Few things are more comforting than a big bowl of chili on a cold winter day. Most people see their favorite chili recipe as a meal right by itself. However, if you want sides for chili that will make chili feel more like a meal prep, you may be wondering what to serve with chili. Homemade chili is full of ground beef and tomato sauce, plus nutritious veggies like tomatoes and chili beans or kidney beans. But you can also round out your chili supper with bread, appetizers, and sides.
What goes with chili? Let’s dive in and explore some of the best options for what to eat with Chilli Side Dishes. From classic Southern cornbread to Mexican sides with a kick, pub-style appetizers, refreshing salads and slaws, and an unbelievably delicious low-carb cauliflower cheese bread, these are the best healthy recipes to serve with chili.
21. Sweet Potato Fritters with Avocado
These pan-fried Sweet Potato Fritters are easy to make and crazy delicious! Sweet potatoes are my true food love. A more perfect food I’ve yet to find. Yet. My family doesn’t share the love. That makes me and the sweet potato a sort of star-crossed lover. I have to be careful when I express my love. I can get my family to eat sweet potato chips, sweet potato pancakes, and sweet potato muffins. Get the theme?
They have to be in crispy chip form or baked into something. These Sweet Potato Fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and insanely flavorful. These chilli side dishes pair perfectly with the avocado dipping sauce. It’s spiked with fresh basil, which complements the Sweet Potato Fritters really well.
Get the recipe here.
Related: Sweet Potato Recipes
20. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
SHEET PAN DINNER! The quickest meal you can make with amazingly tender chicken + crisp-tender veggies with the easiest clean-up! No joke. We got one single sheet pan here. Okay, maybe one small bowl as well to mix the seasonings but that’s it. One sheet pan. One small bowl. So you have the seasonings in your one small bowl and then you have your chicken and veggies all on the sheet pan. You toss them altogether directly on the sheet pan (because, hello, why would we dirty up another dish), throw it in the oven, and then serve immediately with warmed tortillas (corn or flour, your choice).
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: Sheet Pan Dinner Recipes
19. Cheesy Corn Fritters
These easy to make Cheesy Corn Fritters are loaded up with fresh corn, flavor, and most importantly cheese! Fried in a small amount of olive oil, these fritters are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer! These easy chilli side dishes are loaded up with jalapeno, onion, cilantro, plenty of cheese, and a seasoning blend. All cooked together to get a perfect golden crust. This easy vegetable side dish recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes and can also double as a light meal!
Fritters are small fried cakes, corn fritters are, of course, made of corn! The corn and chopped vegetables are held together by a thick batter. They are fried in a small amount of oil, this makes the exterior crispy and the inside is soft, loaded with melty cheese, and fresh bits of juicy corn.
Get the recipe here.
Related: Canned Corn Recipes
18. Thai Mango Salad
Thai mango salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that makes a great summer lunch or meal prep. It’s easy to throw together in 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Loaded with fresh mangos, red peppers, red onions, cilantro, and peanuts, and tossed in a delicious creamy sesame dressing, this salad takes mangos to the next level with major flavor in every bite. Pack it for an on-the-go lunch or keep it in the fridge as a quick refreshing snack.
There are some things in this world that were made to go together, and every ingredient in this Thai mango salad fits perfectly with the others. Red pepper, mango, cilantro, red onions, and peanuts, all tossed in a Creamy Sesame Dressing — these ingredients are a match made in heaven!
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: Mango Dessert Recipes
17. Sweet And Moist Cornbread
This is my favorite homemade cornbread recipe! It is very moist thanks to a little oil added to the batter and extra sweet thanks to some sugar and honey. No more dry cornbread! This skillet cornbread is baked in a hot cast-iron skillet for that extra crispy edge, perfect for dunking in a bowlful of chili. I have always been extremely ho-hum about cornbread. Offer me dinner rolls or cornbread, and I will take the dinner rolls every time. Most of the time sweet cornbread is dry and sad and not worth the carbs. So I set out to create a recipe that would be worth it!
Get the recipe here.
Related: Homemade Bread Recipes
16. Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice gets a boost of flavor with a Mexican flair! This easy-to-make low-carb side dish meal prep can be served in under 15 minutes. It makes a perfect busy weeknight side! This is a different spin on plain cauliflower rice that gives it great flavor. I’m constantly looking for creative ways to prepare cauliflower because it’s a great side dish for a Keto diet. It’s very healthy, packed with nutrients, fiber and antioxidants. There are many health benefits to cauliflower you can read more about in this article! I like it because it closely mimics the texture of rice, so it makes a great low-carb substitute.
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: Mexican Taco Recipes
15. Fried Potatoes With Fresh Cilantro Recipe
Crispy fried potatoes with fresh cilantro and some garlic goodness. The potatoes are flavorsome and have a little kick thanks to the chili flakes, hence the name “Batata Harra” which is literally translated as “spicy potatoes”. This potato dish is popular throughout the Middle East and is very simple to make with only 5 ingredients! There are two ways to cook these delicious healthy recipes: either deep-fried or roasted. Although traditionally, potato cubes are deep-fried, many people also prefer to roast the potatoes. Out of these two methods, I prefer the fried potatoes one, so that’s the recipe that I’ll share today!
Get the recipe here.
Related: Sweet Casserole Recipes
14. Black Bean Quesadillas
These cheesy, delicious black bean quesadillas are made with a secret flavour weapon that also cuts down on prep work! Ready in 10 minutes! Except for my breakfast quesadillas, most healthy recipes require prepping and chopping veggies and mixing up the filling that I’m not motivated to complete. So, most of the time, I end up eating literal cheese and tortillas with my toddler. So, I started thinking about how I could add veggies and flavour to my quesadillas with MINIMAL work.
And then I don’t know how, but it came to me! A can of beans paired with premade pico de gallo. Pico de Gallo has basically chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. PERFECT! And that’s what you see here! I did end up sprinkling some taco seasoning and salt for extra flavour, but really these were super delicious and SUPER EASY to make even without the seasoning.
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: High Protein Vegan Meals
13. Chicken Avocado Corn Salad
This Chicken Avocado Corn Salad is the answer to your sick-of-ordinary-salads prayers. Chock full of tasty chicken, sweet corn, creamy avocado, lime, and chili powder, this is a great dish to share — though you might just want to keep it all for yourself! I know what you’re thinking — and it’s that this salad looks amazing! (Please tell me that’s what you were thinking because that’s what you should be thinking, if not.) Well, believe me when I tell you that it is, and it’s all because of that sweet, sweet corn flavor, taste, and texture. I, like you, get tired of the same old, same old veggie side dishes and green salads. Not that there isn’t a time and place for those, I assure you I eat plenty of green salads.
Get the recipe here.
Related: High Protein Salad Recipes
12. Chili Garlic Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
Need an easy, elegant meal for weeknights, holidays, or a special occasion? You will love this spicy, crispy roasted chicken with tender potatoes and carrots! All you need is one pan and a handful of basic ingredients for this all-in-one nutritious chicken dinner. It is so simple and scrumptious!
The best thing about this chicken dish is that you can prepare it with whatever spices, aromatics, and fresh vegetables you have on hand. We absolutely love making variations of these hearty, healthy recipes on weeknights, and it’s fit to impress guests for a comfy yet classy dinner at home. My favorite part of a one-pan dinner is the minimal clean-up, which allows more time with my family and less scrubbing away at the sink.
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: Leftover Chicken Recipes
11. Keto Garlic Butter Breadsticks
Looking for a keto appetizer that’ll satisfy your carb craving? This is it! These easy Low Carb are soft and chewy, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a buttery topping. So I think we can all agree that the upside to keto (aside from the health benefits) is bacon. But, the downside (if there is one) is probably baking. Yes, for those of us who love sweet treats, especially baked items, it can get a little tricky! Baking with almond flour and coconut flour is helpful, but those flours aren’t necessarily easy to turn into chewy, “gluten-Esque” bread and cakes.
Get the recipe here.
Related: Low Calorie Snacks
10. Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad
This Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad Recipe is one of the easiest chilli side dishes that are perfect for summer! The southwestern flavors from Sweet Corn, Black Beans, Peppers, Lime Juice and Roasted Red Pepper Dressing take this Sweet Potato Salad to a whole new level! I was a little late to the whole sweet potato party, but now I’m arriving with this Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad and I’m coming in with a bang!
It’s loaded with black beans, corn, peppers, lime juice, and roasted red pepper dressing. Now, that my friend is a Sweet Potato Salad that packs a punch! To me, sweet potatoes were just the things that came out at Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas (and the thing I avoided like the plague unless they were baked in a Sweet Potato Bundt Cake or mashed in these Sweet Potato Biscuits).
Get the recipe here.
Related: Broccoli Salad Recipes
9. Fritos Corn Salad
Crisp corn, bell pepper, cheese, and Chili Cheese Fritos in a creamy dressing. Fritos Corn Salad is the perfect no-cook, super-easy summer side dish for all your barbecues! Today I have one of my all-time favorite summer chilli side dishes. I know we have talked at length about my love of Fritos corn chips so this should come as no surprise. It takes just a few minutes to put together and it is always a hit. Take it to barbecues, serve it as a side for dinner, or serve it as a dip at your next party! I promise everyone will love it. No, it’s definitely not low-calorie. It’s fine.
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: High Protein Meal Prep Recipes
8. Easy Maple Chili Tofu
This Maple Chili Glazed Tofu is easy to make and full of so much flavor! It’s spicy and sweet and has a great texture. This tofu would make a wonderful vegan side dish for Christmas or Thanksgiving! I am so excited to share this Maple Chili Glazed Tofu recipe with you today! There seems to be a common misconception among non-vegetarians/vegans that tofu is boring and bland. I think everyone will agree that’s not true after they eat this tofu! I created this Maple Chili Glazed Tofu recipe as a high protein, low carb main dish that’s fancy enough for Christmas and easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
Get the recipe here.
Related: Spring Vegetarian Recipes
7. Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Chili Sauce
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Chilli Sauce starts by caramelising the sprouts to give them amazing flavour and texture. Then they are cooked in the most amazing Sweet Chili Sauce which gives them some sweet heat. Absolutely irresistible! I think most kids dislike Brussels sprouts. I certainly did. The way they were prepared when I was a kid left them mushy and tasteless. No Bueno!
Pan Fried Brussels with Sweet Chili Sauce starts by caramelising the sprouts in a cast-iron skillet. If you don’t have cast iron, use whatever you have. Pan-frying gives them an amazing caramelised flavour and texture. These chilli side dishes are topped with Sweet Chili Sauce which gives them some sweet heat. Absolutely irresistible! Enjoy!
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: Baked Recipes
6. Sweet Thai Cucumber Salad
Thai cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish for any meal prep and it only takes a few minutes to throw together. Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce along with red onions, peanuts, and cilantro are a delicious refreshing side dish. Pair it with any protein for a refreshing side dish. If you don’t like them or have an allergy this salad is delicious without them or you could even add some slivered almonds for the added crunch factor. This salad is best served fresh, you can make the dressing up to 4 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator and toss it right before serving.
Get the recipe here.
Related: Cucumber Recipes
5. Cucumber Pico de Gallo
This super simple Cucumber Pico de Gallo recipe has all the classic ingredients, plus chopped fresh cucumber. It’s a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful Mexican-inspired salsa Fresca or side dish. Classic Pico de Gallo is a chunky salsa Fresca made with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. This version has the delightful and hydrating crunch of cucumber as well. It’s perfect with a side of tortilla chips or served atop any of your favorite Mexican dishes and sides. This fresh salsa only takes 10 minutes of prep time. Once you’re done chopping up the ingredients, you just stir everything in a bowl and let it sit so the flavors can come together.
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: Overnight Oats Recipes
4. Simple Chili Garlic Snow Peas
These chili garlic snow peas are so easy and quick to make. Snow peas are fiber-rich and great for gut microbiome health, which makes this recipe the perfect appetizer or snack. This recipe is so simple and makes great chilli side dishes for any meal. Snow peas are so versatile, you can season them with just about anything. This is a spicy chili oil from Trader Joe’s with onion pieces in it. It’s delicious. You can use any type of chili oil though.
There are many options at our local Asian Market, so check at yours. I love red onions. Jon and I put red onions in pretty much every savory dish. They add a fresh flavor to these snow Peas. We used the liquid from our Cultured Guru Kimchi. This adds a nice tart and salty flavor to the mix.
Get the recipe here.
Related: Holiday Breakfast Recipes
3. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a healthy alternative to your regular potato fries. Crunchy outside, delicious soft melt-in-your-mouth inside. These baked fries are too good to resist just like baked potato wedges and baked potato roses! This recipe can be easily doubled and trust me you won’t have any leftovers. These baked sweet potato fries are delicious and easy to make as a side dish. Baked sweet potato fries are better and healthier than regular fries. It sure satisfies cravings for crunchy food.
If you are having a gathering don’t forget to impress your family or friends with this ultimate Southern fried chicken, it’s perfect for occasions like this. These baked sweet potato fries are best when served with a dipping sauce, any dipping sauce of your choice. Serve it with a great dip like roasted bell pepper hummus or tahini. If you are team ketchup, go ahead and enjoy it with ketchup.
Get the recipe here.
Suggested: Air Fryer Dessert Recipes
2. Sweet Chili Shrimp and Bell Peppers Skillet
Sweet Chili Shrimp is a simple recipe packed that are so flavor and spiciness! The sticky and sweet chili sauce is made from scratch with basic ingredients, such as Sriracha, honey, ginger, and soy sauce. Shrimp is first cooked with lots of minced garlic and crushed red chili pepper flakes. Then, it’s coated with a spicy and sticky sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds! This quick dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. This sweet chili shrimp is a well-balanced meal that features both protein (shrimp) and vegetables (bell peppers).
Get the recipe here.
Related: Keto Fish Recipes
1. Chili Crisp Broccoli and Labneh
This chili crisp broccoli and labneh will be one of your new favourite chilli side dishes. It’s creamy, tart, spicy, and loaded with the delicious flavour of roasted broccoli. If you’re looking for a delicious chili crisp side dish recipe, you must give this chili crisp broccoli a try. It is a perfect pairing of bold flavors and contrasting textures that makes it an ideal side dish recipe or for meal prep. Labneh is a soft Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yogurt. It is thicker and creamier than Greek yogurt but still retains the tart soreness associated with Greek yogurt.
Get the recipe here.
If you like this article about Chilli Side Dishes, please share this with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Also, you can subscribe to my blog to get all the latest articles first on your mobile.
SHARING IS CARING!
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST
Did you like this recipe and make it later at home? SAVE this pin to your favourite board on Pinterest!