The best sides for Balsamic Chicken are Green Beans with Almonds and Bacon, Balsamic Sauteed Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts Roasted in Garlic and Parmesan, Three Bean Salad, and Cranberry-Pecan Rice Pilaf.
Green Beans with Almonds and Bacon
Ditch the bland vegetable recipes and opt for green beans roasted with almonds and bacon.
For a lighter option, try Cranberry-Pecan Rice Pilaf. Cranberry-Pecan Rice Pilaf
Looking for a comfort dish that goes well with balsamic chicken?
The best thing about cooking with chicken is that you can flavor it in various ways.
When marinated in balsamic, you improve your average chicken dish to another level.
Balsamic glazed chicken is a simple and easy yet flavorful main course that anyone can make.
Toss some lemon juice, garlic, balsamic, and herbs; the result is a juicy, juicy chicken dish everyone loves.
Now if you're planning to serve balsamic chicken for dinner, you're surely going to need some side dishes, too.
Not to worry, we have curated a list of the ten best side dishes for your savory and tangy balsamic chicken.
10 Best Sides to Complement Balsamic Chicken
1 - Green Beans with Almonds and Bacon
Ditch the bland vegetable recipes and opt for green beans roasted with almonds and bacon.
This side dish is a crowd-pleaser, and we're sure your dinner guests will love them.
The sweet, crunchy almonds go well with the salty bacon, while the fresh green beans add a healthy touch to your meal.
This side dish is a good addition to any meal, including balsamic chicken, as it balances the flavors and textures of the chicken - and pairs nicely with fried green tomato side ideas for variety.
Don't include the almonds if you're not a fan of sweet dishes.
But you wouldn't want to skip them if you're looking for something unique and tasty.
2 - Balsamic Sauteed Mushrooms
Running short of time? Try the 20-minute balsamic sautéed mushrooms.
This side dish is light yet flavorful, making it a great combo for your balsamic chicken and similar mains - see balsamic pork tenderloin side ideas for matched pairings.
All you have to do is glaze the mushrooms with balsamic, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt.
Because of its similarity in the flavor with the chicken, you know the duo will work together well.
Balsamic sautéed mushrooms are a quick and easy side dish perfect for the fall season.
Its tangy and salty flavor will cut through the chicken's richness beautifully.
Use baby Bella or cremini mushrooms for the best taste.
However, button mushrooms work really well, too, for this dish.
3 - Brussels Sprouts Roasted in Garlic and Parmesan
Brussels sprouts are excellent vegetables for those who want to add something green to the meal.
They are healthy, nutritious, and packed with flavor.
While the sprouts are delicious by themselves, you can improve the side dish and add Parmesan and garlic.
You and your guests don't have to feel guilty about indulging in this side dish as it is low-calorie.
The combination of creamy cheese and crispy Brussels sprouts with tender balsamic chicken is a combo you cannot miss - and for more ways to serve sprouts, try brussels sprouts side dish suggestions.
Feel free to add your favorite seasonings. However, garlic should do the magic for this simple and easy dish.
4 - Three Bean Salad
Who knew that you could sway your palate with just three types of beans?
You only need 12 minutes to make this incredibly scrumptious salad containing garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and green beans - for a warm bean alternative, see green bean casserole side ideas.
The flavor of this dish comes from the savory vinaigrette.
Great for summer parties, this three-bean salad is refreshing, palate-cleansing, and healthy.
Its flavors work like magic with balsamic chicken and don't overpower the main dish.
If you want a dish that fills your stomach in the healthiest way, try making a three-bean salad.
5 - Cranberry-Pecan Rice Pilaf
Looking for a comfort dish that goes well with balsamic chicken? We can't think of anything better than a cranberry-pecan rice pilaf.
For best results, we prefer wild rice as it has a chewy texture.
Wild rice also has some savory, nutty flavor that pairs excellently with balsamic chicken.
Add cranberries and pecans as a garnish for that extra flavor and texture.
You will keep your guests wondering about this "special" side dish.
Since this rice pilaf reheats well, preparing it in advance will be no problem - other rice-based sides like chicken fried rice side suggestions also hold up for make-ahead menus.
So, you wouldn't need to worry about standing in the kitchen and working when your guests have come over.
6 - Berry and Spinach Salad
Surprise your guests with a bowl of berry and spinach salad when they're enjoying a hot plate of balsamic chicken - for other spinach-forward options, check spinach dip side ideas.
Pick some raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries and toss them with spinach, almonds, and a sweet dressing to revive the palate.
This fruit-vegetable salad is the perfect side dish that also acts like a palate cleanser when eating a meaty main course.
You can also sprinkle feta cheese on top to add a nice contrast to the other elements.
It takes only 15 minutes to make this salad that everybody will surely love.
7 - Lemon Parmesan Risotto
Another comfort dish that works as an elegant addition to your balsamic chicken is lemon parmesan risotto.
The creamy goodness of the cheese, zesty lemon flavors, and filling Italian rice adds a beautiful contrast to the tangy chicken - for sweet lemon pairings, see lemon curd side pairings.
You can also include peas to add some sweetness to the side dish.
It takes a total of 35 minutes to make lemon parmesan risotto.
So, you can opt for it when time isn't on your side.
8 - Buttered Corn on the Cob
This side dish is so simple that it's hard to make it go wrong.
But don't let the simplicity fool you, as buttered corn is one of many people's favorites.
The best part about serving buttered corn on the cob is that it takes minimal work.
You can also customize it and add your preferred herbs and spices.
Buttered corn always pairs well with meat, including balsamic chicken.
So, if you're searching for a safe side dish, this is it.
Cook it in the oven, grill, or on the stove; they'll come out perfect anyway.
9 - Herb-infused Angel Hair Pasta
Also called capellini, angel hair pasta is a quick and delicious side dish you can serve alongside balsamic chicken.
It is a thin, long-strand pasta that goes best with light and delicate sauces like cream and tomato sauce.
Since it is thin, cooking taste a lot less time compared to regular pasta.
You can serve a filling meal when you pair angel hair pasta with balsamic chicken.
Coated in flavor-packed herb and garlic sauce, this pasta makes a great combo for your chicken dish.
Add diced tomatoes and parmesan on top for an extra kick of flavor.
10 - Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Add something cool and refreshing to your meal by serving cucumber and tomato salad beside your savory balsamic chicken.
This side dish is the epitome of using simple ingredients to make a great dish.
However, you can improve things by adding mozzarella cubes or feta cheese.
Almond, avocado, olives, and dried cranberries work beautifully too.
This salad is best served cold.
You can prepare them in advance and toss them in your homemade dressing just before serving.
In case of any leftovers, you can store the salad in the fridge for up to three days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This side dish is a crowd-pleaser, and we're sure your dinner guests will love them. Balsamic Sauteed Mushrooms Running short of time?
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. This side dish scales up easily.
Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.
A good side dish either contrasts or goes with the dominant flavor. If the main is rich and savory, something with acidity or crunch balances the plate without competing.
Can side dishes be swapped based on dietary needs?
Yes.
Most classic pairings have easy swaps - substitute roasted vegetables for grain sides, or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option.
Many of these sides work with other roasted chicken styles. beer can chicken side pairings lists compatible options. rotisserie chicken side suggestions highlights easy complements for a simple weeknight meal.
