This article was updated on the 26th of August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your lime chicken, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for lime chicken.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with lime chicken are cilantro lime rice, creamy mashed cauliflower, pineapple salsa, cheesy garlic bread, and sweet potato fries. For lighter options, try avocado quinoa salad, fresh green salad, roasted broccoli, or grilled asparagus.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Zesty Sides
Can’t get enough of the bright flavor from your lime chicken? Consider pairing it with these zesty sides for a more vibrant-tasting meal!
Cilantro Lime Rice
5.0 ⭐️ (36 ratings) | 30 mins
Sometimes all you want is a quick and tasty side to go with your lime chicken, and there’s nothing as simple as serving rice at your dinner table.
The great thing about rice is that you can easily jazz it up. Downshiftology simply calls for tossing freshly cooked rice with lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro, and you’re done.
Worried about lime overload? Don’t be! With extra flavor, it’s even better. And if you’re still not sure, you can try this garlic butter rice instead.
What readers are saying…
“Amazing! Taking a good classic to a whole new level. Fresh and light with just the right amount of zip from the citrus. So versatile.”
“Better than Chipotle!”
“BEST CILANTRO RICE EVER!!! I actually feel like it has far more flavor than chipotle’s!!! This recipe is definitely a HIT!!!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥥 Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice
🧘♀️ Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
🍅 Spanish Cauliflower Rice
Quinoa Avocado Spinach Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (22 ratings) | 25 mins
One way to whip up a salad without any leafy greens is to make this avocado quinoa salad.
Bright, light, and delicious — that’s how I’d describe it. But it’s not just about taste. Quinoa is high in protein, and avocados are rich in fiber, making this salad a hearty, healthy side dish.
Psst… I also like sprinkling slivered almonds on top for crunch and a delightful nuttiness that complements the bright lime chicken.
What readers are saying…
“Another great recipe! Made this for a party at our house yesterday.“
“This recipe was PERFECT as a main dish for my daughter and a side for the rest of us.”
“This salad was fabulous, very filling and scrumptious! Also have made it with a lemon when I did not have a lime and also good! Yummy.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fresh Green Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (552 ratings) | 15 mins
This fresh green salad is my go-to side dish when I’m in a time crunch. The crisp veggies combined with the zesty red vinegar-based dressing pair superbly with lime chicken.
But what I love most about it is that it’s easily customizable. You can swap out most of the salad ingredients to suit your preference. For example, this recipe calls for sunflower seeds, but I prefer adding walnuts. I also like adding cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color.
Anything goes with this easy salad!
What readers are saying…
“This salad is delicious and was so easy to put together! The dressing is incredible, we loved the flavor.”
“This salad was a big hit. I didn’t put on all of the dressing but just use your best judgment. It was delicious!”
“I just made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Love the dressing!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧀 Parmesan Chopped Salad
🇮🇹 Italian Chopped Salad
🤩 Classic Caesar Salad
Pineapple Salsa
4.9 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 15 mins
The taste of lime instantly transports me to a beach on a tropical island. Something else that has a similar effect? Pineapple salsa.
Scoop a spoonful of this bright salsa over your grilled lime chicken. The vibrant colors will be irresistible, and you get the yin and yang of sweet and sour.
Not a fan of pineapple? I love using mango for this recipe too.
What readers are saying…
“Love this salsa! It’s perfect with chips, on top of salmon, in tacos, eaten with a spoon – you name it! Best pineapple salsa recipe ever I make it all the time.”
“Yuuummmmm!!! The sweet, the spicy, the crunch, the freshness… Ooolala!! This will probably have to be my meal until the bowl is gone.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Greek Lemon Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (205 ratings) | 1 hr 20 mins
Are you bored of your regular roast spuds? Switch things up with this easy recipe!
The potatoes are roasted with an herby lemon broth, which infuses them with a zesty flavor that complements your lime chicken. This method means the spuds won’t turn out as crispy as usual, but their flavor and fluffy interiors more than make up for it.
What readers are saying…
“These are the best potatoes I’ve ever had and it’s not even close.”
“Definitely packs a punch for flavor with minimal effort. That’s all that needs to be said. Toddlers and adults loved them.”
“OMG!! These are truly delicious. Cooked them for the first time tonight and the recipe is going straight into the collection for future use.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
💃 Fondant Potatoes
🍳 Skillet Potatoes
🍋 Lemon and Herb Potato Salad
Rich and Comforting Sides
You can get away with serving heavier dishes alongside your lean and brightly flavored lime chicken. These dishes’ rich, creamy goodness perfectly contrasts with your lime chicken’s zesty flavors, making for a balanced bite.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
5.0 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 20 mins
In just 20 minutes, you can transform plain bread into cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Your guests can use this bread to mop up any leftover chicken juice on their plates, ensuring not a single drop of flavor goes to waste. The bright flavors of the chicken help cut through the richness of the buttery, cheesy bread.
And if you’re a spice fiend like me, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the shredded cheese for a bit of a kick.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this a handful of times now and it is so easy and good!!!”
“The first night I used French bread and it was fantastic. The next I had some hamburger buns that needed to be used and they worked just as well. This recipe is a keeper…”
“I’ve made this so many times. It comes out perfect every time. The family loves it.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
4.4 ⭐️ (86 ratings) | 75 mins
Sweet potato fries are a great match for lime chicken. They’re crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside. And the natural sweetness helps cut the tangy taste of the lime marinade.
Gimme Some Oven uses a blend of garlic powder and smoked paprika to season these fries. But I also like adding a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat and drizzling the fries with honey just before serving to amp up the sweetness.
Just a heads up, though — these baked sweet potato fries are addictive!
What readers are saying…
“I made this the last night, I had a few fries left so now I’m making it again tonight! I must say this is the best fries!”
“I made these last night, following your recipe down to each precise detail (weighing, measuring, timing etc.) and the results were totally delicious!”
“Crispy and flavorful! Turned out great! A huge success with my picky eater.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Seasoned Black Beans
4.4 ⭐️ (16 ratings) | 1 hr 25 mins
Side dishes are the supporting actors of your main course. And these seasoned black beans are the perfect example of a side helping the main dish shine. They’re kind of like a sauce but with substance.
Flavored with cumin, red pepper, jalapenos, and cilantro, they’re packed with flavors that complement lime chicken, making each bite an absolute delight.
I like my beans creamy so I mash them up a bit, but if you want a silky consistency like refried beans, you can blitz them with an immersion blender.
What readers are saying…
“I make mine this way and it is the best! I add bay leaves and acv in the IP with the beans as it cooks:) better than chipotle black beans, as my family says.“
“Oh my goodness! These are so very good! I’ll be eating them for 2 or 3 dinners this week. Can’t wait to try them in a fresh, corn tortilla.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Creamed Corn Au Gratin
4.2 ⭐️ (32 ratings) | 12 mins
This creamed corn is an excellent side dish if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.
What I love is how simple it is. The combination of heavy whipping cream, butter, and parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats the sweet corn kernels and perfectly contrasts with the lime chicken.
And if that’s not enough, the whole thing gets covered with more cheese and then broiled, for a lightly crisp crust. Yum!
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this recipe for about 7 family gatherings and people love it! So simple but amazing.”
“Oh my… this is just wonderful, you just can’t do anything wrong with corn –right?!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
☀ Summer Succotash
🤩 Sweet corn and Zucchini Pie
🧈 Buttered Corn
Fettuccine Alfredo
5.0 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 15 mins
Fettuccine alfredo is one of my favorite pasta dishes to whip up on a weeknight.
Most of the ingredients required are pantry staples, plus the white sauce comes together in just one pan. Just remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, as you can use it to thin out the sauce.
You can serve this pasta alongside your lime chicken, but I prefer slicing it and mixing it straight into the fettuccine for a deliciously creamy, zesty combo.
What readers are saying…
“Huge success! Thanks so much for this detailed recipe. Your recipe has been amazing.”
“The creamiest and most flavorful Alfredo sauce I’ve ever made! My kids slurped it up and even wanted seconds.”
“Delicious!!! Wow! This is so, so, SO yummy. Thank you for all the extra tips to make it taste so great.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇮🇹 Cacio e Pepe
🧘♀️ Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
😇 Dairy-free Fettuccine Alfredo
Fresh and Light Sides
Keep your lime chicken lean and healthy with these fresh and light sides. These dishes will fill you up and energize you without weighing you down.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
4.9 ⭐️ (39 ratings) | 20 mins
Mashed potatoes are our favorite, but there’s nothing wrong with mixing things up once in a while. A great low-carb alternative to potatoes is this mashed cauliflower.
It’s still just as creamy as mashed potatoes, thanks to the buttermilk. Despite this, it won’t make your meal feel heavy or weigh you down. And to finish this mash off, I like adding fresh chives for a subtle oniony kick.
This mash is so good that you can eat it on its own, but it’s even better alongside your zesty grilled lime chicken.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve been making this for a long time. It is delicious. I drain my cauliflower really well and use a potato masher, so it doesn’t get runny.”
“This was so good! I added a wedge of garlic/herb spreadable cheese! Yum, yum!”
“Did mashed cauliflower last night for the first time and used this recipe. THANK YOU! It was great and got rave reviews from the lady friend I invited for dinner.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌱 Dairy-free Cauliflower Mash
😋 Parsnip Puree
🥕 Low-carb Carrot Mash with Ginger
Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 10 mins
A bowl of sugar snap peas is the epitome of freshness.
These veggies are crunchy and sweet, which balance really well with the zesty, tangy taste of the lime chicken. They’re great as they are, but I like finishing them off with a healthy sprinkling of parmesan cheese to add a lightly nutty twist.
Psst… these sugar snap peas come together in just 10 minutes, so keep a close eye on them. You don’t want them to turn limp and soggy!
What readers are saying…
“I loved the way the peas weren’t mushy, crisp, and tender.”
“We just tried these tonight. I only had dried thyme powder, but it came out wonderful! My son requested seconds.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⌚ Air Fryer Snap Peas
🍄 Sugar Snap Peas and Mushrooms
🥗 Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Chevre Ranch
Roasted Broccoli
5.0 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 25 mins
Broccoli. You either love it, or you hate it. And it’s a classic meal-prep pairing for chicken.
But this roasted broccoli recipe with lime chicken is way better than your average boring meal prep dinner. A squeeze of lemon juice, a generous sprinkle of parmesan, and freshly minced garlic transform the blah florets into something vibrant and delicious.
And if I’m feeling fancy, I like whipping up a quick hollandaise sauce to serve with these roasted broccoli florets.
What readers are saying…
“Made this for lunch yesterday and they are really fabulous! This will be my go-to broccoli side dish from now on!”
“I recently made this as one of my side dishes on Thanksgiving dinner. It was a hit!! My daughter just ate them straight up as soon as they were cooled.“
“This broccoli is highly addictive! Made them last night and ate them like they were potato chips – I had to make a second batch.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧀 Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
🍋 Steamed Broccoli
🍳 Broccoli Cashew Stir-Fry
Grilled Asparagus
5.0 ⭐️ (78 ratings) |17 mins
Grilling your lime chicken? Make some room on the grill for your veggies!
Grilled asparagus is the perfect choice for a spring or summer get-together. It’s crisp and fresh, and the earthy flavors will tone down the sharpness of your lime chicken.
Psst… can’t find any asparagus? Try zucchini, eggplant, or even mushrooms instead.
What readers are saying…
“These were the best asparagus! Even my super picky 5 year old who normally won’t touch veggies liked them. I added a bit of garlic powder to them before cooking too.”
“Your recipe was a big hit with a dinner I made for friends. They all wanted the recipe!”
“I always struggled eating asparagus growing up but that changed when I started grilling them!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍅 Parmesan Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes
🇫🇷 Asparagus Almondine
🍲 Creamy Asparagus Soup
Sriracha Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
5.0 ⭐️ (16 ratings) |25 mins
These glazed Brussels sprouts are another healthy side you can serve with your lime chicken.
The lightly crisp exteriors of the sprouts contrast well with the tenderness of your chicken Plus the glaze brings a sweet, spicy kick that helps cut through the vibrant flavors of your lime chicken.
Spend with Pennies uses 1 1/2 tbsp of sriracha for this recipe, but I always double the amount to make these sprouts a bit spicier.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe is so delicious! The leaves on the Brussels sprouts become slightly crisp.”
“And I thought I did not like Brussels sprouts…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Smashed Brussels Sprouts
⌚ Garlic Parm Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
😋 Brussels Sprouts Gratin
What To Serve With Lime Chicken – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion cilantro lime rice
- 1 portion grilled asparagus
- 1 portion pineapple salsa
- 1 portion sweet potato fries
- 1 portion creamy mashed cauliflower
- 1 portion roasted broccoli … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your lime chicken according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: cilantro lime rice, avocado quinoa salad, fresh green salad, creamy mashed cauliflower, pineapple salsa, cheesy garlic bread, sugar snap peas, sweet potato fries, seasoned black beans, roasted broccoli, and grilled asparagus.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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