Chicken piccata is an Italian-American classic that’s simple to make and sure to please.
It’s a delicious dish made with butter, lemon, and capers, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to spice up your weeknight routine, there are plenty of sides that pair perfectly with this savory main. From roasted vegetables to creamy risotto, here are 15 dishes to serve with chicken picatta that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Chicken Picatta – By Chef Natalie
To save you time, and to make your decision easy, I have built a nice chart on why these side dishes go well with Chicken Picatta!
| Side Dish | Why it goes well with Chicken Piccata |
|---|---|
| Roasted Broccoli | The roasted broccoli offers a slightly charred and nutty flavor that complements the tangy and lemony Chicken Piccata, adding a healthy and nutritious vegetable component. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting and rich side dish that pairs well with the zesty and flavorful Chicken Piccata, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. |
| Green Beans With Garlic | Green beans sautéed with garlic offer a fresh and crunchy side dish that adds texture and flavor to the Chicken Piccata, providing a vibrant and aromatic component to the meal. |
| Roasted Asparagus | Roasted asparagus, with its earthy and slightly sweet flavor, serves as a delicious accompaniment to the Chicken Piccata, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish. |
| Quinoa Pilaf | Quinoa pilaf, with its fluffy and nutty grains, provides a wholesome and nutritious side dish that pairs well with the protein-rich Chicken Piccata, creating a well-balanced meal. |
| Baked Sweet Potatoes | Baked sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet and caramelized side dish that contrasts the tanginess of the Chicken Piccata, providing a unique and comforting flavor combination. |
| Orzo Salad | The orzo salad, made with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, adds a refreshing and vibrant element to the Chicken Piccata, creating a well-rounded and flavorful meal. |
| Roasted Cauliflower | Roasted cauliflower brings a subtle sweetness and a slightly caramelized flavor to the Chicken Piccata, offering a tasty and nutritious side dish that complements the main course. |
| Wild Rice | Wild rice, with its nutty and chewy texture, pairs well with the Chicken Piccata, adding a hearty and flavorful component to the meal, especially for those who enjoy whole grains. |
| Garlic Bread | The aromatic and savory garlic bread adds a flavorful element to the Chicken Piccata, serving as a delicious side dish that can be used to soak up the flavorful sauce from the chicken. |
| Farro Salad | Farro salad, made with the ancient grain farro and a variety of vegetables and herbs, provides a nutritious and satisfying side dish that complements the Chicken Piccata beautifully. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a caramelized and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the tangy Chicken Piccata, adding a unique twist and a touch of elegance to the meal. |
| Sauteed Spinach | Sauteed spinach provides a simple and nutritious side dish that pairs well with the Chicken Piccata, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the meal while offering a healthy green vegetable. |
| Risotto | Creamy and cheesy risotto serves as a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs well with the zesty Chicken Piccata, creating a combination of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and delicious. |
| Roasted Carrots | Roasted carrots, with their natural sweetness and slightly caramelized flavor, complement the tangy and lemony Chicken Piccata, adding a colorful and nutritious side dish to the meal. |
1. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is a delicious accompaniment to chicken picatta.
Its vibrant green hue and crunchy texture add a pop of color and flavor to the plate.
The nutty taste of the broccoli pairs wonderfully with the salty, tangy flavors of the chicken picatta.
To prepare roasted broccoli, begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (204 C). Cut one large head into florets, then spread them out on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.
Once roasted, serve your broccoli alongside your chicken picatta for a delicious combination of flavors.
Enjoy!
2. Mashed Potatoes
To transition from the last section, let’s move on to a delicious starch side dish to pair with chicken picatta – mashed potatoes! Mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting favorite that pair perfectly with the bright flavors of chicken picatta.
Mashed potatoes can be made in several different ways, but no matter what method you use, they’ll all turn out creamy and delicious. Here are four must-try methods for making perfect mashed potatoes:
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Mash the cooked potatoes with butter and cream or milk.
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Add flavorings such as garlic, chives, or parsley to taste.
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Serve hot and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream!
For an extra special twist on mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic and rosemary for an herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken picatta.
No matter what ingredients you choose, mashed potatoes are sure to round out your meal and become a favorite accompaniment to your weekly dinner rotation!
3. Green Beans With Garlic
Green beans with garlic provide the perfect accompaniment to chicken picatta.
The combination of earthy green beans and fragrant garlic make for a delightful dish that even picky eaters can enjoy.
Start by prepping the green beans by washing them, snapping off the ends, and cutting them into thirds.
Heat some oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the green beans and a few cloves of minced garlic.
Stir-fry for about three minutes until the green beans are tender yet still crisp. Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like before transferring to a serving dish.
This simple side dish will bring out the best in your chicken picatta, adding flavor and texture to your meal.
Serve it hot, while the flavors are at their peak – everyone will be asking for second helpings!
4. Roasted Asparagus
As a perfect side dish to the chicken picatta, roasted asparagus is an easy and delicious way to round out the meal.
With its bright green hue, this simple vegetable quickly adds a pop of color to any plate.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus and can be done in only minutes.
To make sure the asparagus don’t dry out while roasting, start by prepping them with a bit of olive oil and salt. After that, they’re ready for the oven!
Arrange the spears on a baking sheet and roast until they’ve reached your desired tenderness.
Be careful not to overcook them; you want to keep some crunch for texture! Once roasted, give your asparagus one final drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper for added flavor.
Serve alongside your chicken picatta for a meal that’s both beautiful to look at and satisfyingly flavorful.
5. Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa pilaf is an excellent accompaniment to chicken picatta. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs well with the acidity of the lemon and capers in the chicken picatta.
This meal will leave you with plenty of satisfied smiles around the dinner table.
This quinoa pilaf recipe is packed with flavor and texture – it’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ cup diced sun dried tomatoes
To make the pilaf, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
Add quinoa and vegetable broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in sun dried tomatoes before serving alongside your chicken picatta.
With its simple ingredients and easy prep time, this quinoa pilaf is sure to become an instant favorite in your household!
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to chicken picatta.
Sweet and savory, these tender baked potatoes make a great side dish that pairs perfectly with the citrusy flavors of the chicken.
To make them, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrub two large sweet potatoes
and then slice each one into 8 wedges.
Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.
Serve alongside your chicken picatta for a delicious meal that is sure to be a hit!
7. Orzo Salad
Orzo salad is an excellent accompaniment to chicken picatta.
This simple, yet savory side dish adds a burst of flavor that complements the lemony chicken perfectly.
The first step to making orzo salad is boiling the orzo. This can be done in salted water for about 8 minutes, until it reaches al dente. After draining and rinsing with cold water, set aside to cool.
Next, toss together cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Then add freshly chopped parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. The result will be a vibrant dish full of texture and flavor. Top with salt and pepper to taste:
- Boil orzo in salted water for 8 minutes
- Toss together cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese in a large bowl
- Add freshly chopped parsley, lemon juice & olive oil; season with salt & pepper
This flavorful side dish is sure to please any palate—it’s perfect for summer potlucks! Whether you’re serving it as part of a larger spread or alongside your chicken picatta main course, this easy-to-make salad will leave your guests wanting more.
With just a few ingredients and some simple prep work, you’ll have an impressive addition to your meal in no time!
8. Roasted Cauliflower
The aroma of freshly roasted cauliflower wafts through the kitchen, inviting you to take a bite of this delicious vegetable.
The golden-brown hue of the cauliflower provides an irresistible enticement that is difficult to resist.
| Flavor | Texture |
|---|---|
| Sweet | Crispy |
| Earthy | Smooth |
| Nutty | Tender |
| Savory | Flaky |
This roasted cauliflower dish has all the flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds. The sweet and earthy notes are balanced with hints of nuttiness, creating a savory dish that will pair perfectly with chicken piccata.
The crispy exterior gives way to a tender interior that flakes apart in your mouth. Each bite offers a unique combination of texture and flavor, making it impossible for your guests not to be impressed.
This side dish is sure to add depth and complexity to any meal. Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it alongside chicken piccata for an unforgettable dinner experience. With its array of flavors and textures, this roasted cauliflower is sure to be the star of any plate!
9. Wild Rice
Transitioning from the roasted cauliflower, wild rice is a classic accompaniment to chicken picatta.
It’s nutty and earthy flavor pairs well with the juicy, lemony chicken.
To prepare it, simply combine two cups of wild rice with four cups of water in a pot.
Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low and let simmer for 45 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork for light and fluffy grains that are perfect for soaking up the flavors of chicken picatta.
Wild rice is also extremely versatile, so you can customize it however you like. For example, adding herbs or spices such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or even turmeric can give your wild rice an extra boost of flavor.
You can also mix in some diced vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers if you’re looking for some extra texture and color on your plate.
This dish will be sure to impress your guests with its combination of flavors and textures that have been perfectly balanced by the complementary ingredients in this meal. Serve alongside the roasted cauliflower and chicken picatta to create an unforgettable meal that won’t soon be forgotten.
10. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to chicken picatta.
This classic side dish is incredibly easy to make, and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
To begin, slice a loaf of crusty Italian bread into thick slices.
Brush each slice with melted butter, and sprinkle them generously with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes in an oven preheated to 375°F until golden brown and crisp.
The result is a fragrant, crunchy treat that complements the creamy, acidic flavors of the chicken picatta perfectly. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside the main course, this simple yet delicious garlic bread will have everyone reaching for seconds!
11. Farro Salad
Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to chicken piccata. Its crunchy texture and savory flavor add an extra layer of complexity that helps bring out the delicate flavors in the dish.
Plus, it’s an ideal way to mop up any remaining sauce from your plate!
Farro salad is another excellent side dish for chicken piccata. This nutty grain makes for a hearty, comforting base that pairs wonderfully with the citrus notes of the dish. You can customize this salad with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile option for any meal.
To finish off your meal, why not make a light dessert? A simple citrus tart or berry compote would be a delightful way to end the night. In addition to being visually stunning, these desserts will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken piccata.
Enjoy!
12. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Nothing pairs better with chicken picatta than roasted brussel sprouts! Roasting the vegetables brings out their sweet and nutty flavor, making them an ideal side dish.
Here are a few easy tips to make sure your sprouts come out perfectly roasted every time:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Clean and trim the brussel sprouts before tossing them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Put them on a baking sheet in one layer before popping them into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned and tender.
These delicious vegetables provide a wonderful contrast in both flavor and texture to the rich flavors of the chicken picatta without overpowering it. Roasted brussel sprouts will take any meal to the next level!
13. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is the perfect accompaniment to chicken picatta.
The slightly bitter taste of the leaves contrasts nicely with the savory, lemony sauce in the dish. Plus, spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals that make it an incredibly healthy side option.
To prepare sauteed spinach, begin by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for some added flavor before tossing in the spinach.
Once all of the leaves are wilted and softened, season with salt and pepper before serving alongside the chicken picatta.
This combination of flavors is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or meal at home. With its bright colors and nutritious ingredients, this pairing is sure to please any palate!
14. Risotto
Risotto is an Italian favorite that can be the perfect accompaniment to a delicious chicken piccata. It’s creamy texture and earthy flavor makes for a sumptuous side dish that perfectly compliments the succulence of the chicken.
To make a traditional risotto, you’ll need:
- A tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock (for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Begin by heating up the broth or stock in a separate pot so it’s ready for use when needed.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the rice, stirring constantly until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add the wine. Stir until all liquid is absorbed before adding one ladleful of broth at a time, stirring continuously until all liquid is absorbed before adding more broth. This process should take about 20 minutes in total.
When done, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Serve hot alongside your chicken piccatta for an unforgettable meal!
15. Roasted Carrots
Risotto is the perfect accompaniment to chicken piccata, with its creamy texture and savory flavor.
But if you want something a bit more unique, roasted carrots are an excellent addition.
With just a few simple ingredients, these oven-roasted carrots bring a bright sweetness that lends itself well to this classic Italian dish.
To make the roasted carrots, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Peel and dice 4 large carrots into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Roast for 25 minutes until the carrots are tender and golden brown.
Take your finished roasted carrots off the baking sheet and serve them alongside your chicken picatta for a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Enjoy!
Conclusion
I’ve compiled a list of 15 delicious sides that pair perfectly with chicken picatta.
From roasted broccoli to quinoa pilaf, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for something light and healthy, try the sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus.
For a heartier side, mashed potatoes and risotto are both great options.
And for an unexpected addition to the plate, roast some brussel sprouts or carrots.
With these sides, you’ll have an irresistible meal in no time.
Bon appétit!
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