Skip to Content

What to Serve with King Ranch Chicken? 13 Best Side Dishes

We’re sure you’ve been there: staring at the classic King Ranch Chicken and thinking, “What are we gonna serve with this masterpiece?” This flavorful dish deserves sides that hit the spot without stealing the show.

We’ve got the scoop, and boy, do we love talking sides! Remember last Thanksgiving when we decided coleslaw was the perfect partner for our smoked turkey? Yeah, well, we’re here to do the same for King Ranch Chicken.

Consider a fresh corn salad or some tangy pickles. Heck, even a warm, fluffy roll might do the trick. Let’s dish out some real possibilities and avoid getting stuck with the usual boring choices. Ready? So are we!

Top 13 Side Dishes for King Ranch Chicken

Here are our top 13 picks for side dishes to serve with King Ranch Chicken:

1 – Mexican Street Corn Salad

1
Mexican Street Corn Salad - Love and Lemons
Mexican Street Corn Salad – Love and Lemons
This 10-ingredient Mexican street corn salad is fresh, spicy, and lightly creamy! It’s the easiest summer side dish – you’ll love making it again and again.
Check out this recipe

We’re really into Mexican Street Corn Salad. It’s all about corn mixed with chili, lime, and cheese. We recommend using fresh or frozen corn.

Sneak in some jalapeños for heat, finish with a squeeze of lime. This mix has a crunch with a kick. Definitely one of our favorites to pair with King Ranch Chicken.

It’s a fiesta on a plate. The zestiness and creaminess are a flavor bomb. Sprinkle cilantro on top if you feel fancy.

2 – Cilantro Lime Rice

2
Cilantro Lime Rice - Love and Lemons
Cilantro Lime Rice – Love and Lemons
No need to stop at Chipotle—this easy cilantro lime rice recipe is fresh and delicious. A great side dish or base for homemade burrito bowls!
Check out this recipe

Okay, here’s the thing—cilantro lime rice is like a delicious green-haired celebrity cousin. It’s all about simplicity and flavor.

We throw in fresh lime juice and zesty cilantro, and boom, you’ve got a side dish that will hang with King Ranch Chicken like it’s at a family reunion.

Prefer it warm or cold? Either way works like a charm. It’s versatile and friendly. Make a big batch. We all secretly love to sneak some the next day too.

3 – Refried Beans

3
Easy Refried Beans
These refried beans are delicious and so easy to make. This refried bean recipe is quick, too—use canned beans and they’re ready in 25 minutes! Healthy, vegan and gluten free.
Check out this recipe

So, we need to talk about refried beans. This side isn’t just beans—it’s creamy, savory goodness. Warm them up, slap them on a plate, and let them work their magic.

Our tip: add a splash of lime juice. It brightens everything up. We like ours with a sprinkle of cheese on top. This dish is a crowd-pleaser every time. It goes with pretty much everything on the table.

The texture is satisfyingly hearty. It elevates any meal with minimal effort.

4 – Sautéed Zucchini and Corn

4
Sauteed Corn & Zucchini (A Simple & Delicious Side Dish)
This Sautéed Corn and Zucchini is an easy summer side dish that I find myself making over and over again. It takes less than 20 minutes to make and is a light and fresh dish
Check out this recipe

Yo, sautéed zucchini and corn? This duo rocks the side dish scene! We throw them together for a mix of tender zucchini and sweet corn.

Want flavor? Add garlic and a splash of lime juice. It’s fresh and zesty. The best part? It fits any meal like a glove. Cook ‘til the corn pops and zucchini starts to caramelize.

Try adding a sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. This side is simple but tasty, perfect for any table.

5 – Guacamole with Tortilla Chips

5
Guacamole with Baked Tortilla Chips
Guacamole with Baked Tortilla Chips
This easy Guacamole with Baked Tortilla Chips is made with fresh ingredients. It is a healthy appetizer or snack. (vegan, gluten free)
Check out this recipe

Guacamole with tortilla chips? Pure magic from avocado, lime, and cilantro. Scoop it with a chip; it’s sheer bliss.

We crush garlic for an extra kick. Mash and mix to your heart’s content. The tangy lime hints make it pop.

We’re all about customizing our guac. Try tomatoes or jalapeños. They add texture and spice.

Chunky or smooth? We’ve tried both. Always a hit at gatherings. Chips scoop up the deliciousness. Roaming guac is the best.

6 – Black Bean and Corn Salsa

6
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This crazy easy Black Bean and Corn Salsa makes a quick and healthy snack, side dish, or topping for tacos, salads, grilled meats, and more!
Check out this recipe

Black bean and corn salsa is a real treat. It’s easy and quick for any meal. We toss black beans and corn with lime juice. It’s bright and refreshing. Add cilantro for extra zing.

We enjoy it with tortilla chips or use it in wraps. It’s chunky and flavorful. Customize it with jalapeños for some heat. Fresh tomatoes add a juicy touch.

We like it chilled for a cool bite. It’s our way to up the salsa game.

7 – Avocado and Tomato Salad

7
Simple Tomato and Avocado Salad Recipe - Food.com
Simple Tomato and Avocado Salad Recipe – Food.com
This is simple to make with simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe

Why are we talking about avocado and tomato salad? It’s simple and bold, just like us. We mix juicy tomatoes with creamy avocado.

The flavors? Fresh, light, and full of life. Add salt and pepper, maybe a squirt of lime. Enjoy straight from the bowl or on toast. The simplicity means endless room for creativity.

Try with a sprinkle of feta or some red onion. We appreciate this side’s ease and flexibility. It’s about enjoying honest, uncomplicated food.

8 – Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread

8
Jalapeño Cornbread - Love and Lemons
Jalapeño Cornbread – Love and Lemons
This sweet and spicy jalapeño cornbread recipe is made with diced jalapeños and cheddar cheese. Moist and tender, it’s a delicious side dish!
Check out this recipe

This cornbread is quick and fuss-free. Jalapeños bring the heat. We mix cornmeal, add cheese, and stir in chopped jalapeños. The result? A spicy side that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

Make it in a skillet or a baking pan. Both work well. We like it warm, straight from the oven. Add butter for extra richness.

Experiment with more jalapeños if more kick is your thing. Always a fun addition to meals.

9 – Roasted Poblano Soup

9
Roasted Poblano Soup
Roasted Poblano Soup
The key to this Roasted Poblano Soup is getting creative with the garnish. A dash of acidity will turn it into something otherworldly!
Check out this recipe

Roasted Poblano Soup? It warms the soul. Creamy with a kick, thanks to roasted poblanos. We prep by charring the peppers, then blend them. It’s like a warm hug.

Enjoy with tortilla strips. Add a squeeze of lime for zest. We’re fans of garnishing with fresh cilantro. Cheese complements the spice nicely.

Experiment with extra spice levels. Balance with a dollop of sour cream. It’s a cozy addition to the meal lineup—simple, yet satisfying.

10 – Cabbage Slaw with Lime Vinaigrette

10
Mexican Coleslaw With Spicy Lime Vinaigrette Recipe - Food.com
Mexican Coleslaw With Spicy Lime Vinaigrette Recipe – Food.com
A combination of Kalyn’s Kitchen’s Spicy Mexican Slaw and few adaptions of mine to eliminate the mayo in the dressing.
Check out this recipe

Crunchy cabbage awakens the senses. Lime vinaigrette lifts it beautifully. Taste is sharp, refreshing.

We toss shredded cabbage, add lime zest. Balance comes from a splash of olive oil. Cilantro hits with its fresh coolness.

Want more? Red onion adds bite. We say yes to jalapeños. Peppers give a mild kick. Texture and flavor are on point. It’s a zesty mix.

Top with pumpkin seeds. We like it crisp and snappy. Simple to craft, straightforward to munch.

11 – Cheesy Queso Dip

11
Life Changing Queso Dip (Mexican Cheese Dip)
Life Changing Queso Dip (Mexican Cheese Dip)
Code cracked: made with real cheese, this Queso Dip is a copycat of the dip sold in jars and served at your favourite Mexican restaurant. Silky smooth!
Check out this recipe

Ok, you gotta try cheesy queso dip. It’s our melty, cheese heaven. We blend all sorts of cheeses and toss in some spicy peppers. It’s gooey, warm, and kind of magical with tortilla chips or on basically anything.

A tip: heat it just right. Too hot and it might split. We once got creative and threw in some chorizo—it was next-level awesomeness.

A squirt of lime adds flair. Experiment with toppings. We dig cilantro or jalapeños. Bring on the queso!

12 – Grilled Pineapple Salad

12
Grilled Pineapple Salad Recipe - Food.com
Grilled Pineapple Salad Recipe – Food.com
From Chef At Home of Food Network Canada
Check out this recipe

Alright, grilled pineapple salad jumps in with tangy-sweet vibes. Pineapple goes on the grill for a quick char. Juicy and slightly smoky, it just shines. Throw in some fresh mint; it’s a refreshing burst of flavor.

We toss in a few red onions for zing. Try squeezing lime juice for a citrusy twist. This salad rides the line between sweet and savory. Perfect for summer lunches. Keep it chill and let flavors blend.

13 – Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers

13
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers – Hungry Happens
A beautiful vegetarian harmony of flavors. I cannot get enough of these easy stuffed peppers. These are the perfect alternative to a gluten free (and yet JUST AS DELICIOUS) spinach pie. I promise you, tastes just as good!!! Plus, you will do a fraction of the work and they are LOW CARB. These are so […]
Check out this recipe

Who knew stuffed peppers could be this fun? We pack them with spinach and feta. Spinach gives a healthy pop. Feta melts into creamy goodness. It’s simple yet quirky. Use peppers as a natural edible bowl.

We find roasting them brings out sweetness. For more flavor, sprinkle with herbs. Herbs add a fresh punch. We enjoy them piping hot. It’s one heck of a flavor mix. Great for a side that stands out. That roasted flavor gets us every time.

Index