Are you looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your balsamic chicken?
You may be unsure of how to create a delicious meal, and need some food ideas.
We’ve got just the thing! Here we will provide you with 15 tasty side dishes that are guaranteed to take your Balsamic Chicken dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you’re hosting guests or simply preparing dinner for yourself, these easy-to-make recipes are sure to impress no matter what ingredients you have on hand.
So read on and let’s explore all the wonderful flavor possibilities that come with this amazing dish!
What to Serve with Balsamic Chicken? 15 TASTY Side Dishes
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to side dishes, roasted Brussels sprouts are a classic.
They’re simple to make, and they go well with a variety of main dishes.
But what makes roasted Brussels sprouts so special?
For starters, the taste and texture of roasted Brussels sprouts are hard to beat.
When roasted, Brussels sprouts develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining soft and tender on the inside.
This contrast in textures is part of what makes them so addictive.
In terms of flavor, roasted Brussels sprouts have a slightly nutty taste that is complemented by their natural sweetness.
When seasoned correctly, they can also be quite savory.
There are a few things you can do to elevate your roasted Brussels sprouts dish.
First, try roasting them with some garlic for extra flavor.
You can also add some diced bacon or pancetta for a touch of richness.
Finally, don’t forget the lemon.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving will really brighten up the flavors.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal.
They’re so simple to make and only require a few ingredients, but they’re packed with flavor.
The sweet potatoes are roasted until they’re nice and tender, then they’re tossed in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh thyme.
The result is a side dish that is bursting with flavor.
The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity, while the olive oil and thyme help to round out the flavors.
The sweet potatoes themselves are naturally sweet and creamy, making them the perfect complement to any savory dish.
There are a few tips that will help you get the most out of this dish.
First, be sure to use fresh thyme.
It really makes a difference in the flavor of the dish.
Second, if you can find them, use baby sweet potatoes.
They tend to be more flavorful and have a creamier texture.
Lastly, don’t skimp on the balsamic vinegar.
It may seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of mashed potatoes.
They’re creamy, dreamy, and absolutely delicious.
But let’s be honest, they can also be pretty boring.
That’s why we’ve decided to share our recipe for garlic mashed potatoes.
These spuds are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
The key to great mashed potatoes is all in the texture.
You want them to be smooth and creamy, without any lumps or bumps.
Our secret ingredient is garlic.
Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps to make the potatoes extra creamy.
We recommend using roasted garlic for this dish, as it will give the potatoes a deep and rich flavor.
To take your mashed potatoes to the next level, try adding some shredded cheese on top.
We love cheddar or Parmesan, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
You could also top them with some chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits.
Whatever you do, just make sure you enjoy every bite.
4. Quinoa Pilaf
This quinoa pilaf is a great side dish to any meal, but it especially pairs well with balsamic chicken.
The quinoa is cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor and then mixed with sauteed onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
This dish is hearty and filling but still light and healthy.
The quinoa gives the pilaf a nice, chewy texture, while the onions and garlic add sweetness and depth of flavor.
The mushrooms add a nice earthiness to the dish.
If you want to elevate this dish even further, try adding some chopped roasted almonds or dried cranberries.
Both of these ingredients will add a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish.
5. Farro Salad
If you’re looking for a new salad to try, we highly recommend this Farro Salad.
It’s a great dish for any season and can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.
The taste and texture of the Farro Salad are really what sets it apart from other salads.
The Farro itself is a chewy grain that has a nutty flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the crispy kale and sweet roasted grapes.
The dish is also finished with a light vinaigrette, which ties everything together nicely.
One tip we have for elevating this dish is to add some crumbled goat cheese on top.
The creaminess of the goat cheese takes the salad to the next level and makes it even more satisfying.
If you’re serving this salad as a main course, you could also add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
6. Kale Salad
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy kale is in a salad.
Kale salads are the perfect way to pack in some extra greens into your diet.
They are also a great option when you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
Kale salads have a slightly bitter taste and a hearty texture.
We like to add some sweetness to our kale salads with fruits or roasted vegetables.
You can also add some crunch with nuts or seeds.
We recommend massaging the kale leaves before adding them to the salad.
This helps to soften the kale and make it more enjoyable to eat.
- Add some sweetness with fruits or roasted vegetables.
- Add some crunch with nuts or seeds.
- Use high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing.
7. Roasted Beet and Berry Salad
This roasted beet and berry salad is the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ.
The beets are roasted to perfection, and the berries add a sweetness that takes the dish to the next level.
The salad is also packed with nutrients and is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
The key to this dish is in the roasting of the beets.
You want to make sure that they are cooked through but still have a little bit of bite to them.
This can be achieved by roasting them at a high temperature for a short period of time.
The berries can be fresh or frozen, depending on what is available to you.
Frozen berries will work just as well as fresh berries and will actually help to keep the salad cool.
To elevate this dish, you can add some crumbled goat cheese on top.
The creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet berries and earthy beets.
You can also add some chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
This salad can be served as is or with a light dressing.
8. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for fall.
The taste is sweet and slightly nutty, while the texture is velvety smooth.
This soup can be easily elevated by adding a dollop of crème Fraiche or some toasted pumpkin seeds on top.
Butternut squash soup is a great way to use up leftover squash from Halloween.
It’s also a good way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet.
This soup can be made in advance and frozen for up to two months.
Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
9. Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food.
It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.
The best part about this soup is that it’s so easy to make.
All you need is a can of diced tomatoes, some fresh basil, and a few other simple ingredients.
The key to making a great tomato basil soup is to get the balance of flavors just right.
The acidity of the tomatoes should be balanced out by the sweetness of the basil.
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You also want to make sure that the soup has a good amount of body to it.
This can be achieved by adding in some puréed vegetables or using a higher quality canned tomato.
There are endless ways to elevate this classic soup.
One way is to add in some extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or onion.
Another way is to use fire-roasted tomatoes for an added depth of flavor.
You could also add in some protein like chicken or shrimp.
10. Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is one of the most classic comfort foods out there.
It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for a cold winter day.
But what makes chicken noodle soup so great? Is it the chicken? The noodles? The vegetables?
The answer is all of the above.
Chicken noodle soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the chicken, noodles, and vegetables all working together.
The chicken provides a rich, savory flavor, while the noodles add a bit of texture and heartiness.
The vegetables round out the dish, adding sweetness, crunch, and nutrients.
- Add extra vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are classic additions to chicken noodle soup but don’t be afraid to get creative and add in other veggies like kale, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
- Experiment with different types of noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use rice noodles, soba noodles, or even pasta.
- Add some spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce can really take your soup to the next level.
- Top it off: A sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil), shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon makes a great finishing touch.
11. French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic dish that is loved by many.
It is simple to make and can be easily elevated with a few simple ingredients.
The most important part of making this dish is to get the onions right.
They should be cooked slowly so that they caramelize and become sweet and golden brown.
This process can take up to an hour, but it is worth it.
The soup itself is very savory, with a strong onion flavor.
The onions are softened by the cooking process and provide a lovely sweetness to the dish.
The broth is usually beef or chicken-based, which adds another layer of flavor.
Finally, the soup is topped with a thick slice of bread and melted cheese.
This combination provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
If you want to elevate your French onion soup, there are a few things you can do:
- You can use better quality beef or chicken broth.
- Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the soup.
- Top the soup with crumbled bacon or fried shallots for an extra bit of flavor and crunch.
12. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Ah, the grilled cheese sandwich.
Classic comfort food that evokes memories of childhood lunches and late-night snacks.
At its core, grilled cheese is simply bread and cheese, but when done right, it can be so much more.
The key is in the quality of the ingredients and the method of cooking.
Good grilled cheese should have a golden-brown crust that is crispy yet chewy.
The cheese should be melted to perfection, with just the right amount of stretch.
And the bread should be able to withstand all that melty goodness without getting soggy.
Here are a few tips for elevated grilled cheese greatness:
- Start with good bread. A sturdy sourdough or ciabatta will hold up well to the grill.
- Use sharp cheddar or Gruyere for maximum flavor.
- Add a touch of acidity with pickled onions or roasted tomatoes.
- Elevate your grilled cheese with some smoked ham or pancetta. .
13. BLT Sandwiches
BLT sandwiches are a classic for a reason – they’re simple, delicious, and satisfying.
The combination of salty bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes is hard to beat.
And there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a BLT and feeling all the flavors explode in your mouth.
But let’s be honest – sometimes BLTs can be a little boring.
If you’re looking to elevate your BLT game, here are a few tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This is key with any dish but especially important with something as simple as a sandwich. Make sure to use thick-cut bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce.
- Add some spice. A little bit of heat can really take a BLT to the next level. Try adding some jalapeno slices or using pepper jack cheese in place of regular cheese.
- Get creative with the bread. Sure, white bread is classic, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. Try using hearty wheat bread or even something sweet like cinnamon raisin bread.
14. Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Chicken Parmesan sandwiches are a delicious and easy lunch or dinner option.
The chicken is tender and juicy, and the Parmesan cheese adds a nice depth of flavor.
These sandwiches can be made even better by adding a few simple ingredients.
To start, make sure to use good quality bread for your sandwiches.
A nice ciabatta or sourdough bread will elevate the dish and make it more enjoyable to eat.
For the chicken, you can either use breast meat or thigh meat.
Thigh meat will be more flavorful and juicier, but breast meat is leaner and healthier.
If you’re using breast meat, consider pounding it thinly before cooking so that it’s more tender.
Once you’ve assembled your sandwich, you can either grill it, fry it, or bake it.
Grilling or frying will give the chicken a crispy exterior, while baking will result in a more moist sandwich.
If you’re grilling or frying, be sure not to overcook the chicken so that it remains juicy.
15. Club Sandwiches
Club sandwiches are a classic for a reason – they’re delicious.
These sandwiches are usually made with chicken or turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, all nestled between two slices of bread.
The taste and texture of these ingredients come together perfectly to create a sandwich that is both flavorful and satisfying.
There are a few things you can do to elevate your club sandwich and make it even more delicious.
First, make sure you use high-quality bread – something like sourdough or ciabatta will do the trick.
Second, don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings.
Try adding some avocado or using a different type of cheese.
Finally, give your sandwich a little bit of a kick by adding some spicy mayo or mustard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of great side dishes that go well with balsamic chicken.
As I have shown, there are many options that are healthy and flavorful.
I hope this blog post has been helpful in deciding what to serve with your next meal.
Be sure to try out some of these side dishes the next time you make balsamic chicken.
What to Serve with Balsamic Chicken? 15 TASTY Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 4. Quinoa Pilaf
- 5. Farro Salad
- 6. Kale Salad
- 7. Roasted Beet and Berry Salad
- 8. Butternut Squash Soup
- 9. Tomato Basil Soup
- 10. Chicken Noodle Soup
- 11. French Onion Soup
- 12. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- 13. BLT Sandwiches
- 14. Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
- 15. Club Sandwiches
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!