Are you planning to make chicken Florentine for dinner but wondering what sides would complement this creamy, savory dish? You’re not alone! I’ve been experimenting with different pairings for chicken Florentine for years, and I’ve discovered some amazing combinations that elevate this classic Italian meal to restaurant-quality status.
Chicken Florentine features tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy spinach sauce that’s rich and indulgent. The key to creating a memorable meal is finding side dishes that balance this richness without overwhelming it. You’ll want options that add texture, color and complementary flavors to round out your plate.
I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best side dishes for chicken Florentine organized by category so you can easily find what suits your taste and occasion. Let’s dive in!
Starchy Sides That Soak Up That Delicious Sauce
Starchy sides are perfect companions to chicken Florentine because they help soak up the creamy sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste!
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are a no-brainer pairing with chicken Florentine. The rich, buttery texture complements the dish perfectly, and you can enhance them with
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish
- A drizzle of the Florentine sauce right on top
For presentation, serve the mashed potatoes in a neat mound with the chicken and sauce spooned alongside or on top.
2. Buttered Noodles
Simple buttered noodles provide a neutral yet delicious base for the chicken Florentine flavors. Toss cooked pasta in butter, parsley, salt, and pepper. The smooth texture is perfect for soaking up every bit of that amazing sauce!
3. Parmesan Risotto
For a truly luxurious meal, serve chicken Florentine with Parmesan risotto. This creamy, cheesy rice dish complements the Florentine sauce beautifully. The rich flavors harmonize to create an indulgent dining experience.
For a perfect wine pairing with this combo, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness of both dishes.
4. Herb Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, herb roasted potatoes provide a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy chicken Florentine. Season them with rosemary and garlic for an earthy flavor that stands up well to the main dish.
5. Polenta
Polenta’s sweet corn flavor and creamy yet toothsome texture pairs excellently with chicken Florentine. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for even more richness. It’s a traditional Italian pairing that never disappoints!
Fresh Vegetable Sides for Balance
Adding vegetables brings color, nutrition, and brightness to balance the rich main course.
6. Lemon Butter Asparagus
Lemon butter asparagus offers a bright and invigorating contrast that pairs perfectly with chicken Florentine. The citrus notes cut through the richness of the cream sauce, while the tender-crisp texture provides a pleasing contrast.
You can quickly sauté or roast the asparagus, ensuring it retains its crunch and vibrant green color. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants!
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a savory, slightly nutty flavor that complements chicken Florentine beautifully. Their caramelized edges add depth to each bite.
Try drizzling them with a balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce of the main dish.
8. Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of chicken Florentine. Their crisp-tender bite and bright green color enhance both texture and visual appeal on your plate.
I like to quickly sauté them with garlic and olive oil to maintain their natural sweetness and nutritional value.
9. Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli offers a nutritious and visually appealing complement to chicken Florentine. Its mild flavor won’t compete with the main dish, while providing a pop of bright green color.
For added flavor, try seasoning with lemon zest, garlic, or a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
10. Grilled Zucchini
For a light touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of chicken Florentine, grilled zucchini offers a fresh and vibrant contrast. Using simple grilling techniques, you can achieve perfectly tender zucchini with a delightful smoky flavor that complements the main dish without overwhelming it.
Fresh Salad Options
A crisp salad provides refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of chicken Florentine.
11. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad brings an invigorating and crisp contrast to chicken Florentine. The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons offer texture and brightness that balances the rich, savory profile of the main dish.
Homemade croutons add extra texture, while the creamy dressing provides a rejuvenating zest that complements the Florentine sauce.
12. Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad, with its simple yet elegant combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, perfectly complements the robust flavors of chicken Florentine.
The creamy texture of the fresh mozzarella, paired with the juicy sweetness of the tomatoes, creates a harmonious balance. I like to drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top to add a tangy finish.
13. Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula, crisp sliced fennel, and shaved Parmesan tossed in a lemony vinaigrette offers a sophisticated salad pairing that cuts through the richness of chicken Florentine. The bright acidity balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
14. Greek Salad
A Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta adds a briny, Mediterranean touch to your chicken Florentine meal. The salty olives and feta provide a wonderful counterpoint to the rich, creamy sauce.
15. Watercress and Orange Salad
Peppery watercress paired with juicy orange segments in a light citrus vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side. The citrus notes complement the creamy sauce while the peppery greens add complexity.
Bread and Additional Sides
Sometimes all you need is something simple to round out your meal.
16. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, with its crispy crust and rich, buttery garlic flavor, serves as an ideal accompaniment to chicken Florentine. The crusty texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy dish, and it’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Try variations like adding herbs or cheese to enhance the flavor further.
17. Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad provides a wholesome and protein-rich side dish that pairs excellently with chicken Florentine. This nutrient-dense option offers health benefits while complementing the creamy flavors of the main dish.
It’s ideal for those seeking a more nutritious option, and the quinoa absorbs the sauce beautifully when they meet on your plate.
Putting It All Together: Creating the Perfect Plate
When I’m serving chicken Florentine, I like to think about balance in terms of:
- Textures – Combining something creamy (like mashed potatoes) with something crisp (like a salad or roasted vegetable)
- Flavors – Pairing the rich, savory Florentine sauce with something bright and acidic
- Colors – Adding vibrant greens, reds, or oranges to make the plate visually appealing
For example, one of my favorite combinations is:
- Chicken Florentine as the star
- A small portion of Parmesan risotto
- Lemon butter asparagus for brightness
- A light Caesar salad on the side
This creates a balanced plate with varied textures, flavors, and colors that complement each other beautifully.
Tips for Serving Chicken Florentine
Here are some additional tips I’ve learned through experience:
- Timing is everything: Prepare your sides so they finish cooking just as the chicken Florentine is ready to serve.
- Temperature contrast: Consider serving a cool salad alongside the hot chicken and sides for temperature variety.
- Sauce management: Choose at least one starchy side that can soak up the delicious Florentine sauce.
- Portion control: Since chicken Florentine is rich, balance it with lighter sides if you’re concerned about heaviness.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Florentine is such a versatile main dish that pairs well with numerous side options. Whether you prefer starchy comfort foods, fresh vegetables, or crisp salads, there’s a perfect companion waiting to be discovered.
My personal favorite pairing might be garlic mashed potatoes with roasted Brussels sprouts and a simple Caesar salad, but I encourage you to experiment with these suggestions to find your own perfect combination!
What sides do you typically serve with chicken Florentine? I’d love to hear about your favorite pairings in the comments below. Happy cooking!
6 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brace yourself! Roasted Brussels sprouts transformed our side dish game. The caramelized, crispy exterior is pure bliss.
We toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until they’re golden and delicious. A drizzle of balsamic glaze amps up the flavor. It’s sweet and tangy, winning us over every time.
We’re obsessed with this crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet combo. Ideal alongside Chicken Florentine’s creamy richness!
3 – Creamy Spinach Risotto
Alright, here’s the scoop on creamy spinach risotto. Our version is packed with tender spinach and rich, creamy goodness. Arborio rice brings that perfect velvety texture.
The key ingredients? Arborio rice, fresh spinach, parmesan, and a splash of white wine. The cheese adds a nutty kick while the wine brings in a subtle tang.
We always find this risotto works wonders next to Chicken Florentine. It’s like comfort in a bowl.
Chicken Florentine | Garlic Spinach Chicken | Food Wishes
FAQ
What do you eat Chicken Florentine with?
Think of all that creamy sauce like gravy and serve chicken Florentine over a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes or rice.Jun 29, 2023
What side to eat with tuscan chicken?
Serve the chicken over cooked rice, if you like, with the remaining parmesan and parsley sprinkled over the top.
What bread goes with Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine goes great with a side of delicious bread like french bread or our no knead artisan bread to sop up that bright sauce. You can also do a side dish of a yummy vegetable like the grilled asparagus pictured here or a delicious side salad like our strawberry feta spinach salad.
Is Chicken Florentine Italian or French?
Despite the name, chicken Florentine is actually a French dish (not Italian!), one I fell in love with on my honeymoon in Paris. The tender chicken in creamy spinach sauce was so simple, yet elegant. And since cream sauces with veggies are one of my favorite kinds, I knew I had to create my own version at home.