If you’re looking for what to serve with chicken chili, I’m here to deliver. In other words, I’m sharing a bunch of my tried-and-true sides and desserts that make this chili night favorite to the highest level possible.
Some of the best side dishes are obvious. For example, most people will offer tortilla chips and green onions on the side.
I’ve also put out bowls of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and pepper jack cheese. It’s all good.
Chicken chili is a hearty soup that can stand up to whatever you add to it. The best thing you can do is include what everyone will love.
But you don’t have to limit yourself to these traditional sides. Yes, go ahead and add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese. And you probably need to include your favorite corn chips.
White Bean Chicken Chili
My favorite version of this delicious dish is this white chicken chili recipe. It’s quick, easy, satisfying, and super delicious.
I love the fact that it gives you another meal to plan around a rotisserie chicken. And it’s just as good the next day as it is the day you cook it.
The original recipe I had was pretty basic, so I added a few things that I just happened to have in my pantry. It’s a great recipe that can certainly hold it’s own, even in a chili cook-off. Just sayin’.
But even if I never win a blue ribbon for this recipe (‘cause I’d have to enter the contest to win, right?), it’s a winner with my family. It has a rich flavor that is so satisfying.
You can make this on the stovetop, in your slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot. It really doesn’t matter because it tastes good when cooked with any method.
Since this is white chicken chili, I used white beans. However, it’s up to you. If you want to use black beans or chili beans, go ahead and do it. Remember that this is your chili, so you can make it however you want.
If you want a really meaty chili, add more chicken. Or you can decrease it and add more beans.
I cooked this in my slow cooker, but you can also use a dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. The good news is that your taste buds won’t know the difference.
Family Favorites – Great Sides for Chicken Chili
There are so many wonderful dishes you can serve with chicken chili. And since I don’t have room to list every single one of them, I’m only showing my favorites.
Here goes!
1. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are packed with just enough flavor to accompany your chicken chili dinner without overpowering it.
They’re really good to dip into your chili. Yum!
2. French Fries
I love French fries with my chili. In fact, if you want a super delicious meal, put a scoop of chili over a plate of fries.
Top it with shredded cheese, and you’ll have a hearty meal.
3. Watermelon Cucumber Salad
This is a fresh salad that balances out the substantial nature of your chicken chili.
Each bite is so deliciously refreshing, you’ll want to serve this with a wide variety of meals.
4. Creamy Coleslaw
I love coleslaw with just about anything.
It’s a great go-to salad for a family meal, potluck, or dinner party.
5. Jalapeño Corn Muffins
Any kind of cornbread is good with chili. And a great way to take it up to a higher level of deliciousness is to add jalapeño peppers.
I’ve played with a lot of different recipes, and I think this is the best.
6. Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Chips
A platter of these yummy zucchini chips is the perfect side dish next to a big bowl of chili.
So yum you’ll probably want to make several batches!
7. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches go with any kind of soup, and chili is no exception.
And if you’ve never made a grilled cheese sandwich in your air fryer, you’ll be blown away by how easy it is and the awesome results!
8. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
These delicious little flavor-packed appetizers will totally change the way you think about party food.
They’re so delicious!
9. Homemade Salsa
I’m a fan of all kinds of salsa, including the stuff from a jar.
But once you see how easy it is to make it yourself, you’ll be hooked.
10. Deviled Eggs
My southern mama wouldn’t even consider a get-together complete unless there was a big platter of deviled eggs.
These are easy to make but loaded with flavor!
11. Taco Dip Deluxe
Here’s another yummy dip to go with your must-have chips.
It’s easy to make, and the payoff is delicious!
12. Cloud Bread
Enjoy all the cloud bread you want because it’s delicious, and it’s gluten-free!
That’s right! There’s not a speck of flour in this yummy bread!
Chicken Chili with Great Sides
Whether you choose one of the above items or several of them, adding them to the standard fare will elevate your chicken chili dinner on the deliciousness scale.
Amazing Desserts
After you enjoying a hearty bowl of chicken chili, it’s time for dessert. There are so many different ways you can go with this. I’m sharing a few of my favorites.
Here are some of my favorite desserts after chili:
13. 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
If you’re a peanut butter fan like I am, your taste buds will be ecstatic when you take a bite of this yummy peanut butter fudge.
It’s also a wonderful dessert to wrap and send home with friends!
14. Easy Chocolate Fudge
Make this super easy chocolate fudge without any sweetened condensed milk.
It’s perfect for those times when you crave something sweet!
15. Lemon Bars
The refreshing flavor of lemon is the perfect finish to your filling chili dinner.
Each bite is like a piece of sunshine in your mouth!
16. Cheesecake with This Strawberry Topping
Top your favorite cheesecake with this strawberry topping for a delightful, fruity dessert.
Or you can drizzle it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
17. Pineapple Dump Cake
Easy and oh-so yummy, you’ll wonder where this pineapple dump cake has been all your life!
I like it with a scoop of ice cream, but it’s also good with whipped cream!
18. Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
These chocolate peanut butter swirl brownies from Back to My Southern Roots are are the perfect blend of 2 of the most popular flavors!
19. No Bake Cherry Lime Pie
There’s so much to love about this delicious dessert!
The tart lime, sweet cherry, and fluffy consistency are delightful on every level.
Standard Sides for Chili
There are certain things you probably want to include on a table with chicken chili, don’t feel like you’re limited to those. But I still think you should include most of them.
Here are some standard side dishes that I would include:
- Tortilla chips – If you have a few extra minutes, make these yummy homemade tortilla chips!
- Green onions
- Bell pepper slices
- Cream cheese
- Hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper (or why not all 3?)
- Black pepper
- Green chilis
- Garlic bread – If you want an extra flavorful version, try this cheesy garlic bread from Julia’s Simply Southern!
- Variety of cheeses (melted cheese, Monterey Jack cheese slices, parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, etc.)
- Fresh vegetables with dip – This classic guacamole is the perfect dip to go with chili!
- Plain and cheesy breadsticks
- Lime juice
- Sour cream
- Salt (kosher salt, sea salt, Himalayan salt, etc.)
- Onion rings
- Caramelized onions
Chicken Chili for the Win!
So, there you have it! chicken chili is a wonderful meal for family and friends!
Whether you’re the host or bringing your favorite dishes to a potluck, all of these sides and desserts add so flavor and fun much to the meal! And you’ll love the fact that every single thing on the list is super easy to make!