What to Serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup (32+ Side Dishes)
Somebody often wonders what to serve with chicken tortilla soup to turn an ordinary lunch or dinner into something memorable.
I love how each bowl of this hearty dish can get a boost from easy recipes that add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and bold spices like cumin or chili powder.
With that flavor-packed base, I invite you to choose the best side dishes that match your mood.
You can add crunchy elements or serve with tortilla soup using fresh veggies for a balanced, delicious dinner. It’s always incredible!
What Is Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Folks enjoy this flavorful soup for its comforting chicken broth, tender chicken breasts, and spices like chili powder. It’s often topped with jalapeños or crispy tortilla strips for a crunchy, enchilada-inspired finish and fresh cilantro.
Best Toppings for Chicken Tortilla Soup
These favorite toppings let you customize each bowl. I sprinkle different flavors for more spice or creaminess. Try them all for a special finishing touch.
- Avocado Slices
- Sour Cream
- Shredded Cheese
- Fresh Cilantro
- Lime Wedges
- Crispy Tortilla Strips/Chips
- Jalapeño Slices
- Pickled Red Onions
- Chopped Green Onions
- Hot Sauce
What to Serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup
When choosing what sides to serve with chicken tortilla soup, I always consider bread, tortillas, rice, vegetable sides, salads, salsas, and tacos.
Breads and Tortillas
Lighter bread or toasted tortillas pair well. I love dipping warm bites into the soup for flavor. You can choose cheesy delights or classic staples.
- Cornbread: Moist slices elevate any bowl by absorbing that rich broth. I once brought this to a potluck, and friends raved about how each crumb caught every burst of spicy flavor.
- Mexican Cornbread: Studded with diced chilies and cheese, this option boosts each spoonful of your soup. I tried it at a birthday event, and guests wanted the recipe right after dinner tonight.
- Flour Tortillas: Warm rounds bring comfort, especially if you roll them around shredded chicken or toppings like cheese. My family likes to tear them and swirl each piece through the savory broth.
- Corn Tortillas: These rustic options add a toasty aroma that pairs with your soup’s chili powder. I recommend heating them on a skillet first, making each bite soft yet full of flavor.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Golden edges and melty centers create a glorious companion. Once, I made a big batch for game night, and people grabbed slices to dunk each piece into that flavorful soup.
Rice and Grains
Wholesome grains balance the taste of your chicken burrito soup. I love adding a scoop to soak up every savory drop and enrich each spoonful.
- Mexican Rice: Tomatoes, onions, and simple spices transform grains into a vibrant side. My neighbor serves it regularly, mixing in corn kernels to match each spoonful of our beloved tortilla chip soup.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty bites complement that slow cooker soup, if you stir in black beans or chopped veggies. I shared this salad recipe with a friend who craved a yet filling side.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Zesty citrus flavor heightens each spoonful of soup. My trick is a quick squeeze of lime juice poured while fluffing. Everyone appreciates how it stays fresh, tangy, and downright addictive.
- Polenta: Warm cornmeal base provides a creamy foundation beside that hearty soup. A friend introduced me to it years ago, and I’ve paired them ever since for a unique comforting twist.
Easy Vegetable Sides
Crisp vegetables and beans add balance to your bowl of chicken enchilada soup. I enjoy how each bite brings color and flavors to the table.
- Refried Beans: Velvety texture meets seasoning that pairs well with that soup. Sometimes, I stir in cumin or a dash of salt and pepper. My guests always request extra servings of it.
- Roasted Corn: Sweet kernels turn golden under high heat, adding a delightful crunch. My cousin sprinkles chili powder on top, and each bite feels refreshing paired with that hearty bowl of comfort.
- Fried Plantains: Those caramelized edges bring a sweet balance to spicy soup recipes. I discovered them while traveling, and ever since, they remind me of evenings spent exploring new flavors in distant places.
- Stuffed Poblano Peppers: Earthy peppers pack taste when filled with cheese or shredded meat. My coworker makes them for potlucks, and they vanish quickly. That creamy interior complements every spoonful of hot goodness.
- Instant Pot Black Beans: Pressure-cooked beans taste with minimal work. My neighbor introduced me to this simple recipe, and it turns plain legumes into a creamy, protein-packed companion that pairs flawlessly with your soup.
Fresh Salads
Crunchy greens bring life to any meal. I mix different toppings to emphasize fresh produce, creating a colorful contrast that lifts each spoonful of soup.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: Grilled corn, crema, and tangy cheese dance together in one bowl. My mother first served it at a backyard cookout, and everyone forgot about plain salads after tasting this gem.
- Jicama Salad: Crunchy slices of jicama add a refreshing bite that goes well with hot soups. I shared it during a family picnic, and people truly loved the cool contrast it offered.
- Mexican Slaw: Finely shredded cabbage tossed in zesty dressing matches creamy soups. A coworker brought it once, and I found myself scooping portions because the crisp crunch felt addicting and perfectly balanced.
- Tomato Avocado Salad: Ripe chopped tomatoes blend with creamy avocado pieces. My aunt taught me to add lime juice for sparkle, and the result always feels fresh, complementing your soup’s tender shredded chicken.
- Cucumber Radish Salad: Cool cucumbers meet peppery radishes, providing a bright pop in every bite. A college friend just introduced me to it, and now I pair it with my soup for zing.
Dips and Salsa
Smooth dips or chunky salsas add variety to your meal. I love how each spoonful of soup gets when paired with flavors on the side.
- Guacamole: Mashed avocados, chopped onions, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime create a creamy topper. My friend’s recipe is easy to make, and it instantly brightens your soup with that Mexican flair.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and jalapeño bits offer a tangy counterpoint to those rich broth flavors. A colleague introduced me to homemade tortilla strips and this dip, making every bowl shine.
- Salsa Verde: Tart tomatillos deliver a brightness that wraps around your soup’s spices. My cousin enjoys adding green chilies for more depth. That punchy taste highlights each spoonful with a light, flavorful accent.
- Corn Queso Dip: Creamy cheese mixed with sweet corn brings a playful vibe next to spicy soup tastes. I served it once for a family reunion, and every bite vanished before dessert arrived.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet diced mango meets tangy onions, creating a bright partner for that soup in an airtight container. I tried it during a barbecue, and it stole the spotlight with ease.
Tacos and Main Dishes
Bigger plates sometimes suit hungrier guests. A taco or layered meal offers contrast, letting you experiment with endless flavors while savoring each spoonful of soup.
- Tacos: Folded tortillas stuffed with birria tacos, fish tacos, or steak tacos bring variety. A friend hosted a taco bar once, and we discovered new flavors that matched our soup perfectly.
- Burritos: Soft tortillas envelop beans, rice, or ground beef in a satisfying bundle. I once added leftover rotisserie chicken, transforming each burrito into a hearty pocket that complemented every spicy spoonful.
- Nachos: Crunchy tortilla chip layers smothered in cheese and toppings like jalapeno. A friend built a giant tray at a movie night, and we alternated bites of soup with gooey chips.
- Chiles Rellenos: Roasted peppers stuffed with gooey cheese add depth to the table. My grandma taught me that technique, and each forkful mingles perfectly with the cozy warmth of a tortilla-based soup.
Desserts
A sweet finish can highlight savory flavors. I like simple side desserts that add a gentle contrast. That final bite always seals the meal perfectly.
- Flan: Silky caramel custard melts in your mouth after spicy soup. My aunt introduced me to her technique, and each spoonful provides a soothing note that rebalances lingering heat from dinner.
- Churros: Fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar feels playful at the table. I recall a fair where churros reigned supreme, and everyone devoured them alongside soup without a second thought completely.
- Tres Leches Cake: Soft, milky layers cradle delicate sweetness that contrasts with savory notes. My friend served it at a birthday gathering, and we realized it perfectly balances the spice in every spoonful.
- Sopapillas: Pillowy pastries drizzled with honey give a light finish. I experienced these airy treats at a local café, and their gentle sweetness truly plays well alongside strong, bold soup flavors.
- Mexican Chocolate Brownies: Fudgy squares spiced with a hint of cinnamon bring satisfying closure. I baked them for a church fundraiser, and folks lined up for that surprising mix of chocolate and warmth.
Final Thoughts
That soup is packed with bold notes, and you can discover countless ways to enhance every spoonful. Go for homemade tortilla strips, fresh greens, or a simple dish that pairs seamlessly.
The best side dishes to serve can range from savory to sweet, letting you explore different toppings and textures. Experimenting reveals how each choice elevates mealtime.
If you plan to store any soup in an airtight container, those same sides for chicken tortilla soup will taste just as good when reheated. Enjoy exploring these delicious sides again and again.
