What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken – 8 Tasty Sides

Cilantro lime chicken sides are a great way to add flavor and variety to your meal. Many different recipes are available, so finding the perfect side dish can be challenging.

But I get it. You want your cilantro lime chicken to be perfect. And that means finding the right side dish to complement your meal.

Luckily, I’ve got you covered, as this dish is somewhat of a staple of my family.

As a result, we’ve had to get creative with our cilantro lime chicken sides over the years.

And I’m happy to share some of our favorite recipes with you:

Best Cilantro Lime Chicken Sides

1. Kale, Apple, Grapefruit Salad
2. Easy Steamed Rice
3. Creamy Polenta with Parmesan & Herbs
4. Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrots
5. Simple Steamed Veggies
6. Tender Potatoes with Garlic & Parsley
7. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
8. Creamy Corn with Bacon

Kale, Apple, Grapefruit Salad

We start with a mouthful of flavor with this kale, apple, and grapefruit salad. The sweetness of the apples and grapefruit is a perfect contrast to the bitterness of the kale. And the cilantro lime chicken ties it all together!

Plus, with kale being such a superfood, you can feel good about eating this salad. Overall, it’s a well-rounded dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.

To make this dish, start by massaging the kale with some olive oil and lemon juice. This will help to soften it up. Then, add in the diced apples and grapefruit. Give it all a good mix, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, top with your cilantro lime chicken.

Easy Steamed Rice

This is a dish that my kids always beg for! It’s so simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. But don’t let that fool you; this steamed rice is full of flavor.

To make it, I start by cooking the rice according to the package directions. Once it’s done, I add in some lime juice, cilantro, and chicken broth. Mix everything together, then put a lid on it and let it sit for about five minutes. This will allow the flavors to really meld together.

When you’re ready to serve, just fluff the rice with a fork then top with your cilantro lime chicken.

Creamy Polenta with Parmesan & Herbs

Here is a dish for the carb lovers out there! The polenta is creamy and comforting, while the parmesan and herbs give it a nice little flavor boost.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to cilantro lime chicken, as the rich flavors of the polenta help to balance out the zesty chicken.

Moreover, I love how easy this dish is to make. You simply cook the polenta according to the package directions, then stir in some shredded parmesan, chopped herbs, and a little bit of butter. I like to use basil or oregano, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

That’s it! So simple yet so delicious.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrots

Following the creamy polenta with parmesan and herbs, we have roasted butternut squash and carrots. This hearty and satisfying side dish is perfect for fall or winter as it’s warm and comforting. But it also adds a bit of brightness to the cilantro lime chicken.

To make it, start by peeling and chopping the butternut squash and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss them with some olive oil and seasonings. I like to use salt, pepper, and cumin. But you can really use whatever you prefer.

Afterward, spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet, then roast in a preheated oven until they’re tender and roasted to your liking. Once they’re done, plate and top with your cilantro lime chicken.

Simple Steamed Veggies

A well-rounded meal should have a little bit of everything, and that includes a healthy side of vegetables. But let’s be honest, sometimes getting those veggies onto our plates can be a bit of a challenge.

That’s where steamed veggies come in. They’re simple to prepare, go with just about anything, and most importantly, they’re tasty.

So why not give them a try as a side dish for cilantro lime chicken?

The bright flavors of the chicken will perfectly offset the subtle flavor of the steamed veggies, and the lightness of the dish will make it a perfect complement to the richer flavors of the main course.

Plus, it’s healthy! So you can indulge without feeling guilty.

To prepare steamed veggies, simply wash and chop your desired vegetables, then place them in a steamer basket. I like to use broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. But you can really use whatever you have on hand.

Once the veggies are in the steamer basket, put it over a pot of boiling water, then cover and let steam until they’re tender. This should only take a few minutes.

Once they’re done, simply remove them from the heat and serve alongside your cilantro lime chicken.

Tender Potatoes with Garlic & Parsley

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/540220917814320872/

Next on our list of cilantro lime chicken sides is oh so tender potatoes with garlic and parsley. These babies really tie the whole meal together hence I always get rave reviews from my guests.

Plus, the leftovers are great for a quick lunch the next day.

To make the dish, the potatoes are parboiled and then roasted until nice and tender. I like to use baby Yukon gold potatoes because they’re small and easy to boil. But you can really use any type of potato you like.

Once the potatoes are roasted, simply remove them then add the garlic, butter, and parsley. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated, then squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. The acidity of the lime juice really complements the flavors of the roasted potatoes and chicken. Trust me, this dish is a winner!

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Following the potatoes, we have another vegetable side dish that’s simple yet full of flavor. This time we’re roasting broccoli with parmesan cheese.

Parmesan roasted broccoli is the perfect cilantro lime chicken side because it has all the flavors of a classic casserole without being too heavy. The key is to not overdo it on the cheese.

To make it, start by washing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss with olive oil and grated parmesan cheese. I like to use about ¼ cup of cheese for every two heads of broccoli. But you can really use as much or as little as you like.

Afterward, spread the broccoli out on a baking sheet then roast in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This should only take about 15 minutes.

Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Top with your juicy cilantro lime chicken, and enjoy!

There you have it, folks! A few of my

Creamy Corn with Bacon

Last in order but not of importance is a creamy side of corn. This cilantro lime chicken side is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and salty. And it’s so easy to make!

To prepare, start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Then, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Next, add the corn to the bacon fat and cook until tender. This should only take a few minutes. Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the heat, then stir in some heavy cream and cotija cheese.

I like to use about ¼ cup of cream for every two cups of corn. But based on your preference you can use as much or as little as needed.

Afterward, crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the top. Serve immediately alongside your cilantro lime chicken.

FAQ

Do cilantro and garlic go together?

Cilantro and garlic are two of the most popular ingredients in Mexican cuisine. They’re often used together in recipes like cilantro lime chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and salsa.

What goes good with cilantro?

There are a variety of things that go well with cilantro. Some common ingredients include lime, garlic, onion, chili peppers, and cumin.

Can I use cilantro instead of parsley?

Cilantro can be used in place of parsley in most recipes. However, cilantro has a stronger flavor, so you may want to use less than the recipe calls for.

Is cilantro good for you?

Yes, cilantro is good for you! It’s a source of vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A few of my favorite cilantro lime chicken sides. These dishes are simple yet full of flavor and sure to complement your meal.

So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious side dish, be sure to give one of these recipes a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!