15 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve with Italian Chicken: Elevate Your Dinner Tonight!

Ever stared at your perfectly cooked Italian chicken and thought, “What the heck should I serve with this?” Don’t worry – I’ve been there too! Italian chicken dishes are bursting with flavor, but picking the right sides can take your meal from good to absolutely amazing

In this article, I’ll share 15 delicious side dishes that perfectly complement Italian chicken Whether you’ve made chicken cacciatore, chicken Parmesan, or just some simple Italian-seasoned baked chicken breasts, these sides will make your dinner complete

Classic Pastas That Pair Perfectly

Pasta is a natural companion to Italian chicken. Here are some fantastic pasta sides that’ll complement your main dish:

1. Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta brings vibrant color and bold flavor to your plate. The aromatic basil in traditional pesto creates a wonderful contrast to savory chicken dishes. I like to use shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle that capture the sauce well.

Pro tip: Don’t limit yourself to classic basil pesto – try sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique twist!

2. Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy, indulgent alfredo sauce takes pasta to new heights. The rich, velvety texture pairs beautifully with Italian chicken, creating that classic restaurant-quality meal right at home This combo is practically foolproof!

3. Baked Ziti

For the ultimate comfort food side, baked ziti hits the spot. This pasta bake combines ziti with tomato sauce and melty cheese for a satisfying companion to your chicken. Sometimes I add Italian sausage to amp up the flavor even more.

Fresh & Vibrant Salads

Balance the richness of Italian chicken with these bright, crisp salads:

4. Caesar Salad

With its crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to Italian chicken dishes. The rich Caesar dressing enhances the simple, fresh ingredients.

You can even get creative with crouton alternatives like toasted pita or whole grain chips for a unique twist!

5. Caprese Salad

This simple yet elegant salad features fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. The light, fresh flavors of Caprese salad provide the perfect counterpoint to heartier chicken dishes.

6. Italian Chopped Salad

Pack in flavor with an Italian chopped salad containing ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella, garbanzo beans, and zesty Italian dressing. The variety of textures and flavors complements chicken dishes wonderfully.

Warm, Crusty Breads

Is any Italian meal truly complete without bread? I think not!

7. Focaccia

This golden-crusted, airy bread is an excellent accompaniment to Italian chicken. You can get creative with toppings like rosemary, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes to add even more flavor. The versatile bread complements the rich, savory notes of chicken perfectly.

8. Garlic Bread

Buttery, garlicky goodness in the form of garlic bread satisfies every time. There’s something magical about using it to soak up the delicious sauces from your Italian chicken. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

9. Bruschetta

Crisp toasted bread topped with vibrant ingredients makes bruschetta a refreshing side. Traditional toppings include fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, which bring a burst of freshness to your meal.

I made this for a dinner party last week and my guests couldn’t stop eating it! The crunch of the bread with the fresh tomato topping was perfect alongside my Italian-dressed chicken.

Satisfying Vegetables

Round out your meal with these delicious veggie sides:

10. Roasted Vegetables

A colorful medley of roasted vegetables provides both nutrition and flavor. Think root vegetables, bell peppers, and zucchini seasoned with Mediterranean herbs. The natural sweetness that comes from roasting pairs beautifully with the savory notes of Italian chicken.

11. Sautéed Spinach

For a quick, nutritious side, sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil is hard to beat. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and the preparation couldn’t be simpler. The earthiness of the spinach complements Italian chicken beautifully.

12. Green Beans Almondine

Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic, olive oil, and toasted almonds make an easy and tasty pairing. The slight crunch from the beans and nuts provides a nice textural contrast to tender chicken.

Unique & Impressive Sides

Want to really wow your dinner guests? Try these special sides:

13. Creamy Risotto

Risotto isn’t just rice – it’s creamy magic that pairs perfectly with Italian chicken! Whether you go for mushroom risotto with its earthy flavors or bright lemon risotto for a zesty contrast, this side dish elevates your meal.

The secret to great risotto is adding broth bit by bit and stirring frequently. This gets you that nice, velvety consistency that’ll impress everyone at the table.

14. Polenta

Creamy, savory polenta soaks up flavorful sauces beautifully. It provides a satisfying base for Italian chicken dishes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds wonderful richness. Both creamy and firmer preparations work well.

15. Antipasto Platter

For a no-cook side that still impresses, arrange an antipasto platter with Italian cheeses like mozzarella and provolone alongside cured meats such as prosciutto and salami. Add some marinated olives and artichoke hearts for a complete experience.

This is my go-to when I’m short on time but still want something special!

Quick & Easy Sides When You’re in a Hurry

Sometimes you need something simple that comes together fast. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes: Believe it or not, mashed potatoes pair beautifully with Italian chicken! The creamy texture complements the savory flavors.
• Simple green salad: Toss some mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper for a 2-minute side.
• Steamed broccoli: Just add a little olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes after steaming.

Mix and Match for the Perfect Meal

The beauty of Italian cuisine is how well different elements work together. Don’t be afraid to serve multiple sides – perhaps a small pasta portion, a vegetable, and some bread for a complete Italian experience.

For everyday meals, I might just do roasted veggies and garlic bread, but for special occasions, I’ll add a pasta dish and a fresh salad to create a more elaborate spread.

Final Thoughts

Italian chicken provides a wonderful canvas for creating memorable meals. With these 15 side dish ideas, you’ll never be stuck wondering what to serve alongside your chicken again!

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a weeknight meal for the family, these sides will help you create an Italian feast that everyone will love. So go beyond the basic side salad, and turn your Italian chicken dinner into a culinary experience with these delicious pairings!

What’s your favorite side to serve with Italian chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

Good sides for chicken include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts, rice or pasta dishes, and salads such as a classic green salad or a refreshing coleslaw.