5 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Hot Chicken Salad, Or Any Kind Of Chicken Salad For That Matter

Mesquite chicken is a type of grilled chicken that combines the flavors of mesquite wood and barbecue sauce with spices to create an unforgettable flavor.

It has become popular nationwide due to its authentic southwestern flavor profile, available ingredients list, low cost of production, and ease of preparation.

In this article, we will learn about what mesquite chicken is, where it comes from, and the top 5 best side dishes to serve with this delicious main course.

Read on to find out.

What Is Mesquite Chicken?

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Mesquite chicken has been popular in Central Texas for generations and was first introduced by German settlers who immigrated to this region in 1845.

Mesquite is a tree native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.

It’s also sometimes called “pit barbecue”.

The bark of the tree contains tannin which gives it a unique flavor when burned as fuel for cooking meat.

Mesquite chicken is made from the whole bird and typically includes the skin.

The smoky, sweet, and spicy flavor comes from the natural smoky taste of the wood used to grill it such as hickory, oak, applewood, and/or other types of fruit woods like cherry wood.

This type of grilling has become popular in recent years because its smoky flavor adds tons of flavor to meats like pork, beef, or chicken.

What to Consider When Choosing a Mesquite Chicken’s Side Dish?

Mesquite Chicken is a restaurant that serves delicious Mesquite chicken and other side dishes.

When choosing a side dish, you should consider your options to make sure you enjoy the meal as much as possible.

Hearty or low-carb options

The first factor is how hearty you prefer your meal is.

Rice will be the very first option if you want to have a filling meal.

It can be cooked plain or with spices such as cumin and chili powder added into it, which gives the rice an extra kick that will only enhance your meal.

Another consideration is whether you want low-carb options such as vegetables or fruit as a side dish; vegetables like corn and peas pair well with mesquite chicken because they add color and nutrients to the plate, while fruits like apples and oranges complement this style of cooking by adding sweetness to the meal.

Dietary restrictions or allergies

You should also think about what kind of side best suits your taste buds and dietary needs.

If you are allergic to dairy products, then rice or corn and peas will be the to-go options since they are not only easy to make but also very hearty and pair well with the main course.

For those who are gluten-free, opt for green or fruit salads as these sides have a lot of vitamins and nutrients!

How much time do you have

Another important factor that has a big effect on which side dish you will serve alongside your mesquite chicken is time.

Busy people who want to have a quick meal with mesquite chicken will go with mashed potatoes since they can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer.

For those who don’t mind spending a little extra time on side dishes, they will go with steamed veggies, sweet corn casserole, or salads since they can enjoy the freshness from the newly made sides.

5 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Mesquite Chicken

Mesquite chicken is a delicious dish that is sometimes difficult to pair with side dishes because it has such a strong flavor.

That’s why we’re going to explore some of the best side dishes for mesquite chicken, so you can enjoy this amazing meal without any stress or hassle.

Mashed potatoes

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One of the most popular side dishes at mesquite chicken is their mashed potatoes with gravy; they are creamy and flavorful.

This side is easy enough that it should be your go-to for a family meal on a busy night, but special enough that you can use them on the holidays as well!

Sweet corn casserole

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Another good option would be their sweet corn casserole; it tastes great and has just enough sweetness to leave you satisfied after dinner.

What is more, it only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it compliments almost any meal.

Roasted veggies

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Families will often enjoy a side dish with their meal, and these recipes are perfect for mesquite chicken.

The roasted broccoli is hearty and can be served as an entire meal if desired.

The carrots add color to the plate while also adding some sweetness to balance out the earthy flavor of the mesquite seasoning.

Salad

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When looking for a great side dish to serve with your main course, a simple green salad with ranch dressing can’t be beaten!

A green salad of lettuce, cucumber, and herbs will give you a well-textured dish that excites every bite!

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

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This side dish seems odd when being served with mesquite chicken but actually they are match-made heaven.

They are not only hearty and filling but also really flavorful.

This side is made by boiling elbow macaroni in water before adding milk and cheese sauce.

It can be served either warm or cold, depending on the occasion; it’s best served piping hot right out of the oven at a warm dinner!

The Bottom Line

You’re in for a treat with these side dishes!

These side dishes are easy to make and will bring some sophistication to your table when being served alongside your mesquite chicken.

Use this list of recipes as your preference!