Are you at a loss for what to serve with Chicken Francese?
You’re not alone—this classic Italian-American entree presents something of a conundrum when it comes to accompaniments.
With its crispy, lemony coating and delicious white wine sauce, Chicken Francese packs flavor in every bite.
But what dish will complete the meal? Never fear – we have your back!
Here are 12 mouthwatering side dishes that will take this entrée from simply superb to absolutely unforgettable!
What to Serve with Chicken Francese? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish that can be enjoyed all year round.
This healthy vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any meal.
Brussels sprouts have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that is enhanced when they are roasted.
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and makes them extra crispy.
When served alongside chicken Francese, roasted Brussels sprouts make the perfect side dish.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when roasting Brussels sprouts to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
First, be sure to trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts before cooking them.
Second, roast the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
Finally, don’t forget to season the Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper before roasting.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes great with chicken Francese.
Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that is enhanced by roasting.
The texture of roasted butternut squash is smooth and creamy.
To elevate this dish, try roasting the butternut squash with some fresh herbs.
Rosemary, sage, and thyme all go well with butternut squash.
You could also add a bit of spice by including some cayenne pepper or chili flakes when you roast the squash.
Another great way to elevate this dish is to serve it with a dollop of mascarpone cheese on top.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
There’s something about garlic mashed potatoes that make them irresistible.
They’re creamy, smooth, and full of flavor.
And when you add in a little bit of butter and milk, they become even richer and more delicious.
But what really makes garlic mashed potatoes stand out is the taste and texture of the garlic.
When you bite into a piece of garlic, it should be soft and slightly sweet.
But it shouldn’t be overpowering or too salty. The key is to find the right balance of flavors.
To elevate your garlic mashed potatoes, you can try adding in some shredded cheese, green onions, or even crumbled bacon.
These added ingredients will give the dish an extra boost of flavor.
And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try roasting the garlic before adding it to the potatoes.
This will give the dish a deeper, more complex flavor that your guests will love.
4. Wild Mushroom Risotto
Wild Mushroom Risotto is a dish that is rich in flavor and texture.
The dish is made with mushrooms, onions, and rice and is usually served with chicken or beef.
The taste of Wild Mushroom Risotto is earthy and savory, with a creamy texture from the rice.
The mushrooms add a meaty depth of flavor, while the onions add sweetness and balance.
Tips on elevating the dish include using a mix of different mushrooms for more flavor and adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional depth.
Texture-wise, Wild Mushroom Risotto is creamy and smooth, with a bit of chew from the rice.
The mushrooms should be cooked properly so that they are tender but not mushy.
Overall, this dish is hearty and filling, making it perfect for a winter meal.
5. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a side dish that is often served with chicken Francese.
This dish is made with spinach that is cooked in a cream sauce and typically has a very rich and creamy texture.
The flavor of creamed spinach can vary depending on the ingredients used, but it is generally very savory with a slight bitterness from the spinach leaves.
There are many ways to elevate the flavors of creamed spinach.
One way is to use fresh spinach instead of frozen.
This will give the dish a brighter flavor and more vibrant color.
Another way to add depth of flavor is to cook the spinach in chicken or beef broth instead of water.
This will give the dish a richer flavor that pairs well with the chicken Francese.
Finally, adding some shredded cheese to the top of the dish before serving will add a touch of creaminess and saltiness that takes this side dish to the next level.
6. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken Francese.
Asparagus has a delicate flavor that is both nutty and grassy, with a slightly sweet taste.
When grilled, the asparagus takes on a smoky flavor that compliments the chicken Francese perfectly.
Asparagus is also a healthy vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals.
It is a good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and it also contains small amounts of iron and calcium.
Asparagus is low in calories and fat, making it a great addition to any meal.
There are many ways to grill asparagus, but the simplest way is to just drizzle it with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper.
Then, place it on the grill over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly charred.
For extra flavor, you could also add lemon juice or Parmesan cheese before serving.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that goes great with chicken Francese.
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, and roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.
When roasted properly, sweet potatoes have a soft, fluffy interior and a slightly crispy exterior.
They make a great addition to any meal, but they pair especially well with chicken Francese.
To take your roasted sweet potatoes to the next level, try adding a few simple ingredients like fresh herbs or spices.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces, so they cook evenly.
- Roast the sweet potatoes in a hot oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) until they’re tender and slightly golden brown.
- Season the sweet potatoes generously with salt and pepper before roasting.
- Add fresh herbs or spices like garlic, smoked paprika, or cumin to give the dish an extra flavor boost.
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8. Quinoa Salad with Feta and Mint
This quinoa salad is a great option if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
The quinoa provides a nice, nutty flavor while the feta and mint add a touch of salty and sweetness.
I also love how this dish can be easily elevated by adding in some grilled chicken or shrimp.
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy option, this quinoa salad is definitely it.
The quinoa provides a filling base, while the feta and mint add a delicious touch of saltiness and sweetness.
I love how easy it is to make this dish more substantial by adding in some grilled chicken or shrimp.
And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you could even top it with a fried egg.
9. Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Arugula salad is a simple yet elegant dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.
The peppery greens are complimented by the shaved Parmesan cheese, and the acidity of the lemon juice helps to balance out the flavors.
This dish can be easily elevated by adding in some roasted cherry tomatoes or crispy pancetta.
When it comes to taste, arugula has a slightly bitter flavor that is offset by the sweetness of the shaved Parmesan cheese.
The texture of this salad is also quite unique, as the thin slices of Parmesan cheese melt in your mouth while the arugula leaves provide a nice crunch.
If you’re looking for ways to elevate this dish, consider adding in some roasted cherry tomatoes or crispy pancetta.
Both of these ingredients will add another layer of flavor and texture to the salad.
10. Tomato Basil Salad
This Tomato Basil Salad is the perfect side dish to any meal, but it goes especially well with chicken Francese.
The tomatoes are fresh and bright, while the basil brings a beautiful depth of flavor.
The salad is also light and refreshing, making it the perfect complement to a heavier main dish.
The key to this salad is using the freshest ingredients possible.
The tomatoes should be ripe but still firm, and the basil should be fresh and fragrant.
I like to use a mix of different types of tomatoes for color and flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
If you can’t find fresh basil, you can substitute dried basil or another herb of your choice.
To elevate this dish, I like to add some shaved Parmesan cheese and a simple vinaigrette.
The cheese adds a lovely creaminess, and the vinaigrette ties everything together.
This salad is best served immediately after being made, but it will keep in the fridge for a day or two.
11. Fruit Salad
When it comes to fruit salad, the options are endless.
You can mix and match different fruits to create a unique flavor profile that is all your own.
The best part about fruit salad is that it is light and refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for chicken Francese.
When it comes to taste, you want to make sure that your fruit salad is not too sweet or too tart.
The key is to find a balance between the two flavors.
You can also add a bit of texture to your fruit salad by adding some chopped nuts or seeds.
This will give the salad a bit of crunch and make it more filling.
If you want to elevate your fruit salad, you can try adding in some diced cheese or crumbled bacon.
This will give the salad a savory twist that will complement the chicken Francese perfectly.
12. Chocolate Cake
Looking for a delicious way to elevate your next dinner party? Why not try chocolate cake? This classic dessert is always a hit, and with the right recipe, it can be even more delicious.
When it comes to taste and texture, the chocolate cake should be moist and fluffy, with a rich chocolate flavor.
The best recipes use high-quality cocoa powder, which gives the cake its intense flavor.
For an extra touch of decadence, you can also add frosting or ganache.
If you want to really impress your guests, there are a few ways to elevate your chocolate cake.
One option is to use different kinds of chocolate in the cake itself.
For example, you could use dark chocolate for the cake and milk chocolate for the frosting.
Or, you could try using white chocolate chips or chunks throughout the cake for a unique twist.
Another way to make your chocolate cake even more special is to serve it with a side of fresh berries or whipped cream.
This simple addition will take your dessert from good to great.
So next time you’re planning a dinner party, don’t forget the chocolate cake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of side dishes that go great with chicken Francese.
Some of our favorites include roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, garlic mashed potatoes, and wild mushroom risotto.
No matter what you choose to serve with your chicken Francese, we hope you enjoy your meal.
What to Serve with Chicken Francese? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 2. Roasted Butternut Squash
- 3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 4. Wild Mushroom Risotto
- 5. Creamed Spinach
- 6. Grilled Asparagus
- 7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 8. Quinoa Salad with Feta and Mint
- 9. Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
- 10. Tomato Basil Salad
- 11. Fruit Salad
- 12. Chocolate Cake
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!