Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish made with tender chicken breasts that are sautéed in a buttery, lemony sauce with capers. It is a delicious meal that is easy to whip up in no time and can be served for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or elegant dinner parties and special occasions.
While chicken piccata is a delicious dish on its own, it can be enhanced with the right side dishes and accompaniments. From simple salads to complex pasta dishes, there are plenty of options that can elevate the flavors of this delectable dish. In this article, we will share some of the most popular side dishes and beverages that pair well with chicken piccata to help you create a perfect meal that will satisfy your taste buds.
Classic Sides that Complement Chicken Piccata
When it comes to chicken piccata, there are various side dishes that can complement its rich and tangy flavors. Classic side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and steamed asparagus are popular choices that have stood the test of time.
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, provide a balance of color and texture to the dish. Mashed potatoes, on the other hand, offer a buttery and creamy contrast that cuts through the lemony sauce of the chicken piccata. And for a lighter option, steamed asparagus adds a fresh and crisp bite to the meal. These classic sides are not only easy to make, but they also elevate the dish to a whole new level of culinary sophistication.
Alternatives to the Traditional Side Dishes for Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a dish that is popular for its tangy and savory flavor. Traditionally served with sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables, there are many alternative options that can make for a delicious and unique meal.
One alternative to traditional sides is a quinoa or barley salad. These grains add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the tangy lemon sauce in chicken piccata. Another option is to serve the chicken with a side of roasted root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. The sweetness of the vegetables complements the savory chicken and provides a filling and nutritious meal.
In addition, you could try serving chicken piccata with a side of grilled or sautéed mushrooms. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs well with the lemony sauce and adds an extra burst of complexity. Finally, for those looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, a side of cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets can be the perfect accompaniment to this flavorful dish.
Up Your Game with These Spreads and Sauces for Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that is famous for its tangy lemon-caper sauce. While the dish is perfect on its own, you can take it up a notch by pairing it with some delicious spreads and sauces. These culinary delights can take the dish to a whole new level, adding complexity, depth, and texture to the overall dining experience.
One of the best accompaniments to chicken piccata is a garlic aioli. The creamy, garlicky dip is perfect for any chicken dish and complements the tangy flavors of the piccata sauce. Other delicious options include a spicy cilantro-lime sauce, a tangy parsley pesto, or a rich and decadent mushroom cream sauce. These spreads and sauces not only add an extra dimension of flavor to the dish but also make it a more elegant and sophisticated meal.
The Best Way to Pair Wine with Chicken Piccata
When it comes to pairing wine with chicken piccata, you’ll want to choose something that complements the lemony and tangy flavors of the dish. A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, works best. These wines are light, crisp, and refreshing, which helps to balance out the hearty and savory components of the dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might consider pairing chicken piccata with a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Barbera or Pinot Noir. While not traditionally paired with chicken, these wines can add a rich and complex flavor profile that elevates the dish. Ultimately, the best way to decide which wine to pair with chicken piccata is to experiment and find what works best for your individual palate.
From Salads to Soups: Unconventional Serving Combinations for Chicken Piccata
When it comes to serving chicken piccata, most people go for the classic side dishes – pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. However, if you want to get creative in the kitchen, there are plenty of unconventional serving combinations that work great with this zesty chicken dish.
One idea is to pair chicken piccata with a fresh salad, which not only adds a healthy element to the meal but also complements the flavors of the dish. You can opt for a simple green salad or mix it up with some fruit or nuts for a more complex flavor profile. Alternatively, you can serve chicken piccata with a hearty soup, such as tomato or lentil, which helps balance out the rich flavors of the chicken and capers. Plus, a warm soup is perfect for cold winter nights. So, if you’re looking to mix up your chicken piccata meal, try these unconventional ideas for a tasty and exciting dining experience.
Making the Most of Leftover Chicken Piccata: Creative Meal Ideas
Leftover chicken piccata can be a versatile ingredient for a variety of creative meal ideas. One option is to slice the chicken and mix it in with some cooked pasta and fresh veggies for a quick and easy pasta salad. Another option would be to dice the chicken and use it as a protein in a flavorful grain bowl with quinoa or rice, roasted sweet potatoes and whatever other veggies and sauces sound delicious.
For a fun twist on a classic dish, leftover chicken piccata can also be repurposed into a tasty sandwich with some crusty bread, lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of aioli or mayo. The key is to get creative with the ingredients and flavors you already have on hand, and to think outside of the box to make the most of your leftover chicken piccata.
Dietary Restrictions? No Problem—Suggestions for Vegan and Gluten-Free Side Dishes with Chicken Piccata.
For those with vegan dietary restrictions, there are plenty of side dishes that pair well with Chicken Piccata. One option is roasted vegetables, such as Brussel sprouts or carrots, tossed with garlic and olive oil. Another tasty option is quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
For those who are gluten-free, finding the right side dish can be a bit more challenging, but it is certainly doable. A simple salad of mixed greens, avocado, and grape tomatoes, drizzled with a light balsamic vinaigrette is a delicious, gluten-free choice. Another delicious option is roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned with salt and paprika, served alongside your chicken piccata entrée. With these side dish options, those with dietary restrictions can enjoy chicken piccata without worry.
Conclusion
Chicken Piccata is a delicious Italian-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering. While the chicken itself is the star of the show, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the meal to another level. From pasta to vegetables and salads to grains, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving Chicken Piccata.
Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or something hearty and filling, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some great options include roasted asparagus, lemon parmesan pasta, garlic bread, and roasted root vegetables. No matter what you decide to serve with Chicken Piccata, you’re sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.