Chicken piccata is a delightful dish that features tender chicken breasts sautéed and served with a bright lemon-caper sauce, making it a flavorful choice for any meal. Complementing this tangy and savory entrée with the right sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to serve with chicken piccata, ensuring a balanced and delicious meal.
When planning your menu, consider a variety of textures and flavors. Side dishes that offer freshness, richness, or a hint of earthiness pair beautifully with the zing of chicken piccata. This guide will explore a range of side dishes, salads, and even beverage options to enhance your chicken piccata experience.
What to Serve with Chicken Piccata?
When serving chicken piccata, it is best to choose side dishes that complement its lemony and caper notes. Ideal options include light salads, flavorful grains, steamed vegetables, or hearty starches such as pasta or potatoes. Here are some great pairings to consider.
Salads to Accompany Chicken Piccata
Salads can add freshness and crunch to your meal, balancing out the richness of the chicken piccata. Here are a few options:
1. Arugula Salad
An arugula salad brings a peppery bite that complements the chicken’s bright flavors. Toss fresh arugula with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette for added zest. This salad is simple to prepare and takes just 10 minutes to toss together.
2. Caesar Salad
Classic Caesar salad pairs well with the savory flavors of chicken piccata. Its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a satisfying contrast. For a homemade touch, make your dressing with garlic, anchovies, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offers a refreshing combination. The creaminess of the mozzarella and the acidity of the tomatoes create a wonderful harmony alongside chicken piccata.
Vegetables to Serve with Chicken Piccata
Vegetables are a fulfilling way to add color and nutrients to your plate. Here are varieties that work well:
1. Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus, drizzled with a little lemon butter, accentuates the lemon in the piccata. Simply steam the asparagus until tender, about 3-4 minutes, then toss with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli until crispy intensifies its flavor. Toss with olive oil and garlic, roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, and you have a delicious side dish that adds depth to your plate.
3. Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans with almonds lend crunch and a nutty flavor. Cook the green beans in olive oil and add sliced almonds for a delightful finish. A sprinkle of lemon zest can add brightness, mirroring the chicken piccata’s flavors.
Starchy Sides for Chicken Piccata
Starches complement the protein well, soaking up the delicious sauce that chicken piccata is known for. Explore these options:
1. Lemon Risotto
Lemon risotto is creamy and complements the citrus notes in the chicken piccata. To make, cook arborio rice gradually adding chicken broth and finish with freshly grated lemon zest and parmesan cheese. This dish takes approximately 30-40 minutes to prepare but offers a luxurious addition to the meal.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes with garlic provide comfort and warmth, contrasting with the acidity of the chicken. Boil potatoes until tender, mash with warm milk, butter, and roasted garlic for an indulgent side. This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated without losing its texture.
3. Orzo Pasta
Orzo, a type of pasta resembling rice, is another excellent choice. Cook orzo according to package instructions and toss it with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a light side that pairs beautifully with the chicken piccata sauce.
Grain-based Options
Grains offer versatility and flavor, serving as a substantial base for your chicken piccata:
1. Couscous
Couscous is quick to prepare and can be flavored with herbs, lemon, and chicken broth. This fluffy grain soaks up the sauce from the piccata while adding texture to the dish. It typically cooks in about 5 minutes.
2. Quinoa
Quinoa, known for its nutritional value, is a nutty alternative. Cook it in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor. The slight crunch of quinoa complements the tender chicken perfectly.
3. Farro
This ancient grain has a chewy texture that contrasts well with the softness of the chicken. Follow package directions to cook farro, and mix with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a lemon vinaigrette to create a refreshing grain salad that pairs effortlessly with chicken piccata.
Additional Pairing Ideas
Besides salads, vegetables, and starches, consider these creative pairing options:
1. Lemon Herb Butter
Prepare a lemon herb butter to serve alongside the chicken piccata. Mix softened butter with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and a hint of lemon zest for spreading on crusty bread or adding to vegetables.
2. Crusty Bread
No meal is complete without a good bread to mop up the sauce. Serve some crusty artisan bread or garlic bread, offering a satisfying way to enjoy every drop of the piccata sauce.
3. Wine Pairing
Consider a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Their high acidity can enhance the dish’s flavors and provide a refreshing taste when enjoyed alongside each bite of chicken piccata.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing chicken piccata and its sides, a few common pitfalls can occur:
1. Overcooking the Chicken
Chicken piccata should be tender and juicy. Ensure you cook the chicken breasts until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer can prevent overcooking.
2. Insufficient Seasoning
The chicken piccata sauce should be properly seasoned. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the lemon-caper sauce to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
3. Skipping the Sauce Brightness
Don’t forget the finishing touches of lemon zest or herb garnish. These additions elevate the dish further and enrich the overall dining experience.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead can ease your cooking process for chicken piccata night:
1. Prep Ingredients in Advance
Chop herbs, slice garlic, and measure out ingredients prior to cooking. This allows for a smoother cooking experience and helps you focus on timing.
2. Cook Side Dishes Ahead
Consider preparing salads, steamed vegetables, or starches earlier in the day. Most can be stored in the refrigerator and warmed before serving, allowing you more time to focus on the chicken.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
If you have leftovers from your chicken piccata meal, it is essential to store them properly:
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
Store chicken piccata and its sides in airtight containers in the refrigerator after serving. It can typically be kept for 3-4 days. Avoid storing fried or crispy elements with the chicken to retain their texture.
2. Reheating
Reheat chicken piccata gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. Avoid intensive microwaving, as it can toughen the chicken. Sides can be reheated according to their individual requirements.
Conclusion
When it comes to serving chicken piccata, the options are vast and varied. Whether you lean towards fresh salads, starchy accompaniments, or earthy vegetables, the trick is to provide balance and complementary flavors. With these suggestions, you can create a satisfying meal centered around delicious chicken piccata.
For more delicious recipes and ideas, feel free to explore our guide on lemon risotto or check out what pairs well with stuffed peppers.