Are you making spinach stuffed chicken breast for dinner tonight but not sure what to pair it with? I’ve been there! Spinach stuffed chicken is one of my favorite main dishes to prepare – it’s elegant, tasty, and always impresses guests. But finding the perfect side dishes can be tricky since you want something that complements the chicken without overpowering it.
After testing dozens of combinations I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best side dishes that will elevate your spinach stuffed chicken breast dinner from good to absolutely incredible. These pairings will create a balanced meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table!
Classic Potato Side Dishes
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
There’s a reason garlic mashed potatoes appear at the top of almost every list – they’re simply perfect with spinach stuffed chicken! The creamy texture provides a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken, while the garlic flavor adds a savory note that enhances the entire meal.
For the best results
- Use Yukon gold or russet potatoes
- Add plenty of butter and a splash of milk
- Roast garlic cloves before mashing them in for deeper flavor
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Want something a bit more fun than traditional sides? Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delicious alternative that brings natural sweetness to balance the savory chicken My family loves dipping these in aioli or ranch dressing for an extra flavor kick
3. Potato Gratin
For an indulgent, comforting side dish, potato gratin is hard to beat. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese and cream create a rich accompaniment that turns dinner into a special occasion. The golden, bubbly top provides a beautiful presentation alongside your stuffed chicken.
Vegetable Side Dishes
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar make an excellent pairing with spinach stuffed chicken. Their slight bitterness and natural sweetness (when roasted) complement the creamy spinach filling perfectly.
5. Steamed Asparagus
After enjoying rich, creamy dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus offers a light and refreshing contrast. This nutritious green veggie is packed with vitamins and provides a simple elegance to your plate. Just steam until tender-crisp, season with salt and pepper, and you’re done!
6. Sautéed Green Beans
Green beans sautéed with sliced almonds and garlic bring a wonderful crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. I like to blanch my green beans briefly before sautéing them – this preserves their bright color and ensures the perfect texture.
7. Grilled Zucchini
During summer months, grilled zucchini is my go-to side dish. The light, smoky flavor pairs beautifully with spinach stuffed chicken breast. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare – just slice evenly, brush with olive oil, and grill until you see those perfect char marks.
8. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
These sweet and tangy carrots introduce a wonderful contrast that balances the savory richness of spinach stuffed chicken. The caramelization techniques bring out the natural sweetness of carrots, creating a side dish that’s both colorful and flavorful.
Grain-Based Sides
9. Lemon Herb Rice
A vibrant and aromatic side dish, lemon herb rice enhances the flavors of spinach stuffed chicken breast without competing with it. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs provide a refreshing contrast that makes every bite delightful.
10. Quinoa Pilaf
For a nutrient-rich and flavorful option, quinoa pilaf is an excellent choice. Its nutty flavor and high protein content make it a substantial side that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken. I like to add some dried cranberries and toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
11. Wild Rice Salad
Wild rice brings a delightful texture and nutty flavor that works beautifully with spinach stuffed chicken. Combined with fresh herbs and maybe some dried fruits, this salad adds an earthy element that enhances the entire meal.
12. Parmesan Risotto
If you’re looking to impress, a creamy parmesan risotto is the way to go. The rich, indulgent texture and robust flavor elevate your meal to restaurant quality. Yes, it takes a bit more effort, but the results are so worth it!
13. Couscous Salad
For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, try serving couscous salad alongside your chicken. The fluffy texture combined with fresh herbs creates an invigorating side dish that’s both light and satisfying.
Fresh Salad Options
14. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad provides a revitalizing contrast to spinach stuffed chicken. The crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy homemade croutons, all coated in tangy dressing, create a perfect balance with the savory chicken.
15. Caprese Salad
For a simple yet elegant side, it’s hard to beat a Caprese salad. Alternating slices of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella with basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic, make for a beautiful presentation that complements the chicken perfectly.
Pairing Tips for a Perfect Meal
When planning your menu, I recommend choosing 2-3 sides from different categories for a well-balanced meal. For example:
- One starchy side (like mashed potatoes or rice)
- One vegetable dish (roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed asparagus)
- One fresh element (like a salad)
This combination ensures variety in flavors, textures, and nutrients, creating a satisfying dining experience.
Easy Meal Planning Combinations
Not sure which sides work best together? Here are some of my favorite combinations:
Casual Weeknight Dinner:
- Spinach stuffed chicken breast
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
Healthy Option:
- Spinach stuffed chicken breast
- Quinoa pilaf
- Roasted vegetables
Impressive Dinner Party:
- Spinach stuffed chicken breast
- Parmesan risotto
- Caprese salad
- Roasted asparagus
Low-Carb Side Options
If you’re watching your carb intake, these sides pair beautifully with spinach stuffed chicken while keeping things light:
- Herbed cauliflower rice
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled zucchini
My Personal Favorite Combination
After years of experimenting, my absolute favorite pairing with spinach stuffed chicken breast is garlic mashed potatoes with roasted Brussels sprouts and a small Caesar salad. The combination of creamy, roasted, and fresh elements creates the perfect balance that makes everyone at my table happy!
Final Thoughts
Spinach stuffed chicken breast is already a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the entire meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special occasion, these 15 side dish options provide plenty of variety to keep your meals exciting and delicious.
Remember, the best combinations offer contrast in flavors and textures while complementing the main dish. Don’t be afraid to mix and match based on what’s in season or what you’re craving!
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with spinach stuffed chicken? I’d love to hear your combinations in the comments below!
1 Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries offer a fun, tasty alternative to regular fries. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken, and a quick dip into some aioli or ranch takes this side dish to the next level.
For a refreshing palate cleanser, consider a cucumber salad. Toss thinly sliced cucumbers in a simple vinaigrette, maybe adding some red onions or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color. This dish is crisp, light, and beautifully complements the heaviness of the main course.
Roasted beetroot provides a burst of color and an earthy flavor that stands up to the richness of spinach stuffed chicken breast. The sweetness of the beets, especially when roasted, makes for a complex yet harmonious side dish that’s both visually appealing and tasty.
When in doubt, why not opt for more spinach? Sautéed in some olive oil and garlic, this green leafy vegetable is a natural companion to your spinach-stuffed chicken. Its an easy and quick side that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Add a tropical twist to your meal with some grilled pineapple slices. The sweetness and slight tang of pineapple cut through the richness of the chicken, offering a unique, summery flair that’s sure to impress.
Stuffed Chicken With Spinach and Cheese
FAQ
What pairs well with spinach chicken?
Potatoes. Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Pasta.Oct 31, 2021
What to serve stuffed chicken breasts with?
- Pasta al Limone.
- The Ultimate Garlic Pasta.
- Simple Arugula Salad.
- Caesar Salad with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs.
- Homemade Garlic Bread.
What are good sides to go with chicken breast?
- 1 / 5. Credit: Lauren Volo. Brown Butter Radishes. …
- 2 / 5. Credit: Christine Han. Super-Crispy, Oven-Baked Asparagus Fries. …
- 3 / 5. Credit: Joe Lingeman. Garlicky Parmesan Sweet Potatoes. …
- 4 / 5. Credit: Elizabeth Stark. Roasted Carrots with Orange. …
- 5 / 5. Credit: Faith Durand. Potato, Squash & Goat Cheese Gratin.
What are some side dishes that pair well with crockpot chicken and stuffing?
- Steamed Broccoli.
- Fresh Garden Salad.
- Frozen Peas…cooked, of course
- Corn on the Cob with butter and salt OR lime juice and chili powder.
- Tortilla Chips with Melted Cheese (add jalapeños for an extra kick)
- Garlic Bread.