Lemon pepper chicken is a classic and beloved dish. It’s delicious, simple to make, and pairs well with a variety of sides.
To help you come up with the perfect meal plan, we’ve compiled 15 side dishes that are sure to compliment your lemon pepper chicken.
From roasted vegetables to savory rice dishes, you’ll find something for everyone at the dinner table.
Let’s take a look at these tasty options!
Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Lemon Pepper Chicken – 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 Lemon Pepper Chicken!
| Side Dish | Reason |
|---|---|
| Roasted Asparagus | Adds a fresh and vibrant vegetable option to the meal. |
| Quinoa Pilaf | Offers a nutritious and flavorful alternative to rice. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and comforting, pairs well with lemon pepper chicken. |
| Baked Sweet Potatoes | Brings a sweet and savory element to balance the chicken. |
| Spinach Salad | Provides a light and refreshing side with a citrusy twist. |
| Grilled Carrots | Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to complement the chicken. |
| Garlic Green Beans | Offers a simple and flavorful vegetable side dish. |
| Roasted Broccoli | Provides a crispy and flavorful vegetable option. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Delivers a crispy and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with lemon pepper chicken. |
| Garlic Bread | The garlic flavor enhances the overall meal experience. |
| Wild Rice | Offers a nutty and hearty alternative to complement the chicken. |
| Couscous | Light and fluffy, couscous absorbs the flavors of the chicken. |
| Potato Salad | Creamy and tangy potato salad pairs well with lemon pepper chicken. |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Comforting and cheesy, a classic choice with flavorful chicken. |
| Baked Beans | Sweet and savory baked beans provide a hearty side dish. |
1. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a perfect accompaniment to lemon pepper chicken.
It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook and provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
To make the dish, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.
Then take one bunch of asparagus spears and cut off the woody ends before arranging them on a sheet pan.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 15-20 minutes until a fork easily pierces the spears.
The result is tender asparagus with lightly crisp edges.
Its bright green color is vibrant against the golden brown of roasted chicken.
The lemon and pepper seasoning on the chicken provides a citrusy zing that pairs well with the grassy flavor of asparagus.
Plus, you can use any leftover asparagus in salads or mix it into other dishes for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving up this duo guarantees an enjoyable meal for your family or guests – one sure to please even the pickiest eaters! Whether you’re preparing this dish for weeknight dinner or weekend entertaining, you’ll be glad you included roasted asparagus alongside your lemon pepper chicken.
2. Quinoa Pilaf
Roasted asparagus is a classic side dish to accompany lemon pepper chicken.
With its crunchy texture and bright green color, it adds a freshness that is the perfect complement to the savory flavors of the chicken.
To enhance this delicious combination, why not try a quinoa pilaf? Quinoa is an ancient grain that has become popular in recent years due to its health benefits.
Its nutty flavor pairs perfectly with lemon pepper chicken, while adding an interesting texture to the meal.
To make a tasty quinoa pilaf, start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant.
Once cooked through, add vegetable stock and bring to a boil before adding the quinoa and simmering for around 20 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
Once cooked, stir in chopped parsley for extra flavor and serve alongside your lemon pepper chicken for an easy yet impressive dinner.
With its rich depth of flavor and appealing texture, quinoa pilaf will take your meal from good to great!
3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to lemon pepper chicken.
Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, they’re a classic side dish that everyone loves.
To make the perfect mashed potatoes, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons of butter
Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes, then place them in a large pot of salted boiling water.
Cook until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Drain off the water and return the potatoes to the hot pot.
Add in the cream and butter, then mash everything together using an electric hand mixer or potato masher until it reaches your desired consistency.
Taste for salt and season with pepper if desired.
Serve these heavenly mashed potatoes alongside your lemon pepper chicken for an unforgettable meal!
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to side dishes that perfectly complement lemon pepper chicken, few can compare to the classic combination of baked sweet potatoes.
Delicious and nutritious, this timeless dish is a great choice for any meal.
Not only do they pair well with the savory flavor of the chicken, but baked sweet potatoes are also simple to make and require minimal effort.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Delicious | Takes time to bake |
| Nutritious | Requires extra oiling/seasoning |
| Easy to make | Can be messy when slicing |
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Cut two large sweet potatoes into cubes, then place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle them with olive oil and add desired seasonings such as salt and pepper or garlic powder.
Bake in the oven for 25 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.
Serve warm alongside your favorite lemon pepper chicken dish for an unforgettable meal!
The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with whatever herbs or spices you have on hand; feel free to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds! Plus, if you’d prefer a lighter option, try roasting instead of baking – just toss in some olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper before putting it in the oven.
With either method, you’re sure to end up with flavorful side dishes that enhance the richness of your lemon pepper chicken entrée.
5. Spinach Salad
A spinach salad is the perfect accompaniment to lemon pepper chicken. It’s an easy-to-prepare dish that requires minimal effort and ingredients, yet packs a nutritional punch.
Fresh spinach, crunchy walnuts, sweet raisins, and tangy feta cheese all come together to form a delicious combination of colors and flavors.
The creamy balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together to create a flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
When preparing the salad, start by washing and drying the spinach leaves in a colander or salad spinner.
If you’re using pre-washed baby spinach, you can skip this step.
Toast the walnuts for about three minutes in a hot skillet over medium heat – this will bring out their nutty flavor.
Combine these ingredients in a bowl with some crumbled feta cheese and sweet raisins.
For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic in a small bowl until combined.
Drizzle over the salad before serving to complete your meal – it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your dinner table!
6. Grilled Carrots
Grilled carrots are the perfect accompaniment to your lemon pepper chicken.
Not only do they add a burst of flavor, but they also make for a more nutritious meal.
Here’s why you should consider adding grilled carrots to your plate:
- Grilled Carrots Add Color and Variety – Grilled carrots have a wonderful smoky, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon pepper chicken. Plus, their bright orange hue serves as a nice contrast to the pale yellow of the chicken.
- Grilled Carrots are Easy to Prepare – All you need is some fresh carrots, some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Simply slice them into thin strips, toss in olive oil and seasonings, and grill over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until tender-crisp.
- Grilled Carrots are Filling & Nutritious – Carrots contain many essential vitamins and minerals which support healthy eyesight and skin health while helping to lower cholesterol levels and fight off disease. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to any meal!
Grilled carrots are an easy way to enhance your lemon pepper chicken dish by adding color, variety, nutrition and deliciousness all at once!
7. Garlic Green Beans
Garlic green beans are an excellent accompaniment to a lemon pepper chicken dish.
The fresh, vibrant flavor of the beans pairs perfectly with the zesty notes of the lemon pepper seasoning.
To make this delicious side, start by trimming and washing your green beans, then boil them in salted water for about 10 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Once cooked, drain the green beans and set aside.
In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add minced garlic.
Cook for about 1 minute and then add the green beans back into the pan along with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook for another few minutes so that the flavors have time to meld together before serving.
The garlic green beans are now ready to be enjoyed alongside your lemon pepper chicken dish! The bright flavor of garlic pairs beautifully with the spicy notes of lemon pepper, making this a truly delicious combination that your guests will love.
Enjoy!
8. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is a great side dish to serve with lemon pepper chicken.
This vibrant vegetable has a slight smokiness that pairs perfectly with the zesty flavor of lemon pepper.
Plus, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make.
Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Place 1 large head of broccoli onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Roast for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time, until tender and lightly browned at the edges.
Plate alongside freshly cooked lemon pepper chicken for an irresistible dinner!
This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort so you can have a delicious side dish on the table in no time at all.
Roasted broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep you healthy while providing a hearty addition to your meal.
Plus, it’s flexible enough that you can add your own spin by adding additional herbs or spices to the mix.
Try it tonight – you won’t be disappointed!
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The flavor of lemon pepper chicken can be a delightful addition to any dinner table.
Its sharp, citrusy notes add a zing of flavor to the palette while its smoky black pepper makes it a savory dish.
To accompany this classic entrée, roasted Brussels sprouts offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty tastes.
When cooked right, Brussels sprouts provide an earthy crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tenderness of the chicken.
As a bonus, they are easy to prepare and full of health benefits like vitamins A and C, folate, dietary fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
This combination of lemon pepper chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts is sure to please all eaters at your table.
The sweetness from caramelized onions complements the flavors in both dishes for an added depth that will have everyone coming back for more!
| Sweet | Salty | Smoky | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon pepper chicken | Caramelized onions | Roasted Brussels sprouts | ||
| Citrusy notes | Dietary fiber | Earthy crunch | Providing a savory contrast to the sweet and salty flavors. |
10. Garlic Bread
Gone is the earthy flavor of the roasted Brussels Sprouts, and in comes a more savory dish: garlic bread.
This classic accompaniment to any Italian meal is sure to pair well with the lemon pepper chicken.
A quick way to prepare it is to take a loaf of crusty French or Italian bread, slice it lengthwise, and spread it on some softened butter.
Once you’ve done that, sprinkle on some minced garlic, oregano, parsley, and salt. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.
The result? An irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen! With each bite of this garlicky goodness, enjoy the taste of melted butter, fragrant herbs, and zesty garlic that will bring out the best flavors of your lemon pepper chicken.
The combination of these two dishes provides a delicious balance between savory and tart.
The appetizing aromas are bound to make everyone’s mouths water and leave you wanting more!
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Green beans almondine
- Wilted spinach salad
- Creamy pasta side dish
- Fresh fruit salad for dessert.
11. Wild Rice
The aroma of wild rice wafting through the air is an invitation to the dinner table.
Its nutty, earthy smell is a perfect accompaniment to the zesty lemon pepper chicken.
Taking just a few minutes to prepare, wild rice makes for a delightful side dish that will have your guests swooning in delight.
Wild rice, native to North America and closely related to grasses rather than true rice, has a chewy texture and wonderful flavor all its own.
Its nuttiness is beautifully balanced by its slight sweetness.
Plus, it’s packed with essential minerals and vitamins such as magnesium and B vitamins – making it an excellent choice for your healthy lifestyle.
This versatile grain adds texture and flavor to any meal but goes particularly well with richly flavored dishes such as chicken with lemon pepper seasoning.
Whether you choose to serve it plain or dress it up with herbs, spices, or nuts – wild rice is sure to make your meal something extra special!
12. Couscous
Wild rice is a flavorful accompaniment to lemon pepper chicken, offering a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
But if you’re looking for something different, couscous can be an equally tasty option.
This North African staple is light and fluffy, with subtle hints of citrus and spice that pair nicely with the zesty chicken dish.
Couscous is incredibly easy to prepare as well.
Simply bring 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth to a boil before adding ½ cup of couscous.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.
You can also add some olive oil or butter to give it extra flavor.
To really make your lemon pepper chicken stand out, serve it alongside this delicious couscous dish.
The contrasting textures will create an interesting blend of flavors on your plate that everyone will love.
Plus, this quick-cooking side only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish!
13. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic accompaniment to lemon pepper chicken. It’s easy to make and adds a delicious, creamy element to the meal.
To prepare it, begin by boiling potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), salt, and pepper.
Add cooled potatoes and gently toss together until evenly coated with the dressing.
Place into a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving alongside your lemon pepper chicken.
Potato salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal!
14. Macaroni And Cheese
Nothing says comfort food quite like a bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese.
This classic side dish is a staple in many homes, but it’s also the perfect accompaniment for lemon pepper chicken.
The key to great macaroni and cheese is all in the sauce.
Whether you use a store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch, be sure to use plenty of butter, cream, and cheese for that velvety texture.
A good pinch of nutmeg will add an extra layer of flavor that rounds out the taste.
Once your sauce is ready, cook your pasta until al dente and combine with the sauce before baking in the oven.
The result? A delicious plate of macaroni and cheese that pairs perfectly with lemon pepper chicken – guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters!
15. Baked Beans
The sweet and smoky notes of baked beans make them the perfect accompaniment to lemon pepper chicken.
The classic combination of creamy, savory beans with a zesty kick of lemon pepper is guaranteed to tantalize any taste buds.
Warming up a can of baked beans and adding your own flair with some diced tomatoes, onions, and herbs will give you a side dish that’s sure to please any crowd.
Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare and can be made in no time!
With its unique blend of flavors, this easy side dish will complement your lemon pepper chicken perfectly and add an extra boost of flavor.
Conclusion
I’ve provided a great selection of side dishes that can accompany lemon pepper chicken.
There’s something for everyone, from roasted asparagus to macaroni and cheese.
With this lineup, you won’t have to worry about what to serve with your next meal.
The combination of flavors in the lemon pepper chicken is perfectly complemented by any of these sides.
You’ll be able to craft a delicious and well-rounded meal that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
So go ahead and try out this combination – you won’t regret it!
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