Chicken tacos are a go-to meal for many, thanks to their delicious flavor and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply craving a flavorful meal, chicken tacos are a popular choice that can be customized in many ways. But the real question is: what goes well with chicken tacos? From fresh toppings to savory side dishes and drinks, there’s a world of possibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore the best toppings, sides, and pairings that will elevate your chicken taco experience and leave you and your guests satisfied.
Why Chicken Tacos Are So Versatile
Chicken tacos have a special place in many people’s hearts because of their adaptability. Unlike some tacos that have strong, bold flavors built into the meat, chicken has a more neutral flavor profile. This makes it the perfect canvas for a variety of seasonings, toppings, and sides. Whether you’re cooking up grilled chicken, shredded chicken, or even spicy chicken, the simplicity of the meat allows it to pair well with an array of ingredients.
One of the reasons chicken tacos are so versatile is that chicken can take on flavors from virtually any cuisine. You can give your chicken tacos a Mexican flair with classic ingredients like cilantro and lime or go in a completely different direction with tropical fruits or smoky salsas. Chicken adapts to many types of seasonings, making it the perfect filling for tacos, no matter what flavors you’re in the mood for.
In addition to the flexibility of the chicken itself, the taco format is also incredibly customizable. Whether you prefer soft flour tortillas, crispy corn shells, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, chicken tacos can be made to fit your dietary preferences or simply whatever ingredients you have on hand. This versatility is a big part of what makes chicken tacos so beloved and keeps people coming back for more.
Best Toppings for Chicken Tacos
One of the best things about chicken tacos is the variety of toppings you can choose from to complement the chicken. But what goes well with chicken tacos when it comes to toppings? Whether you want to keep it simple with classic ingredients or get creative with modern twists, here are some of the best toppings that will enhance your chicken tacos.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh veggies add crunch, color, and a burst of freshness to chicken tacos. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions are some of the most popular options, bringing a light and refreshing element to the tacos. The vegetables add texture, balancing the soft, juicy chicken and making each bite more satisfying. For those looking to add extra flavor and health benefits, consider adding sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, or even a few slices of avocado. Avocado adds creaminess and richness to the tacos without overwhelming the flavor of the chicken.
In addition to the crunch and texture, fresh vegetables contribute to the overall healthiness of the dish. Chicken tacos topped with fresh vegetables not only taste great but also offer a dose of essential vitamins and minerals. Veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and cucumbers can also work well and bring a unique twist to your chicken tacos.
Salsas and Sauces
When it comes to chicken tacos, salsas and sauces are game-changers. They can add heat, tanginess, sweetness, or creaminess, depending on what you choose. A popular salsa that goes well with chicken tacos is pico de gallo, a fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Its bright flavors make the chicken taste even fresher and more flavorful. Another great option is salsa verde, made from tomatillos, which brings a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the mildness of chicken.
Guacamole is another favorite sauce to pair with chicken tacos. The creamy texture of mashed avocados, combined with lime juice, cilantro, and salt, adds a rich and smooth element to the tacos. This sauce balances the tender chicken and makes the meal feel indulgent. For those who enjoy some heat, adding a spicy salsa or hot sauce can elevate the chicken tacos by adding a bold, fiery kick.
Creamy dressings, such as sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt, can also enhance chicken tacos, providing a cooling contrast to spicier elements. These toppings complement the chicken without overpowering its natural flavors.
What Side Dishes Go Well with Chicken Tacos?
Pairing your chicken tacos with the right side dish can turn a regular meal into a full culinary experience. But what goes well with chicken tacos as a side dish? There are many traditional and creative options that will round out your meal and satisfy your guests.
Rice and Beans
One of the most classic side dishes for chicken tacos is a simple yet flavorful serving of rice and beans. Mexican rice, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, providing a warm and slightly smoky flavor. The rice adds heartiness to the meal and helps balance out the taco’s bold flavors. Meanwhile, refried beans or black beans bring a creamy, slightly salty flavor that complements the chicken and ties the whole meal together.
For an even healthier option, try serving your chicken tacos with a side of whole black beans or pinto beans seasoned with cumin, garlic, and chili powder. Beans not only provide protein and fiber, but they also bring out the depth of flavors in the chicken tacos.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or roasted corn on the cob is another fantastic side dish to serve with chicken tacos. Mexican-style street corn, also known as elote, is particularly popular. The corn is grilled, coated with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder, and then sprinkled with crumbly cotija cheese. The smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of elote complement the juicy, savory chicken tacos perfectly. You can also add a squeeze of lime over the corn for a fresh burst of citrus that pairs well with the chicken.
For a lighter version, you can serve corn on the cob seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper, allowing the natural sweetness of the corn to balance the savory flavors of the chicken tacos. This simple, satisfying side adds a comforting touch to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, make for a flavorful and healthy side dish to go with chicken tacos. The slight char from the grill adds a smoky depth to the vegetables that complements the chicken perfectly. Grilled bell peppers add sweetness, while onions bring a subtle sharpness. Zucchini and mushrooms add earthy notes that work well with the chicken and other taco ingredients.
Grilled vegetables are also a versatile option. You can customize the selection of veggies to suit your personal taste or seasonal availability. The great thing about this side is that it can easily be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
If you’re looking for more classic side dishes to complement your chicken tacos, check out this Great taco side dishes for a variety of tasty suggestions.
Condiments and Dips to Serve with Chicken Tacos
When it comes to chicken tacos, condiments and dips are essential. They elevate the flavors and bring the dish to life. Let’s dive into some popular condiments that go well with chicken tacos.
Sour Cream and Cheese
Sour cream is a must-have for many taco lovers. Its smooth, tangy flavor adds a cooling element to spicy or savory chicken tacos. Whether you drizzle a small amount on top or serve it on the side, sour cream brings a creamy texture that complements the meat. For a healthier alternative, you can opt for Greek yogurt, which has a similar texture but is higher in protein and lower in fat.
Cheese is another topping that pairs well with chicken tacos. Shredded cheddar, jack, or cotija cheese are all great choices. Cotija cheese, in particular, adds a salty, crumbly texture that complements the taco’s flavors. If you like melty cheese, try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese and heating the taco for a few seconds before serving. This makes the tacos feel even more indulgent and adds a rich, cheesy bite to every mouthful.
Hot Sauce and Jalapeños
For those who love a spicy kick, hot sauce and fresh jalapeños are perfect condiments to add to chicken tacos. Hot sauce adds heat and tang, taking the flavor to the next level. There are many varieties, ranging from mild to extremely hot, so you can choose the level of heat that suits your taste. Jalapeños, whether pickled or fresh, add both heat and crunch. If you’re looking for extra boldness, grilled jalapeños offer a smoky, spicy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with chicken tacos.
Lime Wedges and Cilantro
Simple but effective, lime wedges and cilantro are classic garnishes that go well with chicken tacos. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors, adding a tangy and citrusy note. This complements the savory chicken and ties all the toppings together. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal flavor that enhances the taco’s overall taste. Even if you’re keeping your tacos simple, lime and cilantro can bring a lot of freshness to the dish.
Creative Pairings for Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are so versatile that you can experiment with a variety of unique pairings. Let’s look at some creative and slightly unconventional options for what goes well with chicken tacos.
Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits like pineapple or mango might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they can transform your chicken tacos. These fruits add sweetness and a juicy texture that pairs well with the savory chicken. Pineapple, in particular, is often used in Mexican cuisine to complement spicy and smoky flavors. When paired with grilled or spiced chicken, the sweetness of the fruit balances the taco perfectly.
Mango salsa is another fantastic option. Made with diced mango, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeños, it brings both sweetness and heat. This combination adds complexity to the chicken, making each bite refreshing yet flavorful. Tropical fruits are ideal if you want to add a new twist to your chicken tacos, especially during the summer months.
Avocado and Creamy Dressings
Avocado is one of the best toppings for chicken tacos. It adds creaminess and richness without overwhelming the flavors. You can slice avocado on top of your tacos, or mash it into a guacamole for added texture and flavor. Avocado provides a smooth contrast to the chicken’s tenderness, making it a popular choice for taco lovers everywhere.
If you’re in the mood for something different, try adding a creamy dressing like a cilantro-lime dressing or a chipotle mayo. These dressings provide both flavor and creaminess, creating a perfect balance with the chicken. Whether you prefer a light avocado slice or a creamy drizzle, these toppings will complement your chicken tacos beautifully.
Pickled Vegetables
Vegetables add a tangy, vibrant kick that goes well with chicken tacos. Pickled onions, in particular, are a popular choice. Their bright, sharp flavor cuts through the richness of the chicken, providing a perfect balance. The slight crunch of the pickled vegetables adds texture, making the taco more interesting to eat.
You can also try pickled jalapeños or carrots for an extra burst of flavor. These tangy additions bring a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes that elevate the taco experience. Pickled veggies are not only delicious but also easy to prepare or find in stores, making them a quick way to add bold flavor to your chicken tacos.
Popular Drinks to Serve with Chicken Tacos
No taco meal is complete without the perfect drink to go along with it. But what drinks go well with chicken tacos? Here are some popular options to enhance your meal.
Agua Fresca and Horchata
For a non-alcoholic option, agua fresca is a popular choice. This refreshing drink is made from fresh fruit, water, and a touch of sweetener. Some popular flavors include watermelon, cucumber, or hibiscus. The light and fruity taste of agua fresca complements the savory chicken tacos without overpowering the meal. It’s a great choice for family taco nights or gatherings where you want a refreshing drink option.
Horchata is another traditional Mexican drink that pairs well with chicken tacos. Made from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, horchata has a sweet, creamy flavor that offers a delicious contrast to spicy or savory tacos. Its cooling properties make it a great drink to serve alongside hot chicken tacos, especially if you’ve added a bit of heat to your dish.
To deepen your understanding of traditional Mexican sides and their role in a taco meal, take a look at the Mexican cuisine for comprehensive insights.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve explored what goes well with chicken tacos, it’s clear that the possibilities are endless. From classic toppings like fresh vegetables and salsa to creative twists like tropical fruits and pickled veggies, you can customize your chicken tacos to suit your taste. Pair your tacos with traditional sides like rice and beans or experiment with grilled vegetables for a healthier option. Don’t forget to top off the meal with the perfect drink, whether it’s a refreshing margarita or a glass of agua fresca. Chicken tacos are versatile, and with these pairings, you can create the ultimate taco experience every time. So, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy your chicken tacos with the perfect sides, toppings, and drinks!