Easy Side Dishes for Chicken Cacciatore: 40+ Perfect Choices
Hey there! I’m super excited to share my favorite side dishes for chicken cacciatore with you. You know, this classic Italian dish deserves the perfect companions to make your meal amazing.
I’ve tried tons of different sides over the years, and I’ve gathered more than 40 delicious options that’ll make your chicken cacciatore dinner extra special.
From pasta to veggies, and even some surprising choices, I’ve got you covered with sides that’ll make everyone at your table happy!
What is Chicken Cacciatore?
Chicken cacciatore is a hearty Italian hunter-style dish that’ll warm your soul! The tender chicken pieces swim in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms, peppers, and herbs. Its robust flavors make it perfect for pairing with various sides.
What to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore?
Let me walk you through some amazing side dish options! From creamy pasta to crispy vegetables, fluffy rice to fresh salads, crusty bread to unique sides, and warming soups – I’ve got something for every taste and occasion.
Pasta-Based Sides That Pair with Chicken Cacciatore
Pasta is my go-to choice for chicken cacciatore! These carb-loaded delights soak up all that amazing sauce and create the perfect Italian comfort meal experience.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: The creamy, buttery sauce creates an interesting contrast with the tangy cacciatore. I love how the rich Alfredo sauce adds a whole new dimension to the meal. You might also enjoy our fettuccine pasta recipes for more inspiration!
- Shrimp Alfredo: This luxurious pasta dish brings seafood flair to your meal. The tender shrimp and creamy sauce make an unexpected but delicious pairing with cacciatore.
- Parmesan Garlic Linguine Pasta: The garlic and Parmesan combo adds a punch of flavor that complements the cacciatore beautifully. It’s simple but absolutely delicious!
- Creamy Italian Pastina: These tiny pasta stars are comfort food at its finest! They soak up the cacciatore sauce perfectly, and their small size makes them fun to eat. You might also enjoy our pasta side dishes for chicken for more ideas!
- Egg Noodles: These tender noodles are my family’s favorite! They’re light enough to let the cacciatore shine but substantial enough to make the meal filling.
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: A lighter twist on classic mac and cheese that still delivers all the comfort. The cheesy goodness works surprisingly well with cacciatore sauce.
Vegetable Sides for Chicken Cacciatore
Want to add some colorful, healthy options to your chicken cacciatore? These veggie sides will bring nutrients and fresh flavors to your plate while perfectly complementing the main dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: I love how Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes get all caramelized and sweet in the oven! A drizzle of olive oil, some herbs, and a hot oven transform these humble veggies into something magical. The roasted edges add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken cacciatore.
- Sautéed Greens: Quick, simple, and oh-so-good for you! I toss fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in a hot pan with garlic and olive oil. The slight bitterness of these greens cuts through the rich cacciatore sauce perfectly. The tender leaves soak up all those amazing flavors from the pan.
- Ratatouille: This French veggie stew is like a cacciatore’s cousin! The eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers create a Mediterranean symphony that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. I love how both dishes share similar flavor profiles but each maintains its unique character.
- Zucchini Noodles: Looking for a low-carb option? These fresh spiralized zucchini noodles are your answer! They’re light, refreshing, and perfect for twirling in that delicious cacciatore sauce. I love how they add a fresh crunch while keeping things healthy.
- Garlic Broccoli: Simple but mighty! I steam the broccoli until it’s bright green, then toss it with lots of garlic and a splash of olive oil. The florets are perfect for soaking up the cacciatore sauce, and the garlic adds an extra layer of Italian flavor that makes everything pop.
You might also enjoy our vegetable sides for fried fish for more roasted veggie ideas!
Starchy Sides That Pair with Chicken Cacciatore
Looking for something hearty and filling? These starchy sides are perfect for soaking up that delicious cacciatore sauce!
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy, corn-based polenta topped with melted Parmesan cheese makes the perfect bed for chicken cacciatore. The smooth, buttery texture creates an amazing contrast with the chunky sauce. I love how the cheese adds an extra layer of richness.
- Mashed Potatoes: These fluffy clouds of potato goodness are perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce! I add plenty of butter and a splash of cream to make them extra smooth and rich. The mild flavor lets the cacciatore shine while providing a comforting base. Check out our potato side dishes for steak for more potato inspiration!
- Rice Variations: Whether you choose cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or wild rice for a nutty flavor, rice makes an excellent foundation. I especially love how the grains catch all those tasty bits of sauce. The texture works perfectly with the tender chicken.
- Roasted Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized, then mashed with butter. The natural sweetness balances the savory cacciatore sauce perfectly.
- Couscous: Tiny pasta pearls soak up the rich tomato sauce perfectly. The light, fluffy texture provides an excellent base while adding Mediterranean flair to your chicken cacciatore meal.
- Mushroom Risotto: This creamy Italian rice dish takes things to the next level! The earthy mushrooms echo the flavors in the cacciatore while the creamy rice provides the perfect texture contrast. It’s worth the extra stirring time!
Easy Salads That Go with Chicken Cacciatore
Want to add some fresh, crisp elements to your meal? These salads provide the perfect balance to the rich cacciatore.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing create the perfect Italian-American pairing. The garlic and Parmesan flavors in the dressing complement the cacciatore beautifully.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil make this classic Italian salad a natural choice. The simple flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cacciatore sauce. Check out our what to serve with Caprese salad for more ideas!
- Simple Green Salad: Sometimes simple is best! Fresh mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette let the cacciatore be the star while adding freshness to your plate.
- Greek Salad: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny olives create a Mediterranean flavor explosion. The bright, fresh flavors cut through the richness of the cacciatore perfectly. You might also like our sides for Greek salad for more combinations!
- Italian Chopped Salad: This hearty salad filled with chopped vegetables, meats, and cheese is like a meal itself! The variety of textures and flavors make every bite interesting.
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Peppery arugula and bright lemon dressing wake up your taste buds! The light, fresh flavors balance the rich cacciatore sauce perfectly.
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: This refreshing combo brings summer to your table! The cool, crisp vegetables provide a lovely contrast to the warm, hearty cacciatore.
Bread Options for Chicken Cacciatore
Every Italian meal needs some good bread! These options are perfect for soaking up that delicious cacciatore sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a match made in heaven with chicken cacciatore! The crispy exterior and soft inside make it perfect for sauce-soaking. I love how the garlic flavors complement the Italian seasonings. You might also enjoy our what to serve with garlic bread for more ideas!
- Crusty Bread: A good rustic Italian loaf with a crunchy crust and chewy interior is just what you need. I love tearing off pieces to mop up every last bit of that amazing sauce. The simple flavors let the cacciatore shine.
- Lemon Bread: This might surprise you, but the citrusy notes in lemon bread add a bright, fresh element to the meal. The slight sweetness creates an interesting contrast with the savory cacciatore.
- Breadsticks: These crispy, golden sticks are perfect for dunking! I love serving them warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. They’re fun to eat and great for getting every drop of sauce.
Unique and Creative Side Dishes for Chicken Cacciatore
Want to try something different? These unique sides will make your meal extra special!
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with rice, cheese, and herbs complement the cacciatore perfectly! The sweet pepper flavor pairs wonderfully with the tomato sauce. You might also enjoy our side dishes for stuffed peppers for more inspiration!
- Spinach Artichoke Quinoa: This protein-packed side brings together creamy artichokes and nutritious quinoa. The Mediterranean flavors work beautifully with the cacciatore, while adding a modern twist.
- Gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings are a delightful alternative to regular pasta. They soak up the sauce perfectly while adding their own unique texture.
- Onion Rings: These crispy, golden rings add unexpected crunch and sweetness! I love how they provide texture contrast to the saucy cacciatore. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
- Jalapeño Cornbread: This spicy-sweet bread adds a kick to your meal! The heat from the jalapeños and the sweetness of the corn create exciting flavor contrasts with the cacciatore.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: Tender roasted squash filled with wild rice and vegetables makes an impressive side! The natural sweetness of the squash complements the savory cacciatore beautifully.
Soups Choices to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore
Yes, you can serve soup with chicken cacciatore! These lighter options make perfect starters or sides.
- Tomato Basil Soup: This classic soup echoes the tomato flavors in the cacciatore while adding fresh basil notes. I love starting with a small cup before the main course. You might also enjoy our what goes well with tomato soup for more combinations!
- Pumpkin Soup: The sweet, creamy pumpkin soup provides a lovely contrast to the tangy cacciatore. It’s especially perfect during fall months when you want something cozy.
- Creamy Carrot Soup: Smooth, sweet carrot soup brings beautiful color and subtle flavors to your meal. The light texture makes it a perfect starter that won’t fill you up too much.
- Loaded Potato Soup: This hearty soup might seem like too much, but a small cup adds amazing comfort to your meal! The creamy potato base with bacon and cheese creates delicious flavor combinations.
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup: Light yet satisfying, this soup adds elegance to your dinner. The mild cauliflower flavor won’t compete with the cacciatore but adds a lovely creamy element.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect side dishes for chicken cacciatore can transform your meal from good to amazing! I’ve shared over 40 delicious options that complement this classic Italian dish perfectly.
From traditional pasta and polenta to creative options like jalapeño cornbread, there’s something for every taste.
Remember, the best side dishes for chicken cacciatore should help soak up that rich tomato sauce while adding their own unique flavors and textures to your plate.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these chicken cacciatore sides to create your perfect meal!
