and even more mouth-watering.

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The best side dishes to serve with chicken tacos are guacamole, pineapple salsa, refried beans, pico de gallo, Spanish rice, lazy enchiladas, churros, tostilocos, chicken tortilla soup, homemade salsa, sweet corn salad, black bean salad, cilantro lime rice, chili con queso, fried plantains, shrimp ceviche, and avocado salad.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Guacamole

Who doesn't love guacamole? Avocados, onions, and a dash of lime come together in a smooth blend. It’s easy to make and tastes fantastic. You can dip your taco in it or just eat it with some tortilla chips. Either way, guacamole adds a creamy, rich element that pairs so well with chicken tacos.

2. Pineapple Salsa

Sweet and spicy, pineapple salsa brings a tropical vibe to your meal. Chunks of fresh pineapple, diced jalapenos, and a sprinkle of cilantro give your taste buds a real treat. It's refreshing and tangy, a perfect contrast to the spiciness of chicken tacos.

3. Refried Beans

Refried beans are a hearty addition that adds some depth to your meal. Cooked pinto beans get mashed and seasoned for a tasty, rich mixture. They're great in a bowl on their own or as a layer in your taco. Plus, they're filling and offer a smooth texture next to the crunch of your taco shell.

4. Pico de Gallo

This classic side dish is made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It's simple but packs a lot of flavors. Pico de Gallo adds a burst of freshness that balances out the spicy and savory notes in chicken tacos. Plus, it's super easy to whip up last minute.

5. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice brings some warm, fluffy goodness to your chicken taco meal. It's flavored with things like tomato sauce and paprika, giving it a mild but appealing kick. Serve it in a bowl on the side or even as a filling for your tacos if you like.

6. Lazy Enchiladas

No time for rolling individual enchiladas? Just layer your tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce in a baking dish. The result? Lazy enchiladas that are just as delicious. They bring gooey, cheesy goodness that is comforting and totally irresistible.

7. Churros

Who says you can't have dessert as a side? Churros bring a sweet note to your meal. They're crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Dip them in chocolate sauce, and you've got a side that doubles as a fantastic dessert.

8. Tostilocos

Let's go a bit wild with Tostilocos. Think tortilla chips piled high with toppings like jicama, cucumber, lime juice, and hot sauce. It's a crazy but delicious mix that brings fun and excitement to your chicken taco meal.

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you're looking for a side dish that's also a meal in itself, chicken tortilla soup is a great choice. With chunks of chicken, veggies, and crispy tortilla strips, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. It's a spicy, brothy delight that compliments the zesty flavor of chicken tacos perfectly.

10. Salsa

Making your own salsa is a game-changer. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a hit of lime juice combine for a vibrant dip. It's a customizable treat that lets you decide just how spicy or mild you want it to be. Fresh homemade salsa gives a more authentic touch to your chicken taco meal.

11. Sweet Corn Salad

A bowl of sweet corn salad brings summer vibes to your meal. Corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and a dash of lime offer a fresh and vibrant flavor. It's an easy dish that provides a sweet counterpoint to the spicy tacos.

12. Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad is a hearty and healthy choice. Black beans, corn, and diced veggies get tossed in a simple vinaigrette. It's a dish that feels light but adds substance to your meal, making it both fulfilling and balanced.

13. Cilantro Lime Rice

This rice dish is a breeze to make and packs a punch with flavor. The lime gives it a zesty kick, while cilantro adds a hint of freshness. It pairs well with chicken tacos, offering a lighter, more citrusy side to balance out the heaviness.

14. Chili Con Queso

Cheese lovers, this one's for you. Chili con queso is a gooey, cheesy dip spiced up with some chili peppers. It's perfect for dipping tortilla chips or even drizzling over your chicken tacos.

15. Fried Plantains

For something a bit different, how about some fried plantains? They're sweet, starchy, and make for a unique side dish. A little sprinkle of salt, and you've got a sweet-savory treat that adds a different texture and flavor to your meal.

16. Shrimp Ceviche

Fresh and tangy, shrimp ceviche brings a taste of the sea to your taco meal. Chilled shrimp, citrus juices, and chopped veggies make this a refreshing and light side. It’s especially good for balancing the warmth and spice of your chicken tacos.

17. Avocado Salad

A bowl of avocado salad is a fresh and simple side that's incredibly easy to make. Chunks of ripe avocado mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, and a bit of lime juice create a smooth, refreshing dish. It's a great way to add some more creamy avocado goodness to your meal, but in a form that's a bit different from guacamole.