Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
updated Feb 20, 2024
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There are some dinners that you just know are going to be automatic wins. Chili is absolutely one them. When chili night falls into your meal plan, you can expect a dinner that’s warming, hearty, and filling. Sure, a Dutch oven loaded with chili is certainly meal-worthy all on its own, especially when it’s packed with beans, meat, or a combination, but I always think having one simple side is the ticket to rounding out dinner.
Serving chili with a side dish balances the table. It’s also a great way to stretch your steaming pot so you have leftover chili the next day, since we all know it’s a dish that’s often even more delicious on day two. You have lots of options when it comes to what side to choose. Whether you want something ultra-comforting and made for dipping, a side that’s bursting with freshness, or something tangy to keep your taste buds balanced, here are 58 side dishes to serve with chili.
In This Article
- Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
- Cornbread and Biscuits
- Veggie Fries
- Tangy Slaws
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Baked potatoes and chili is a classic combination that everyone loves. Chili also pairs well with baked sweet potatoes, roasted potatoes, potato wedges, fries, and more.
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Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
The high fan speed and concentrated heat of the air fryer makes baked potatoes that are fluffy and tender on the inside and shatteringly crisp on the outside.
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Baked Potatoes in the Microwave
If you need dinner on the table with zero delays, then a microwaved baked potato is pretty much an ideal solution. Here's the best way to do it.
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Baked Potatoes in an Instant Pot
Forget the oven! Instant Pot baked potatoes cook in a fraction of the time and have the same crave-worthy tender, ultra-creamy center.
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Baked Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
Baking potatoes in the slow cooker is one of those things that is so easy, it feel like there must be some kind of catch. Except…there isn’t.
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Cornbread and Biscuits
I can’t think of a more cozy and comforting way to make chili complete than with a side of tender cornbread or a warm, buttery biscuit. You can even get a head start by adding this to your weekend meal prep and then heat it in the oven just before getting dinner on the table.
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Southern-Style Buttermilk Biscuits
Thanks to a few smart tricks, you'll get a high rise and a few flaky layers with this Southern biscuit recipe.
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Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
Don’t be afraid to really fill your muffin tin with the batter. These will puff nicely, but not to the extent of cupcakes; you don’t need to worry about them overflowing.
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Veggie Fries
When the goal is getting an extra helping of vegetables on the table to round out your pot of chili, a side of oven-baked veggie fries is always a good idea. Just don’t forget the dipping sauce.
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Tangy Slaws
Slaws are my favorite simple side to pair with any and all types of chili. The freshness, crunchy texture, and tangy bite are an ideal balance to hearty chili, plus slaws are a breeze to pull together. To cut down on prep time I often start with a bag of pre-shredded veggies.
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Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Honey-Lime Dressing
Great slaw can upstage salad whenever it gets a chance. This one, full of sweet and crisp apples and dressed with honey and lime, is familiar yet not run-of-the-mill.
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Tangy Cabbage and Jalapeño Slaw
Thanks to the crunchy textures and bold tangy and spicy flavors, no one will ever be the wiser that you pulled this together in just five minutes.
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Creamy 3-Ingredient Cilantro-Lime Slaw
This creamy cilantro slaw can be made at a moment's notice, and does not skimp on flavor.
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Shredded Cabbage and Sweet Potato Slaw
This slaw is dotted with juicy oranges, a burst of pomegranate arils, and toasty walnuts. Parsley adds fresh color and flavor, while a sweet-acidic dressing pulls it all together.
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Swiss Chard Slaw with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Making the dressing for this slaw is as easy as throwing things in a blender. A buttery ripe avocado turns into a creamy, tangy dressing that coats the sturdy Swiss chard, carrots, and onion beautifully.
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