Introduction
Chicken tacos are a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and versatile meal option for any occasion. While the tacos themselves are flavorful and satisfying, the sides and accompaniments you choose can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just whipping up a quick dinner, selecting the right sides can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dishes, drinks, and toppings that complement chicken tacos perfectly, ensuring a well-rounded and flavorful dining experience.
Why Pairing Matters
Pairing the right sides and accompaniments with chicken tacos is about more than just adding variety to your meal. It’s about balancing flavors, textures, and even colors to create a dining experience that is both satisfying and visually appealing. Chicken tacos, with their blend of spices and tender meat, provide a foundation that can be complemented by a variety of sides, from crunchy slaws to creamy dips and refreshing beverages. By carefully selecting what goes alongside your chicken tacos, you can enhance the overall taste and enjoyment of the meal.
Classic Sides for Chicken Tacos
When thinking about what goes well with chicken tacos, classic sides often come to mind. These traditional pairings are beloved for a reason—they perfectly complement the flavors of the tacos while adding their own unique taste and texture.
1. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a staple side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken tacos. Cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, this rice dish offers a slightly tangy flavor that complements the savory notes of the chicken. The fluffy texture of the rice also provides a nice contrast to the soft tortillas and tender chicken.
- How to Make It: Sauté diced onions and garlic in a bit of oil until softened. Add long-grain rice and cook until lightly toasted. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Simmer until the rice is cooked through and fluffy.
- Pro Tip: Add a handful of peas or diced carrots for extra color and nutrition.
2. Refried Beans
Refried beans are another classic side that pairs well with chicken tacos. They offer a creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor that balances the spiciness of the tacos. Made from pinto beans, refried beans are often cooked with onions, garlic, and lard or oil, then mashed to a smooth consistency.
- How to Make It: Cook pinto beans until tender. In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic in oil or lard. Add the beans and mash them with a potato masher until smooth. Season with salt and spices like cumin or chili powder.
- Pro Tip: For a healthier version, use black beans and olive oil instead of pinto beans and lard.
3. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a vibrant and flavorful side that adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of spice to your chicken tacos. The corn is grilled until slightly charred, then coated with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled cheese.
- How to Make It: Grill ears of corn until lightly charred. Brush the corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder. Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese and a little extra chili powder.
- Pro Tip: Serve the corn on the cob for a traditional presentation, or cut the kernels off the cob to create a corn salad.
Fresh and Light Sides
To balance the richness of chicken tacos, consider adding some fresh and light sides to your meal. These options provide a refreshing contrast and help cleanse the palate between bites.
1. Guacamole
Guacamole is a must-have when serving chicken tacos. This creamy avocado dip adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the tacos. It also provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm chicken and tortillas.
- How to Make It: Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and salt. For extra flavor, add diced tomatoes, minced garlic, or jalapeños.
- Pro Tip: To prevent the guacamole from turning brown, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating.
2. Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a fresh, chunky salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Its bright flavors and crisp texture make it an excellent accompaniment to chicken tacos, adding a burst of freshness to each bite.
- How to Make It: Combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños in a bowl. Add lime juice and salt to taste. Let the salsa sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pro Tip: Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
3. Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage slaw is a crunchy, tangy side that adds a refreshing bite to chicken tacos. The crispness of the cabbage, combined with a zesty dressing, creates a side dish that complements the softness of the tacos and the richness of the chicken.
- How to Make It: Shred green or red cabbage and toss with a dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, honey, and salt. Add shredded carrots, sliced radishes, or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
- Pro Tip: Let the slaw sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Creamy and Cheesy Sides
For those who love a bit of indulgence with their tacos, creamy and cheesy sides are a perfect choice. These dishes add richness and depth of flavor, making the meal more satisfying.
1. Queso Dip
Queso dip is a creamy, cheesy sauce that pairs wonderfully with chicken tacos. Made from melted cheese and flavored with spices and diced tomatoes, queso dip is a crowd-pleaser that adds a rich, velvety texture to your meal.
- How to Make It: Melt shredded cheese in a saucepan with a splash of milk. Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies, and spices like cumin or paprika. Keep the dip warm until ready to serve.
- Pro Tip: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor.
2. Sour Cream
Sour cream is a classic taco topping that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spiciness of chicken tacos. Its creamy texture helps balance the heat and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to each bite.
- How to Serve: Simply dollop a spoonful of sour cream onto each taco, or serve it on the side so guests can add as much or as little as they like.
- Pro Tip: For a twist, mix in a little lime juice and chopped cilantro to create a zesty lime-cilantro crema.
3. Mexican Cheese Blend
Sprinkling a blend of shredded Mexican cheeses on top of chicken tacos adds a rich, creamy element that melts perfectly into the warm tortillas and chicken. Common cheeses used include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco.
- How to Serve: Sprinkle the cheese directly onto the hot chicken in the tacos, allowing it to melt slightly before adding other toppings.
- Pro Tip: For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of regular Monterey Jack.
Drinks That Complement Chicken Tacos
No taco meal is complete without the right beverage. Drinks can enhance the flavors of your meal, cleanse the palate, and add a refreshing element to the dining experience.
1. Margaritas
Margaritas are a classic choice when it comes to pairing drinks with chicken tacos. The tangy lime juice, combined with tequila and a touch of sweetness, creates a refreshing cocktail that complements the savory flavors of the tacos.
- How to Make It: Combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass rimmed with salt. Serve it on the rocks or blended with ice for a frozen version.
- Pro Tip: Experiment with flavored margaritas by adding fresh fruit like strawberries, mangoes, or raspberries.
2. Mexican Beer
A cold Mexican beer is a perfect match for chicken tacos. The crisp, light flavor of beers like Corona, Modelo, or Pacifico pairs well with the spices in the tacos, making each bite more enjoyable.
- How to Serve: Serve the beer ice-cold, with a wedge of lime for squeezing into the bottle or glass.
- Pro Tip: For a twist, try a Michelada—Mexican beer mixed with lime juice, hot sauce, and tomato juice, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.
3. Agua Fresca
For a non-alcoholic option, agua fresca is a refreshing choice. Made from fresh fruit, water, and a bit of sugar, agua fresca is light, sweet, and a perfect complement to the flavors of chicken tacos.
- How to Make It: Blend fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, or cucumber with water and a little sugar. Strain the mixture to remove any pulp and serve over ice.
- Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh mint or a slice of lime for added freshness.
Desserts to Finish the Meal
After enjoying chicken tacos and their delicious sides, finishing the meal with a sweet dessert is the perfect way to wrap up your dining experience. These dessert options complement the flavors of the meal while satisfying your sweet tooth.
1. Churros
Churros are a popular Mexican dessert that pairs wonderfully with chicken tacos. These fried dough pastries are coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
- How to Make It: Mix flour, water, sugar, and salt to form a dough. Pipe the dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Roll the churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while still warm.
- Pro Tip: Serve churros with a warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
2. Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake is a rich, moist cake soaked in three types of milk—evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This dessert is light yet decadent, making it a great way to finish a meal of chicken tacos.
- How to Make It: Bake a sponge cake and allow it to cool. Poke holes in the cake with a fork and pour a mixture of the three milks over the top. Let the cake soak for several hours before serving.
- Pro Tip: Top the cake with fresh whipped cream and berries for a refreshing finish.
3. Flan
Flan is a creamy custard dessert with a caramel topping, providing a smooth and sweet contrast to the flavors of chicken tacos. Its rich texture and caramel flavor make it a satisfying end to your meal.
- How to Make It: Combine eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the custard. Pour the mixture into a caramel-lined baking dish and bake until set. Allow the flan to cool before inverting onto a plate.
- Pro Tip: Serve flan chilled and garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Taco Pairings
What Drinks Go Well With Chicken Tacos?
Margaritas, Mexican beer, and agua fresca are all excellent drink options that complement the flavors of chicken tacos. Each offers a refreshing contrast to the savory, spicy tacos.
Can I Serve Chicken Tacos With a Salad?
Yes, a fresh salad is a great accompaniment to chicken tacos. Consider a simple lettuce, tomato, and avocado salad, or a more complex Mexican-style salad with black beans, corn, and a lime-cilantro dressing.
What Are Some Healthy Sides for Chicken Tacos?
Healthy sides include guacamole, pico de gallo, and cabbage slaw. These options are fresh, light, and full of nutrients, making them perfect for a balanced meal.
Can I Serve Chicken Tacos With Rice and Beans?
Absolutely! Mexican rice and refried beans are classic sides that pair wonderfully with chicken tacos, adding both flavor and substance to the meal.
What Dessert Complements Chicken Tacos?
Churros, tres leches cake, and flan are traditional Mexican desserts that offer a sweet finish to a meal of chicken tacos. Each dessert is rich and satisfying, providing the perfect end to your taco night.
Internal Linking Opportunities for Chicken Taco Pairings Content
To discover more about creating the perfect taco meal, check out our Ultimate Guide to Mexican Side Dishes. This guide explores various side dishes, drinks, and desserts that pair beautifully with all types of tacos, including chicken tacos. You might also find our Perfect Margarita Recipe helpful for crafting the ideal drink to accompany your taco feast.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sides, drinks, and desserts to go with chicken tacos can elevate your meal from simple to spectacular. Whether you prefer classic pairings like Mexican rice and refried beans or something fresh and light like guacamole and cabbage slaw, there are countless options to explore. Don’t forget to add a refreshing drink and finish the meal with a traditional Mexican dessert for a complete and satisfying dining experience. By thoughtfully pairing your chicken tacos with these delicious options, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy.