Combining the delicate flavors of chicken with some savory and flavorful sides is essential to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. While chicken piccata itself offers a nice balance of citrusy notes, it may not be enough to fill your stomach completely. Therefore, pairing it with other dishes that complement its taste is crucial to make a complete meal. Let’s take a look at 15 mouth-watering side dish options that perfectly accompany chicken piccata.
Lemon And Herb Rice
Keenly aware that piccata chicken has a distinctive flavor profile, the sauce plays a crucial role in bringing out the dish’s unique taste. The lemon-based sauce is sharp and citrusy, providing a perfect complement to the rich flavor of the chicken. This harmony of flavors makes it an ideal pairing with lemon and herb rice, which shares similar characteristics. Like piccata chicken, this light yet flavorful side dish is perfect for warm weather gatherings during the summer months.
Its refreshing qualities make it an excellent accompaniment to poultry and seafood, as its citrus notes enhance the natural flavors of these protein sources. With its ease of preparation and versatility in pairing with various dishes, lemon and herb rice is a must-try side dish that perfectly complements piccata chicken. By following the recipe outlined above, you can easily recreate this delightful combination in your own kitchen.
Mashed Potatoes
Frequently, mashed potatoes are a staple side dish that pairs well with numerous main courses. One such combination is with chicken piccata, where its light and creamy texture complements the flavors of the chicken nicely. This pairing also works because it allows for efficient use of the piccata sauce, preventing any excess from going to waste.
Furthermore, mashed potatoes are relatively simple to prepare, as you can either buy them pre-made from a store, heat them up in a microwave, or follow the straightforward recipe provided above.
Roasted Asparagus
When it comes to choosing a side vegetable that pairs well with the bright, citrusy flavor of chicken piccata, few options shine brighter than asparagus. Not only is this green superfood rich in vitamins and minerals, but its robust flavor profile also complements the dish’s tangy notes perfectly. To really bring out the best in your asparagus, try incorporating additional flavors like garlic, parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice into your roasted recipe.
Gratin Dauphinoise
Not only is serving a fancy side dish like gratin dauphinoise alongside chicken piccata sure to elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests, but its rich and creamy flavors are also guaranteed to perfectly complement the zesty flavors of the chicken.
Gratin Dauphinois is a French classic that consists of thinly sliced potatoes layered with garlic-infused cream and an abundance of Gruyère cheese, making it a dense and indulgent side dish that can be easily portioned out and served alongside chicken piccata. Regardless of whether you serve it hot or cold, this decadent gratin is sure to provide the perfect contrast in texture and flavor to the light and zesty chicken sauce, making it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of meals.
Corn On The Cob
Navigating the world of summer side dishes often leads us to a classic favorite: corn on the cob. Its natural sweetness makes it an excellent pairing for zesty lemon-based dishes like chicken piccata. Not only is this dish a staple at outdoor gatherings, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare at home. If you’re unsure about cooking corn on the cob from scratch, don’t worry – simply follow the straightforward recipe available above!
Tagliatelle Pasta
Since its origins in Italy, it’s only natural that Chicken Piccata is paired with a classic Italian staple: pasta! Tagliatelle stands out as the ideal choice for this dish, given its unique shape that allows it to perfectly hold onto the light and delicate piccata sauce.
You have two options when serving your tagliatelle – either keep things simple by enjoying it plain, letting the rich piccata sauce take center stage, or follow our recipe to add a layer of depth with complementary flavors that beautifully enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
Onion Rings
Making a fun side dish like onion rings can elevate the chicken piccata experience. They’re incredibly crispy and perfect for dipping into the tangy piccata sauce, which is why making your own using the provided recipe is highly recommended.
White Bread Rolls
Not only is bread a staple that should be served on dinner tables no matter the meal, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s filling, tasty, and wholesome, making it a great addition to your table so guests can help themselves. Whether you’re serving a hearty roast or a light pasta dish, bread is always a welcome accompaniment. In fact, with chicken piccata, white bread works particularly well to help soak up any leftover piccata sauce.
Try mopping it up with a soft white bread roll and enjoying the comforting combination. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even try making your own homemade white bread rolls by following the recipe above. Alternatively, why not pick some freshly baked bread rolls from your local bakery? Simply place them on your dinner table in a basket alongside some butter and you’re done!
Garlic Bread
Nothing says Italian cuisine like a perfectly paired dish of garlic bread. Garlic bread is often considered the ultimate accompaniment to any Italian meal, and it’s only natural that we’d recommend serving our chicken piccata recipe alongside a crispy slice (or three) of garlic bread. The question remains – do you take the time to make your own garlic bread from scratch, or opt for a convenient store-bought option?
While many people assume making garlic bread is a complex process, it’s actually surprisingly easy and allows for complete control over the level of garlic flavor. If, however, you’re short on time, buying premade garlic bread can be a quick fix – just toss it in the oven and serve alongside your Italian-inspired dish. Either way, the result is sure to be delicious and pair perfectly with our chicken piccata recipe.
Potato Salad
Always a crowd-pleaser, potato salad is a staple at summer gatherings like barbecues, cook-outs, and picnics. Its rich and creamy texture pairs perfectly with the tangy flavors found in chicken piccata. Additionally, its familiar taste makes it an excellent choice for those looking to serve something universally enjoyed. While you may already have your own go-to potato salad recipe, we invite you to try this simple and delicious variation.
Follow our step-by-step guide, and by the end of it, you’ll be rewarded with a generous serving of freshly made potato salad – perfect as the main side dish for your next summer soiree.
Cucumber, Mint, And Feta Salad
Fresh from the garden, salads are a go-to type of side dish for all kinds of meals, and the same goes for chicken piccata. For those who prefer a lighter main course option, pairing it with a salad that’s both light yet packed with strong-flavored ingredients is essential to bringing out its full flavor potential. This recipe for a refreshing cucumber salad with mint and feta cheese hits all the right notes, making it one of our top recommended sides for chicken piccata this summer!
The combination of cool cucumber, fragrant mint, and tangy feta creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will elevate your meal to new heights. Go to Recipe
Arugula Salad
Known for its peppery flavor, arugula can be quite overpowering when consumed on its own. This type of salad is ideally suited for the bright, citrusy flavors found in a well-crafted chicken piccata dish, as it provides a perfect balance to the meal’s rich and savory notes.
The addition of complementary ingredients such as carrots, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of lemon balsamic vinaigrette helps tone down arugula’s overwhelming flavor profile, allowing the delicate flavors of the piccata sauce to shine through.
Sweet Potato Fries
Diners around the world have been enjoying sweet potato fries as a complement to light summer main courses for years. Their deliciously crispy texture and sweetness provide an excellent contrast to savory and sharp flavors in main dishes. One popular pairing is sweet potato fries with chicken piccata, where their subtle sweetness helps balance out the dish’s acidity.
Making your own sweet potato fries is possible by following various recipes available online, or you can simply purchase premade and frozen ones from a nearby grocery store. Either way, you’ll end up with a satisfying side dish that complements your chicken piccata perfectly, filling out the meal nicely. Whether homemade or store-bought, sweet potato fries are sure to add a delightful twist to your culinary creations.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
