Delicious Sides for Chicken Piccata: 30+ Perfect Pairings

As a passionate home cook, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of pairing main dishes with the perfect sides.

When it comes to chicken piccata, a classic Italian dish that’s both tangy and savory, choosing the right accompaniments can truly elevate your meal from good to extraordinary.

In this post, I’ll share my favorite sides for chicken piccata, along with some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.

Classic Side for Chicken Piccata

When it comes to serving chicken piccata, there are some tried-and-true sides that never fail to impress. Let’s start with these classic options that have stood the test of time.

Pasta Accompaniments

Pasta is a natural choice to serve with chicken piccata, as it provides a perfect canvas for soaking up that delicious sauce. Here are my top pasta picks:

• Angel Hair Pasta: This delicate pasta cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the light lemon sauce. I love how it twirls effortlessly around my fork.

• Linguine: Slightly thicker than angel hair, linguine offers a satisfying bite that stands up well to the chicken and sauce.

• Fettuccine: For a heartier option, fettuccine’s wide, flat noodles provide an excellent surface area for capturing every drop of that piccata goodness.

Want more pasta inspiration? Check out our guide on pasta side dishes for chicken for additional delicious combinations.

Rice Options

If you’re looking for an alternative to pasta, rice can be an excellent choice. Here are some rice dishes that complement chicken piccata beautifully:

• Lemon Rice Pilaf: This zesty rice dish echoes the flavors in the chicken piccata sauce, creating a harmonious blend on your plate.

• Garlic Parmesan Risotto: Creamy and indulgent, this risotto adds a luxurious touch to your meal. The garlic and parmesan complement the chicken perfectly.

• Wild Rice Blend: For a nuttier flavor and interesting texture, try a wild rice blend. It adds a lovely earthy contrast to the dish.

How to infuse rice with complementary flavors: Use chicken broth instead of water, and add aromatics like garlic, shallots, or herbs to the pot while cooking.

Vegetable Sides

No meal is complete without some veggies! Here are my go-to vegetable sides for chicken piccata:

• Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until tender-crisp. The slight char complements the lemony chicken.

• Garlic Sauteed Spinach: Quick, easy, and nutritious. The garlic in the spinach echoes the flavors in the piccata sauce beautifully.

• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective, steamed broccoli provides a fresh, green contrast to the rich chicken. I like to finish it with lemon zest.

Techniques for perfectly cooked vegetables: Don’t overcook! Vegetables should retain some crunch. For roasting, use high heat. For sautéing, keep the heat medium-high and work quickly.

In my experience, these classic sides never fail to impress when served alongside chicken piccata. They provide a perfect balance of flavors and textures that complement the main dish without overshadowing it.

Creative Sides to Pair with Chicken Piccata

While classic sides are always a hit, sometimes I like to get a bit more creative with my chicken piccata pairings. These unique sides can add an exciting twist to your meal and impress your dinner guests.

Salad Selections

A fresh, crisp salad can be the perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of chicken piccata. Here are some of my favorite salad options:

• Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery bite of arugula pairs beautifully with chicken piccata. I like to toss it with a simple lemon vinaigrette, some shaved Parmesan, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. The acidity in the dressing echoes the lemon in the piccata sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a classic Italian flavor combination that complements chicken piccata wonderfully. The creaminess of the mozzarella balances the tanginess of the piccata sauce. Check out our guide on what to serve with Caprese salad.

• Mediterranean Chopped Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. This salad adds a refreshing Mediterranean flair to your meal.

Tips for balancing flavors in salads: When pairing a salad with chicken piccata, I always make sure the dressing isn’t too overpowering. A light, citrus-based vinaigrette usually works best. Also, consider adding some crunch with nuts or croutons for textural contrast.

Potato Dishes

Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in ways that perfectly complement chicken piccata:

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes make an excellent bed for chicken piccata. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken, and the roasted garlic flavor adds depth to the dish.

• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes: Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs like rosemary and thyme, then roast until crispy. The lemon and herbs echo the flavors in the piccata sauce.

• Potato Gratin: For a more indulgent option, a cheesy potato gratin can be a delicious side. The richness of the gratin balances the bright, tangy flavors of the chicken piccata.

How to achieve the perfect texture in potato sides: For mashed potatoes, I always use a ricer for the smoothest texture. For roasted potatoes, parboiling them before roasting helps achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Bread and Grains

Don’t forget about bread and other grains! These can be excellent vehicles for soaking up that delicious piccata sauce:

• Garlic Bread: A classic Italian-American side that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The garlicky, buttery bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

• Focaccia: This Italian flatbread can be flavored with herbs and olive oil to complement the chicken piccata. I love tearing off pieces to soak up the sauce.

• Quinoa Pilaf: For a healthier grain option, try a quinoa pilaf with lemon and herbs. It’s light, nutritious, and pairs well with the chicken.

The role of bread in soaking up chicken piccata sauce: I always make sure to have some kind of bread on the table when serving chicken piccata. There’s nothing quite like using a piece of crusty bread to soak up that last bit of sauce on your plate!

Healthy Sides for Chicken Piccata

As much as I love indulgent sides, sometimes I’m in the mood for lighter options that still complement the flavors of chicken piccata. Here are some healthier alternatives that don’t skimp on taste.

Low-Carb Options

If you’re watching your carb intake, these sides are perfect for you:

• Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative to traditional rice is a game-changer. I like to sauté it with a bit of garlic and lemon zest to echo the flavors in the piccata sauce. It’s a great way to add volume to your meal without the extra carbs.

• Zucchini Noodles (zoodles): Using a spiralizer, you can transform zucchini into noodle-like strands. I quickly sauté them with a bit of olive oil and garlic. They’re fantastic for soaking up the piccata sauce, just like pasta would.

• Roasted Vegetable Medley: A colorful mix of roasted vegetables not only looks beautiful on the plate but also provides a variety of nutrients. I love combining bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, all roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.

Tips for making satisfying low-carb sides: The key is to focus on flavor and texture. Use herbs, spices, and aromatics generously to ensure your low-carb sides are just as satisfying as their higher-carb counterparts.

Grain-Free Alternatives

For those avoiding grains altogether, these options are excellent:

• Mashed Cauliflower: This creamy side dish is a fantastic stand-in for mashed potatoes. I like to add a touch of roasted garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

• Spaghetti Squash: When roasted and shredded, spaghetti squash creates pasta-like strands that pair beautifully with chicken piccata. It’s a great way to get your veggie servings while enjoying a pasta-like experience.

• Eggplant Rounds: Slice eggplant into rounds, brush with olive oil, and roast until tender. These make a great base for the chicken and can soak up the delicious piccata sauce.

How to mimic traditional sides with vegetables: The trick is to focus on texture and flavor. For example, when making mashed cauliflower, I use a food processor to get it really smooth, and I add butter or olive oil for richness, just as I would with mashed potatoes.

Seasonal Sides for Chicken Piccata

One of my favorite ways to keep meals interesting is to incorporate seasonal produce. Here’s how I adapt my chicken piccata sides throughout the year:

Spring and Summer Sides

When the weather warms up, I lean towards lighter, fresher sides:

• Grilled Vegetable Platter: Nothing says summer like a colorful array of grilled veggies. I love grilling zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus. The slight char from the grill adds a wonderful depth that complements the chicken piccata beautifully.

• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: This refreshing salad is perfect for hot days. I simply dice cucumbers and tomatoes, add some thinly sliced red onion, and dress it with a simple vinaigrette. Sometimes I’ll throw in some feta cheese for extra tang.

• Corn on the Cob: When sweet corn is in season, it’s hard to resist! I like to grill it and then brush it with a mixture of butter, lemon zest, and herbs to tie it in with the flavors of the chicken piccata.

Incorporating fresh, seasonal produce: The key is to let the natural flavors of the vegetables shine. I use simple preparations that highlight the freshness of the produce while complementing the chicken piccata.

Fall and Winter Sides

In colder months, I turn to heartier, more comforting sides:

• Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes is both colorful and satisfying. The natural sweetness of these vegetables balances nicely with the tangy piccata sauce.

• Butternut Squash Puree: Smooth and creamy, this makes a great alternative to mashed potatoes. I like to add a touch of nutmeg and a drizzle of brown butter for extra warmth and depth.

• Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta: Halved Brussels sprouts roasted with crispy pancetta bits are a favorite in my household. The slight bitterness of the sprouts and the salty pancetta create a perfect contrast to the lemony chicken.

Comfort food sides for colder months: In fall and winter, I focus on sides that are both nourishing and warming. Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, adding a depth of flavor that pairs well with chicken piccata.

Wine Pairings for Chicken Piccata and Sides

As a wine enthusiast, I believe that the right wine can elevate your chicken piccata meal to new heights. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

White wine recommendations:

• Pinot Grigio: Its crisp acidity and light body complement the lemon in the piccata sauce beautifully.
• Sauvignon Blanc: The herbaceous notes in this wine pair well with the capers and parsley in the dish.
• Chardonnay: If you prefer a fuller-bodied white, an unoaked Chardonnay can be a great match.

Red wine options for those who prefer:

• Pinot Noir: Its light body and bright acidity can work well with chicken piccata.
• Chianti: For a true Italian pairing, a light Chianti can be a delightful choice.

Tips for Creating a Balanced Plate

Creating a well-balanced plate is an art form that I’ve honed over years of cooking. Here are some tips I’ve learned:

1. Combining textures and flavors: Aim for a mix of textures on your plate. Pair the tender chicken with something crispy like roasted vegetables or creamy like mashed potatoes.
2. Portion sizing for sides: I typically aim for the protein (chicken piccata) to take up about 1/4 of the plate, with vegetables filling half, and starch or grain filling the remaining 1/4.
3. Color considerations for an appealing presentation: Eat with your eyes first! I love to add pops of color to my plate. For example, a bright green vegetable like broccoli or asparagus can make the whole dish more visually appealing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

As someone who loves to meal prep, I’ve found these tips helpful:

• Which sides can be prepared in advance: Many vegetable sides can be prepped ahead. For example, you can chop vegetables for roasting or salads and store them in the fridge. Rice and quinoa can also be cooked ahead and reheated.
• How to store and reheat leftover sides: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to pasta or rice to prevent drying out. For roasted vegetables, reheating in a hot oven will help maintain their texture.
• Meal prep ideas for chicken piccata and sides: I often make a big batch of chicken piccata and portion it out with various sides for the week. Roasted vegetables, quinoa pilaf, and zucchini noodles all hold up well for meal prep.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect sides for chicken piccata can truly elevate your meal from good to extraordinary.

Whether you opt for classic pasta, creative salads, or healthy vegetable options, the key is to complement the tangy, lemony flavors of the chicken without overpowering them.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations – you might discover a new favorite pairing! Remember, the best meal is one that brings joy to both the cook and the diners.

So have fun with it, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious, well-balanced meal centered around the delightful flavors of chicken piccata.

FAQs: Sides for Chicken Piccata

What Are Popular Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Piccata?

Popular sides include angel hair pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or lemon rice pilaf. These classic options absorb the delicious piccata sauce and provide a satisfying base for the chicken.

What’s the Best Pasta to Serve with Chicken Piccata? 

In my experience, angel hair pasta or linguine works best. Their delicate texture complements the light sauce without overpowering it.

Can I Make a Gluten-Free Version of Chicken Piccata and Sides? 

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for the chicken and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice. Many vegetable sides are naturally gluten-free.

How Can I Make My Sides as Flavorful as The Chicken Piccata? 

Use plenty of herbs and garlic on your sides, and don’t be afraid to incorporate lemon to echo the flavors in the piccata sauce.

What Vegetable Goes with Chicken Piccata?

Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli are excellent vegetable sides for chicken piccata. These green veggies complement the lemony flavors of the dish while adding nutritional value and a pop of color to your plate.

What Are Some Healthy Sides for Chicken Piccata?

For healthier options, consider cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a mixed green salad. These low-carb alternatives provide nutrients and fiber while allowing the flavors of the chicken piccata to shine through.

What Are Some Easy Sides to Serve with Chicken?

Quick and easy sides include roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a simple green salad. These options require minimal preparation and cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

How Do You Prepare Chicken Breast for Chicken Piccata?

To prepare chicken breast for piccata, pound it thin, dredge in seasoned flour, and pan-fry until golden. This creates a tender, crispy exterior that’s perfect for soaking up the lemon-caper sauce.

What Makes an Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe?

An easy chicken piccata recipe uses thin chicken cutlets, a simple flour dredge, and a quick pan sauce made with lemon, capers, and butter. It’s a fast, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.