Try not to go to the store just yet because you can’t decide what to serve with your white chicken chili for dinner tonight.
There are easy sides in this collection of great recipes that you can make with things you already have in your pantry.
Are you staring at your pot of white chicken chili wondering what else to add to the table? Trust me, I’ve been there too! White chicken chili is already a crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture and mild yet flavorful kick, but pairing it with the perfect sides can transform your meal from great to absolutely unforgettable
As the weather gets cooler here in my neck of the woods, nothing beats a steaming bowl of white chicken chili. Living through long Canadian winters (like Janessa from The Nessy Kitchen) or just trying to find alpha-gal friendly options (like Sage from Sage Alpha Gal), I’ve discovered that the right accompaniments make all the difference.
I’ve put together 36 amazing sides that go great with white chicken chili, and I can’t wait to share them with you today! These sides will make everyone want seconds (and maybe even thirds!) whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or having a party for game day!
Perfect Toppings for White Chicken Chili
Before we dive into side dishes, let’s talk about those finishing touches that can take your chili to the next level:
- Crispy tortilla strips – Adding that perfect crunch!
- Shredded cheese – Monterey Jack or cheddar works beautifully
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – For that cooling creaminess
- Avocado slices or guacamole – Creamy perfection
- Chopped cilantro – Fresh herb goodness
- Green onions – For a mild oniony kick
- Lime wedges – That citrus zing makes everything pop
- Sliced jalapeños – For heat lovers
- Hot sauce – Let people spice it up to their liking
- Pickled onions – Tangy and colorful
Bread & Tortilla Sides That Complement White Chicken Chili
1. Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins
Chili and cornbread go together like peanut butter and jelly. For extra heat, I like to make jalapeno cornbread, but regular cornbread works just fine too. You can choose between sweet and savory, it’s up to you.
For busy nights, a box mix works great But when I have time, I make it from scratch and sometimes add extras like diced jalapeños and shredded cheese for an extra flavor boost
2. Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots
When you dip garlic bread in white chicken chili, it tastes like magic! The garlicky, buttery bread soaks up all the creamy chili broth.
To make the perfect garlic bread, I’ve learned to use a microplane for the garlic and make sure every inch gets that garlicky butter treatment. Pro tip: rotate your cookie sheet under the broiler to get even browning!
3. Ciabatta Garlic Bread
Ciabatta is great for soaking up all of that chili because it is light and airy. Plus, the crusty exterior provides a nice textural contrast.
4. Buttermilk Biscuits
Light, fluffy buttermilk biscuits that melt in your mouth are ready in 20 minutes! I can whip up a fresh batch while the chili simmers.
5. Homemade Corn Tortillas
Toasty homemade tortillas are one of my favorite things to dip in white chicken chili. They’re surprisingly easy to make and so much better than store-bought!
6. Texas Toast
Everything really is bigger in Texas, including this buttery, garlicky bread! Double-wide slices slathered with butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder make the perfect chili companion.
Handheld Sides That Go Great with White Chicken Chili
7. Quesadillas
Cheesy quesadillas dipped in white chicken chili are like the perfect combination of soup and sandwich! You can make them with chicken for a heartier option or keep them simple with just cheese.
8. Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
These flavorful quesadillas add a complementary flavor profile with similar ingredients to what’s in your chili.
9. Chorizo Quesadillas
The bold flavors of chorizo paired with sweet caramelized onions create a quesadilla that stands up beautifully to the mild creaminess of white chicken chili.
10. Baked Flautas
Like a cross between taquitos and burritos, these crispy rolled tortillas stuffed with goodness are perfect for dipping in your chili.
11. Chimichurri Chicken Sandwich
With lots of melted cheese, these chimichurri chicken sandwiches are delicious dipped in your flavorful white chicken chili.
Rice & Grain Sides for White Chicken Chili
12. White Rice
Just like gumbo finds its perfect partner in a bed of rice, white chicken chili spooned over fluffy white rice transforms each bite. I like to stir in fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice after cooking the rice to mimic that Chipotle-style rice that everyone loves.
13. Mexican Red Rice
Tender, fluffy Spanish rice ready in 25 minutes makes a great addition that stretches your meal to feed more people.
14. Arroz Verde (Green Rice)
Packed with fresh spinach, this healthy side dish is a vibrant option to serve alongside your pot of chili.
15. Gallo Pinto
This Costa Rican staple made with black beans and rice creates a hearty accompaniment to your white chicken chili.
16. Dirty Rice
Think rice isn’t exciting? This dirty rice is full of spices and southwest-inspired vegetables, beans, corn, and onions. It’s packed with flavor!
Fresh Salads That Balance White Chicken Chili
17. Mexican Coleslaw
This isn’t your ordinary coleslaw! With a zesty twist of lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño, it provides the perfect fresh crunch to contrast your creamy chili. I love making this 5-minute side when I’m short on time.
18. Santa Fe Salad
Filled with a rainbow of vegetables and topped with creamy Santa Fe Ranch dressing, this fresh salad is truly satisfying alongside white chicken chili.
19. Summer Street Corn Salad
This delicious corn salad with avocado is allergy-friendly and brings fresh, bright flavors to your table.
20. Southwest Quinoa Salad
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is higher in protein and fiber than most grains. This colorful salad brings tons of nutrition and flavor with a lime-cilantro dressing that pops!
21. Southwest Kale Power Salad
Quinoa makes another appearance in this superfood salad, along with sweet potatoes and kale. I love the technique of massaging the kale with salt – it makes it less springy and easier to eat!
22. Avocado and Tomato Salsa Salad
This colorful salad is almost like super chunky guacamole, with beautiful reds, greens, and yellows. It brings so much freshness along with complementary flavors.
23. Texas Caviar
Don’t worry – no fish eggs here! This colorful southwestern salad with beans, peppers, and a zingy chili-lime dressing adds tons of fresh flavor and texture.
24. Southwest Romaine Salad
Gorgeous colors and flavors abound in this fresh salad with a mesquite-lime vinaigrette. Crunchy romaine lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and corn create a refreshing contrast to your chili.
Potato & Vegetable Sides for White Chicken Chili
25. Baked Potatoes
With their fluffy insides, baked potatoes are perfect for soaking up white chicken chili. I love setting up a baked potato bar and letting everyone top their potato with chili and their favorite toppings!
26. Garlic Fries
Baked garlic fries use less oil than traditional fries but pack tons of flavor. Tossing them with garlic and parsley at the end gives them that perfect aromatic finish.
27. Sweet Potato Fries
This super-simple recipe uses herbs like rosemary along with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sweet potatoes are healthier than regular potatoes too!
28. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These can be seasoned sweet or savory depending on your preference. I like using cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a flavor profile that complements the chili.
29. Skillet Charred Corn
This blackened corn is ready in 15 minutes and makes the perfect side dish for white chicken chili.
30. Baked Sweet Plantains
With a crispy exterior, creamy interior, and sweet-salty flavor, baked sweet plantains are easy, wholesome, and delicious!
31. Fried Zucchini
Sometimes you just need something breaded and fried! These zucchini sticks can be spiced up with red pepper flakes, black pepper, cayenne, or hot sauce.
32. Fried Green Tomatoes
This Southern favorite uses both flour and cornmeal for the perfect coating. They’re a great use for end-of-season tomatoes!
33. Fried Okra
Another Southern classic, these little nuggets of deliciousness are coated in flour and spices and fried to perfection. Pro tip: select smaller pods for the best flavor and tenderness.
Appetizers & Drinks to Round Out Your White Chicken Chili Meal
34. Cashew Queso
Ready in no time, this delicious and creamy plant-based “queso” is perfect for dipping vegetables or tortilla chips while waiting for the chili to finish.
35. White Cheddar Chicken Nachos
These flavorful nachos make a great starter or side for your white chicken chili – especially for game day!
36. Stuffed Jalapeños
These spicy bites filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture help use up leftover cream cheese and shredded cheese from your chili recipe. They’re the perfect appetizer!
Drinks That Pair Well with White Chicken Chili
- Spicy Jalapeño Basil Moscow Mule – The spicy kick complements your chili perfectly
- Bourbon Margarita – Like a regular margarita but with a whiskey twist
Sweet Endings After White Chicken Chili
- Mexican S’mores – Warm and melty with cinnamon and spice
- Mexican Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) – A simple, comforting dessert
Final Thoughts
With these 36 delicious sides, you’ll never wonder what goes with white chicken chili again! From traditional cornbread to exciting twists like stuffed jalapeños and Mexican coleslaw, there’s something here for every taste preference and occasion.
My personal favorites are the jalapeño cornbread, avocado salsa salad, and those crispy garlic fries – but I’d love to hear which ones become your go-to sides!
Remember, the best meals are about variety and contrast – pair your creamy, hearty chili with something crunchy, fresh, or bread-based for dipping, and you can’t go wrong.
What’s your favorite side to serve with white chicken chili? Drop me a comment below – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Vegetables and Sides
Besides green chiles and maybe a bell pepper or onion, white chicken chili doesnt have a ton of veggies in it.
Heres the good news: that leaves you plenty of vegetable and side options to serve with your mouth-watering main dish.
Bread is a great way to make a meal stretch and fill up ravenous eaters! Plus, if you dont serve bread, youll have to slurp that last drop of creamy white chicken chili straight out of your bowl.
After a spicy white bean chicken chili, serve something sweet to cool off your taste buds. Plus, a little treat every now and then puts everyone in a good mood!.
❤️ Why we love it
- The steps for making my crock pot white chicken chili recipe are very short.
- The smooth, creamy texture tastes great all year, not just when it’s cold outside.
- A big bowl of chili is great on game day and during the week for a quick, hearty meal.
The main ingredients of classic white chicken chili (white beans, chicken broth, chili powder, and cream cheese) are versatile and budget-friendly, so its a great option for feeding a crowd.
Plus, there are so many perfect side dishes to serve with it, youll never feel like youre eating the same meal twice!.
Easy White Chicken Chili (Stovetop Recipe)
FAQ
What side dishes go well with chili?
Many side dishes pair well with chili, including classic choices like cornbread, rice, and baked potatoes.
What do you serve with chilli chicken?
Chilli side dishesBaked potatoes. A star rating of 4. 7 out of 5. Tomato & avocado salsa. A star rating of 4. 9 out of 5. How to cook rice. Learn how to cook basmati rice and get perfect, fluffy results with our tips and video guide. Sweetcorn salsa. Guacamole salsa. Ultimate tomato salsa. Soured cream.