Italians love chicken scallopini, which is made with thin, tender slices of chicken breast cooked in a lemon-butter sauce. Chicken scallopini is a great main dish because it tastes fresh and sour. Finding the right sides to go with the chicken, on the other hand, can make this meal unforgettable.
This article will talk about 15 tasty side dishes that go well with chicken scallopini’s tangy flavors and smooth texture. These recipes give you a wide range of tastes and textures to fill out your dinner plate, from hearty grains to colorful vegetables to warm crusty bread.
Why Serving Sides is Important with Chicken Scallopini
Even though chicken scallopini tastes great on its own, serving it with side dishes that go well with it has some important benefits.
-
Adds nutrients: Chicken scallopini is a lean, protein-packed dish. Serving vegetable or grain sides adds beneficial vitamins, minerals and fiber.
-
Provides contrast: The tangy lemon sauce and tender chicken have a smooth, delicate texture. Sides with crunch, like salads or roasted veggies, provide contrast.
-
Soaks up sauce: Chicken scallopini features a delicious pan sauce. Soups and breads that are high in starch can soak up all the water.
-
Satisfies appetites: Scallopini chicken serves as a lighter main dish. Hearty side dishes provide filling satisfaction.
-
Adds flavor: Sides with acidic, spicy or herby flavors prevent the meal from feeling one-note.
Thoughtfully chosen sides make chicken scallopini shine even brighter. Now let’s explore 15 winners!
15 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Scallopini
1. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a no-fail pairing with chicken scallopini. The bread soaks up the lemony pan sauce beautifully. Plus, the garlicky flavor provides a nice savory contrast to the bright chicken. For added richness, use a loaf with cheese baked inside.
2. Pasta
A carbohydrate like pasta perfectly complements scallopini’s protein. Opt for short noodle shapes, like penne or farfalle, which hold the sauce nicely. Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil or butter before serving. Basil, oregano or parsley add fresh flavor.
3. Risotto
Creamy risotto provides a richer, more elegant side for chicken scallopini dinners. Make lemon risotto by adding lemon zest and juice to the rice as it cooks. Other flavorful additions like mushrooms, spinach or peas taste delicious.
4. Polenta
Polenta’s soft, cornmeal texture soaks up pan sauces remarkably well. For serving with scallopini, cook plain polenta and finish it with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. You can bake or pan fry cooked polenta for a crispy exterior.
5. Roasted Potatoes
Both wedges and whole roasted potatoes complement chicken scallopini’s flavors. Roast halved small potatoes with lemon, garlic and thyme to mirror the dish’s ingredients. Or rub wedges with garlic, rosemary and olive oil for an easy side.
6. Mashed Potatoes
What better match for a creamy pan sauce than fluffy mashed potatoes? Use Yukon Golds for an ultra-smooth texture. Jazz up instant mashed potatoes by stirring in sour cream, Parmesan and lemon zest. Garlic mashed potatoes also pair wonderfully.
7. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf provides texture contrast and soaks up sauce nicely. Cook rice in chicken broth rather than water for a savory boost. Stir in lemon zest, parsley, garlic or onion to complement the scallopini. For a heartier pilaf, add mushrooms.
8. Orzo
Buttery orzo pasta with lemon and herbs is both delicious and easy. For even more flavor, opt for pesto orzo, stirred with pesto sauce, or Parmesan orzo, mixed with Parmesan and butter. Orzo’s small shape holds sauce nicely.
9. Israeli Couscous
Israeli couscous, also called pearl couscous, provides a nuttier, firmer texture than traditional couscous. Toss cooked Israeli couscous with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs. Add chickpeas or vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes for a salad.
10. Quinoa
Fluffy, protein-packed quinoa makes a well-balanced pairing with chicken scallopini. Cook it in chicken broth, then stir in lemon juice, pine nuts, parsley and Parmesan for Mediterranean flavors. Sauteed spinach and quinoa is another savory combo.
11. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting heightens the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and asparagus. Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Roast at 400°F until caramelized and tender. Squirt with lemon before serving.
12. Sauteed Greens
Quick-cooking greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard and arugula provide health benefits. Saute them with garlic and olive oil, then season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Nutty Parmesan cheese also complements the greens.
13. Green Salad
A simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette nicely balances chicken scallopini’s richness. Use crisp lettuces like Romaine, arugula or Bibb. Round it out with fresh veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onion.
14. Broccoli
Roasting or steaming broccoli until crisp-tender retains its nutrition. Toss roasted broccoli with lemon juice and Parmesan or dress steamed broccoli with lemon-garlic aioli. Broccoli’s green color pops beside chicken scallopini.
15. Asparagus
Asparagus turns tender when quickly roasted or grilled. Complement chicken scallopini by dressing simply roasted asparagus spears with lemon-infused olive oil. Grilled asparagus with lemon wedges offers bolder charred flavors.
Complement Chicken Scallopini with Bright, Fresh Flavors
From pasta and risotto to roasted veggies and sauteed greens, these 15 sides offer an array of flavors, colors and textures to make chicken scallopini shine.
Vibrant lemon, garlic, herbs and Parmesan cheese echo scallopini’s Italian flavors. Crisp, crunchy produce balances the chicken’s silkiness. And starchy pasta, grains and bread soak up every last drop of tasty sauce.
With a freshly tossed salad, warm garlic bread and your choice of grain, vegetable or potato side, you can create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that perfectly complements classic chicken scallopini’s brightness and elegance.
Healthy Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach
This Healthy Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Spinach is one of those recipes that keeps getting made over and over again in our family. It all started on a busy weeknight when I was scrambling to put together something quick but still wholesome.
I had chicken breasts in the fridge, some fresh spinach that needed using, and a lemon staring at me from the fruit bowl. What happened next was pure magic—a creamy, zesty, and satisfying dish that had everyone at the table asking for seconds (and even thirds!).
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together, yet it feels like something special. The bright lemon cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully, and the tender chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh spinach. That’s the right amount of food to make you feel stuffed without making you feel too heavy. The best part is that it all fits in one pan, so you only have to wash one. That’s a win in any busy home!
Now, it’s a go-to in our meal rotation. Whether it’s a regular weeknight dinner or a quick meal for guests, it never fails to impress.
My kids love it, my husband’s a fan, and even the pickiest eaters at our table clean their plates. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist, and I’m excited to share it with you—because once you try it, I know it’ll become a staple in your home too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor, though they may take a little longer to cook. Just make sure they’re cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce? Yes! You can substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do make it ahead, store it in an airtight container and gently reheat it on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken.
What can I serve with this dish? It pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or pasta. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also complements it well.
Can I freeze leftovers? While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce might separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy within a few days of making.
My Family is OBSESSED with this Chicken Scallopini Recipe
FAQ
What do you serve with scallopini?
What to Serve with Chicken Scallopini. We love Chicken Scallopini served with cooked pasta or rice. It’s also delicious served over mashed potatoes. Jul 18, 2024.
What’s the difference between chicken piccata and Chicken Scallopini?
Piccata refers to a sauce (made with lemon, capers, broth, and butter) that’s often partnered with chicken, while scallopini refers to the method for preparing the chicken. Chicken scallopini can be finished with piccata sauce, or another sauce.
What does giada serve with chicken piccata?
Chicken piccata can be served with an array of side dishes. Popular choices include buttery mashed potatoes, angel hair pasta or crisp salad with Italian vinaigrette.
Is Chicken Scallopini healthy?
Chicken scallopini can be a healthy dish, especially when prepared with lean chicken breasts and light sauces. It offers a good source of protein and can be lower in calories and saturated fat compared to other chicken dishes.