Chicken enchiladas are a beloved Mexican comfort food, perfect for family dinners and festive gatherings. These flavorful tortillas, filled with savory chicken and cheese and smothered in enchilada sauce, are satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes elevates the meal to a truly memorable experience. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Chicken Enchiladas, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore a variety of delicious side dishes, from classic Mexican staples to fresh and vibrant options, ensuring your enchilada night is a culinary success.
Chicken enchiladas in a baking dish topped with cilantro.
Classic Mexican Side Dishes for Chicken Enchiladas
When it comes to complementing chicken enchiladas, sticking with authentic Mexican flavors is always a winning choice. These classic side dishes not only taste incredible but also create a well-rounded and traditional Mexican meal.
Mexican Rice: A Must-Have Enchilada Side
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice or arroz rojo, is a quintessential side dish for enchiladas. Its fluffy texture and savory tomato-based flavor provide a delightful contrast to the rich and cheesy enchiladas. The slight acidity from the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the enchilada sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying bite. Whether you prefer a simple recipe or one with added vegetables like peas and carrots, Mexican rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Refried Beans: Creamy and Flavorful
Refried beans, or frijoles refritos, are another essential side dish in Mexican cuisine and a fantastic accompaniment to chicken enchiladas. Their creamy texture and earthy, savory flavor create a comforting and hearty element to the meal. You can choose between pinto beans or black beans, depending on your preference. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of cheese or a drizzle of Mexican crema on top of the refried beans.
Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A Fresh and Crunchy Start
While technically an appetizer, guacamole and tortilla chips are a welcome addition to any enchilada feast and can easily serve as a side. The creamy, cool guacamole, made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and onions, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the warm and savory enchiladas. The crunchy tortilla chips provide textural contrast and are perfect for scooping up the guacamole or even enjoying alongside your enchiladas.
Fresh and Light Side Dishes to Balance Your Meal
To lighten up your enchilada meal and add a touch of freshness, consider incorporating some vibrant and crisp side dishes. These options provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the enchiladas and offer a balanced and flavorful dining experience.
Mexican Salad: A Zesty and Colorful Option
A Mexican salad is a fantastic way to introduce fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors to your enchilada dinner. Start with a base of crisp lettuce and add colorful ingredients like diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, and red onion. A light and zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette perfectly complements the flavors of the enchiladas and brings all the salad components together. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for extra protein if desired, but it’s equally delicious as a vegetarian side.
Corn Salad: Sweet and Tangy
Corn salad, especially a Mexican-style corn salad, is another excellent fresh side dish option. Grilled or roasted corn kernels mixed with diced red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of mayonnaise or Mexican crema create a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy salad that pairs wonderfully with enchiladas. The sweetness of the corn balances the savory flavors of the enchiladas, while the lime juice and jalapeño add a refreshing zest.
Don’t Forget the Toppings and Garnishes!
Toppings and garnishes are just as important as the side dishes when serving chicken enchiladas. They add layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish, allowing everyone to customize their enchiladas to their liking.
- Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A dollop of cool sour cream or tangy Mexican crema provides a creamy counterpoint to the spiciness of the enchilada sauce and adds richness.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- Diced Onions: Diced white or red onions offer a sharp, pungent flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Avocado Slices or Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and a smooth texture that complements the enchiladas beautifully.
- Shredded Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a crisp and refreshing element.
- Salsa: Offer a variety of salsas, from mild pico de gallo to spicy salsa verde, to allow guests to customize the heat level and flavor profile of their enchiladas.
By choosing a combination of these delicious side dishes and toppings, you can create a complete and satisfying Mexican feast centered around your chicken enchiladas. Whether you opt for classic pairings like Mexican rice and refried beans or prefer fresher options like Mexican salad and corn salad, these suggestions will help you answer the question of what to serve with chicken enchiladas and ensure your meal is a resounding success. Enjoy your enchilada night!
