If you’ve ever made chicken scallopini for dinner and wondered what sides would complement this Italian-American favorite you’re in the right place! I’ve been experimenting with different pairings for years, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.
Chicken scallopini night is always a crowd-pleaser at my house, but what really elevates the meal is the perfect side dish The tender, thinly-sliced chicken bathed in a lemony sauce deserves companions that enhance its delicate flavors without overwhelming them
Why You Need Side Dishes with Chicken Scallopini
Before diving into our list of perfect pairings. let’s talk about why side dishes matter
- Meat dishes like scallopini can be rich and filling on their own
- Side dishes add freshness and balance to heavy main courses
- They provide nutritional balance to complete your meal
- Different textures and flavors prevent palate fatigue
- The right sides can transform a simple chicken dinner into a memorable feast
As someone who hosts dinner parties regularly, I’ve learned that the right side can make or break a meal. So let’s explore the 15 best side dishes that’ll make your chicken scallopini shine!
15 Best Side Dishes for Chicken Scallopini
1. Creamy Tomato Pasta
This scrumptious pasta dish uses everyday pantry ingredients and comes together in just 20 minutes – perfect for a weeknight dinner alongside your scallopini. The creamy tomato sauce creates a wonderful contrast to the lemony chicken, and the pasta provides that satisfying carb element we all crave.
Pro tip: Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of both dishes.
2. Roasted Lemon Garlic Asparagus
When I’m feeling like I need something green but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, I turn to roasted asparagus. The bright green spears add visual appeal to your plate, while the garlic and lemon flavors echo elements in the scallopini.
To make it, you’ll need:
- Fresh asparagus (look for vibrant green stalks)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
Simply toss everything together and roast at 425°F for about 12 minutes. The slight char on the asparagus adds a smoky element that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
3. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes, especially when they’re loaded with cheese! The smooth, creamy texture is the perfect complement to tender chicken, and the potatoes will soak up every drop of that delicious scallopini sauce.
I like to use a mix of cheeses – usually parmesan, cheddar, and a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. Add a splash of warm milk and plenty of butter for potatoes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
4. Brown Butter Parmesan Gnocchi
For an impressive yet simple side, brown butter gnocchi is my go-to. The pillow-soft potato dumplings provide a satisfying bite, while the nutty brown butter sauce adds depth that works wonderfully with chicken scallopini.
Toss in some toasted panko crumbs for texture and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan and a squirt of lemon juice. The scallopini sauce will seep into the gnocchi, creating flavor-packed bites that’ll have your family swooning.
5. Sautéed Spinach
When I want something light but flavorful, sautéed spinach fits the bill perfectly. It’s a popular accompaniment to meat dishes because it provides a refreshing contrast and crunchy texture.
The key is using plenty of fresh spinach (it shrinks dramatically when cooked) and seasoning it well. I like to add garlic, a squeeze of lemon, and sometimes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
6. Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Orzo is that magical pasta that looks like rice but cooks up faster. For chicken scallopini, I love making a simple lemon parmesan orzo that echoes the flavors in the chicken while adding a different texture.
This comes together in about 20 minutes and requires just a few ingredients:
- Orzo pasta
- Olive oil
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, minced
- Lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
The bright lemon notes and salty cheese make each bite exciting without competing with your main dish.
7. Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Vinegar
For a hearty and colorful side that’s still healthy, roasted vegetables with balsamic vinegar are hard to beat. I usually include a mix of:
- Beets
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Red onions
- Zucchini
- Potatoes
Chop everything into similar-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for about 30 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar when they come out of the oven and top with shredded basil and a sprinkle of parmesan for a side that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
8. Garlic Bread
Sometimes the simplest sides are the most satisfying. A loaf of crispy, buttery garlic bread is always welcome alongside chicken scallopini. The bread serves as the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last bit of that amazing sauce.
For an upgrade, try making cheesy garlic bread with mozzarella and parmesan melted on top. It’s indulgent, but so worth it for special occasions.
9. Italian Artichoke Salad
On hot summer evenings, I like to pair my chicken scallopini with something light and refreshing. This Italian artichoke salad combines marinated artichoke hearts (great way to use up those jars in your pantry!), roasted red peppers, red onions, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
The tangy artichokes provide a nice contrast to the chicken, and the salad adds a pop of color to your plate.
10. Greek Farro Salad
If you’re tired of predictable green salads, try a Greek farro salad instead. Farro is a hearty grain with a nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture that works beautifully with chicken scallopini.
Mix cooked farro with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Dress it with a simple lemon-olive oil vinaigrette and fresh herbs like dill and oregano.
11. Garlic Butter Quinoa
For a nutritious side that still feels indulgent, garlic butter quinoa is my go-to. This one-pot wonder requires just five ingredients: quinoa, vegetable broth, butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
The fluffy quinoa soaks up the garlic butter beautifully, creating a side dish that’s both healthy and crave-worthy. Plus, it’ll be ready in about the same time as your scallopini!
12. Green Bean Almondine
When I’m in a rush but still want something elegant, green bean almondine saves the day. The crisp-tender green beans add color to your plate, while toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
13. Saffron Rice
The subtle sweetness and gorgeous yellow color of saffron rice makes it a stunning partner for chicken scallopini. The rice provides a neutral base that soaks up the chicken’s sauce while adding its own gentle flavors.
I like to add a few pine nuts for texture and a handful of fresh herbs before serving. The contrast between the bright yellow rice and the golden brown chicken makes for a beautiful presentation.
14. Arugula Salad
Sometimes, the best side is the simplest one. A peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved parmesan takes just 5 minutes to prepare but adds freshness and bite to your meal.
The peppery greens cut through the richness of the chicken, cleansing your palate between bites and making the whole meal more enjoyable.
15. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad combines orzo with feta cheese, kalamata olives, spinach, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s substantial enough to stand up to chicken scallopini but won’t overshadow it.
I love making this ahead of time and letting the flavors meld in the refrigerator. It’s even better the next day, which means it’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinner parties.
Creating a Balanced Meal with Chicken Scallopini
When planning your chicken scallopini dinner, consider these tips for a well-rounded meal:
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Balance heavy with light – If your scallopini preparation is rich and saucy, pair it with a lighter side like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
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Consider complementary flavors – The lemon in chicken scallopini pairs beautifully with sides that include garlic, herbs, or more citrus.
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Think about texture – The tender chicken benefits from sides with contrasting textures, like crunchy vegetables or al dente pasta.
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Add color to your plate – Bright green vegetables or colorful salads make the meal more visually appealing.
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Don’t forget the starch – A potato, pasta, or grain side helps round out the meal and soak up that delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
Chicken scallopini is a versatile dish that plays well with many different side dishes. Whether you’re looking for something quick and simple for a weeknight dinner or planning an impressive spread for guests, these 15 side dishes have got you covered.
My personal favorite combo is the chicken scallopini with cheesy garlic bread and sautéed spinach – the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. But don’t be afraid to mix and match based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken scallopini? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your perfectly paired chicken scallopini meal!
Creamy tomato pasta https://www.pinterest.com/pin/784048616384543563/
Chicken scallopini is a staple of Italian-American cuisine.
It’s an easy midweek meal, and so is this creamy tomato pasta.
This scrumptious pasta dish uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
And it will only take 20 minutes to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen slaving away over a hot stove.
Psst… add red chili flakes to give it that extra kick of spice.
On a hot summer’s evening, a saucy chicken breast and a light salad is one of my favorite meals.
And an easy hack to elevate a classic Italian salad is to add some artichokes.
(plus it’s a great way to use up those artichokes that have been sitting in your pantry for months!)
Along with the artichokes, roasted red peppers and red onions are mixed in and dressed with a light vinaigrette dressing to complete this Italian artichoke salad.
You can never go wrong with a side of mashed potatoes, especially when it’s this creamy and oozing with cheese.
The smooth potatoes are the perfect complement to the tender, flavorful chicken, and the cheese adds just the right amount of richness.
The mash will soak up all the sauce from your plate and mean not a single drop of flavor goes to waste.
This recipe uses three different kinds of cheese. Get in my belly!
Complete your chicken scallopini meal by serving it on a satisfying bed of brown butter gnocchi.
The sauce from the chicken will seep down into the gnocchi giving it even more flavor.
Then all you need to do is toss some toasted panko crumbs in for crunch and add a squirt of lemon juice for tanginess.
Psst… the nutty brown butter from the linked recipe is also great drizzled over some roasted broccoli.
Let’s face it, vegetables can be a snooze fest.
That’s why I like to jazz up my veggie sides with some extra flavors like garlic and a little bit of lemon.
It’s tasty, but not so complicated that it will take away from the chicken.
Serve this smokey, garlicky roasted asparagus next to your chicken scallopini, and you’ve got a delicious, easy meal.
Tired of making predictable green salads?
Turn your chicken scallopini into a memorable meal with this colorful greek farro salad.
And if you’re wondering what farro is, it’s a type of grain. It has a rich, nutty flavor that works wonderfully with the lemony sauce on the chicken.
And the texture is slightly chewy (which I love).
This salad will soon become a family favorite.
Who knew a dish this simple could make your chicken scallopini 10x more delicious?
This one–pot wonder only involves 5 ingredients.
The quinoa is cooked in vegetable broth until it is nice and fluffy, and then the garlic butter is mixed in.
This garlic butter quinoa dish is so easy that you’ll want to make it every night.
You’ll only need 20 minutes tops to make this green bean almondine.
The green beans will add a pop of color to your plate, and the almonds bring a unique touch to the dish (plus they add some crunch).
Serve the chicken and green beans with some rice for a healthy, balanced meal.
Saffron rice is known for its beautiful yellow color and has a slightly sweet flavor, which will contrast with the sharper lemon tones in the scallopini sauce.
You can add spices like turmeric or cumin to get a more complex flavor, or you can keep it simple with just a few cloves of garlic.
I recommend this variation with some added pine nuts for crunch.
This cheesy garlic bread is the perfect way to round off your meal, providing a delicious carb-y complement to the chicken.
And the bread will soak up all the leftover sauce, making it even more irresistible.
Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand – between the garlic bread and the scallopini, this dish can get a little messy.
Keep this simple with this arugula salad.
The peppery flavor from the leaves means this is far from boring, and you can chuck the whole thing together in around 5 minutes.
Chick Food TV’s recipe is perfect when you’ve left everything to the last minute.
Chicken scallopini is an easy dish, but it’s glam enough for dinner parties too (if you have an impressive side next to it!).
And if you really want to impress your guests (or just yourself), I recommend some stuffed peppers.
These little multi-colored beauties are filled with hearty rice, sweet tomatoes, and some zesty cilantro.
What’s better than a salad? A salad that’s also pasta!
This Mediterranean orzo salad is the perfect summer side dish for chicken scallopini.
It has all the freshness and crunch you’re looking for, combined with the heartiness of pasta.
So go ahead and try this Mediterranean orzo salad, it’s filled with feta, olives, and spinach.
The best side dishes to serve with chicken scallopini
- Creamy tomato pasta
- Italian artichoke salad
- Cheesy mashed potatoes
- Brown butter gnocchi
- Garlicky roasted asparagus
- Greek farro salad
- Garlic butter quinoa
- Green bean almondine
- Saffron rice
- Cheesy garlic bread
- Arugula salad
- Stuffed bell peppers
- Mediterranean orzo salad
My Family is OBSESSED with this Chicken Scallopini Recipe
FAQ
What is a good side dish for chicken scallopini?
Any kind of cooked pasta is terrific; spoon the chicken and sauce on top so it can soak up all the goodness. Try the same strategy with mashed potatoes (garlic mashed potatoes, Boursin mashed potatoes, 3-ingredient mashed potatoes, or make-ahead mashed potatoes; you can’t go wrong).
What’s the difference between chicken piccata and chicken scallopini?
Scallopini means thinly sliced pieces of meat, while piccata is more about the sauce.Mar 31, 2025
Is chicken scallopini healthy?
Is Chicken Scallopini Healthy? Restaurant chicken scallopini can be unhealthy when it’s heavily breaded, fried in oil or butter, covered in a creamy sauce and served with a heaping pile of pasta. We made this homemade chicken scallopini healthier by lightly coating it and reducing the amount of fat used in cooking.
What pairs well with chicken as a side?
The best sides for chicken may depend on the way you’re cooking the bird—a burnished roast chicken in the fall or winter goes wonderfully with butternut squash or cauliflower, while grilled chicken in the summer makes more sense with high-season salads and veggies charred over the coals.