What To Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Chicken Tortilla Soup is a classic staple of Mexican Cuisine. It’s packed with slow-roasted chicken breast, cilantro, beans, corn, and of course, crunchy tortilla strips.

Like many other dishes, chicken tortilla soup uses tomatoes as a base and onion, garlic, and chiles.

Though its exact origin isn’t known, Mexico City has made it so popular that people claim its origin. While the soup by itself will satiate, these 17 side dishes will complete the meal.

Contents

17 Side Dishes To Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Chips & Guacamole

Any Mexican cook knows that guacamole is a staple side dish for any Mexican dish. Guacamole is mashed avocados, tomatoes, and onions with tortilla chips for dipping.

Guacamole is the perfect side dish or appetizer for any occasion. You can go classic and use Hass Avocadoes and red onions at a 3:1 ratio or turn up the heat and add some jalapeños.

2. Elote

Elote is the Spanish term for Corn on the Cob. Elote is placed on a barbecue and cooked with a smoky taste. You can also serve the cooked corn separately from the cob for a delicious side dish.

For an authentic Mexican feel, try the ‘street corn’ style. On your cooked cob, add Mexican cream, mayonnaise, red chili pepper, cotija cheese, and some fresh lime for an authentic elite side.

3. Frijoles

Frijoles is the Spanish term for black or pinto beans. Beans are another staple of Mexican cuisine and come as a side dish in practically all Mexican dishes.

Black beans are already an ingredient in Chicken Tortilla Soup, but you’re free to serve them as a side dish. Pinto beans can make any chicken tortilla soup into a full-blown meal.

4. Yuca Frita

Yuca Frita, or Fried Cassava, is another delicious option for your tortilla soup. Cassava is a starchy vegetable like potatoes or yams. They’re cut into thick fries and fried up and lightly salted.

Fried Cassava can be dipped into the soup or dipped into some salsa or chimichurri sauce for a savory treat.

5. Chile Relleno

Stuffed chiles are a classic Mexican dish that decorates authentic restaurants in Mexico. Poblano peppers are stuffed with cheese and fried in a golden batter until fluffy.

Chile Rellenos is a unique, spicy side dish to pair with your Chicken Tortilla Soup. You can use poblano peppers or green peppers, but stay away from ghost peppers!

6. Patacones

Patancones are plantains squashed into discs, lightly salted, and fried in oil. Fried plantains are a delicious side dish with some chili or elote.

You can dip the plantains in the soup or eat them whole, whatever your preference. If you have guacamole, you can use the patacones to scoop your guacamole, too!

7. Tacos

Few dishes are as versatile as the humble taco. Tacos are corn tortillas warmed on a grill and filled with meats, lettuce, white onions, radishes, and sauces. With a wide variety of meats and sauces, you can customize your tacos however you like.

Tacos can come with chicken, steak, pork stomach, tongue, shrimp, fish, BBQ pork, sausage, and even cactus.

8. Burritos

If you’re famished, you can opt for a Burrito with your tortilla soup. Burritos are like Mexican Hoagies, packed with rice, beans, fajita vegetables, and your choice of meat.

Burritos contain generous portions of rice and beans and are usually very affordable.

9. Quesadillas

Quesadillas make a great side dish or main dish to complement your tortilla soup. Quesadillas are flour tortillas with melted cheese.

You can add meats of your choice to quesadillas or order a simple cheese quesadilla. Quesadillas can be dipped in the soup as well for extra flavor.

10. Enchiladas

Enchiladas are corn tortillas wrapped around a filling and topped with a delicious red or green salsa. You can stuff the enchilada with meats, potatoes, beans, vegetables, cheese, or a combination of them.

Enchiladas make great main or side dishes to complement your tortilla soup. For the adventurous eater, try adding mole to your enchilada for a truly unique flavor.

11. Enfrijoladas

Enfrijoladas are similar to enchiladas except that you top the stuffed tortilla with a bean puree and some crumbled cheese. The bean puree can also be a bean sauce.

Enfrijoladas are a quick and dirty side dish to complement your tortilla soup.

12. Sopes

Sopes are like mini-corn pancakes with beans, cheese, and vegetables. Think of soups like Mexican sliders, but with no meat.

Sopes are a quaint and quick side dish with your tortilla soup. Enjoy them with bean dip or some cotija cheese on top.

13. Mexican Rice

No proper Mexican meal is complete without some authentic Mexican Rice. Mexican rice is unique as it’s cooked in a tomato base and has a distinct orange color.

Mexican Rice packs a lot of flavors. You can have Mexican Rice with diced tomatoes and onions or on its own.

14. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice is white rice cooked with cilantro and lime. It has a zesty taste and isn’t as overpowering as traditional Mexican Rice. This side dish is a pleasant one and easy to prep.

15. Mexican Salad

Maybe you want to skip the carb-heavy side dishes and go for a lighter plate. No problem! The Mexican Salad is here for you.

Mexican Salad has all of the classic ingredients in everyday Mexican dishes like avocado, corn, beans, bell peppers, and onions without any tortillas or carbs.

16. Quinoa Bean Salad

Quinoa is an excellent substitute for rice as its less refined and contains plenty of minerals and fiber. Quinoa also pairs exquisitely with black or pinto beans.

Try this salad with some fresh bell peppers, corn, avocados, or diced tomatoes. The quinoa salad goes great with tortilla soup.

17. Mexican Cornbread

Mexican Cornbread is a delicious, sweet dinner roll made from corn. Corn is a staple food in Mexican cuisine and is used to make all types of goods, including bread.

Mexican Cornbread can be dipped into tortilla soup or topped with some butter for a delicious side dish.

Wrap Up

Chicken Tortilla Soup packs many flavors and can complement many side dishes. Whether you pair it with guacamole or heartier meals like burritos or enchiladas, you can’t go wrong with its vast array of delicious food.

If you have a homemade recipe you’d like to share or create your own spin on a traditional dish, let us know in the comments!

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