What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas? 7 Tasty Side Dishes

Enchiladas are some of the most common and famous Mexican dishes.

Whether you hang around Mexico or you reach a Mexican restaurant in different countries, enchiladas will always be on the menu.

There are some good reasons wherefore these dishes are so popular among locals.

Most importantly, it is all about the hearty feeling.

Then, you have the chewy tortilla based on corn and the sauce – the small detail that makes all the difference in the world.

Now, enchiladas can be eaten alone or mixed with other dishes.

Not sure what to serve with chicken enchiladas? Keep reading then.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Chicken Enchiladas?

Generally speaking, you could easily gobble enchiladas on their own – there is no need for something else.

They taste amazing, and you have an incredible harmony of textures and flavors.

But then, they are quite basic. They make sense if you are after a snack or perhaps a brunch.

If you want a proper lunch or dinner or you simply want to impress everyone around you, plain enchiladas will not be enough – you will need some side dishes.

It is, however, important to choose these dishes carefully because you already have a mix of flavors.

What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Turn classic enchilada into a proper meal with the right side dishes.

Here are some excellent ideas.

1 – Creamy Mexican Coleslaw

Avoid funny combos that may or may not work.

When it comes to chicken enchiladas, you want to mix them with something in the same range.

Mexican coleslaw is a great choice.

Mexicans like it tangy – a bit of cilantro and some apple cider vinegar.

In other parts of the world, it is mixed with mayo.

The Mexican alternative is more refreshing, yet a creamy texture will help.

No matter what sauce you choose, stick to something from the same Mexican cuisine, or you risk ruining everything.

2 – Black Beans and Rice

This is another classic option.

However, the enchilada could become the actual side dish here – just a matter of taste.

Cook the black beans and the rice separately until soft, then mix them up.

Green bell pepper is a good addition to this side dish.

You could cook everything together, but based on the rice and beans you have, they may cook at different rates.

You risk wasting time and ruining everything, so cook them separately.

As for seasonings, stick to lime, cumin, and cilantro.

The mix will bring a wide variety of flavors to your taste buds.

3 – Salsa Spanish Rice

Chicken and rice have always worked well together – you can now mix them up in a unique Mexican manner.

Spanish ride is not really Spanish. Instead, you can find Mexican red rice.

This is not a general rule, though.

If you cannot find anything close to it, stick to regular rice – simply add more salsa.

Salsa is used either way because it brings in a quick flavor.

Plus, you can also mix in a bit of adobo sauce for a smoky feel.

Use more of these sauces if you have to use regular rice and less of them if you can find Mexican red rice.

4 – Salsa Fresca

The best part about chips and salsa? This mix is extremely versatile.

You can have chips and salsa with any type of enchiladas, not to mention fajitas.

This side dish has the right flavor to complement chicken enchiladas – a bit tangy, slightly garlicky, and full of savor.

It is worth noting doing it yourself is a better option when you can actually find ripe tomatoes around.

If it is not the season, you can purchase similar sauces.

5 – Creamy Tossed Salad

A salad will always work well with chicken enchiladas, but not any type.

No matter what salad you choose, it should be somehow related to the Mexican cuisine.

Anything with a Spanish influence in its composition will work well.

The best-tossed salad should be as diversified as the actual enchiladas.

In other words, bring in some radishes, cucumbers, different types of onion, and carrots.

You get the point – stick to crunchy vegetables.

To make the salad a bit creamy, get a cilantro-based dressing.

Avocado-based dressings are just as useful.

Try not to mix them up, as you could end up with an unusual mix of flavors – not too enticing.

6 – Mexican Street Corn

In Mexico, you can find the Mexican street corn sold as elite.

Everyone in Mexico loves it, so you might as well bring it along and surprise your loved ones with a tasty combo.

Get some corn on the cob – ideally, one or two cobs for each family member or guest.

Grill it and make sure it has a crunchy, yet soft texture.

Now, you can come up with a sauce based on mayo, chili powder, and sour cream – sprinkle a bit of cheese on top too.

Bring in some cilantro and lime, and you have the perfect side dish for your chicken enchiladas.

7 – Refried Bean Dip

While the combo could be a bit messy – grab some napkins, people love dipping chicken enchiladas because they are convenient.

In other words, a proper dip will make a good side dish. This is when the refried bean dip kicks in.

You need refried beans without the actual cheese – a few seasonings and perhaps some salsa fresca instead of a topping.

While you skip the cheese, it can be replaced by onion, cumin, and jalapeno.

Obviously, the cheese variety for this dip is just as attractive, but sometimes, you just want something light and less oily.

Conclusion

As a short final conclusion, deciding what to serve with chicken enchiladas is tricky because there are lots of options.

With all these, you must be careful what you choose.

Based on the seasonings used in enchiladas, not every side dish for chicken is a great addition to this meal.

The main rule is to stick to something from the same cuisine – if in doubt, simply stick to the Mexican cuisine.