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What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken? 13 Best Side Dishes

Cilantro Lime Chicken is fantastic, right? It bursts with so much flavor that a simple side dish should accompany it perfectly without stealing the show. We’ve all been there, standing in the kitchen, wondering what to pair with this zesty chicken.

Maybe you’ve got rice in the pantry or potatoes that need using. Trust us, there are better options! We’ve tried all the usual suspects, and now we’re sharing our favorites.

We’re here to spill the beans on the 13 best side dishes to elevate your experience with Cilantro Lime Chicken. Let’s keep it fun and flavorful! So grab a plate, and let’s get cooking with sides that don’t disappoint.

Top 13 Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Chicken

Here are our top 13 side dishes to serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken:

1 – Mexican Street Corn Fritters

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Mexican Street Corn Fritters - Whisked Away Kitchen
Mexican Street Corn Fritters – Whisked Away Kitchen
These crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters are bursting with the flavors of Elote: sweet, tangy and slightly spicy!
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Mexican Street Corn Fritters, whoa, they’ve got zing! We get crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s all about balancing spices and cheese.

Tweak the recipe with a dash more chili powder for heat or add a squeeze of lime. Imagine grilled corn, but in fritter form; they’re that easy to make.

We whip ours up when craving street corn vibes without the mess. Best enjoyed warm, joined by a cold drink. Try this nugget with our other picks!

2 – Sautéed Poblano Peppers and Onions

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Rajas - Sauteéd Poblano Peppers and Onions with Garlic
Rajas – Sauteéd Poblano Peppers and Onions with Garlic
Rajas, or sautéed poblano peppers and onions, are the perfect topper for burgers, tacos or nachos. This vegan version is easy and dairy-free.
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Poblano peppers bring mild heat, onions add sweetness. We sauté them with a bit of olive oil. It smells amazing as it cooks. Sprinkle a pinch of salt for flavor balance. Simple and satisfying, right? Mix in some fresh cilantro at the end for a twist.

We love this with cilantro lime chicken as a side. Poblano peppers give that punch without overpowering. Quick, easy, and a bit exotic. Definitely worth a try.

3 – Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potatoes

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The Best Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Sweet And Smokey
Grab the recipe for these Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes! They are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table this year 🙂
Check out this recipe

We toss them in olive oil and chipotle seasoning. They hit with sweet and spicy goodness. Cubes soak up flavor and stay tender. Mash them for extra creamy texture.

Roast until edges crisp. Pair with a lime wedge for freshness. Kick back with these when you crave warmth. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch.

Ready in under an hour. Potatoes are a staple, but chipotle gives it flair. Our go-to for a spicy fix, plain awesome.

4 – Mexican Green Beans with Almonds

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Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds
Easy and tasty 20-minute Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds recipe. If you think you don’t like green beans – think again!
Check out this recipe

Green beans and almonds together? It’s a no-brainer. This combo offers a crunchy and nutty delight. Toss these beans with lightly toasted almonds for that extra texture.

Add a splash of lime for zest. Beans stay crisp, even when cooked. We sauté them with a dash of garlic. Each bite bursts with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, too. Beans bring freshness; almonds handle the crunch. Perfect side for any zesty chicken dish.

5 – Charro Beans (Mexican Cowboy Beans)

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Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) – Tastes Better from Scratch
The BEST Mexican Charro Beans you can make using dried or canned pinto beans, with cooking adaptations for the stove, Instant Pot, or slow cooker!
Check out this recipe

Beans with attitude—these charro beans bring a fiesta to your plate. We simmer pinto beans with smoky bacon and savory spices. Onions and peppers join the party, making it a taste sensation.

We get creamy beans, rich and hearty. Cilantro gives a fresh kick. All the tastiness comes together in one pot. Try them warm.

Can’t beat that homemade feel! Enjoy these bad boys with any of our chicken dishes. Beans done right, every time.

6 – Coconut and Pineapple Rice

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Pineapple Coconut Rice
Pineapple Coconut Rice
This Pineapple Coconut Rice is a delicious twist on traditional plain white rice. It’s creamy and rich, yet mild and light that pairs perfectly with just about any protein. Great for summer!
Check out this recipe

We start with fluffy rice. Add coconut milk for creaminess. Pineapple adds a sweet kick. It’s a tropical blend that excites. Try warming it before eating, for extra comfort. We like it alongside grilled meat.

Mint or cilantro brings freshness. Pine nuts add crunch. It’s cool and inviting, with a tiny vibe of summer. We whip this up when we crave sunlight indoors. Keep it light, keep it tasty. Always delivers on satisfaction.

7 – Jicama Slaw

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Healthy Vegan Jicama Slaw Recipe – Self Proclaimed Foodie
Jicama Slaw is a crunchy, fresh, and light healthy vegan salad loaded with shredded veggies and tossed in a light and tangy vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe

We toss shredded jicama with a tangy dressing. It’s crisp and fresh. We mix in some carrots and cabbage for color. Lime juice gives it zest. The crunch is unbeatable. This slaw brings variety to any plate.

Add cilantro or green onions for flair. You can play with the flavors. We like it light and simple. Jicama keeps its crunch even after sitting. This dish stays cool and inviting. It’s all about balance and texture.

8 – Mexican Zucchini Boats

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Mexican Stuffed Zucchini Boats | Maebells
These Mexican Stuffed Zucchini Boats are full of seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, and lots of melted cheddar cheese. They’re a guaranteed hit with the whole family!
Check out this recipe

Mexican Zucchini Boats? We’re intrigued! They serve up a veggie-packed punch. Zucchinis are halved, scooped, and filled with seasoned goodness.

We stuff them with a mix of cheese, spices, and sometimes ground meat. Roasting gives a caramelized touch.

Easy to make, easier to enjoy, their crispy top never disappoints. We add extra cheese for that gooey finish. A perfect side or main course. Want a healthier take? Swap ground meat with beans. Zucchini boats, satisfying veggie delight.

9 – Tomatillo and Avocado Salad

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Tomato, Tomatillo, and Avocado Salad
This simple heirloom tomato, tomatillo, and avocado salad recipe is delicious on its own, on top of crostini, spooned over chicken or fish, or as a chunky salsa.
Check out this recipe

Grab your taste buds, they’re in for a ride. We mishmash creamy avocado chunks and zesty tomatillo. Freshness overload guaranteed. Toss in lime juice for extra zing. This combo brings a unique twist. It’s green, it’s mean, perfectly clean.

Crunch from onions and a sprinkle of cilantro. This salad dances on the palate. Each bite delivers flavors that just work. Simple, quick, a must-try side dish. Always a hit. Chill before serving for best results.

10 – Chili Lime Grilled Pineapple

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Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit’s natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It’s great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Ready for a flavor explosion? We grill pineapple to caramelize its sugars. The grill brings out natural sweetness. We add chili lime seasoning for contrast. The spice mingles with citrusy tang.

It’s our crazy twist on sweet and spicy. We cube the fruit for bite-size delights. Pineapple is juicy, especially grilled. We enjoy this warm. Put it with our spicy sides. Make sure it’s charred just enough. We keep it simple and mouthwatering.

11 – Spiced Cauliflower Tacos

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Spicy Cauliflower Tacos
Spicy Cauliflower Tacos
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile ingredients in a plant-based household, and these spicy cauliflower tacos are the perfect recipe to showcase that. Hot and smoky, the cauliflower goes perfectly with avocado crema. It
Check out this recipe

We’re talking cauliflower with a twist. This veggie shines when roasted and seasoned well. Break it into florets, toss in your favorite spices, and roast until tender.

Hit it with a splash of lime just before serving. Cauliflower soaks up flavors, offering a hearty bite. We stuff tacos with this for a vegan delight. Top it with slices of avocado and fresh cilantro. Super easy and totally satisfying.

12 – Grilled Cactus (Nopales)

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A Yummy Way to Cook Cactus Leaves (Nopales)
A Yummy Way to Cook Cactus Leaves (Nopales)
Nopales, aka cactus leaves, are delicious when simply cooked on the grill. They have a mild, grassy flavor similar to asparagus.
Check out this recipe

For those looking to add a unique and healthy option to their meals, try grilling cactus (nopales). Cactus paddles are surprisingly delicious when grilled, offering a tangy flavor and crisp texture.

To prepare, simply brush the paddles with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and place them on a hot grill. Flip occasionally until lightly charred. Once done, slice into strips for an easy side dish or taco filling.

13 – Pumpkin Seed Salsa with Tortilla Chips

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Red Chile and Toasted Pumpkin Seed Salsa
Red Chile and Toasted Pumpkin Seed Salsa
Not your “standard” salsa, Red Chile and Toasted Pumpkin Seed Salsa features red chile sauce, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and tomatoes. the earthy flavor with just a hint of heat will up your salsa game! Serve alongside baked tortilla chips for a wholesome party appetizer or snack…
Check out this recipe

Oh, pumpkin seed salsa, you spicy little number! We’re talking bold, nutty flavors and crunchy texture. Toss pumpkin seeds with a mix of spices—go all in! Toast ‘til they sing golden. Chop tomatoes, onions, add for that essential bite.

Key player: cilantro. It freshens this up fast. Lime juice brings zest. We scoop it with tortilla chips, the perfect pairing. Try adding a squeeze of lime for an extra zing. Grab a bowl, enjoy the crunch!

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