If you’re planning to serve up some delicious mesquite chicken, you’re in for a real treat.
Getting the main dish right is just part of the equation. The sides?
They’re what elevate your meal from good to unforgettable. Picking the perfect accompaniments can turn dinner into a feast that everyone remembers.
From veggies that complement the smoky flavor to grains that soak up all that juicy goodness, we’ve got your back.
Ready to make your meal a hit? Keep reading to find the seven best side dishes that will take your mesquite chicken to the next level.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Mesquite Chicken?
Mesquite chicken is great in terms of flavorings, so you might as well try it out alone.
A few bites will be alright, but you will not be able to finish the meal.
Too much plain meat will become nauseous – it is perfectly normal.
After all, you need to mix it up with something else to annihilate the oily profile.
Furthermore, how do you expect to impress your guests with nothing but plain chicken? Exactly.
As if all these were not enough, the more flavors you get, the more satisfying your meal will be.
What to Serve with Mesquite Chicken? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Here are some of your best options when not sure what to serve with mesquite chicken.
1 – Creamy and Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Meat and potatoes – you can never go wrong with this combo.
Mashed potatoes are easy to prepare too.
Simply boil the potatoes and once they are soft and tender, crush them until you come up with a thick mix.
Gravy is a must. Then, while still hot, you could also spread a bit of cheese on top.
Opt for something mild, such as mozzarella.
It will melt and give your mashed potatoes an even better texture.
2 – Creamy Sweet Corn Casserole
Sweet corn casserole is another great option.
You can alter the smoky chicken with a bit of sweetness.
Not a fan of sweet and smoky? There is nothing to be concerned about.
You get just enough sweetness to feel full after the meal.
The combo itself works wonders and is well balanced.
To make it even better, this side dish takes a few minutes to prepare.
You can do it while the chicken is getting done, only to save a bit of time.
3 – Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
Broccoli is rich in protein and helps with the intake from the chicken.
On the other hand, it is crunchy and suitable for tender chicken.
It has a hearty profile and feels like it can neutralize the nauseous profile of mesquite chicken.
On the other hand, carrots and their sweet flavors can also be used in this combination.
They provide a bit of coloring to the plate, as well as lots of sweetness.
Indeed, while these two veggies are more than enough to complement the mesquite chicken, your options are much more diversified.
Feel free to roast some bell peppers too, for example – just use your imagination.
4 – Lettuce, Cucumber, and Herbs
Basically, a green salad.
When it comes to meat, a green salad will balance things and help with the after-meal experience.
Not only do you get a nice colorful mix to impress, but you also supply your guests with vitamins and minerals.
Crunchy salads work well with chicken tenderness too.
As for the dressing, the classic ranch dressing will be excellent.
Of course, there are many other veggies you can bring in.
However, too many of them can alter the overall experience of mesquite chicken.
Keep things simple and stick to green only.
5 – Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese will usually work with different types of chicken, but the combo feels a bit odd when matched with mesquite chicken.
Give it a try, and you will be impressed with the result.
The hearty result is a mix of flavors because you have all the spices and condiments in the chicken, the pasta, and the cheese.
It makes no difference what type of macaroni you choose.
Boil everything first, drain the water, add milk and some cheese sauce.
The side dish can be served warm or cold – a matter of personal preferences.
6 – Grilled Broccoli and Radish Salad
Mesquite chicken tends to be soft and tender.
The actual texture does not necessarily ask for a change.
However, if you can mix it with something different, why not?
Both broccoli and radish are crunchy.
Such a salad works well fresh too, but grilling everything will make things even better because you add to the smokiness.
Break down broccoli into florets and cut radishes in half.
As for the dressing, opt for garlicky miso dressing.
It will add flavor to the whole meal – not just the side dish.
7 – Garlicky Marinated Grilled Mushrooms
Mushrooms are some of the most reliable side dishes because they work with pretty much anything.
They can be used in a main dish, but they also make an excellent side dish.
Now, the blazing heat of a grill will take their aroma to another level.
Add a bit of smokiness and bring in those appealing grill lines.
The grill will make them a bit caramelized, but also tender.
The next step implies marinating them in a mix of garlic and butter.
The final result is out of this world.
The strong flavor of garlic may overcome the mesquite chicken flavors, so you do not want to use too much of it.
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