Balsamic chicken is a tasty dish with a unique, tangy flavor. To make your meal even better, you need the right sides.
Here are 16 tasty side dishes that go really well with balsamic chicken. They add different tastes and textures to your plate, making your meal more enjoyable and complete.
Rice pilaf, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, potato wedges, sautéed mushrooms, cauliflower rice, mac and cheese, zucchini noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa salad, grilled asparagus, garlic spinach, and mashed sweet potatoes are the best sides to go with balsamic chicken.
Rice pilaf is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with balsamic chicken. Its light grains soak up the chicken’s flavorful juices, and the pilaf’s mild flavors—often made with onions, garlic, and herbs—go well with the balsamic glaze. You can add a handful of toasted nuts or raisins for a hint of sweetness and texture. This side dish is both comforting and a delightful contrast to the tangy chicken.
Green beans, with their crisp texture and fresh flavor, are a classic side that works well with balsamic chicken. You can steam them to retain their crunch or sauté them with a bit of garlic for extra flavor. The simplicity of green beans balances the richness of the balsamic glaze, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.
Mashed sweet potatoes add a creamy and slightly sweet element to your meal. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the tangy balsamic chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For extra richness, mix in some butter or a splash of cream. This side dish is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and savory combination.
A cucumber salad, light and refreshing, is an excellent choice to serve with balsamic chicken. Toss sliced cucumbers with a simple vinaigrette, perhaps adding some red onion or dill for extra flavor. The salads cool crispness complements the warm, tangy chicken, making it an ideal choice for a balanced and light meal.
Potato wedges, roasted until golden and crispy, are a hearty and satisfying addition. Season them with herbs, garlic, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor. These wedges are perfect for dipping in the balsamic sauce from the chicken, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Sauteed mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and meaty texture, are a wonderful accompaniment to balsamic chicken. Cook them until they are browned and tender, and season with herbs or a splash of wine. The mushrooms savory depth pairs excellently with the chickens tangy glaze, adding a gourmet touch to your meal.
Cauliflower rice is a light and healthy alternative to traditional rice. Its subtle flavor and grain-like texture make it a great base for soaking up the balsamic sauce. You can sauté it with a bit of garlic and onion for extra taste. This side dish is ideal for those looking for a low-carb option that still satisfies.
The tangy balsamic vinegar goes well with the salty chicken in balsamic chicken, making for a delicious meal. But the right side dish can take this recipe from good to amazing. The right side dish can add different flavors and textures that go well with the chicken. After cooking a lot of balsamic chicken meals, I’ve found the 15 best side dishes that really make this entrée better.
Overview of Balsamic Chicken
Before discussing pairing options, let’s first examine the components of balsamic chicken This recipe features chicken thighs or breasts baked or roasted in the oven after being coated in a marinade The marinade contains olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. As the chicken bakes, the vinegar glazes the meat, creating a sweet yet tangy flavor. The result is chicken with a crispy browned exterior and a tender, juicy interior infused with delicious flavor.
Balsamic chicken emerges from the oven boasting a complex medley of tastes. The vinegar provides a bold tartness, while the oil lends a rich, savory quality. Garlic and herbs offer background notes of pungency and earthiness. This dynamic flavor profile calls for sides that can both accentuate and contrast the components.
The 15 Best Side Dishes for Balsamic Chicken
After years of enjoying balsamic chicken, these sides have become my favorite ways to pair it. For easy access, I’ve put them into three groups: starchy sides, vegetables, and fresh salads.
Perfect Starchy Side Dishes
These options provide a comforting base for the chicken.
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Rice Pilaf: The fluffy pilaf soaks up the chicken juices and has a mild, nutty taste.
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You can also use cauliflower rice, which is low in carbs and has a mild flavor that lets the balsamic chicken shine.
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Polenta – Creamy, smooth polenta is a sophisticated Italian classic.
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Mashed Potatoes – Comforting potatoes balance the tart chicken with their mild creaminess.
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Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted spuds are both hearty and playful.
Delectable Veggies
Veggie sides add color and freshness.
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Green Beans – A traditional pairing, green beans offer crispness and earthy flavors.
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Brussels Sprouts – Roasted sprouts caramelize beautifully for sweet nuttiness.
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Asparagus – Grilled asparagus contributes a lovely smoky essence.
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Broccoli – Steamed broccoli is a healthy accompaniment with bright green vibrancy.
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Carrots – Glazed carrots echoed the sweetness of the balsamic chicken.
Refreshing Salads
Cool, fresh salads balance the warmth of the chicken.
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Pasta Salad – Tangled noodles tossed in a lemony dressing offer a tangy crunch.
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Quinoa Salad – Protein-packed quinoa blends perfectly with chopped veggies.
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Greek Salad – Feta, olives, tomatoes and crunchy greens are a Mediterranean delight.
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Spinach Salad – Leafy spinach with bacon, eggs, and onions is a classic choice.
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Waldorf Salad – Sweet apple, celery, and walnuts mingle in this fruited salad.
Key Tips for Pairing Sides with Balsamic Chicken
When selecting the perfect side for balsamic chicken, keep these tips in mind:
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Consider textures – Include a mix of tender, crisp, and creamy textures.
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Complement flavors – Choose sides that accentuate, contrast, or balance the chicken’s flavor profile.
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Add color – Vibrant veggies and salads incorporate appealing colors.
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Satisfy cravings – Hearty starches can satisfy comfort food cravings.
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Account for nutrition – Round out the meal with healthy veggies and lean proteins.
Sample Meals for Serving Inspiration
Here are a few full meal ideas to get you started:
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Balsamic chicken thighs, lemon quinoa salad, roasted broccoli
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Balsamic chicken breasts, pasta salad with feta, sautéed green beans
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Balsamic chicken, cauliflower rice pilaf, Greek salad
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Balsamic chicken, spinach salad with bacon and egg, roasted new potatoes
With so many wonderful options, you can enjoy balsamic chicken multiple times without repeating sides. Varying the accompaniments keeps the meals exciting while allowing the star ingredient to shine. Next time you make this flavorful dish, try one of these 15 side pairings for a perfect meal.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese, with its creamy and cheesy goodness, is a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with balsamic chicken. The tangy taste of the chicken goes well with the richness of the cheese sauce, making a satisfying mix of tastes. You can add a crunchy breadcrumb topping for extra texture. This classic dish is a favorite for all ages, making it a perfect addition to a family meal.
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” offer a light and healthy alternative to pasta. Their mild flavor and noodle-like texture complement the balsamic chicken without overpowering it. Sauté them lightly with a touch of olive oil and garlic for a simple yet delicious side. Zucchini noodles are ideal for those looking for a low-carb option thats still full of flavor.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized outer leaves and tender center, are a flavorful side for balsamic chicken. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until crispy. Their earthy taste and crunchy texture contrast nicely with the chickens rich glaze. This side dish adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Quinoa salad is a light and nutritious option that pairs well with balsamic chicken. Mix cooked quinoa with your choice of vegetables, a light dressing, and perhaps some feta cheese or nuts for added flavor. The salads fresh and wholesome taste complements the tangy and savory chicken, making for a balanced and healthy meal.
Grilled asparagus, with its smoky flavor and slightly crunchy texture, is a simple yet elegant side dish. Season it with olive oil, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt before grilling. The asparaguss natural flavors enhance the balsamic chicken, adding a fresh and vibrant element to your plate.
Creamy polenta is a comforting and versatile side that goes well with balsamic chicken. Its smooth texture and mild corn flavor provide a lovely base for the chicken and its sauce. Stir in some Parmesan cheese and butter for extra creaminess. This dish offers a delightful contrast in textures, making your meal more indulgent.
Garlic spinach, quickly sautéed with olive oil and fresh garlic, is a healthy and flavorful addition. The spinachs wilted texture and garlicky taste complement the bold flavors of the balsamic chicken. This side dish is not only delicious but also adds a burst of color and nutrients to your meal.
Balsamic Chicken Ready in just over 30 minutes!
FAQ
What pairs best with balsamic?
Some of my favorite ways to serve it are with Gorgonzola cheese and green onions; on pasta, portobello mushrooms, or grilled beets and carrots; with salmon or pork; or as a dressing on a salad with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or fresh strawberries.
What are the best sides to serve with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerRoasted Fennel. Butternut Squash Risotto. Crash Hot Potatoes. Easy Sautéed Mushrooms. Twice Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes. Easy Spanish Rice. Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant With Ginger and Miso. Perfect Mashed Potatoes.
What do you serve with vinegar chicken?
Serve with a Grain As I mentioned above, I’m partial to serving my vinegar chicken with polenta, but any grain that’s suited to soaking up some delicious liquid will do well here. Consider white or brown rice, farro, or spelt. Roasted cauliflower and a bracing green salad would be very nice alongside.
Do chicken and balsamic go together?
… is versatile and can be paired with a number of things including Italian roasted veggies, butternut squash, crispy fried burssels sprouts or baked zucchiniNov 12, 2021.