what are good side dishes to serve with chicken marsala

What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Marsala?

Chicken marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken cutlets, savory mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s easy to see why chicken marsala remains a popular dinner choice for many families.

While chicken marsala tastes delicious all on its own, the right side dishes can complement the flavors of the dish and round out your meal. So what are some tasty options for good side dishes to serve with chicken marsala? Here are some of my top picks.

Rice
Rice is one of the most classic side dishes that pairs well with chicken marsala. The neutral flavor of white rice soaks up the rich Marsala wine sauce beautifully. For an even more delicious rice side, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice to add savory flavor. Basmati or jasmine rice work well, lending their fluffy texture and aromatic scent. To add interest, stir in some fresh thyme or oregano. Simple yet satisfying!

Risotto
Creamy risotto makes a nice alternative to plain rice when served alongside chicken marsala. While the marsala sauce features mushrooms, preparing a mushroom risotto with sliced cremini, portobello, or wild mushrooms adds great texture and earthy flavor. Or go for Parmesan risotto accented with shredded Parmesan cheese. The creamy, velvety texture of risotto is delightful with the sauce from the chicken.

Pasta
From angel hair to fettuccine, pasta is a no-brainer pairing for chicken marsala. The pasta soaks up the rich, wine-infused sauce perfectly. For added flavor, prepare pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil or butter and fresh parsley. Noodles like pappardelle work well to catch every drop of delicious sauce.

Mashed PotatoesComforting mashed potatoes are an easy, tasty side dish for chicken marsala Prepare them smooth and creamy, flavored with butter, cream, and salt and pepper. For a twist, add roasted garlic or stir in crumbled Gorgonzola cheese for tang Mashed potatoes pair nicely with the tender chicken topped in velvety sauce.

Baked PotatoBaked potatoes make a satisfying, hearty side to chicken marsala. Bake them until the skins are crispy and the insides are fluffy. Top with butter, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or scallions for a loaded baked potato. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken with wine sauce over the hot baked potato.

PolentaPolenta is an Italian cornmeal dish providing a neutral base to soak up the savory chicken marsala sauce Prepare polenta by simmering the cornmeal in broth, cream or milk until thickened. Then pour it into a loaf pan to set before slicing and pan frying until crisp on the outside. Top with grated Parmesan if desired

Bread
Fresh bread makes a fantastic accompaniment to mop up any extra Marsala sauce left on your plate after enjoying the chicken. Focaccia, ciabatta, French bread and rolls all pair well. For added flavor, rub sliced bread with garlic and toast until crisp. Enjoy dipping the bread into the fabulous sauce.

Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower caramelizes their natural sugars and provides a delicious side for chicken marsala. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting. Their subtle sweetness balances the savory sauce.

Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a fast, nutrient-rich side dish for chicken marsala. Sauté the spinach with olive oil and garlic until just wilted then season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. The fresh taste complements the richness of the chicken and wine sauce.

Steamed Broccoli
Another green vegetable that pairs nicely with chicken marsala is steamed broccoli. The bright color looks beautiful on the plate next to the chicken and sauce. After steaming, toss the broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper for added flavor. Sprinkle with Parmesan too, if desired.

Brussels Sprouts
Both roasted and sautéed Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish with chicken marsala. Roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper until browned and tender. Or quickly sauté shredded Brussels sprouts with shallots, garlic, and nutmeg for a delicious flavor. The nutty taste complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.

Asparagus
Delicate, green asparagus spears pair elegantly with the flavors of chicken marsala. Blanch or steam the asparagus briefly until bright green and just tender. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A few lemon wedges make the perfect finishing touch.

Green Salad
A green salad topped with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of chicken marsala. Using a combination of lettuces like romaine, spinach and arugula adds interest through varied textures and colors. Toast fresh croutons in olive oil or garlic to top the salad.

Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad is a refreshing Italian-style salad typically made with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It nicely complements chicken marsala, offering a burst of brightness next to the tender chicken blanketed in a savory, creamy sauce.

Risotto Cakes
For an upscale spin on risotto as a side dish, form leftover risotto into small cakes and pan fry until golden brown. The creamy risotto makes a nice contrast to the chicken marsala sauce and gives you another component on the plate. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Cauliflower Mash
For a low carb alternative to mashed potatoes, use cauliflower florets to make cauliflower mash. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor then heat in a pan with cream or broth until smooth and thickened. Season to taste with salt, pepper and garlic. Enjoy its mildly sweet flavor next to the chicken.

Polenta Fries
Cut leftover polenta into fry shapes, coat in breadcrumbs and pan fry in olive oil until crispy. These polenta fries make a fun finger food side dish along with the chicken marsala. Fry some sage leaves to sprinkle on top for an authentic flavor. Serve with Parmesan dipping sauce.

Green Beans Almondine
Quick-cooking green beans sautéed with sliced almonds and garlic make the French classic, green beans almondine. The crunchy nuts and bright green beans pair nicely with creamy chicken marsala. And the dish looks beautiful on the plate too.