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 wind up with a beautiful sauce that is sweet, savory and slightly 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 sweet and earthy flavors of the Marsala reduction sauce and the tender chicken go really well with the peppers that were cooked slowly.
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 is a Good Side Dish to Serve with Chicken Marsala?
Chicken marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that features chicken breasts sautéed with mushrooms in a sauce made with Marsala wine. With its rich, flavorful sauce, chicken marsala makes a satisfying main course. But like any main dish, it’s even better when paired with complementary side dishes.
So what makes a good side dish for chicken marsala? Here are some tips
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Choose sides that add color, texture, and flavors that enhance the chicken marsala. For example, bright green vegetables add color, while starchy or creamy sides contrast nicely with the chicken and sauce.
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Complement the Italian flavors. Pastas, polenta, and risotto make perfect pairings. Veggies like asparagus, spinach, and broccoli are Italian staples.
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Don’t overpower the chicken. Let it and the marsala sauce be the stars. Side dishes should accent and round out the meal.
With those tips in mind, here are 15 fantastic side dish options for chicken marsala:
RiceRice is a foolproof side with chicken marsala. The soft, mild grains soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. White or brown rice works well. When cooking, use chicken broth instead of water to make it taste better. It’s also tasty to add parsley, basil, oregano, or other Italian herbs to rice before cooking it.
Risotto
Creamy risotto is an Italian classic that’s perfect with chicken marsala. Arborio rice cooked slowly in broth creates a rich, creamy dish. Mushroom risotto provides an earthy note that complements the mushrooms in the sauce. Parmesan risotto adds a delicious cheesy accent.
PastaPasta is another no-brainer with chicken marsala. Use your favorite pasta, like linguine, fettuccine, or penne, to soak up the sauce. Angel hair or orzo pasta is easy to prepare because it cooks quickly. For gluten-free options, try zucchini noodles.
Polenta
Polenta is an Italian cornmeal dish with a smooth, creamy texture similar to mashed potatoes. It’s a great neutral base for absorbing chicken marsala’s delicious sauce. Prepare polenta with broth and Parmesan for more flavor.
Mashed Potatoes
For ultimate comfort food, serve chicken marsala over creamy mashed potatoes. Russets or Yukon Golds make fluffy, buttery mashed spuds. Infuse them with garlic or cheese for extra flavor. Creamy potato purees are also excellent.
Roasted PotatoesCrispy roasted potatoes pair wonderfully with chicken marsala. Roast small potatoes cut in half with garlic, herbs, and olive oil until they are soft and caramelized. Sweet potatoes and fingerlings also taste great roasted.
Bread
Serve chicken marsala with crusty artisan bread for soaking up sauce. Italian breads like ciabatta and focaccia are perfect. Bruschetta rubs the toasted bread with garlic and olive oil. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside the chicken.
Asparagus
Slender, tender-crisp asparagus spears balance chicken marsala’s richness. Quick-cooking thin asparagus works best. Roast or grill the asparagus, or steam and dress with lemon and olive oil. Shavings of Parmesan on top are a tasty extra.
Green Beans
Green beans – both slender French beans or chunkier regular green beans – make a crisp, vibrant side for chicken marsala. Blanch or roast the beans, then toss in garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toasted almonds or hazelnuts add crunch.
Broccoli
Broccoli florets add color and texture paired with chicken marsala. Roast or sauté bites of broccoli until tender with olive oil and seasonings. Broccolini’s long slender stalks give an elegant look. Don’t overcook – leave some crunch.
For a heartier meal, chicken marsala and Brussels sprouts caramelized with garlic, olive oil, and balsamic are a great pair. The sweet, tangy glaze contrasts the rich sauce beautifully. Chopped, sautéed Brussels leaves nice texture too.
Spinach
Earthy, vibrant spinach is an easy veggie side for chicken marsala. Sauté baby spinach leaves in olive oil with garlic just until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon, and grated Parmesan.
Zucchini
Grilled or roasted zucchini slices offer brightness and texture to balance chicken marsala’s richness. Toss long slices or halves in olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill or roast until tender. Top with shaved Parmesan or fresh herbs.
Salad
A green salad or Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil complements chicken marsala without weighing down the meal. Make a simple vinaigrette, or just dress greens with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Now that you know 15 excellent options for sides with chicken marsala, it’s easy to put together a delicious, well-rounded meal. Starchy pastas, rice or risotto, and creamy polenta are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. Roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus, broccoli, and zucchini provide color and freshness. And don’t forget garlic bread for mopping up every last drop of that fabulous sauce! With chicken marsala and two or three of these tasty sides, you have an impressive Italian-inspired feast.
Q: Can Chicken Marsala be made with a cream sauce?
A: Yes. If you like a creamy dish you can make a creamy Marsala sauce. Just add some heavy cream with the Marsala wine.
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.
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FAQ
What sides go well with chicken marsala?
Serve chicken marsala with some of Tyler’s five-star side dishes such creamy Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Egg Noodles, Rice Pilaf or Roasted Asparagus. A simple green salad, like Tyler’s Spring Green Salad and a loaf of crusty bread, like Tyler’s Herbed Garlic Bread, would make a nice pairing, too.
What do Italians eat with chicken marsala?
In Italy, they typically serve Chicken Marsala over a bed of noodles. I prefer to top it over creamy mashed potatoes because the Marsala and cream sauce makes the most dreamy gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
What do you eat with chicken masala?
Some good side dishes to serve with chicken masala are rice pilaf, naan bread, vegetable samosas, cucumber raita, mixed vegetable curry, or a simple salad.
What side dish goes with chicken masala?
1. Rice. Rice is a classic, gluten-free side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken Marsala. I recommend long-grain white rice (like basmati) and using chicken stock or vegetable broth for the liquid to pump up its delicious flavor.