Are you making chicken marsala tonight but stuck on what side dish would make this Italian-American classic shine? I’ve been there too! Chicken marsala with its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken deserves perfect companions that enhance its delicious flavors without stealing the spotlight
After researching extensively and testing numerous combinations in my kitchen, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best side dishes that will elevate your chicken marsala from good to absolutely memorable Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning a cozy family meal, these sides will ensure your chicken marsala becomes the star of a complete, satisfying dining experience.
Popular Starchy Sides for Chicken Marsala
Starchy sides pair exceptionally well with chicken marsala as they help soak up the delicious sauce. Here are some fantastic options:
1. Potatoes in Various Forms
Potatoes are incredibly versatile and appear frequently across all sources as ideal companions for chicken marsala:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes complement the savory marsala sauce beautifully. The robust flavor of garlic enhances the dish without overwhelming it.
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Roasted Potatoes: Whether you choose fingerling, red, or regular potatoes, roasting them with herbs and olive oil creates a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
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Boursin Hasselback Potatoes: For a more elegant presentation, these accordion-style potatoes topped with creamy herbed Boursin cheese make an impressive side.
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Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes provides a lovely contrast to the savory marsala sauce.
2. Rice and Risotto Options
Rice appears consistently as a top recommendation:
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White Rice: Simple yet effective, white rice is perfect for soaking up that delicious marsala sauce. Using chicken stock instead of water adds extra flavor.
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Brown Rice: A healthier alternative with more nutrients and a nuttier flavor.
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Creamy Risotto: This Italian classic is mentioned across all sources as an ideal companion. The velvety texture and rich flavor (especially mushroom risotto) complement chicken marsala perfectly.
3. Pasta and Noodle Choices
Various pasta options appear frequently:
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Buttered Egg Noodles: Simple and comforting, these tender noodles are perfect for absorbing the sauce.
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Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate and quick-cooking, this pasta won’t overpower the chicken marsala.
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Garlic Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta: Adding garlic and parmesan elevates this simple pasta.
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Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative that still allows you to twirl up that delicious sauce.
4. Other Starchy Options
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Polenta: This creamy cornmeal dish appears in all sources as an excellent Italian-inspired side that soaks up the marsala sauce beautifully.
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Couscous: Light and fluffy, it provides a nice textural contrast.
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Ricotta Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi pairs wonderfully with chicken marsala.
Vegetable Sides That Complement Chicken Marsala
Vegetables add color, nutrition, and contrasting textures to your meal:
1. Green Vegetables
Green vegetables are highly recommended across all sources:
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Asparagus: Frequently mentioned in all sources, asparagus can be steamed, roasted with lemon, or grilled. Its subtle earthy flavor pairs beautifully with chicken marsala.
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Green Beans: Another popular choice that can be prepared simply or dressed up as Green Beans Almondine with toasted almonds for added crunch.
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Spinach: Sautéed spinach with garlic appears in all sources as a quick, nutritious side that complements chicken marsala without competing with it.
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Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts, especially when finished with balsamic glaze and pancetta, provide a robust contrast to the tender chicken.
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Broccoli: Whether sautéed, roasted, or grilled, broccoli adds nutrition and substance to your meal.
2. Other Vegetable Options
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Carrots: Roasted carrots (sometimes with honey) add sweetness and color to the plate.
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Peas: Simple yet classic, peas add a touch of sweetness and bright color.
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Zucchini: Grilled zucchini with herb seasoning offers a light, summery side.
Fresh and Light Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, consider these lighter options:
1. Salad Options
Salads provide freshness and acidity to balance the rich chicken marsala:
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Caprese Salad: Appearing in multiple sources, this classic Italian salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds brightness to your meal.
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Caesar Salad: The zesty dressing and crunchy romaine provide a refreshing contrast.
2. Bread Choices
Bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce:
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French Baguettes: Crusty on the outside, soft inside – perfect for sauce-sopping.
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Garlic Bread: The aromatic, buttery flavor enhances the meal.
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Swirled Garlic Herb Bread: Adds both flavor and visual appeal to your table.
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Bread Rolls: Simple yet effective for enjoying every last bit of the marsala sauce.
My Personal Recommendations
After trying many combinations, here are my top picks for different occasions:
For Elegant Dinner Parties:
- Creamy mushroom risotto
- Lemon roasted asparagus
- Caprese salad
For Family Dinners:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Sautéed spinach
- French baguette
For Quick Weeknight Meals:
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans
- Garlic bread
Tips for Pairing Side Dishes with Chicken Marsala
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Balance is key: Choose one starchy side and one vegetable side for a well-rounded meal.
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Consider the sauce: The marsala sauce is rich and flavorful, so sides that can soak it up (like polenta, rice, or bread) are excellent choices.
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Think about contrast: Crispy roasted vegetables or a fresh salad can provide textural contrast to the tender chicken and smooth sauce.
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Don’t overcomplicate: Chicken marsala has complex flavors, so simple sides often work best.
Final Thoughts
Chicken marsala is a versatile dish that pairs well with numerous side dishes. Whether you prefer starchy sides that soak up the delicious sauce or fresh vegetables that provide contrast, there’s something for everyone on this list.
I personally love serving my chicken marsala with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus – the combination of flavors and textures is simply divine! But don’t be afraid to mix and match based on your preferences and what you have available.
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chicken marsala? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Remember, the perfect meal isn’t just about the main dish – it’s about creating a harmonious plate where every element complements the others. With these side dish suggestions, your chicken marsala will shine as the centerpiece of a truly memorable meal.
The Steps to Making Chicken Marsala
Step 1: Get a large skillet or frying pan and heat some olive oil on medium-high heat.
Step 2: Season your flour and dredge your chicken in the seasoned flour.
Step 3: Sear your floured chicken on both sides. You want it to get a nice caramelized crust. This will take about 2 minutes per side. After they are seared, transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Add a little more olive oil to the pan and put in the chopped garlic. When the garlic starts to toast, which should take about a minute, add the sliced mushrooms. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Allow the mushrooms to soften. This should take about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Pour about 2 cups of Marsala wine into the pan. With a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Add the seared chicken back into the pan and bring the Marsala wine to a simmer. Allow the wine to reduce by half. This will probably take 5-7 minutes. During the last 2 minutes add a couple pads of butter to the pan and allow it to melt into the Marsala wine.
Step 7: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and pour the Marsala sauce and mushrooms over the top. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Q: What other proteins can I use to make a Marsala dish?
A: If you don’t want to use chicken, you can make it with other meats. I like making veal Marsala, shrimp Marsala and pork Marsala. I even like making steak Marsala with a big juicy rib eye.
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FAQ
What to pair chicken marsala with?
Chicken Marsala pairs well with starchy sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or risotto to absorb the rich mushroom and Marsala sauce. You can also serve it with a variety of vegetables, such as sautéed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, for a balanced meal. Crusty garlic bread and simple side salads are excellent accompaniments for soaking up the extra sauce.
What sides go well with chicken masala?
To serve with chicken marsala, choose classic Italian sides like pasta (spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine), mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Alternatively, pair it with simple roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add a fresh element to the rich dish.