what is a good side dish to serve with chicken marsala

What is a Good Side Dish to Serve with Chicken Marsala?

Chicken marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that features chicken breasts sautéed with mushrooms in a sauce made with Marsala wine. With its rich, flavorful sauce, chicken marsala makes a satisfying main course. But like any main dish, it’s even better when paired with complementary side dishes.

So what makes a good side dish for chicken marsala? Here are some tips

• Choose sides that add color, texture, and flavors that enhance the chicken marsala. For example, bright green vegetables add color, while starchy or creamy sides contrast nicely with the chicken and sauce.

• Complement the Italian flavors. Pastas, polenta, and risotto make perfect pairings. Veggies like asparagus, spinach, and broccoli are Italian staples.

• Don’t overpower the chicken. Let it and the marsala sauce be the stars. Side dishes should accent and round out the meal.

With those tips in mind, here are 15 fantastic side dish options for chicken marsala:

Rice
Rice is a foolproof side with chicken marsala. The soft, mild grains soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. White or brown rice works well. For more flavor, use chicken broth instead of water when cooking. Herbed rice is also delicious – stir in parsley, basil, oregano, or other Italian herbs.

Risotto
Creamy risotto is an Italian classic that’s perfect with chicken marsala. Arborio rice cooked slowly in broth creates a rich, creamy dish. Mushroom risotto provides an earthy note that complements the mushrooms in the sauce. Parmesan risotto adds a delicious cheesy accent.

Pasta
Pasta is another no-brainer with chicken marsala. Soak up the sauce with pasta favorites like linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Quick cooking pastas like angel hair or orzo are convenient choices. For gluten-free options, try zucchini noodles.

Polenta
Polenta is an Italian cornmeal dish with a smooth, creamy texture similar to mashed potatoes. It’s a great neutral base for absorbing chicken marsala’s delicious sauce. Prepare polenta with broth and Parmesan for more flavor.

Mashed Potatoes
For ultimate comfort food, serve chicken marsala over creamy mashed potatoes. Russets or Yukon Golds make fluffy, buttery mashed spuds. Infuse them with garlic or cheese for extra flavor. Creamy potato purees are also excellent.

Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes pair wonderfully with chicken marsala. Roast halved small potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs until caramelized and tender. Sweet potatoes and fingerlings also taste great roasted.

Bread
Serve chicken marsala with crusty artisan bread for soaking up sauce. Italian breads like ciabatta and focaccia are perfect. Bruschetta rubs the toasted bread with garlic and olive oil. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside the chicken.

Asparagus
Slender, tender-crisp asparagus spears balance chicken marsala’s richness. Quick-cooking thin asparagus works best. Roast or grill the asparagus, or steam and dress with lemon and olive oil. Shavings of Parmesan on top are a tasty extra.

Green Beans
Green beans – both slender French beans or chunkier regular green beans – make a crisp, vibrant side for chicken marsala. Blanch or roast the beans, then toss in garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toasted almonds or hazelnuts add crunch.

Broccoli
Broccoli florets add color and texture paired with chicken marsala. Roast or sauté bites of broccoli until tender with olive oil and seasonings. Broccolini’s long slender stalks give an elegant look. Don’t overcook – leave some crunch.

Brussels Sprouts
For a heartier dish, Brussels sprouts caramelized with garlic, olive oil, and balsamic are delicious with chicken marsala. The sweet, tangy glaze contrasts the rich sauce beautifully. Chopped, sautéed Brussels leaves nice texture too.

Spinach
Earthy, vibrant spinach is an easy veggie side for chicken marsala. Sauté baby spinach leaves in olive oil with garlic just until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon, and grated Parmesan.

Zucchini
Grilled or roasted zucchini slices offer brightness and texture to balance chicken marsala’s richness. Toss long slices or halves in olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill or roast until tender. Top with shaved Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Salad
A green salad or Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil complements chicken marsala without weighing down the meal. Make a simple vinaigrette, or just dress greens with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Now that you know 15 excellent options for sides with chicken marsala, it’s easy to put together a delicious, well-rounded meal. Starchy pastas, rice or risotto, and creamy polenta are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. Roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus, broccoli, and zucchini provide color and freshness. And don’t forget garlic bread for mopping up every last drop of that fabulous sauce! With chicken marsala and two or three of these tasty sides, you have an impressive Italian-inspired feast.