Chili is a hearty meal that warms you up on cold days. It’s full of flavor and spice, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes.
Good sides can balance out the heat and add new textures to your meal.
You can choose from over 20 tasty sides to serve with your chili. Some are classic pairings like cornbread, while others might surprise you.
These sides range from simple to more complex, so you can pick what works best for your cooking skills and time. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your chili night.
1. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish for chili. Its sweet flavor balances out the spiciness of the chili perfectly.
You can make it from scratch or use a mix for convenience.
Cornbread comes in different styles. Some prefer it sweeter, while others like it more savory.
You can add ingredients like corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese to give it extra flavor.
Serve your cornbread warm with a pat of butter on top. It’s great for soaking up the chili’s sauce.
You can also crumble it directly into your bowl of chili for added texture.
2. Jalapeño Cheddar Scones
Jalapeño cheddar scones are a tasty side dish for chili. These savory baked goods add a spicy kick to your meal.
To make them, you’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, cheese, and jalapeños.
Mix the dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter. Add shredded cheddar and chopped jalapeños.
Shape the dough into triangles and bake at 375-400°F. The scones will come out golden brown with a crisp exterior and soft inside.
These scones are best served warm. Their cheesy, spicy flavor complements chili nicely.
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
3. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a tasty side for chili. Its buttery, garlicky flavor adds a new layer to your meal.
The crispy edges and soft center give a nice texture contrast to the chili.
You can make garlic bread at home or buy it ready-made. For homemade, spread garlic butter on sliced bread and bake until golden. Store-bought versions work well too.
Use garlic bread to scoop up chili or dip it in the bowl. It’s great for soaking up extra sauce.
This side dish is filling and can help stretch a pot of chili to feed more people.
4. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes make a great side dish for chili. They offer a comforting, hearty complement to the spicy stew.
You can serve the potatoes whole or cut them open and top with butter. For an extra treat, scoop some chili right onto the potato.
Add cheese, sour cream, or green onions for more flavor. The soft, fluffy texture of the potato balances nicely with the chunky chili.
Baked potatoes also provide a filling option for those who want to eat less chili. They’re easy to prepare and can be customized to each person’s taste.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on regular fries. They pair well with chili and add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
You can make them at home by slicing sweet potatoes and baking or frying them. For extra flavor, try sprinkling them with cinnamon or paprika.
Sweet potato fries offer a nice contrast to the savory chili. Their crispy texture also adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
If you’re short on time, many stores sell frozen sweet potato fries. Just pop them in the oven for a quick and easy side dish.
6. Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a fresh crunch to your chili meal. The cool, crisp texture balances the warm, hearty chili perfectly.
You can make coleslaw quickly with pre-shredded cabbage mix. Just add mayo, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings.
For a healthier option, try a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayo. Add shredded carrots or apples for extra flavor and nutrients.
Coleslaw tastes best when chilled for an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together.
7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches make a perfect side for chili. The crispy, buttery bread and melty cheese complement the hearty chili flavors.
You can keep it simple with classic cheddar or get creative with different cheese blends. Try adding sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Cut the sandwiches into strips for easy dipping in your chili bowl. This combo is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
For a twist, use cornbread instead of regular bread to make your grilled cheese. It adds a sweet taste that pairs well with spicy chili.
8. Quesadillas
Quesadillas make a tasty companion to chili. These cheese-filled tortillas offer a delightful contrast to the hearty stew.
You can customize quesadillas with various fillings. Try adding shredded chicken, beef, or beans for extra protein. Vegetables like peppers and onions work well too.
For best results, serve quesadillas hot and crispy. Cut them into triangles for easy dipping in your chili. The melted cheese pairs nicely with the spicy flavors of the main dish.
You can also top quesadillas with sour cream or guacamole. These cool toppings balance out the heat of the chili.
9. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with chili. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor complement the spicy kick of chili.
You can make homemade mac and cheese or use a boxed mix for convenience. Add extra cheese on top for a gooey, melty finish.
For a twist, try different cheese blends like cheddar and Monterey Jack. You can also mix in some crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños for added flavor and crunch.
Serve your mac and cheese in a separate bowl alongside your chili. Some people enjoy mixing the two dishes together for a hearty, satisfying meal.
10. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice adds a zesty kick to your chili meal. This side dish brings bright flavors that complement the rich, hearty chili.
To make it, cook white rice and mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The fresh herbs and citrus notes create a light, refreshing taste.
You can serve the rice alongside your chili or use it as a base. Spoon the chili over a bed of cilantro lime rice for a tasty combination.
This pairing works well with many chili styles, from beef to vegetarian versions. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to your chili dinner.
11. Avocado Salad
Avocado salad makes a great side for chili. It’s light and refreshing, balancing out the heaviness of the chili.
To make it, chop ripe avocados and mix with diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with salt.
You can customize your avocado salad by adding corn, black beans, or bell peppers. For extra flavor, toss in some crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese.
This quick and easy salad adds a cool, creamy texture to complement your warm bowl of chili. The healthy fats from the avocado also help you feel full and satisfied.
12. Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are a classic side for chili. They add a satisfying crunch and can be used to scoop up the chili.
You can serve them in a separate bowl or sprinkle them on top of the chili. For extra flavor, try using flavored tortilla chips like lime or chili-spiced varieties.
If you want to get fancy, make your own chips by cutting corn tortillas into triangles and frying them. You can also bake them for a healthier option.
Tortilla chips work well for turning your chili into nachos too. Just layer chips with chili and cheese for a crowd-pleasing dish.
13. Crispy Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings make a tasty side dish for chili. Their crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the hearty, thick chili.
You can serve onion rings alongside your chili bowl or use them as a topping. Cut large rings into wedges to scoop up the chili easily.
For a fun twist, try using thin onion strings as a chili topper instead of diced onions. The crispy onions add flavor and crunch to each bite.
Homemade onion rings are simple to make. With just 20 minutes of prep, you can have fresh, golden rings ready to pair with your chili.
14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for chili. You can easily prepare them in the oven. Start by trimming and halving the sprouts.
Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Arrange the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer.
Roast at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. For extra flavor, toss the cooked sprouts with sweet chili sauce or maple syrup mixed with chili powder.
This crispy, slightly sweet side dish balances out the heat of your chili. It adds a nice crunch and vegetable element to your meal.
15. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad can be a refreshing side dish to pair with your chili. Its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing offer a nice contrast to the hearty stew.
The crunchy croutons and salty Parmesan cheese in the salad add interesting textures to your meal. You can easily prepare this classic salad at home or pick one up from your local grocery store.
For a twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to your Caesar salad. This turns it into a more substantial side that complements the chili well.
16. Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn is a tasty side dish that pairs well with chili. This grilled corn is coated with a creamy mixture of mayo, lime juice, and spices.
You can sprinkle it with cotija cheese and chili powder for extra flavor. The sweetness of the corn balances out the heat of the chili nicely.
To make it, grill corn on the cob until slightly charred. Then brush on the mayo mixture and add toppings. Serve it on or off the cob alongside your chili for a delicious combo.
17. Cheese Queso Dip
Cheese queso dip is a perfect side for chili. It adds a creamy, cheesy layer to your meal. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start with Velveeta cheese for a smooth base. Add some milk to thin it out. Mix in chili powder and cumin for flavor. You can also include some diced tomatoes or green chiles for extra kick.
For a meatier version, stir in some no-bean chili. This gives the dip a heartier texture. Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese can also be added for more depth.
Serve your queso dip warm alongside your chili. It’s great for dipping tortilla chips or drizzling over your bowl of chili.
18. Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos make a great side dish for chili. You can customize them with your favorite toppings to complement your chili perfectly.
Start with a base of crispy tortilla chips. Add melted cheese, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, and beans.
Top with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and chopped onions for freshness and crunch. A dollop of sour cream and guacamole adds creaminess.
Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor. Serve your loaded nachos alongside a steaming bowl of chili for a satisfying meal.
19. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers make a great side dish for chili. You can fill bell peppers with rice, ground beef, and cheese for a hearty accompaniment.
The peppers add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that balances the spiciness of chili. Their crisp texture also provides a nice contrast to the thick stew.
Try stuffing your peppers with ingredients that complement your chili, like beans, corn, or diced tomatoes. You can even add some of the chili itself to the pepper filling for a cohesive meal.
Bake the stuffed peppers until they’re tender and the filling is hot. Serve them alongside your chili for a filling and colorful meal.
20. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains bring a sweet and savory twist to your chili meal. These golden, crispy slices offer a delightful contrast to the hearty stew.
To make them, choose ripe plantains with dark, almost black skins.
Slice them diagonally and fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
The natural sweetness of fried plantains balances the spicy kick of chili. Their starchy texture also helps soak up the flavorful sauce.
Serve these as a side or use them as a unique topping for your chili bowl. You can sprinkle a little salt on top for extra flavor if you like.
Pairing Principles
The right side dishes can make your chili meal even better. Two key things to think about are taste and texture.
Balancing Flavors
Pick sides that go well with chili’s bold taste. Corn bread is great because it’s sweet and balances spicy chili. Sour cream cools things down. Lime wedges add a fresh, zesty kick.
Pickled jalapeños boost the heat for spice lovers. A simple green salad with tangy dressing cuts through rich chili. Cheese quesadillas offer a mild flavor that doesn’t fight with the main dish.
Enhancing Textures
Add different textures to make your meal more fun to eat. Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up chili.
Soft, fluffy rice soaks up the sauce. Crisp veggie sticks like carrots and celery give a fresh crunch.
Creamy guacamole is smooth against meaty chili. Grilled vegetables have a nice char that contrasts with the soft beans. Baked potatoes offer a soft inside and crispy skin.
Nutrition Considerations
Choosing healthy sides for chili can help balance your meal. Smart choices let you enjoy a tasty dinner while watching your calorie intake.
Healthy Sides
Veggie-based sides add nutrients without many calories. Try a crisp green salad with mixed leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts work well too. They’re low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins.
For a heartier option, pick whole grain sides. Brown rice or quinoa provide complex carbs and extra protein. Whole wheat cornbread gives you fiber along with that classic chili pairing.
Fresh fruit makes a light, sweet contrast to spicy chili. Apple slices or orange segments add vitamins and natural sweetness.
Caloric Balance
Chili can be high in calories, so watch your side dish portions. A small piece of cornbread or half cup of rice keeps calories in check.
Fill most of your plate with veggies to stay full without overdoing it.
Choose low-fat toppings like plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It cuts calories while adding protein.
Sprinkle on just a little cheese rather than a full handful.
Drink water with your meal to save liquid calories. If you want something else, try unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.