7 Best Kinds Of Vegetables To Serve With Chicken Chili

chicken chili vegetable side dish

There’s nothing that warms you from the inside like a good bowl of chicken chili.

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But what vegetables do you serve with such a dish?

Fortunately, we’ve done some research on your behalf to find some great options for your chicken chili meal.

Keep reading to see which type of veggie will best suit your taste buds.

What is chicken chili?

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Chili is a stew made with meat and beans.

It’s a Tex-Mex specialty, but it’s also popular in other regions of the United States, as well as other countries.

Chili can be meaty (the most common type) or vegetarian.

Chili is also a great way to use up leftovers from other meals like chicken, vegetables, and beans to keep them from going bad in your fridge.

The main ingredients in the chicken chili recipe are chicken and beans, but you can also add tomatoes, onions, and garlic to give it a little bit more flavor.

The ingredients are combined together and cooked until tender to make this dish.

It is usually served with cheese or sour cream on top.

Chicken chili is a favorite among many people because of its amazing taste and easy preparation.

What to consider when choosing vegetables to serve with chicken chili?

You have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing vegetables to serve with chicken chili.

The type of vegetable you choose depends on what you are serving it with, the season, the flavor of the chicken chili that you are making, and many other factors:

Consider other side dishes

Sometimes, your meal will include not only chicken chili but also many other sides.

Therefore, when choosing veggies for a big meal, also take into account other side dishes.

Consider the flavor of the chicken chili

Chicken chili can taste different from recipe to recipe.

It all depends on what you add to it and what condiments you use to season this hearty soup.

So before choosing vegetables to serve with chicken chili, determine its flavor to make the right decision.

Consider the amount of time you will need to cook the veggies

Vegetables like green beans and carrots are quick-cooking and can be added to a dish like chicken chili or cooked and served as a side at the end of cooking time.

However, broccoli and cauliflower take a little longer to cook than green beans or carrots and should be added earlier in the cooking process for best results.

7 best kinds of vegetables to serve with chicken chili

Below is the list of the seven best types of vegetables and how to cook them to turn these vegan ingredients into the perfect sides for your chicken chili:

Corn

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Corn is a great vegetable to serve with your chicken chili.

You can use the whole corn on the cob or just corn kernels depending on the recipe.

It can be grilled, boiled, or roasted, and it pairs well with just about any type of meat or cheese.

The sweetness of corn complements the spiciness of this dish and helps balance out the flavors.

Potatoes

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Potatoes are a great way to round out your meal.

They’re also fairly inexpensive, which is always nice!

This filling root vegetable is also very versatile as there are countless ways to cook potatoes.

It is a starch that can absorb the liquid in the chili, making it more satisfying and filling.

Chickpeas

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Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein.

They also contain a significant amount of fiber, iron, zinc, and folate.

They’re so versatile and easy to work with.

They can be made into hummus or used as the base of a hearty soup.

They can also be added to salads or pasta dishes for an extra-filling meal.

Their nutty flavor and rich texture make them perfect for pairing with other vegetables like onion and bell pepper, which are both common ingredients in chicken chili.

Bell peppers

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Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.

They’re also high in fiber, which can be beneficial for your digestion.

Bell peppers are easy to cook: you can toss them into your favorite stir-fry recipe or grill them over an open flame until they’re nice and charred on one side.

They also add a pop of color to the dish, making it more visually appealing.

Carrots

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Carrots are a good vegetable to serve with chicken chili because they add some sweetness and color to the dish, making it more visually appealing.

While the chicken chili itself is not necessarily sweet, carrots will bring some of their natural sweetness to the pot, which can help balance out the savory flavor of the chili.

They also offer a pop of color to an otherwise earth-toned dish.

Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, an essential nutrient that helps your eyes and immune system.

They’re also full of fiber and antioxidants that benefit your skin, eyesight, and heart health.

Pinto beans

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Pinto beans are a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and many essential vitamins and minerals.

They are high in fiber and protein, which makes them filling and satisfying, so you don’t have to worry about people being hungry after eating them.

Pinto beans can be used as an ingredient in chicken chili or cooked along and then served as a healthy and filling accompaniment for chicken chili.

Cauliflower

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When cooking cauliflower, it’s important to cut the florets into similar sizes so they will cook at the same rate.

The best way to do this is using a large knife and cutting vertically through the head.

Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that can be served in many ways, but we like it best with chili because it absorbs flavor well and adds substance without making you feel weighed down.

If you want a fun twist on traditional cauliflower recipes, try serving this vegetable with any sauce that complements chicken chili.

Conclusion

You can serve your chicken chili with any vegetable – it just depends on what you like!

So experiment with our veggie ideas so that you can have a nutritious and filling meal to enjoy with your family.