In this article we’ll find out what to serve with Chicken Marsala. Cutlets of boneless chicken, mushrooms, Marsala wine, and sometimes a little chicken broth or stock are used to make this hearty dish.
Chicken Marsala is pretty much a staple on every Italian-American restaurant menu. There’s a reason for that. It’s because people love Chicken Marsala.
If you do it right, you’ll get a lovely sauce that is sweet, savory, and a little syrupy. The key is to let the Marsala wine reduce until the alcohol cooks off and the sugars in the wine come out in full force.
What made Chicken Marsala famous is the wine used to create that flavorful sauce everyone loves. It’s a fortified wine that comes from a town in the westernmost part of Sicily near Trapani. To get there you fly into Palermo.
Marsala wine gets its name from the town where it originates from. Wine has been made in Marsala for a long time, but it wasn’t until 1773 that grape must and distilled spirits were added to it.
This fortification gives Marsala wine its distinct taste that makes it so interesting. It’s also one of the reasons why cooking with it creates some really amazing dishes.
Marsala wine has a flavor that is described as fruity and raisin-like. There is sweet Marsala wine and dry Marsala wine.
For chicken Marsala, I suggest using a sweet to medium-sweet Marsala wine. This will create a savory sauce that has just the right amount of the sweet taste you want.
If you need a good recipe to make this classic Italian dish, keep reading. I’ll put it at the bottom of this article.
The following is a list of the best side dishes to serve the next time you make your own chicken Marsala at home.
Sautee your broccoli rabe with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Finish it off with some grated parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
I think the slow cooked peppers really compliment the sweet and earthy flavors of the Marsala reduction sauce and tender chicken.
This is an easy recipe on how to make green beans with pancetta and tomatoes. You can use fresh green beans or frozen green beans.
Italian style sauteed spinach with olive oil, garlic grated parmesan cheese is a perfect side dish with chicken Marsala. It’s quick and easy.
Julienne some carrots and roast them with thinly sliced red onion and honey. It’s so good with chicken Marsala.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Marsala?
A traditional Italian-American dish, chicken marsala has soft chicken cutlets, tasty mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce. It’s easy to see why chicken marsala is still a popular choice for dinner for many families. The ingredients are simple but taste great.
Even though chicken marsala is tasty on its own, the right side dishes can bring out the flavors and complete your meal. Let’s talk about some tasty side dishes that go well with chicken marsala. These are my top picks.
Fried rice: Fried rice is a classic side dish that goes well with chicken marsala. White rice takes in the rich Marsala wine sauce very well because it has a neutral flavor. Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice to make the side dish taste even better. Basmati or jasmine rice works well because it has a fluffy texture and a lovely smell. To add interest, stir in some fresh thyme or oregano. Simple yet satisfying!.
Risotto: When served with chicken marsala, creamy risotto is a nice change from plain rice. Mushrooms are in the marsala sauce, but adding sliced cremini, portobello, or wild mushrooms to a mushroom risotto gives it a great texture and earthy flavor. Or go for Parmesan risotto accented with shredded Parmesan cheese. The chicken sauce goes well with the smooth, creamy texture of the risotto.
Pasta
From angel hair to fettuccine, pasta is a no-brainer pairing for chicken marsala. The pasta soaks up the rich, wine-infused sauce perfectly. For added flavor, prepare pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil or butter and fresh parsley. Noodles like pappardelle work well to catch every drop of delicious sauce.
Mashed PotatoesComforting mashed potatoes are an easy, tasty side dish for chicken marsala Prepare them smooth and creamy, flavored with butter, cream, and salt and pepper. For a twist, add roasted garlic or stir in crumbled Gorgonzola cheese for tang Mashed potatoes pair nicely with the tender chicken topped in velvety sauce.
Baked PotatoBaked potatoes make a satisfying, hearty side to chicken marsala. Bake them until the skins are crispy and the insides are fluffy. Top with butter, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or scallions for a loaded baked potato. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken with wine sauce over the hot baked potato.
PolentaPolenta is an Italian cornmeal dish providing a neutral base to soak up the savory chicken marsala sauce Prepare polenta by simmering the cornmeal in broth, cream or milk until thickened. Then pour it into a loaf pan to set before slicing and pan frying until crisp on the outside. Top with grated Parmesan if desired
Bread
Fresh bread makes a fantastic accompaniment to mop up any extra Marsala sauce left on your plate after enjoying the chicken. Focaccia, ciabatta, French bread and rolls all pair well. For added flavor, rub sliced bread with garlic and toast until crisp. Enjoy dipping the bread into the fabulous sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower caramelizes their natural sugars and provides a delicious side for chicken marsala. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting. Their subtle sweetness balances the savory sauce.
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a fast, nutrient-rich side dish for chicken marsala. Sauté the spinach with olive oil and garlic until just wilted then season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. The fresh taste complements the richness of the chicken and wine sauce.
Steamed Broccoli
Another green vegetable that pairs nicely with chicken marsala is steamed broccoli. The bright color looks beautiful on the plate next to the chicken and sauce. After steaming, toss the broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper for added flavor. Sprinkle with Parmesan too, if desired.
Brussels Sprouts
Both roasted and sautéed Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish with chicken marsala. Roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper until browned and tender. Or quickly sauté shredded Brussels sprouts with shallots, garlic, and nutmeg for a delicious flavor. The nutty taste complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Asparagus
Delicate, green asparagus spears pair elegantly with the flavors of chicken marsala. Blanch or steam the asparagus briefly until bright green and just tender. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A few lemon wedges make the perfect finishing touch.
Green Salad
A green salad topped with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of chicken marsala. Using a combination of lettuces like romaine, spinach and arugula adds interest through varied textures and colors. Toast fresh croutons in olive oil or garlic to top the salad.
Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad is a refreshing Italian-style salad typically made with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It nicely complements chicken marsala, offering a burst of brightness next to the tender chicken blanketed in a savory, creamy sauce.
Risotto Cakes
For an upscale spin on risotto as a side dish, form leftover risotto into small cakes and pan fry until golden brown. The creamy risotto makes a nice contrast to the chicken marsala sauce and gives you another component on the plate. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Cauliflower Mash
For a low carb alternative to mashed potatoes, use cauliflower florets to make cauliflower mash. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor then heat in a pan with cream or broth until smooth and thickened. Season to taste with salt, pepper and garlic. Enjoy its mildly sweet flavor next to the chicken.
Polenta Fries
Cut leftover polenta into fry shapes, coat in breadcrumbs and pan fry in olive oil until crispy. These polenta fries make a fun finger food side dish along with the chicken marsala. Fry some sage leaves to sprinkle on top for an authentic flavor. Serve with Parmesan dipping sauce.
Green Beans Almondine
Quick-cooking green beans sautéed with sliced almonds and garlic make the French classic, green beans almondine. The crunchy nuts and bright green beans pair nicely with creamy chicken marsala. And the dish looks beautiful on the plate too.
Q: Do I have to flour the chicken first?
A: No. I think the flour helps to thicken the Marsala sauce, but feel free to skip that step if necessary.
How to Make Chicken Marsala
Get your ingredients together.
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