Chicken piccata is one of those dishes that people love. You may already know how to make it, but do you know what to serve with chicken piccata? Do not ruin your next meal and serve your chicken with something delicious!
Take a look here and choose one or more of the many side dishes to serve with your chicken piccata!
What Is Chicken Piccata?
The word piccata refers to meat, either veal or chicken, that has been thinly sliced, covered in flour, browned, and then served with capers, lemon juice, and butter. In other cases, a heavier sauce can be served on top. You may also see some chicken piccata topped with mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach.
This recipe is Italian, with the word piccata simply referring to pounded, flat meat. In Italy, veal is the meat of choice, but in the United States, chicken is used more. To prepare the chicken, tenderize it first by placing it between two sheets of plastic wrap, then season it, cover it in flour, and cook.
The chicken piccata sauce is often made with a reduction of white wine and lemon juice, using the fat from the cooking process. In some cases, you can add shallots, capers, and chicken broth. To finish off, stir the butter and add creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of chicken piccata (306 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
410 calories
30 g protein
13 g fat
38 g carbohydrate
3.1 g fiber
4 g sugar
21.4 mg calcium
2.7 mg iron
569.2 mg sodium
6.1 mg vitamin C
Commercial chicken piccata may not be the healthiest choice because it can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, you can make a more nutritious version at home by choosing what ingredients to use. Chicken is always a great source of protein, so finding alternatives for the sauce can make this meal more wholesome.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Piccata
Below are some options for side dishes that you can serve with chicken piccata at any time!
#1. Lemon Butter Spaghetti
Nothing goes better with chicken piccata than a simple side dish that can absorb the flavors of the chicken without overpowering the dish. You can make this recipe very quickly, and it goes well with many other foods.
Ingredients:
1 box of spaghetti
3 tablespoons butter
2 lemons, juiced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons white wine
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your lemon butter spaghetti:
Prepare your spaghetti according to the box instructions or until it is al dente.
Heat the butter in a saucepan, add the lemon juice, white wine, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until wine is reduced.
When the pasta is ready, add it to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and mix well. Add salt and pepper, and mix again.
Serve warm with Parmesan on top and chicken piccata on the side.
#2. Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms With Garlic
For a nutritious and healthy side dish, try making this roasted asparagus and mushrooms with garlic recipe. You can add more vegetables if you want, and a bit of Parmesan cheese, some shaved almonds, or pine nuts.
Ingredients:
A bunch of asparagus
1 cup chopped mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons shaved almonds
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your roasted asparagus and mushrooms with garlic:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with tin foil, then splash olive oil on top.
Clean your asparagus and mushrooms carefully and let them dry. Cut off any rough parts of your asparagus. Chop your mushrooms.
In a plastic freezer bag, add olive oil and garlic, then the vegetables. Seal and mix well. Allow a few minutes for the vegetables to absorb the flavors.
Place the vegetables along with leftover garlic and olive oil on the baking sheet. Toss the shaved almonds on top, and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the asparagus are tender. Be careful not to burn the almonds.
Serve warm with chicken piccata on the side.
#3. Baked Tomatoes With Mozzarella and Basil
Another healthy option that also packs tons of flavors and protein. You can add spices, like oregano and parsley, and breadcrumbs to make this recipe more filling.
Ingredients:
5 large tomatoes
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cup mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons basil
2 teaspoons dry rosemary
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your baked tomatoes with mozzarella and basil:
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Slice your tomatoes into halves.
Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Place your tomatoes on it, and top with the mozzarella cheese.
Add the basil and rosemary, then top with more cheese and another layer of spices. Add the olive oil on top.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until the top looks golden and crispy.
Serve warm with chicken piccata on the side.
#4. Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
A creamy cauliflower casserole works well with the chicken piccata because it maintains the aesthetic and gives flavor too. Try adding croutons or pine nuts to make this casserole crunchier too.
Ingredients:
1 whole cauliflower, broken into smaller pieces
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups milk or 1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your creamy cauliflower casserole:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.
Wash your cauliflower, and begin cooking it in a large pot with water until tender. This process should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, set your cauliflower to drain.
Once drained, add cauliflower to a large bowl. Mix the melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and milk.
Place your cauliflower and sauce in a baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for about 20 minutes.
Serve warm with chopped parsley on top if desired, and chicken piccata on the side.
#5. Chunky Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This is another side dish that absorbs all the flavors from your chicken piccata without changing the flavor profile or texture. You can serve these mashed potatoes next to your chicken, and allow the sauce to mix in, add more spices if you want to.
Ingredients:
6 or 8 large potatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your chunky garlic mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the vegetable broth and potatoes. Add water if you need to cover them. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
Once cooked, drain your potatoes. Transfer your potatoes to a small saucepan. Then add the cream, butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook at low heat, and mash your potatoes using a fork.
Serve your potatoes once they reach the correct texture, next to your chicken piccata. Add a side of vegetables as well if you want.
#6. Rice With Herbs and Lemon
Rice is also very versatile, and it adds to the dish without taking away texture or flavors. You can add as many herbs as you want.
Ingredients:
1 cup rice of choice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your rice with herbs and lemon:
Combine your rice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices in a pot, or rice cooker. Add the broth and enough water to cover the entire rice. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Allow the rice to sit for a few more minutes, then add the lemon juice, and more spices if needed. Mix well.
Serve warm with chicken piccata and a vegetable of choice too.
#7. Sauteed Broccolini and Zucchini
For those that want to add more nutrients to their meal, this sauteed broccolini and zucchini is a great recipe to try. You can also add yellow squash or mushrooms if you want even more texture and flavors.
Ingredients:
A bunch of broccolini, chopped
1 or two zucchini, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 lemon, juiced
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your sauteed broccolini and zucchini:
Wash your broccolini and cut the ends off. Add the broccolini to a pot with water. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until more tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add the olive oil, garlic, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the broccolini as well.
Add the salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Serve warm, and add roasted pine nuts or almonds if you want.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Chicken Piccata Sides?
Chicken piccata is a traditional dish that many love to make at home or for family dinners. You will often see it with egg noodles or butter pasta, but it does not have to be boring. If you want to make a filling, delicious dinner, try any of these options.
For a simpler meal, such as a quick lunch, or casual dinner, try making your chicken piccata with something lighter. You can choose lemon butter spaghetti or chunky garlic mashed potatoes. These two recipes make for an easy yet delicate addition that absorbs the sauce from your chicken piccata.
To prepare a complete meal, or if you want to surprise your guests, try something more elaborate. You can try making the roasted asparagus and mushroom with garlic, the sauteed broccolini, and zucchini, or the rice with herbs and lemon. Mix two of these, and your meal will be more elevated and complete.
Finally, if you feel like you need a home-cooked meal that is satisfying and decadent, you may want a side dish that is denser. You can try the baked tomatoes with mozzarella and the creamy cauliflower casserole. The tomatoes add a little bit of acid and salt, while the cauliflower is very tasty but heavier.
Conclusion
Preparing chicken piccata is considered a tradition in many households in North America. You can now make it at home and accompany it with easy but delicious side dishes. Try making these yourself and use one or more of these recipes at a time.
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.
