Are you staring at that creamy, garlicky Tuscan chicken wondering what to serve alongside it? Trust me, I’ve been there! After making this amazing Italian-inspired dish countless times, I’ve experimented with practically every side dish imaginable.
In this article, I’ll share my absolute favorite sides and desserts that complement Tuscan chicken beautifully. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a family meal, these pairings will take your Tuscan chicken from delicious to absolutely extraordinary!
What is Tuscan Chicken Anyway?
Before diving into the side dishes let’s clarify what exactly Tuscan chicken is. This creamy, garlicky dish features chicken (usually breasts or thighs) cooked in a cream-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, basil and Parmesan cheese.
Interestingly despite its name Tuscan chicken isn’t actually from Tuscany! The cream sauce points to origins in northern Italy near the Swiss border. Americans likely started calling it “Tuscan” chicken because of the Italian ingredients. But regardless of its somewhat dubious origins, it’s absolutely delicious!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken
Before we dive into the sides, here are my favorite ways to serve this dish:
- With sourdough bread for dipping in that amazing creamy sauce
- Over pasta, letting the sauce coat every strand
- On its own for a low-carb option or over roasted vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms
Now, let’s explore the best side dishes!
Potato-Based Side Dishes
Potatoes and creamy Tuscan chicken are a match made in heaven! Here are some fantastic potato options
1. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
There’s nothing like perfectly crispy roasted potatoes with a fluffy interior. The contrast between the crispy potatoes and the creamy chicken sauce is divine! Seasoning them with rosemary and garlic adds complementary flavors that echo the Italian theme.
2. Gratin Potatoes
These cheesy, creamy potatoes are like a warm hug on a plate! The creamy sauce and savory flavors of gratin potatoes perfectly complement the Tuscan chicken. The similar creamy textures create a cohesive meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
3. Scalloped Potatoes
Similar to gratin, scalloped potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce with hints of garlic and nutmeg. They’re like a cozy blanket for your taste buds! The creamy texture adds another dimension to the meal.
4. Truffle Mashed Potatoes
For a more luxurious option, try truffle mashed potatoes. The rich aroma of truffles elevates the entire meal, making it perfect for special occasions. The creamy texture and earthy flavor make every bite of chicken even more delightful!
Pasta and Rice Options
Carbs are perfect for soaking up that amazing Tuscan sauce! Here are some excellent options:
5. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta
This creamy orzo pairs perfectly with Tuscan chicken. The small rice-shaped pasta absorbs the garlic and Parmesan flavors beautifully. It’s almost like the side dish was designed specifically for Tuscan chicken!
6. Red Pesto Pasta Salad
Picture a colorful pasta salad bursting with flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and basil. It’s a flavor explosion that complements the Tuscan chicken perfectly. The tangy sauce in the pasta salad mixes beautifully with the chicken.
7. Mediterranean Pasta
This veggie-loaded Mediterranean pasta comes together in just 15 minutes! With sweet cherry tomatoes and Mediterranean flavors, it complements the Italian-inspired chicken dish perfectly.
8. Basmati Rice
Sometimes simple is best. Fluffy basmati rice with a fragrant aroma provides a perfect neutral base for soaking up the Tuscan chicken sauce. The light, fluffy texture makes every bite better!
9. Mushroom Risotto
Want to impress your guests? Try mushroom risotto! The mushrooms add the perfect meaty bite to gently spiced cheesy risotto. It makes the meal ultra hearty while still being relatively light.
10. Parmesan Spinach Couscous
Couscous is light and fluffy with a delicate texture that pairs wonderfully with Tuscan chicken. Adding Parmesan and spinach creates earthy flavors that complement the chicken perfectly.
Vegetables and Salads
Balance out the richness of Tuscan chicken with these veggie options:
11. Sautéed Spinach
Since you’ll likely have leftover spinach from making the Tuscan chicken, why not sauté it? This simple side utilizes ingredients you already have on hand like olive oil, garlic, and lemon. It’s hearty and earthy with a light lemony kick.
12. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper creates caramelized florets that are tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli, which contrasts nicely with the savory chicken.
13. Roasted Asparagus
Nothing compliments the earthy flavors of Tuscan chicken quite like roasted asparagus. With a dash of Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper, these roasted stalks are so tasty! A quick squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.
14. Brussels Sprout Salad
Imagine a crunchy salad with tiny Brussels sprouts, almonds, and cheese. The tangy dressing helps bring out the best in the chicken, making each bite super yummy! The crunch provides a nice textural contrast to the creamy chicken.
15. Arugula Salad
A simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, freshly squeezed lemon, olive oil, and balsamic glaze needs just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare! The peppery arugula cuts through the richness of the Tuscan chicken beautifully.
16. Italian Chopped Salad
Fresh chopped veggies and garbanzo beans make up this classic Italian Chopped Salad. It’s loaded with all the best goodies and a homemade dressing for the perfect Italian side salad.
17. Roasted Tomatoes
Italian roasted tomatoes make a delicious side dish to complement that Tuscan flavor. They’re quick and easy to make in your air fryer anytime!
18. Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Crispy butternut squash cubes seasoned with herbs are like little bites of sunshine! The sweet flavor of the squash creates a wonderful contrast with the savory chicken.
Bread Options
You’ll definitely want something to soak up that amazing sauce!
19. Ligurian Focaccia
Ligurian focaccia is crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Baked in extra virgin olive oil and topped with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, it’s the perfect match for Tuscan chicken!
20. Garlic Bread
If I could have garlic bread for every meal, I would! It’s crunchy, buttery, and fully loaded with garlicky goodness. And that’s just what you need next to tender, creamy Tuscan chicken.
21. Garlic Knots
Garlic bread is good, but garlic knots are even better! All those nooks and crannies in the knotted bread capture that buttery goodness, so every bite is bursting with flavor.
22. Easy Cheese Potato Bread
Think of soft bread with melted cheese and mashed potatoes. It’s like a delicious snack and meal rolled into one! The cheesy flavor adds an extra layer of yumminess to every bite of chicken.
Desserts to Serve After Tuscan Chicken
No Italian-inspired meal is complete without dessert! Here are some perfect sweet endings:
23. Tiramisu
Classic Italian tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone is an obvious (but perfect) choice after a Tuscan chicken meal.
24. Lemon Desserts
Whether it’s lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, or anything citrusy, the bright acidity cuts through the richness of the meal and cleanses the palate.
25. Italian Almond Cake
An Italian meal isn’t complete without dessert! This classic Italian almond cake is delightfully tender and topped with sweet toasted almonds for a hint of crunch.
My Personal Favorites
After trying all these combinations (yes, I’ve been busy in the kitchen!), my absolute favorite pairings with Tuscan chicken are:
- For everyday meals: Crispy roasted potatoes and sautéed spinach
- For impressing guests: Mushroom risotto and arugula salad
- For comfort food nights: Creamy garlic Parmesan orzo and garlic bread
Final Thoughts
Tuscan chicken is already amazing on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates it to restaurant quality. The good news is that this versatile dish works with so many different sides that you’ll never get bored!
Whether you’re in the mood for something light like a salad, something substantial like potatoes, or something to soak up that delicious sauce like bread, there’s a perfect pairing for your Tuscan chicken dinner.
What’s your favorite way to serve Tuscan chicken? I’d love to hear your combinations in the comments below!
side dishes to serve with Tuscan chicken
Ok now for side dishes that can be paired with Tuscan chicken, dont worry well get to dessert later! Weve put together a comprehensive list with a variety of options so Im sure youll find the perfect pairing for your dinner.
Picture a colorful pasta salad bursting with flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Its like a flavor explosion in your mouth! This salad is the perfect buddy for your Tuscan chicken. The tangy sauce in the pasta salad mixes so well with the yummy chicken, making every bite a taste adventure!
Imagine a crunchy salad with tiny Brussels sprouts, almonds, and cheese. Its like a tasty crunch party! Pairing it with your Tuscan chicken is like having a delicious balance on your plate. The tangy dressing of the salad helps to bring out the best in the chicken, making each bite super yummy!
Close your eyes and think of creamy, cheesy potatoes baked to perfection. Theyre like a warm hug on a plate! These potatoes are a perfect match for your Tuscan chicken. The creamy sauce and savory flavors of the potatoes make every mouthful of chicken even better!
Picture thinly sliced potatoes soaked in a creamy sauce with hints of garlic and nutmeg. Its like a cozy blanket for your taste buds! Pairing these potatoes with Tuscan chicken is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. The creamy texture of the potatoes adds a tasty twist to every bite of chicken!
Imagine crispy potato bites seasoned with herbs and spices. Theyre like little flavor bombs! Pairing them with your Tuscan chicken adds an extra crunch to your meal. The crispy outside and fluffy inside of the potatoes make each bite of chicken even more satisfying!
Think of soft bread with melted cheese and mashed potatoes. Its like a delicious snack and meal rolled into one! Pairing this bread with your Tuscan chicken is like having a tasty surprise on your plate. The cheesy flavor of the bread adds an extra layer of yumminess to every bite of chicken!
Imagine crispy butternut squash cubes seasoned with herbs. Theyre like little bites of sunshine! Pairing them with Tuscan chicken adds a tasty twist to your meal. The crispy texture and sweet flavor of the squash make every bite of chicken even more delicious!
Picture a creamy, cheesy dip loaded with spinach and artichokes. Its like a party in your mouth! Pairing this dip with Tuscan chicken adds a fun twist to your meal. The creamy texture and savory flavors of the dip make every bite of chicken even more enjoyable!
Imagine crispy kale leaves seasoned with herbs and spices. Theyre like healthy potato chips! Pairing them with Tuscan chicken adds a tasty crunch to your meal. The crispy texture and savory flavor of the chips make every bite of chicken even more satisfying!
Think of fluffy rice with a fragrant aroma. Its like a warm hug for your taste buds! Pairing it with Tuscan chicken adds a tasty base to your meal. The fragrant aroma and fluffy texture of the rice make every bite of chicken even better!
Ligurian focaccia is crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Baked in extra virgin olive oil and topped with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, it’s the perfect match for Tuscan chicken!
Try this delicious baby arugula salad with shaved parmesan, freshly squeezed lemon, olive oil, and balsamic glaze. It only needs 5 ingredients and 5 minutes!
Fresh chopped veggies & garbanzo beans make up this classic Italian Chopped Salad. Loaded with all the best goodies & a homemade dressing for the perfect Italian side salad.
With so many gorgeous colors and vibrant flavors, this easy Vegetable Medley is a lovely accompaniment to Tuscan Chicken! And, with so many different veggies to choose from, its sure to please everyone round your table!
Imagine creamy mashed potatoes with the rich aroma of truffles. Theyre like a fancy treat for your taste buds! Pairing them with Tuscan chicken adds a luxurious touch to your meal. The creamy texture and earthy flavor of the potatoes make every bite of chicken even more delightful!
Make this veggie-loaded Mediterranean pasta in just 15 minutes and serve it as a side for a delicious Tuscan Chicken. With sweet cherry tomatoes, it will become a family favorite for busy weeknights!
Roasted tomatoes are a delicious side dish to compliment that Tuscan flavor. They’re quick and easy to make in your air fryer anytime!
how do you eat Tuscan chicken?
Before we get into side dishes and desserts to enjoy with this chicken, I often get the question – how do you eat or serve Tuscan chicken? This is a valid question because its a creamy sauce and chicken. Here are my preferred ways to eat it:
- With sourdough because you can dip it in the creamy sauce while eating the chicken.
- Over pasta, because the sauce can coat the pasta and the chicken is a great way to bump up the pasta.
- On its own for a low-carb or keto option or served over a roasted vegetable like asparagus or mushrooms.
This CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN is a wow-worthy dinner recipe with Mediterranean flair!
FAQ
What does Mary Berry serve with Tuscan chicken?
Based on a classic creamy chicken dish, Tuscan chicken is one of Mary Berry’s favourites when she needs an easy supper. It’s lovely served with potatoes, rice or pasta. It’s very similar to ‘Marry me chicken’, but uses sun-blushed tomatoes, rather than sun dried.
What is a good side dish for Italian chicken?
Glazed carrots with butter and brown sugar. I also think pickled beets would be tasty! Green beans cooked in butter with some salt&pepper an a little onion added in. Put the chicken in the center of a casserole dish and on the sides put potatoes and green beans then cover all with Italian dressing.
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.
What cream for Tuscan chicken?
Either way, using bright, fresh veg is important to achieving a convincing Tuscan flavor. Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is really what carries this simple sauce, creating a rich, silky base for your chicken. Parmesan: Rich and nutty, Parmesan carries double weight in this recipe, lending flavor and texture to the sauce.