What to Serve with Italian Chicken: 15 Delicious Side Dish Pairings

Italian chicken dishes are flavorful, savory, and absolutely delicious. But what sides should you serve to complement these entrees perfectly? The right accompaniments can truly enhance the dining experience and take your Italian feast to the next level

In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best side dishes to serve with Italian chicken. These options range from classic favorites to unique recipes that will impress your guests. With flavorful pastas, vibrant salads, warm breads, and more, you’ll find endless ideas to create a mouthwatering Italian meal.

Classic Pastas

Pasta makes a natural pairing for Italian chicken. A few classic pasta side dishes include:

Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta combines the aromatic basil flavor with a vibrant green color Traditional basil pesto or unique variations like sun-dried tomato pesto make excellent complements Pair the pesto with pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle for visual appeal. The sharp, herby pesto contrasts beautifully with the savory notes of the chicken.

Baked Ziti

For ultimate comfort food, baked ziti hits the spot. This pasta bake combines ziti with tomato sauce and gooey, melted cheese. Adding Italian sausage or pepperoni amps up the flavor. The satisfying and indulgent texture pairs perfectly with juicy Italian chicken.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy alfredo sauce takes pasta to new heights. Fettuccine is a great match for holding the decadent sauce. Chicken and alfredo is a classic combination, making this a foolproof side dish for Italian chicken entrees.

Vibrant Salads

Fresh, herb-filled salads make excellent pairings for Italian chicken. Brighten up your plate with:

Italian Chopped Salad

This salad packs flavor with ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella, garbanzo beans, and Italian dressing. The mix of textures and flavors complements chicken dishes wonderfully.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons make Caesar salad a go-to pairing. Add chicken to the salad itself for a satisfying meal-in-one.

Caprese Salad

For a lighter option, Caprese salad combines fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. The simplicity allows the Italian chicken to shine.

Warm Breads

Warm, crusty breads lend comfort and flair to an Italian feast. Options like:

Focaccia

Herb-infused focaccia makes a fantastic side, especially with chicken topped with roasted garlic. Opt for homemade or bakery-fresh for best results.

Garlic Bread

Buttery, garlicky goodness in the form of garlic bread satisfies every time. Dipping the bread in sauces takes it to the next level.

Breadsticks

Crunchy, addicting breadsticks pair nicely with Italian chicken. Make your own or buy frozen. Offer marinara sauce for dipping.

Satisfying Vegetables

Round out your meal with fresh or roasted veggie sides:

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli caramelizes it for a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken. Toss with Italian seasoning and garlic.

Green Beans Almondine

Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic, olive oil and toasted almonds make an easy and tasty pairing.

Roasted Cauliflower

For a low-carb option, roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with Parmesan make a delicious match for Italian chicken.

More Unique Pairings

For special occasions, try these unique sides:

Risotto

Creamy risotto showcases indulge ingredients like mushrooms, asparagus, seafood and more. The elegance complements special chicken dishes.

Polenta

Creamy, savory polenta soaks up flavorful sauces beautifully. Top with Parmesan for next-level richness.

Italian Wedding Soup

A classic soup with meatballs, spinach and pasta makes a hearty starter for your chicken entree.

Antipasto Platter

Italian cheeses, cured meats, and pickled veggies offer the ultimate Italian experience alongside chicken.

With this diverse list of side dish ideas, you can mix and match to create an Italian feast perfect for any occasion. From everyday meals to elaborate dinner parties, these sides will take your Italian chicken to new heights of flavor.

So go beyond the basic side salad, and turn your Italian chicken dinner into a memorable culinary experience with these delicious pairings. Your guests will be impressed, and your tastebuds will thank you!