When you prepare chicken marsala, you want something that goes well with this delicious meal. This dish is heartwarming and homey, so it makes sense to look for an equally comforting side dish. Save yourself some time and take a look at the best side dishes that go well with your recipe.
Take a look here at all the options on the best side dishes for chicken marsala. You can serve all of these together or on their own!
What Is Chicken Marsala?
The chicken marsala recipe is originally from Italian Americans. This dish involves pan-frying chicken cutlets with a mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It is commonly found in Italian and American restaurants.
Marsala is a fortified wine from Italy, and it is a mix between sweet and a little nutty. Usually, the chicken breasts are cut in half and then flattened. The next step involves coating the chicken with some flour, so it can brown and absorb the sauce.
Although not always, the sauce may have some cream in it as well. This recipe often includes shallots, mushrooms, and chicken broth. In most cases, you can accompany this dish with pasta or potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Half a chicken breast with Marsala wine sauce (129 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
174 calories
92.6 g water
24.9 g protein
7.34 g fat
2.37 g carbohydrate
0.128 g fiber
0.735 g sugar
32.2 mg calcium
0.71 mg iron
23.2 mg magnesium
233 mg phosphorus
288 mg potassium
672 mg sodium
22.6 µg selenium
63.9 mg choline
15.5 µg vitamin A
102 mg cholesterol
As you can see, chicken marsala is a high protein meal with many vitamins and minerals. However, the marsala wine can add some sugar, and depending on the amount of butter or oil, it can be high in fat. You can make this tasty dish at home and save some added calories.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Marsala
Below are some options for side dishes that you can serve with chicken marsala at any time!
#1. Creamy Polenta With Spinach
This creamy polenta with spinach is a perfect side dish to match the creaminess and delicateness of the chicken marsala. You can add more or fewer ingredients depending on what you want.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
A bunch of spinach
1 teaspoon minced garlic
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup polenta
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your creamy polenta with spinach:
Start by melting your butter with garlic in a saucepan. Add the spinach and cook it until soft.
Stir in the cream, and let it simmer.
In a separate saucepan, bring two cups of water to a boil and add the polenta. Reduce the heat, and continue simmering until the polenta thickens.
Stir in the spinach and garlic to the polenta, add the cheese, and mix well.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with chicken marsala on the side.
#2. Roasted Broccolini With Shaved Almonds
Having a green, crunchy vegetable to compliment your chicken marsala is always a good choice. You will love making this recipe because it takes a few minutes, and the result is delicious.
Ingredients:
A bunch Broccolini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ cup shaved almonds
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your roasted broccolini with shaved almonds:
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.
Wash and trim your broccolini stems.
Place the cut broccolini on a baking sheet, drizzle it with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper.
Add the shaved almonds on top of the broccolini as well.
Roast your broccolini for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the vegetable looks brown or golden.
Serve your broccolini with shaved almonds warm.
#3. Garlic Butter Pasta
This side dish is a classic, especially when it comes to chicken marsala. You only need a few ingredients, and the pasta will turn out subtle but perfect to absorb the marsala sauce.
Ingredients:
½ box spaghetti or preferred pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon parsley
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your garlic butter pasta:
Cook your pasta according to instructions on a medium saucepan. Drain the pasta but save a bit of the cooking water.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, and add the garlic. Cook for a few minutes.
Transfer your cooked pasta and the remaining water to the saucepan with butter. Toss and cook for a few minutes.
Serve warm with fresh parsley on top and Parmesan cheese if needed.
#4. Garlic and Thyme Rice
While not everyone thinks that rice can go well with chicken marsala, the truth is, it will always be a good pair with mushrooms. This rice is easy to make and truly delicious at any point! It’s one of my favorite chicken marsala sides.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken or mushroom broth
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your garlic and thyme rice:
Add the butter to a saucepan, melt, and add the rice. Allow the rice to brown for a few minutes.
Mix in the broth, garlic, lemon juice, and thyme. Cover the saucepan and simmer over low heat.
Your rice should be ready within 20 minutes.
Serve warm with chicken marsala on the side.
#5. Herb Baked Potatoes
Potatoes and chicken are always a nice pairing. This recipe absorbs your sauce well and can add crunch to the dish too.
Ingredients:
2 lb red potatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
½ tablespoon fresh oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your herb baked potatoes:
Preheat the oven to about 375 degrees F.
Wash and clean your potatoes.
In a bowl, mix the oil, garlic, herbs, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes so they are covered thoroughly.
Place your potatoes on a baking sheet, so they are spread out evenly.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden.
Serve warm with chicken marsala on the side.
#6. Simple Green Salad
When you do not know what to make or need a side dish that is not too overwhelming, this salad is a perfect choice! You can add nuts, dry fruits, or tomatoes to elevate it as well.
Ingredients:
A bunch arugula
1 shallot
Shaved Parmesan cheese
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your simple green salad:
Wash your arugula or any other vegetables you want to use.
In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, mix the arugula, shallot, toasted pine nuts, and shaved Parmesan.
Pour some of the previously prepared vinaigrette on top.
Serve with more Parmesan if needed. Drizzle some lemon juice if needed too.
#7. Orzo With Zucchini
Orzo is pasta, but many think of it as rice because of its shape and texture, making it a great addition to your dish. The zucchini adds more crunch and subtle flavors.
Ingredients:
½ box orzo pasta
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 zucchini, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your orzo with zucchini:
Cook your orzo in a medium saucepan according to instructions. Drain, but save a bit of the cooking liquid.
Separately, add the olive oil and garlic to a medium skillet. Add the zucchini and cook until soft, which should take about 5 minutes.
Add the orzo to the skillet. Mix well for a couple of minutes, then add a little of the pasta cooking liquid.
Continue stirring the pasta for a few more minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, and toss for a few more minutes.
Serve your orzo warm with chicken marsala on the side.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Sides for Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is one of those dishes that people love to make. It can transport you back to home no matter where you are. However, this means it has to come with an equally flavorful side dish.
For a delicate and subtle flavor, you should choose a side dish that is not too overwhelming. Try making the creamy polenta with spinach or the garlic butter pasta. These two dishes are very good at absorbing the sauce without overpowering the chicken marsala flavors.
When you want a little more crunch and flavor, you should go with something that has more body. Choose the roasted broccolini with shaved almonds or the herb baked potatoes. These two dishes can also be paired without much problem.
Instead, make an easy dish that is easy to mix and does not take too much time. Try the garlic and thyme rice or the orzo with zucchini. They take little effort to prepare and are somewhat similar. The simple green salad will also go well in this mix if you want more vegetables.
Conclusion
Chicken Marsala is a classic dish that many love to make at home, for guests or family. You will need to think carefully about what to add to your dish that will not clash with the marsala wine sauce. These side dishes are all easy to prepare and very delicious!
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
