Wondering what to serve with Chicken Piccata to make your meal complete? You’re not alone. Chicken piccata, with its zesty lemon-caper sauce, is a dish that deserves a great supporting cast. In this guide, we’ll delve into some must-try side dishes that perfectly complement this classic Italian entrée.
What to Serve With Chicken Piccata? Top Side Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss
Consider pairing it with side dishes like roasted asparagus, sautéed cauliflower and mushrooms, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts, lemon garlic herb rice, and garlic butter bread. For a more satisfying dining experience, consider pairing it with white or light red wines.
Why is choosing the right sides for chicken piccata important?
The side dishes you choose for your chicken piccata can either make or break your meal. Selecting the right sides not only complements the main dish but also provides a balanced dining experience. Think of it as creating a symphony of flavors where each instrument has a role to play.
But it’s not just about taste – it’s also about nutritional value. Side dishes often add essential nutrients that the main dish may lack. From vitamins in vegetables to carbohydrates in bread or rice, the sides you choose contribute to a balanced meal that satisfies all aspects of your palate and nutritional needs.
Roasted Asparagus
For a side dish that’s as elegant as it is easy, consider roasted asparagus. Its earthy flavors and crisp-tender texture make it a natural companion to Chicken Piccata. A quick toss in olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of garlic powder, then roasted to perfection—this asparagus is simplicity at its finest. It not only adds a vibrant pop of color to your plate but also complements the tangy, caper-infused sauce of the chicken, making your meal both visually and gastronomically satisfying.
Sauteed Cauliflower and Mushrooms
Cauliflower’s slightly nutty and sweet profile and mushrooms’ earthy richness offer a subtle canvas that’s perfect for absorbing garlic and herb seasonings. Sautéing them together creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that go well with Chicken Piccata’s tangy, caper-laced sauce. The cauliflower’s soft yet firm bite, coupled with the mushrooms’ meaty texture, provide a satisfying contrast to the chicken, making this side not just a nutritious option but also a deliciously well-rounded addition to your meal.
Sauteed Spinach
For a side dish that is both easy to prepare and nutritionally robust, sautéed spinach is a top contender to pair with Chicken Piccata. A quick sauté in garlic and olive oil transforms the leafy greens into a creamy, flavorful complement to your main course. The spinach’s mild bitterness offers a fantastic counterpoint to the chicken’s tangy and salty attributes. Rich in nutrients like iron and vitamins, this simple yet delicious side dish not only enhances the flavors on your plate but also packs a healthy punch, making your Chicken Piccata meal both satisfying and balanced.
Mashed Potatoes
You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes. They act like a blank canvas, soaking up the lemony, buttery goodness of the chicken piccata sauce. Choose a creamy, buttery recipe to make your mashed potatoes, and you’ll find that they become the comfort factor in your meal. It’s like a warm, creamy hug alongside the zesty chicken.
Dinner Rolls
If you’re looking for something to sop up the extra sauce from the chicken piccata, look no further than dinner rolls. Freshly baked or store-bought, their soft, fluffy texture makes them perfect for the job. Not just that, the neutral flavor of dinner rolls complements the tangy, salty chicken piccata without overpowering it. It’s a classic side dish that adds a touch of homeliness to your meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re aiming to add both flavor and nutrition to your Chicken Piccata meal, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice. Their nutty, slightly bitter taste offers a compelling contrast to the chicken’s lemony, tangy flavors. Roasted until they’re golden and crisp on the outside yet tender on the inside, these sprouts are a textured delight. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper are all you need to make this veggie shine. The end result is a side dish that’s both wholesome and delicious, rounding out your meal in a satisfying way.
Lemon Garlic Herb Rice
Since chicken piccata has such strong lemon and herb flavors, why not continue that in your side dish? Lemon garlic herb rice does precisely that. The rice absorbs the lemon and herb flavors, making every bite a harmony of taste. It also provides a change in texture, making your meal more exciting and engaging to eat.
Garlic Butter Bread
Looking for a side that’s both comforting and complementary? Look no further than garlic butter bread. Toasted to golden perfection, the crispy exterior and soft, buttery interior of the bread offers a texture that’s both satisfying and indulgent. When slathered with a garlic butter spread infused with herbs like parsley or basil, this bread becomes a delicious vehicle for soaking up that luscious piccata sauce. Altogether, garlic butter bread adds a touch of rustic charm to your Chicken Piccata meal, making each bite a delightful experience.
What Wine To Serve With Chicken Piccata?
Picking the right wine can elevate your chicken piccata into a gourmet meal. For those who enjoy white wines, Chardonnay offers a creamy texture that harmonizes well with the buttery, lemon-infused sauce of the dish, while a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can accentuate the tangy notes, creating a zesty, palate-cleansing interaction. For red wine enthusiasts, a light Pinot Noir is a surprisingly versatile choice; its soft tannins and fruity undertones provide a counterpoint to the Chicken Piccata without overwhelming its delicate flavors. Regardless of your selection, the right wine not only magnifies the distinct ingredients in your meal but also introduces an element of elegance and sophistication, transforming an already delicious dish into a memorable culinary event.
FAQs
What Pasta to Serve With Chicken Piccata?
When it comes to pasta pairings with Chicken Piccata, you’ll want something that complements the dish’s tangy, buttery sauce. Linguine, spaghetti, and fettuccine are all excellent choices. These long, slender noodles provide ample surface area for the sauce to cling to, making each bite a satisfying blend of pasta and piccata goodness.
What Salad to Serve With Chicken Piccata?
A simple yet flavorful salad can add a refreshing counterpoint to your Chicken Piccata. Consider a Caesar salad for its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, or perhaps an arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the chicken’s citrus notes. Adding elements like shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or toasted nuts can provide texture and complexity.
What Dessert to Serve With Chicken Piccata?
For dessert, you might aim for something that complements the meal’s lemony profile without overwhelming it. Lemon sorbet can be a palate-cleansing and refreshing choice. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something richer, a slice of cheesecake can provide a creamy contrast to the tangy main course. For a fruitier finish, consider a berry tart or a simple fruit salad dressed with a splash of Grand Marnier or another citrus liqueur.
References:
Can I please have your recipe for lemon garlic herb rice.I am making chicken piccata for family dinner night.I know,Tuesday?,you say?! It’s the day that works best.
Thank you. Monica
Recipes?
Looks delicious
Why are recipes not available for you suggestions to pair with food?