Are you staring at that zesty lemon chicken wondering what to serve alongside it? Been there! Lemon chicken is one of those dishes that’s got so much personality with its tangy, bright flavors but finding the perfect sidekick can be tricky. I’ve spent countless dinner parties experimenting with different combinations and I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered.
In this article I’ll walk you through more than 25 side dishes that complement lemon chicken beautifully. From creamy carbs to fresh veggies, I’ve gotcha covered with options that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Why Side Dishes Matter for Lemon Chicken
Lemon chicken has this amazing zesty, tangy profile that’s both refreshing and savory. The right side dish can:
- Balance the citrus notes with complementary flavors
- Add textural contrast to your meal
- Turn a simple protein into a complete, satisfying dinner
- Bring additional nutrients to round out your meal
So let’s dive into the sides that’ll make your lemon chicken truly shine!
Starchy Sides That Pair Perfectly with Lemon Chicken
Rice and Grain Options
Rice and grains provide the perfect canvas for soaking up that delicious lemon sauce. Here are some fab options:
1. Basmati Rice
This fragrant, fluffy rice with its subtle nutty flavor makes an ideal base for lemon chicken. The delicate grains remain separate when cooked and absorb the tangy sauce beautifully.
2. Rice Pilaf
More flavorful than plain rice, pilaf is sautéed before simmering, creating a deeper flavor profile. It’s aromatic with herbs and spices, complementing the zesty chicken perfectly.
3. Quinoa Pilaf
For a nutritional boost, quinoa pilaf offers a nutty flavor and extra protein. It’s hearty and wholesome while still light enough not to overpower the chicken.
4. Couscous
These tiny pasta-like grains cook in minutes and have a light, fluffy texture with a subtle nutty taste. They’re perfect for soaking up lemon sauce and add a Mediterranean vibe to your meal.
5. Wheat Berries
With their chewy texture and nutty flavor, wheat berries add a rustic touch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. They’re nutritious and filling too!
6. Israeli Couscous
The pearl-sized grains have a delightful chewy texture and mild taste that absorbs flavors well. Mix in some herbs and lemon zest to echo the chicken’s flavors.
7. Cilantro Lime Rice
While it might seem counterintuitive to pair lime with lemon, this rice dish actually complements lemon chicken beautifully. The herbaceous cilantro and hint of lime create a refreshing side.
Potato Variations
Potatoes in various forms make for comforting sides that balance the bright acidity of lemon chicken.
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, rich, and infused with garlic, these mashed potatoes provide a luxurious counterpoint to the tangy chicken. The smooth texture is particularly satisfying against the meat.
9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness and caramelized edges of roasted sweet potatoes contrast wonderfully with tangy lemon chicken. Just toss chunks in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting till golden.
10. Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, potato wedges add a comforting element to your meal. Season them with herbs like rosemary or thyme to complement the lemon chicken.
11. Scalloped Potatoes
These creamy, cheesy potato layers are pure comfort food. The rich, indulgent nature of scalloped potatoes balances the bright, light quality of lemon chicken.
Vegetable Sides That Shine With Lemon Chicken
Vegetables add color, nutrition, and freshness to your lemon chicken meal. Here are some standout options:
Green Veggies
12. Steamed Asparagus
Tender, vibrant asparagus spears make an elegant accompaniment to lemon chicken. Their subtle earthy flavor and crisp-tender texture complement the chicken perfectly.
13. Green Beans
Simple yet delicious, green beans add color and crunch. Sauté them in olive oil with garlic or blanch them for a crisp texture that contrasts with the tender chicken.
14. Green Beans Almondine
This elevated version adds toasted almonds for crunch and a buttery sauce that pairs beautifully with the zesty notes of lemon chicken.
15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized and slightly crunchy, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a depth of flavor that works wonderfully with lemon chicken. Their slight bitterness balances the tangy lemon perfectly.
16. Sautéed Spinach
Quick and nutritious, sautéed spinach with a hint of garlic makes a simple side. Add a little lemon zest to echo the flavors in your chicken.
Other Vegetable Options
17. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and other root vegetables brings earthy sweetness and caramelized goodness to complement your lemon chicken.
18. Honey Glazed Carrots
The sweet, tender glazed carrots offer a lovely contrast to the tangy chicken. A hint of nutmeg or ginger can add wonderful depth to this simple side.
19. Grilled Zucchini
Slightly charred and tender, grilled zucchini is a light option that won’t overpower your lemon chicken. Marinate it in olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon for cohesive flavors.
20. Whole Roasted Cauliflower
This impressive side becomes tender and slightly sweet when roasted. Season it with complementary spices for a show-stopping accompaniment.
21. Corn on the Cob
Sweet and juicy corn provides a pleasant contrast to tangy lemon chicken. Whether grilled or boiled, a little butter and salt is all it needs.
Fresh Salads That Balance Lemon Chicken
Salads add freshness and crunch to your meal, balancing the warm, tender chicken.
22. Caesar Salad
The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad offer textural contrast and complementary flavors to lemon chicken.
23. Greek Salad
With cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta, and olives, a Greek salad brings Mediterranean flair that pairs naturally with lemon chicken. The briny olives and tangy feta are especially good with the lemony notes.
24. Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic create a refreshing side that complements without competing with your lemon chicken.
25. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Light and refreshing, this simple salad cleanses the palate between bites of flavorful chicken. Its crispness contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
26. Colorful Carrot Salad
Crunchy, sweet carrots make a vibrant non-mayo based salad that adds color and texture to your plate.
Bread Options for Sopping Up Sauce
Don’t let that delicious lemon sauce go to waste! These bread options are perfect for enjoying every last drop.
27. Garlic Bread
Buttery, aromatic garlic bread with a crisp exterior provides both flavor and the perfect tool for soaking up chicken juices.
28. Rosemary Focaccia
This herbaceous Italian flatbread has a chewy interior and crisp exterior that’s ideal for serving alongside lemon chicken.
29. Craigo’s Breadsticks
Cheesy, garlicky breadsticks are an indulgent side that everyone will reach for to complement their lemon chicken.
Low-Carb Alternatives
If you’re watching your carbs, these options pair wonderfully with lemon chicken:
30. Cauliflower Rice
This low-carb rice alternative has a light texture and mild flavor that works well with lemon chicken. It soaks up the sauce without adding many calories.
31. Zucchini Noodles
“Zoodles” provide a pasta-like experience with fewer carbs. Their mild flavor and interesting texture make them a great base for lemon chicken.
My Top 5 Picks for Lemon Chicken Sides
After trying literally dozens of combinations, these are my personal favorites:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture and garlic flavor are PERFECT with the tangy chicken
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The caramelization brings out sweetness that balances the lemon beautifully
- Greek Salad – The combination of fresh veggies and briny olives/feta is magic with lemon chicken
- Basmati Rice – Simple but effective for soaking up all that yummy sauce
- Rosemary Focaccia – Because who doesn’t want bread to swipe through that lemon sauce?!
Tips for Creating a Balanced Meal
When planning your lemon chicken dinner, consider these tips:
- Balance textures: Pair something creamy (like mashed potatoes) with something crunchy (like a fresh salad)
- Consider colors: Add vibrant veggies to make your plate visually appealing
- Think about flavors: Complement the tanginess with something slightly sweet or rich
- Mind the seasons: Use fresh, seasonal produce for the best flavor and value
Final Thoughts
Lemon chicken is such a versatile main dish that works with so many different sides. Whether you’re going for comfort food with mashed potatoes, keeping it light with a fresh salad, or soaking up sauce with perfect rice, there’s a perfect pairing for every preference.
I personally love serving my lemon chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts and garlic bread for a simple weeknight dinner, but when company’s coming, I might go all out with a Greek salad, basmati rice, and honey glazed carrots for a more impressive spread.
What’s your favorite side to serve with lemon chicken? Do you have a special combination that your family loves? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
Now excuse me while I go make some lemon chicken for dinner… all this writing has made me hungry!
Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes
Is there any more classic side dish than potatoes? Versatile, they can be cooked so many different ways- here are some potato and sweet potato dishes that go well with lemon pepper chicken.
Mashed potatoes are one of the best side dishes of all time. This air fryer version roasts the poatoes and a whole head of garlic before mashing them together.
Hasselback potatoes look fancy, but theyre actually simple to make and dont take long to prep. You can roast them in the oven, but this slow cooker version wont heat up your kitchen!
Halved baby red potatoes roasted to perfection with italian seasoning and parmesan cheese make for an excellent side dish for countless chicken recipes.
Colcannon, a traditional Irish side, melds the richness of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with the savory taste of sautéed greens. Its perfect for any season and pairs wonderfully with your favorite lemon pepper chicken recipe.
Crispy smashed potatoes are boiled, then placed on a baking sheet and- you guessed it- smashed! Then they get seasoned and baked until nice and crispy, sort of like a french fry you didnt have to cut up.
Air frying whole fingerline potatoes in a bit of oil and spices are a quick and easy way to make a satisfying side.
Cheesy potatoes in a casserole dish are a classic dish that the whole family is always sure to approve of.
Mashed sweet potatoes go well with just about everything. The sweet flavor provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken.
For a faster sweet potato, just slice and roast! Top with brown sugar and broil at the end for a caramelized version, or top with rosemary and garlic powder for a more savory taste.
This sweet potato salad adds tomatoes, black beans, corn, and jalapeño for a zesty side dish that is great served hot or cold.
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken
Lemon pepper chicken is perfect any time of year, just switch up your side dishes to fit the season. Summer is perfect for squash or a light salad, in the winter you might pefer potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Our chicken gives us plenty of satisfying protein, adding a vegetable can make it a more complete meal. Here are some great pairings for it!
In the summer, zucchini and yellow squash take over gardens and supermarkets everywhere. Air frying keeps them tender inside and lightly crisp outside with ease.
If your family wont touch broccoli that doesnt have cheese sauce, Ive got you. This simple recipe uses an easy 2 ingredient sauce.
Need a fast and easy side? Just grab a can of green beans from your pantry along with some butter, salt, and pepper.
If youve got a bit more time and fresh green beans on hand, try roasting them along with some cherry tomatoes.
This charred cajun corn uses a homemade blackening seasoning for a slightly sweet and smoky side dish. Its finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, making it a perfect side dish for any lemon chicken.
Elevate your meal with these caramelized Brussels sprouts, which are lightly sweet and delightfully crispy- the ideal side for your zesty chicken!
Have you been avoiding butternut squash because prepping it seems intimidating? Gen breaks it down the best way to cut it step by step and cut by cut, so you can easily add it to your skill set!
Grilled Eggplant is simple and delicious! Perfectly charred and then seasoned with garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar this is makes a quick and flavorful side dish.
Shredded zucchini and parmesan cheese give these fritters great flavor, and while fritters are usually deep fried these ones are cooked on a griddle or pan.
A mix of roasted vegetables tossed in mediterranean seasonings, lemon juice, and olive oil, then garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices after cooking.
Tender but crisp this easy roasted asparagus is just 4 ingredients- a great choice for a busy family dinner.
Grab a bag of shredded carrots, were whipping up a quick homemade peanut sauce to toss them in for a no-cook side dish!
This mashed rutabega might look a bit like mashed potatoes, and like potatoes are a root vegetable. They are a cross between cabbage and turnips, and great to try if youre looking to expand on your usual vegetables.
Fresh salads are perfect when youre looking for a lighter side dish that still adds a lot of flavor.
Greek salad has the most satisfying crunch between the romaine, red onion, and cucumber. With feta cheese and kalamata olives and an easy homemade dressing its also a super flavorful side salad!
Suprised by brussels sprouts in a salad? Shaving this member of the cabbage family makes it salad friendly, especially when balanced with tart and sweet fruits, then tossed with a honey mustard dressing.
Panzanella Toscana is an italian bread salad that makes homemade croutons the star instead of an add on. Its ideal in the summer as a great way to use fresh tomatoes, and the flavors pair perfectly with lemon pepper.
This Strawberry Spring Mix Salad features a mix of fresh spring greens, plump strawberries, and zesty balsamic citrus dressing made with simple ingredients. Its a versatile side dish for your table, simple yet ready to impress!
This crisp, refreshing salad uses a simple lemon vinaigrette that makes it a perfect match for any lemon pepper chicken. One caveat: while it has a much more delicate flavor, if you absolutely hate licorice, fennel is in the same family as anise and may remind you of it.
This deli salad starts with a bag of coleslaw mix and makes a quick homemade dressing for a super fast side dish.
This simple fruit salad is a light and fresh option that is just perfect in the summer.
This salad feels like fall, but is perfect year round with kale, apples, and a simple dressing.
In the fall or winter a salad with roasted vegetables is a great addition to any main course. This one features a homemade dressing and is flexible with what vegetables you use.
Particularly if youre serving a salad, bread is a natural choice to add to your meal and make it more filling and more delicious.
This focaccia dough is semi-homemade- we take a shortcut by starting with store bought pizza dough and then letting it rise before topping it with oil, salt, and your favorite toppings.
If youre a novice baker- or just busy- and looking for an easy recipe to get started with, this simple roll recipe is for you.
Youll love this yummy garlic bread baguette! Its filled with tasty herbs and garlic butter, then baked in the oven or cooked on the grill. Either way, its easy to make!
Prefer your garlic bread with some kick? This spicy, buttery garlic bread is prepared by mixing calabrian chili with herbs and butter, then spreading it on a french loaf before baking.
Is there anything that doesnt go well with cheesy garlic bread? If there is, well, I havent found it yet.
Cornbread is a quick scratch option since it doesnt need to rise. This mexican inspired cornbread packs a kick with jalapenos.
Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Breasts | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
FAQ
What is a good side dish for lemon chicken?
Good side dishes for lemon chicken include starchy sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or pasta to soak up the sauce, and light, complementary vegetables such as roasted or steamed asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or zucchini. You can also pair it with a refreshing salad to add a bright contrast to the dish.
What to serve with creamy lemon chicken for dinner?
Choose your own adventure here: angel hair pasta, cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or a big green salad all pair well with chicken.Jun 12, 2024
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 to serve with Chinese lemon chicken?
- I really like serving these little bites of deliciousness on a big pile of rice. …
- Your favorite noodles are another great option! …
- Round out the meal with a salad like my Broccoli Ramen Slaw, or try my Easy Vegetable Stir Fry for an additional Asian-inspired dish to go with it.