Easy white chicken chili side dish ideas, from jalapeño cornbread to corn tortillas, and fried pickles to fried green tomatoes. Discover what to serve with white chicken chili today.
Chili can sometimes be an overpowering and heavy entree, but preparing white chicken chili is a great way to keep the robust and rich flavors while making it a bit lighter overall.
Anyone sitting down to a plate of white chicken chili is sure to be impressed by the aroma, taste, and presentation. Of course, the perfect side dish is also a big plus. Choosing any of the following options will create a complete dish while ensuring that the chili remains the start of the show.
Jalapeño Cornbread
A bit of spice is almost always a welcomed addition when chili is involved. Furthermore, the texture of cornbread creates a new layer and dimension to the hearty main dish.
Getting started requires only a few essential ingredients, such as cornmeal, oil, baking powder, baking soda, olive oil, and of course a helping of diced jalapeno peppers. When everything is combined into a skillet, baking it in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will result in the crusty, crumbly goodness that cornbread lovers everywhere enjoy.
Garlic Fries
No matter what the main dish is, there seems to always be room for a side of fries. When digging into a bowl of white chicken chili, however, nothing hits the spot quite as perfectly as garlic fries.
After peeling, cutting, and soaking the potatoes, deep fry or bake them with some oil and finely chopped garlic. A blend of favorite spices can top the entire side off to create a tasty dish to serve alongside any chili entree.
Savory Sweet Potato Fries
A refreshing twist on traditional fries involves replacing ordinary potatoes with sweet potatoes.
Add some oil, salt, pepper, and a light dusting of herbs such as rosemary to complement the natural flavor of the sweet potato. Baking at about 425 degrees for roughly 20 to 25 minutes will produce tender and delectable fries that will pair extremely well with white chicken chili.
Southwest Romaine Salad
Sometimes, a simple chopped salad is all it takes to finish off a plate that includes a hearty chili dish. The crisp, fresh veggies and a splash of dressing will allow the entree to stand on its own.
Mix in some corn, black beans, and avocado to develop that unmistakable southwest flavor. Top off the shredded romaine lettuce with dressing, salsa, or both and this is an easy to prepare side dish that will complete any white chicken chili meal.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Although this side dish became famous following a movie that shared the same name, fried green tomatoes have been a favorite of people far and wide for generations.
Finding the right type of unripened green tomatoes might be the most difficult part of this recipe. From there, one must only slice them, dip them in buttermilk and flour, then coat with cornmeal or bread crumbs to get these delicacies ready for the fryer.
Chili-Lime Texas Caviar
Don’t be confused by the name of this flavorful side dish. Instead of traditional caviar, it is typically created with a mixture of black eyed peas, corn, black beans, and diced peppers and onions.
Toss in some chopped avocado to the ingredients and it is ready for some dressing. All it takes is garlic, lime, cilantro, and oil to create the right flavors, which can become even more deep and rich with the addition of some herbs and spices.
Blue Corn Tortillas
Making fresh tortillas isn’t a difficult process and the result can create a new layer of texture and flavor for any white chicken chili plate.
Start with the right variety of corn or simply purchase blue corn flour to get the process stated. From there, simply combine the flour and water into a dough and separate into smaller portion sizes to be flattened and heated on a griddle until the tortillas are ready to be served.
Corn Tortilla Quesadilla
Here’s a simple and refreshing take on a typical side dish that always lets the flavor of the main entree shine through. These easy corn tortilla quesadillas are crisp, savory, cheesy, and can be loaded with your favorite fillings.
In addition to the tortillas, all it takes is some oil and cheese to create the perfect grilled quesadilla. Add in some favorite spices and a bit of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to provide a complex base of tastes that will complement the chili very well.
Fried Pickles
There are many people who might not be familiar with this delicacy, but like fried green tomatoes it has been a favorite dish for many others for a long time.
Whether the cucumbers are pickled at home or purchased from a trusted retailer, the process for frying them to a perfect golden brown is simple and straightforward. Slice the pickles and batter them with a seasoned mix of water and flour before frying them for two or three minutes in a pan filled with oil over medium heat.
Black Bean & Corn Salad
Refreshing corn and beans often create the canvas on which an enjoyable meal is served. This can be especially true when the main dish is white chicken chili.
In addition to the beans and corn, there are just a few necessary ingredients such as peppers, green onions, cilantro, avocado, and spices. Combine some seasoned olive oil and lime juice for a refreshing dressing that brings the entire side dish together.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
For a new spin on a traditional side dish, consider this one the next time white chicken chili is on the menu.
The salad can be made with raw, shaved Brussels sprouts combined with onions, cheese, along with a little bit of sweetness and crunch for added texture and complexity. Top it all off with a citrus vinaigrette to bring everything together for a unique flavor that works extremely well with chili.
