What to Serve with Chicken Chili (25 Best Sides)

Wondering what to serve with chicken chili that’s new and exciting? These 25 chicken chili pairings will elevate your meal. 

Chili just doesn’t seem complete with toppings or a side. But coming up with new ideas isn’t always easy. 

That’s why I compiled this list of scrumptious pairings. From light to hearty, you’ll find everything you need. 

Mexican cornbread, grilled cheese, and breadsticks are a few highlights. And don’t miss out on the mac and cheese bites!

No matter what you choose, they all taste great with a warm bowl of chili.

1. Mexican Cornbread with Jiffy Mix

Chili and cornbread are a classic pairing. But if you really want to spice things up, Mexican cornbread is where it’s at! It’s one of my favorite things to dip into white chicken chili. 

The diced chilis, jalapenos, and triple dose of cheese are so complementary. And if you’re thinking that means it’s dry, guess again.

Two secret ingredients make Jiffy cornbread moist and fluffy every time.

2. Bisquick Drop Biscuits

Biting into these warm, flaky, buttery drop biscuits is pure bliss. So you can imagine how great they are with chicken chili.

This is just about as comforting as food gets.

They don’t require much fuss either since you use a store-bought mix. Don’t you just love Bisquick? I sure do!

3. Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Soak up every last bit of chicken chili with these copycat rolls. They’re so soft and buttery, it’s hard not to eat the whole batch.

Sure, you could buy store-bought rolls. But once you dip one into chili, you’ll agree these homemade rolls are irreplaceable. 

The recipe also yields about three dozen. So there are plenty left over for other hearty winter soups and stews.

4. DIY Oyster Crackers

If you want just a little extra nibble, oyster crackers are the way to go. They add a bit more substance and a wonderful crisp texture. They’re also more buttery and flavorful than store-bought.

Plus, they only require six ingredients. I’ll bet they’re all in your kitchen right now!

Any leftovers you have will keep for about a week. Serve them up with other favorites like clam chowder. 

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Now this is my idea of a hearty soup and sandwich combo! There’s something about a classic grilled cheese that always has me sold. The white bread, slab of butter, and melted cheddar are perfect. 

Pair it with chicken chili and it has all the comforts of home. It also has everything you need to be happy and full.

6. Quesadillas

I love snacking on a quesadilla with a bowl of chicken chili. The chewy tortilla and gooey cheese are so satisfying. 

The hard part is choosing the add-ins. Do you go with just cheese? Or should you add beef, chicken, or veggies? I say make all four! 

This tantalizing recipe comes with equally tasty choices. Make them all for the family and you can mix and match.

7. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Are you trying not to gorge yourself on carbs? Then go with this Brussels sprouts salad instead. It’s a much healthier option than a cheesy, carb-laden side. It also has a ton of flavors and textures. 

Dried cranberries, pecorino, and pine nuts speckle the bed of shaved Brussels. Toss it with lemon and olive oil to keep the flavors bright. 

8. Southern Cornbread Salad

Want cornbread with your chicken chili, but know you should eat a salad? This Southern cornbread salad is the perfect compromise. It gives you both in one single dish. 

Veggies, beans, bacon, and a creamy dressing are all layered between cornbread. 

If you’re making chicken chili for a potluck or tailgate, it’s a great choice. It yields over 12 servings so it feeds a crowd.

9. Homemade Breadsticks

Can you say no to a warm, buttery breadstick fresh out of the oven? I can’t!

Golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re perfect. They’re finished with a dusting of garlic powder, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.

Make a batch of these and watch them disappear. You’re lucky if they even make it to the table for the chili. 

10. Super Nachos

If you’re making your famous chicken chili for game day, make these nachos, too. These aren’t just any old nachos. They’re super nachos that come with the works. Ground beef, refried beans, olives, and cheddar are just some of the toppings. 

I know it’s tempting, but don’t overcrowd the chips. You want each one to have toppings. 

11. Simple Caesar Salad

You can never go wrong with a simple Caesar salad. The crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons are classic. 

It’s the one salad you know everyone will eat. It’s the perfect accent to a scrumptious bowl of chicken chili.

12. Easy Texas Toast

Give me a bowl of chicken chili and I’m happy. Add a slice of Texas toast, and I’m doing my happy dance! That thick, garlicky, buttery bread is so irresistible.

You can make this in the oven or on the grill. So the weather can’t stop you from enjoying your toast. 

13. Mexican Bean Salad

This vibrant salad is a nice contrast to chicken chili both in flavor and effort. It’s super fresh and bright. It complements the creamy white chicken chili.

The best part is it only requires chopping and mixing. While the salad chills, you can work on dialing in the flavors of your chili.

14. Sweet Potato Fries

I don’t know what’s more tantalizing, these fries or chicken chili?! Their savory sweet crunch is so addicting. It’s a good thing they’re baked. They’re much healthier than your average greasy spuds. 

So you can feel less guilty devouring them alongside your chili.

15. Mac and Cheese Bites

You might as well put on your comfy clothes right now. Because this food pairing is comforting to the max! The white chili will ignite your tastebuds.

These cheesy bites speak to your soul. Crispy, tender, and ooey-gooey, they’re hard to resist. 

16. Cracker Barrel Fried Okra

This is one of the best okra recipes for lovers and naysayers alike. Okra has a reputation for being slimy. But with this copycat recipe, there’s nothing slimy about it. 

The light cornmeal breading and deep-frying give okra the ultimate texture. They’re tender, crispy, and perfect.

17. Homemade Potato Chips

These homemade potato chips have the best crunch. The key is to slice them super thin. It helps to have a mandolin. 

You also want to choose the right type of potato. For these chips, Russet is the perfect option for the job. 

Oh, and this side is best with thick chili so you can scoop it!

18. Easy Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a simple side for a chili cookoff. They’re crunchy, earthy, and just the right amount of salty.

Make them from scratch and they’re extra impressive. This is great because your epic chili only deserves the best. Speaking of best, these are the most fresh the day you make them. 

Luckily, they don’t take long to make. So you can throw them together while the chili is cooking. 

19. Perfect Baked Potato

Baked potatoes and chicken chili are sort of a no-brainer. After all, chili is a classic baked potato topping. So the duo only seems natural. 

What might not come so naturally is crafting the perfect baked potato. Follow this method for the fluffiest potatoes every time.

20. Mexican Red Rice

Need something to round out your hearty family dinner? Add Mexican rice to the menu. Between the rice and the chili, there’s plenty to feed even the hungriest of eaters.

It also doesn’t hurt that the rice is delicious. That makes it extra good with a bold chicken chili.

21. Mexican Street Corn

I’m all about serving Mexican street corn with white chicken chili. They both have some similar flavors, making them a great match.

The street corn enhances the creamy and savory notes. At the same time, it adds a bright burst of flavor between bites. 

The lime, queso fresco, and mayo make the sweet kernels extra yummy. It needs just a pinch of cayenne for a little kick. 

22. Homemade Taquitos

My family loves noshing on these taquitos with chicken chili. They come with a savory chuck roast filling. It’s seasoned with warming spices, beef broth, and salsa for more depth. 

For a more affordable option, you can use ground beef. Chicken works as well for a lighter option.

23. Easy Garlic Bread

Need an easy side you know everyone will devour? You can’t beat garlic bread!

Soft and crunchy, buttery and garlicky, this stuff is irresistible. Add Parmesan for a heavenly experience. 

If that’s not good enough, all you need are six ingredients. And it’s ready in under 20 minutes. Ladle yourself a bowl of chili and prepare to start dunking. 

24. Air Fryer Potato Wedges

These potato wedges are so universal. From chicken wings to barbecue, they go well with so many things. 

As an appetizer, I love them with chili dip. But for dinner, they’re better with chicken chili.

A dash of paprika, parsley flakes, and chili powder spruce them up. The air fryer makes them perfectly tender and crisp.

25. Homemade Tater Tots

Whether you’re 9 or 90 years old, everyone loves tots! And these are possibly the best around. Warm homemade tots taste way better than store-bought. 

They’re so fresh and the seasoning is spot-on. Their crispy crunch makes it hard to stop eating them. Fortunately, chicken chili has plenty of nourishment. So you won’t fill up entirely on carbs.