Chili lime chicken is one of those versatile proteins that you can use in so many different dishes, but serving it on its own isn't always the most exciting option.
While it adds a great hint of flavor to any meal, it's often more delicious when accompanied by side dishes that serve to bring out the best notes and aromas in this protein-rich dish.
But choosing which sides are going to complement your chili lime chicken isn't always an easy decision - maybe you don't know what goes well with chili or limes?
Not to worry!
10 Top Side Dishes for Chili Lime Chicken
1 - Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to any meal, but they especially go well with chili lime chicken.
They are roasted to perfection and have a slight kick to them from the cayenne pepper.
The sweetness of the potatoes is balanced out by the lime juice and zest, making for a truly delicious dish.
The key to making these sweet potatoes extra special is in the roasting.
You want to make sure that they are cooked through so that they are nice and soft on the inside.
However, you also want to get some char on the outside for added flavor and texture.
The best way to do this is to roast them at a high temperature for a shorter period of time.
This will ensure that they don't dry out and that they get that lovely crispy edge.
These sweet potatoes can be served as is or you can top them with some chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra bit of color and flavor.
No matter how you serve them, these sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit.
2 - Corn and Black Bean Salad
This corn and black bean salad is the perfect side dish to any chili lime chicken recipe.
The sweet corn, savory black beans, and zesty lime dressing come together to create a flavor explosion in your mouth.
The best part about this dish is that it can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.
The key to making this dish taste amazing is to use fresh ingredients.
The sweetness of the corn will really shine through if you use fresh kernels, and the black beans will have a much better texture if they're cooked from scratch.
If you're short on time, you can always use canned corn and beans, but I would highly recommend taking the extra step to use fresh ingredients.
To make this dish even more special, try adding some chopped avocado, diced tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese on top.
You can also switch out the lime dressing for a creamy cilantro dressing.
No matter how you choose to improve this dish, I guarantee that it will be a hit with everyone at the table.
3 - Cucumber and Tomato Salad
This dish is the perfect side to any summertime meal, but it's also great with chili lime chicken.
The cool, crisp cucumbers and tomatoes are a refreshing contrast to the spice of the chicken.
And, this salad is so easy to make.
Just chop up some cucumbers and tomatoes, add a little bit of diced onion, and toss with your favorite dressing.
I like to use a vinaigrette or Italian dressing, but you can really use any type of dressing you like.
To improve this dish, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
You could also add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives.
If you want a heartier salad, you could add some cooked pasta or quinoa.
This salad is so versatile and can be easily customized to your liking.
Give it a try the next time you're looking for a simple, yet tasty, side dish.
4 - Grilled Zucchini and Squash
Grilling zucchini and squash is a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal.
These vegetables have a delicate flavor that is enhanced by the smokiness of the grill.
The best part about grilling zucchini and squash is that they are very easy to prepare.
To start, you will need to cut the zucchini and squash into thin slices.
You can do this by hand or with a mandoline slicer.
Once the vegetables are sliced, it's time to start grilling them.
Be sure to preheat your grill before adding the zucchini and squash.
Grill the vegetables over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly charred.
Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
If you want to improve this dish, try serving it with a grilled protein such as chicken or shrimp.
You could also add some grilled fruit such as peaches or nectarines.
5 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
They have a slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that is simply irresistible.
While they are often enjoyed as is, there are a few simple tips that can help improve this dish and make it even more enjoyable.
To start, roasting the Brussels sprouts in a little bit of olive oil or butter will help to bring out their natural flavors.
You can also add some garlic or onions to the mix for an even more flavorful dish.
If you want to add a bit of sweetness to the dish, you can roasted them with some honey or maple syrup.
Finally, if you want a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix.
6 - Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional French fries.
They are easy to make and can be served as a side dish or a main course.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
They are also low in calories and fat.
Baked sweet potato fries have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
They are slightly sweet and very flavorful.
The best way to cook sweet potato fries is in the oven.
Baking them at a high temperature will help to achieve that perfect balance of crispy and soft.
There are a few things you can do to improve your baked sweet potato fries.
One option is to add some spice by sprinkling them with chili powder or paprika before baking.
Another idea is to drizzle them with honey or maple syrup after they come out of the oven.
For an extra- indulgent treat, top them with shredded cheese or crumbled bacon before serving.
7 - Quinoa Pilaf
This quinoa pilaf is a perfect side dish to accompany your chili lime chicken.
It is packed with flavor and has a great texture.
The quinoa is cooked in vegetable broth and then mixed with sauteed onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
This dish is then topped with toasted almonds and dried cranberries.
The taste of this quinoa pilaf is savory and earthy.
The onions, garlic, and mushrooms give it a deep flavor, while the toasted almonds add a nice crunch.
The dried cranberries provide a pop of sweetness.
This dish has a great texture thanks to the variety of ingredients.
The quinoa is fluffy, the veggies are soft, and the nuts and cranberries add some texture.
There are a few things you can do to improve this dish even further.
Try adding some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright flavor.
You could also swap out the mushrooms for another type of mushroom or even some roasted peppers.
8 - Farro Salad
This ancient grain has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that makes it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes.
While it's often used in soups and stews, farro also makes an excellent salad base.
To turn it into a complete meal, simply add your favorite vegetables and dressing.
For a bit of extra flavor, try tossing in some crumbled cheese or toasted nuts.
You can even use leftover cooked meat or fish.
Need some inspiration? Here are three delicious farro salads to try:
- Mediterranean Farro Salad: This refreshing salad features cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta cheese. Dress it with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
- Tuscan Farro Salad: This flavorful salad combines cooked farro with kale, cannellini beans, and sun-dried tomatoes. Dress it with a balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing.
- Asian-Style Farro Salad: This unique salad combines cooked farro with edamame, carrots, and scallions. Dress it with a rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing. No matter which way you enjoy it, farro is sure to please your palate.
9 - Roasted Cauliflower
Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your chili lime chicken?
This veggie is not only packed with nutrients, but it also has a delicious taste and texture that goes well with chicken.
To roast cauliflower, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then cut the cauliflower into florets.
Next, toss the florets with olive oil and salt, and then spread them out on a baking sheet.
Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
For an extra bit of flavor, you can toss the roasted cauliflower with freshly squeezed lime juice before serving.
This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
10 - Green Salad with Citrus Dressing
This light and refreshing green salad is the perfect side dish to pair with chili lime chicken.
The crispness of the greens pairs well with the juicy chicken, and the citrus dressing adds a bright and tangy flavor.
The key to making this dish shine is in the quality of the ingredients.
Be sure to use fresh, crispy greens like romaine or iceberg lettuce.
The dressing should be made with fresh squeezed citrus juice and a good quality olive oil.
To improve the flavors even further, add some thinly sliced red onion and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
If you're short on time, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving so that the dressing is evenly distributed.
10 Best Sides to Serve with Chili Lime Chicken
There you have it. 10 delicious side dishes that will take your chili lime chicken to the next level.
From roasted sweet potatoes to a simple green salad, there's something here for everyone.
So go ahead and whip up a batch of chili lime chicken tonight and enjoy.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Let us know how it was!More From EpicureDelight
The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →The ideal sides for Chili Lime Chicken match its flavor. Rich, savory dishes pair well with something acidic or fresh; lighter proteins work beautifully with warm grain dishes.
For a crowd, go with something that scales easily and holds well at room temperature - think roasted potatoes, grain salads, or a large baked pasta.
Creamy mains pair best with something that can soak up the sauce - crusty bread, egg noodles, or a simple polenta work beautifully.
Roasted vegetables, a simple grain salad, or a classic caprese are crowd-pleasers that satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters at the same table.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
