Chicken tortilla soup is definitely the way to go for a warm and comforting dinner menu dish that can be fitted as an appetizer or main course. But what should you serve with it? A side dish can often make or break a meal, so don’t just settle for any old thing.
Here are 21 of the best side dishes to serve with chicken tortilla soup, as recommended by top chefs around the world.
In a Hurry and want to know What to serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup, then any of these- Cornbread or Biscuits, Salads, Chips & Salsa, Cilantro Lime Rice, Tortillas, Avocado Salad, Cornbread Muffins, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Cheese Quesadillas, Guacamole, Sautéed Vegetables, Baked Potatoes, Mexican Coleslaw, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Baked Plantains, Roasted Poblano Peppers, Charred Tomato Salsa, Black Beans, Lime Wedges, and Freshly Chopped Cilantro Leaves.
What is Chicken Tortilla Soup? What does Chicken Tortilla Soup Taste like?
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful comfort food that combines the smells of Mexican cuisine with rich, slow-cooked chicken with a robust flavor and a slightly spicy aftertaste.
The soup is a wonderful mix of shredded, flavorful chicken with roasted tomatoes, onions, and peppers. The ingredients are combined in a spiced broth to create an aroma that will make your mouth water.
21 Deliciously Simple Sides to Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup
1. Cornbread or Biscuits
Cornbread or biscuits are the perfect side dish for a bowl of hot, comforting chicken tortilla soup. The buttery, crumbly texture of these carbohydrate-packed sides pairs perfectly with the salty, spicy flavors of the soup.
For a twist on traditional cornbread, try adding cheddar cheese and jalapenos to the mix. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider making a jalapeno cornbread casserole!
If biscuits are more your style, opt for something light and fluffy, like buttermilk biscuits topped with honey butter.
2. Salads
A nice salad is always welcome on the dinner table, especially when paired with something warm like chicken tortilla soup.
Salads provide an excellent contrast to the hot broth and give you much-needed roughage in your diet.
To make things interesting and add another layer of flavor to your meal, choose salads that feature ingredients similar to those in your soup, such as tomatoes, onions, black beans, and avocados.
And don’t forget about toppings! A sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream can take your salad from good to great!
3. Chips & Salsa
Chips and salsa are always a hit at any Mexican food-themed gathering! Crispy chips dipped in creamy salsa are guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
Choose between classic tortilla chips or sweet plantain chips for dipping into fresh pico de gallo or guacamole – both are surefire winners when served alongside chicken tortilla soup.
They’ll offer a pleasing crunch and some tangy flavor notes that go well with this traditional dish, too!
4. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is an excellent accompaniment for chicken tortilla soup. The slightly acidic flavor from the lime pairs perfectly with the savoriness of the soup while adding texture and color to your plate.
It’s also incredibly simple to make—just cook white or brown rice according to package instructions, then stir in fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving.
5. Tortillas
Warm flour tortillas go wonderfully with chicken tortilla soup. They provide an excellent vehicle for dipping into the broth or scooping up all those delicious vegetables floating around inside while also acting as an edible bowl if filled with scoops of soup and toppings like sour cream or cheese.
They’re perfect for mopping up every last bit of broth!
6. Avocado Salad
Fresh avocado salad is a light and nutrient-packed side dish that complements any Mexican-inspired meal like chicken tortilla soup. Avocado salad is a great way to add some freshness and crunchy texture to your meal. It’s light and refreshing.
Simply dice ripe avocados, and toss them together with chopped tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, jalapenos (if desired), salt, pepper, and mizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
This salad brings an extra dose of healthy fats along with bright colors and flavors that will liven up your dinner table!
7. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins are a great option as they add a little sweetness to your meal and pair nicely with the flavor of chicken tortilla soup. You can make them from scratch or buy them pre-made for convenience.
8. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is an ideal way to add some flavor and texture to your meal after cilantro lime rice.
It’s also incredibly easy to make from scratch, or you can buy it pre-made at most grocery stores. It pairs nicely with the flavors in chicken tortilla soup, and it adds some needed carbs too!
9. Refried Beans
Refried beans are another great dish that goes with chicken tortilla soup because they offer an extra layer of flavor and texture that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
You can make them from scratch or just pick up some canned refried beans for convenience.
10. Cheese Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas are another favorite side dish when serving chicken tortilla soup. They are easy to make and tasty, and they go perfectly with the flavors in the soup. They also come together quickly if you need something in a hurry!
11. Guacamole
Guacamole is always a welcome addition to any Mexican-inspired meal! It adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor that complements the soup perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to make from scratch!
You can easily make it yourself by mashing up two avocados in a bowl before stirring in chopped onions, cilantro leaves (optional), sea salt (or kosher salt), black pepper (optional), freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice), a finely chopped jalapeno pepper (optional). Then enjoy!
12. Sautéed Vegetables
Sautéed vegetables are another excellent option for adding flavor and texture to your meal without overpowering the taste of your favorite soup recipe.
You can use any combination of veggies you like (mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.) which makes this side dish even more versatile!
13. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser when served alongside soups like Chicken Tortilla Soup!
They add some needed carbs while also providing an additional layer of flavor and texture that goes perfectly with this classic favorite. Plus, you can dress them up however you like, which makes them even more fun!
14. Mexican Coleslaw
Mexican coleslaw is another great option for adding color, crunch, and flavor without overpowering the taste of your favorite recipe.
It pairs especially well with creamy soups like Chicken Tortilla Soup because its slight sweetness complements all those savory flavors really well!
Plus, it takes hardly any time at all to throw together, so if you need something quick, this is definitely worth considering!
15. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a traditional summertime side dish that goes great with chicken tortilla soup. It’s easy to make and will not only add some crunch but also sweetness to your meal.
16. Baked Plantains
Plantains have a slightly sweet flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with chicken tortilla soup’s spiciness.
They’re also very easy to prepare; all you need to do is slice them into rounds, brush them with oil, sprinkle them with salt, and bake them until golden brown.
17. Roasted Poblano Peppers
Roasted poblano peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Additionally, it offers a moderate heat level that won’t dominate the flavor of your chicken tortilla soup.
18. Charred Tomato Salsa
Charred tomato salsa is an incredibly flavorful condiment that adds some spice and smokiness to any dish it’s served with—including chicken tortilla soup!
All you need to do is char some tomatoes over an open flame or in a hot skillet until lightly charred on all sides before blending them together in a food processor or blender with lime juice, onion, garlic, a jalapeno pepper (if desired), cilantro leaves, salt, and pepper until smooth.
19. Black Beans
Black beans are enriched in protein and fiber, which makes them a perfect side dish for anyone looking for something light yet nutritious!
Simply cook dry black beans according to package instructions until tender before seasoning with garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic), salt (to taste), oregano leaves (optional) freshly ground black pepper (optional).
20. Lime Wedges
Adding some freshly squeezed lime wedges onto your plate can provide both added brightness and acidity—something every suitable dish needs!
Just squeeze one or two limes into small wedges before serving alongside your chicken tortilla soup for extra tangy flavor notes everyone will love!
21. Freshly Chopped Cilantro Leaves
Freshly chopped cilantro leaves provide yet another pop of flavor when served alongside your favorite Mexican soups—including chicken tortilla soup! Just chop up one or two tablespoons of fresh cilantro leaves per person before sprinkling over each individual bowl for added herbaceousness. Every bite will thank you!
The best Flavor Goes well with Chicken Tortilla Soup
The best flavor to go with chicken tortilla soup is one that will complement the complex tastes and textures of the dish.
For example, adding a few teaspoons of fresh cilantro to top off your soup brings out the flavors of the soup without overpowering them.
Alternatively, adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt helps bring creamy richness and balance the mix of flavors in the tortilla soup – from the tomatoes to chiles and onions, you’re sure to enjoy every bite!
You can also sprinkle some crumbled Cotija cheese over the top for an added tanginess that pairs well with other ingredients like lime juice and avocado.
With so many different flavors out there, it’s no wonder why chicken tortilla soup remains a flavorful favorite!
Best way to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving chicken tortilla soup is a great way to warm up on chilly winter days. For the best results, cook some shredded chicken and lightly fry some tortilla strips.
Add both of these ingredients to your soup base, as well as any desired vegetables or spices. You can also incorporate salsa or sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
It’s essential to let the soup simmer for at least twenty minutes so that all the flavors have time to blend together before serving.
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of cheese and more fried tortilla strips for added crunchy goodness. Chicken tortilla soup is an easy, delicious meal that anyone can make in no time!
Why are Side Dishes important to serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup?
A family dinner just isn’t complete without the perfect meal accompaniments. This is especially true when serving up a delicious dish of Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Side dishes can take that already tasty soup to the next level while also providing important nutritional benefits such as added vegetables and complex carbohydrate sources.
Of course, the right side dishes can also add their own unique flavors to further enhance the soup, allowing it to reach its full culinary potential.
Plus, by having options such as rice and beans, you offer diners a variety of tastes they can enjoy while still getting the comforting reward of having a bowl of savory soup that everyone loves.
With these things in mind, it’s easy to see why side dishes are essential when serving up some fantastic Chicken Tortilla Soup.
FAQs
How long does chicken tortilla soup last in the fridge?
Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty dish that many people love to eat. When stored properly and in the right conditions, chicken tortilla soup can last up to four days in the refrigerator.
If you want your closed container of this delectable soup to last for a longer period of time, it should be frozen for optimal freshness and flavor.
However, after thawing and reheating any frozen chicken tortilla soup, it will only remain safe to consume for another two days before being thrown out.
What are the garnishes for the chicken tortilla soup Firebirds?
Firebirds’ chicken tortilla soup is a hearty and delicious meal that leaves you feeling satisfied. It has a host of garnishes that can elevate this dish and make it shine, including tangy lime wedges, diced tomatoes, freshly ground black pepper, and sour cream.
For an extra bit of flavor and crunch, add a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese over the top and finish with some crushed tortilla chips.
Taking advantage of these garnishes adds an exciting element to the soup while helping to highlight the flavors inside.