What to Serve with Chicken Piccata: 30+ Mouthwatering Side Dish Ideas

Are you staring at that delicious chicken piccata on your plate and wondering what else should join the party? Trust me, I’ve been there! As someone who makes chicken piccata at least twice a month, I’ve experimented with countless side dishes to find the perfect companions for this tangy, lemony Italian classic

Chicken piccata is that amazing dish with golden brown chicken cutlets swimming in a zesty lemon butter sauce with briny capers. It’s bright, it’s rich and it definitely deserves sidekicks that can keep up! Today I’m sharing my favorite side dishes that’ll transform your chicken piccata from just a main course into a complete, restaurant-worthy meal.

What is Chicken Piccata?

Before diving into the sides, let’s quickly talk about what makes chicken piccata so special. This Italian-American favorite features chicken cutlets that are pounded thin, lightly dusted with flour, and pan-fried until golden brown. The star of the show is that incredible sauce made by deglazing the pan with white wine or chicken broth, then adding fresh lemon juice, butter, and those salty little capers.

When I make it at home, I always follow this tip: make extra sauce! You’ll see why when we get to the side dishes – many of them are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that liquid gold.

How to Choose the Perfect Side Dish

When pairing sides with chicken piccata, I consider these factors:

• Flavor compatibility – Sides with lemon, herbs, or garlic complement the piccata’s flavor profile
• Texture contrast – Crispy, crunchy sides balance the tender chicken and silky sauce
• Richness level – Lighter sides can balance the buttery sauce
• Sauce-soaking ability – Some sides are perfect for absorbing that incredible lemon-caper sauce

Now, let’s dive into the categories of side dishes that work beautifully with chicken piccata!

Pasta Sides for Chicken Piccata

Pasta is probably the most traditional pairing with chicken piccata, and for good reason! These carby delights are perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce.

1. Angel Hair Pasta – This delicate pasta is my #1 choice! It cooks in just minutes and doesn’t overwhelm the chicken.

2. Lemon Parmesan Pasta – Toss hot pasta with lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs for a side that echoes the piccata flavors.

3. Buttered Egg Noodles – These wide egg ribbons make an unexpectedly perfect match. Simply toss with butter and maybe a bit of parsley.

4. Fettuccine Alfredo – The creamy, cheesy sauce plays wonderfully against the bright lemon flavors.

5. Pesto Pasta – Herby basil pesto adds another dimension that works surprisingly well.

6. Orzo with Spinach and Feta – This Mediterranean-style pasta feels fancy but is super simple to make.

Potato Sides

Potatoes in various forms make excellent partners for chicken piccata. They provide a neutral base that soaks up sauce beautifully.

1. Melting Potatoes – These give you the best of both worlds: creamy inside and crispy outside. The secret? Roasting twice!

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Smooth, creamy potatoes are hard to resist with any saucy dish.

3. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes – The crispy exterior and fluffy interior add nice textural contrast.

4. Super Crispy Smashed Potatoes – Boil them first, then smash and bake for incredible texture.

5. Roasted Potato Salad – Skip the mayo and pair roasted potatoes with olive oil, mustard, vinegar, celery, and bacon.

Rice and Grain Sides

Rice and other grains make excellent blank canvases for soaking up that lemony butter sauce.

1. Brown Rice – Perfectly fluffy rice makes a healthier alternative to pasta.

2. Lemon Garlic Herb Rice – Amp up plain rice with aromatics, lemon juice, and herbs that echo the piccata flavors.

3. Lemon Couscous – Couscous feels like a cross between pasta and rice. Israeli couscous (the larger grain type) is especially nice.

4. Stick of Butter Rice – Yes, it starts with a whole stick of butter, and it’s as indulgent and delicious as it sounds!

5. Risotto – Creamy risotto makes a rich and satisfying base. Try a simple Parmesan version or get fancy with butternut squash.

6. Quinoa – For a healthier option, fluffy quinoa adds great texture and soaks up sauce wonderfully.

Vegetable Sides

Fresh vegetables provide the perfect counterpoint to rich chicken piccata, adding color, nutrition, and often a welcome crunch.

1. Roasted Broccolini – It roasts in just 25 minutes while you cook the piccata on the stovetop.

2. Sautéed Spinach – One of the easiest sides ever! Just sauté some garlic in olive oil, add spinach, and season.

3. Green Bean Almondine – This French-style green bean dish with crunchy almonds, lemon, and browned butter echoes piccata’s flavors.

4. Roasted Asparagus – Simple lemon-roasted asparagus adds color and balances the meal perfectly.

5. Glazed Carrots – Citrusy glazed carrots pair beautifully and add a pop of color.

6. Carrot Ribbon Salad – Even picky eaters enjoy these fun, ribboned carrots.

7. Roasted Cauliflower – Nutty cauliflower caramelizes beautifully when roasted.

8. Creamed Spinach – A richer veggie option that’s pure comfort food.

9. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans – The Parmesan and garlic combo is always a winner, and bacon makes it even better.

Salads

A fresh, crisp salad is sometimes exactly what you need to balance the richness of chicken piccata.

1. Arugula Salad – The peppery bite of arugula with a simple vinaigrette is perfect alongside piccata.

2. Green Salad – A simple green salad with buttermilk dressing is almost too pretty to eat!

3. Beet Salad – Pre-cooked beets make this colorful side salad a breeze to prepare. Add orange segments, goat cheese, and pistachios.

4. Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs – A lightened-up salad with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.

Bread Options

Don’t forget the bread! It’s perfect for sopping up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

1. Garlic Bread – Is there any dish that isn’t improved by garlic bread? I think not!

2. Focaccia – Fluffy flatbread is ideal for dipping in lemony sauce.

3. Garlic Knots – Surprisingly easy to make from pizza dough and absolutely addictive.

4. Fried-Okra Cornbread – A Southern twist with fried okra baked right in.

My Personal Favorites

If I had to pick my top 3 side dishes for chicken piccata, they would be:

1. Angel hair pasta tossed with a bit of butter and parsley – simple and classic
2. Roasted broccolini – the florets absorb the sauce beautifully
3. Garlic bread – because no drop of that piccata sauce should go to waste!

Final Tips

When planning your chicken piccata meal, consider these final thoughts:

• Don’t overcomplicate things – The chicken is the star, so simple sides often work best
• Plan your timing – Some sides like risotto take longer than the chicken to prepare
• Remember the sauce – Always make extra sauce, especially if serving with pasta or bread
• Mix textures – Try to include something with crunch to contrast with the tender chicken

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m suddenly very hungry and need to go make some chicken piccata…

Traditionally, chicken piccata is served with pasta, such as angel hair, or a side of rice or potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon-caper sauce. Other popular accompaniments include steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or other simple, light vegetables, as well as a fresh green salad.