Chicken florentine is a classic Italian dish that features chicken breasts topped with a creamy spinach sauce. With its rich indulgent flavors, chicken florentine makes a satisfying main course. However the right side dishes can take this meal from great to spectacular.
The key is to find sides that complement the richness of the dish without overpowering it. You’ll want options that add texture, color and complementary flavors. After scouring my favorite cooking websites for inspiration, I’ve compiled this list of 15 side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with chicken florentine.
Best Starch Side Dishes
Starchy sides are excellent for soaking up the creamy spinach sauce from the chicken florentine. Here are some of my top picks in this category:
1. Buttered Noodles
Simple buttered noodles provide a neutral base for the chicken florentine flavors. Toss the cooked noodles in butter, parsley, salt, and pepper. The smooth texture soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are a no-brainer pairing. Spoon chicken florentine over the mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the tasty sauce.
3. Polenta
Polenta’s sweet corn flavor and creamy yet toothsome texture stands up well to the chicken florentine. Top polenta with extra Parmesan for even more richness.
4. Risotto
A creamy risotto, studded with mushrooms, makes an elegant and deeply savory side for chicken florentine. The textures pair perfectly.
5. Quinoa
Fluffy quinoa pilaf with sauteed onions and veggies adds whole grain nutrition. It absorbs the sauce nicely without competing.
Fresh Vegetable Sides
Bright, fresh vegetables balance the richness of the chicken dish. They add color, crunch, and freshness.
6. Sauteed Broccolini
Broccolini sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes is a quick and healthy option. The slight bitterness plays well off the creamy sauce.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts roast up crispy, caramelized, and sweet – an ideal match for chicken florentine’s savory flavors. Toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
8. Green Beans Almondine
Blanched green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and toasted sliced almonds makes for a classic and delicious pairing. The crunch stands up to the tender chicken.
9. Sauteed Spinach
More spinach! Quickly wilt fresh spinach with olive oil and garlic. The double dose of spinach amplifies the florentine flavors.
10. Roasted Carrots
Roasted rainbow carrots caramelize beautifully. Their natural sweetness balances the savory spinach sauce.
Fresh Salad Sides
A fresh, crisp salad brightens up this rich dish. The acidity and crunch cuts through the creamy sauce wonderfully.
11. Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula, crisp sliced fennel, and shaved Parmesan tossed in a lemony vinaigrette offers a sophisticated salad pairing.
12. Caprese Salad
You can’t go wrong with the classic caprese combo of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The fresh flavors complement chicken florentine beautifully.
13. Kale Caesar Salad
Tender kale and crunchy croutons tossed in a lemony Caesar dressing adds texture and tangy flavor next to the chicken.
14. Greek Salad
A Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta adds a briny, Mediterranean touch to your meal.
15. Watercress and Orange Salad
Peppery watercress paired with juicy orange segments in a light citrus vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side.
More Delicious Pairing Options
Beyond starches, veggies, and salads, here are a few more side dish ideas that I love with chicken florentine:
- Cheesy polenta fries or roasted potato wedges
- Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping
- Sauteed mushrooms or roasted asparagus
- Farro or barley pilaf with fresh herbs
- Lemony orzo with spinach and feta
- Baked acorn squash halves with brown butter
The possibilities are endless! Using this list as a starting point, get creative with produce that’s in season or ingredients you have on hand. With the perfect side dishes, chicken florentine becomes an easy, elegant, and completely satisfying meal.
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Chicken Florentine Recipe
FAQ
What sides to serve with chicken Florentine?
Think of all that creamy sauce like gravy and serve chicken Florentine over a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes or rice. It also works well with pasta, or even just a hunk of crusty bread to mop up all the sauce. Add steamed vegetables or a big salad, and you’re set.
What pasta goes with chicken Florentine?
Pasta: Penne pasta is my favorite for this pasta Florentine recipe, but other pasta shapes around the same size can be used — think rotini or cavatappi. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it could vary. Spinach: Fresh baby spinach provides the best texture for chicken Florentine pasta, in my opinion.
What is served with a la florentine?
Specifically, a dish prepared à la Florentine will feature some main ingredient, such as eggs, poultry or fish, served on a bed of spinach which has been cooked in butter, then topped with Mornay sauce and grated cheese, and finally browned under the broiler.
What sides to serve with chicken parmigiana?
- Gorgeous Pasta with Fresh Basil and Parsley.
- Veggie Noodles with Zucchini and Butternut Squash.
- Homemade Caesar Salad.
- Easy and Healthy Cucumber Salad.
- Flavorful Garlic Bread.
- Mashed Potatoes – Hearty Side.
- Oven Roasted Broccoli.
- Affordable Saffron Rice.