Are you looking for new ideas of what to serve with your chicken meatballs?
If the same old sides are getting a bit boring, then you’ve come to the right place!
There is nothing quite like pairing flavors that complement each other perfectly, and we have explored 12 tasty side dishes guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
These fool-proof recipes will take your meal to the next level: don’t be afraid to add an extra kick by tweaking them according to your preference.
So put on some music, get creative in the kitchen, and let’s explore all these delicious options!
What to Serve with Chicken Meatballs? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your chicken meatballs? Look no further than roasted Brussels sprouts.
These little green veggies are packed with nutrients and have a lovely savory flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Plus, they’re super easy to make.
Simply toss them in a bit of olive oil and sea salt, then roast in a hot oven until crispy.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are definitely one of our favorite side dishes.
We love their slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture.
They’re also really healthy, which is always a bonus.
If you want to elevate this dish even further, we recommend adding some shaved Parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon on top.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like roasted sweet potatoes.
The taste is heavenly, and the texture is simply divine.
But what makes roasted sweet potatoes even better is that they’re so easy to make.
Just a few simple tips, and you’ll be on your way to making the best roasted sweet potatoes of your life.
When it comes to taste, roasted sweet potatoes are second to none.
The natural sugars in the potatoes caramelize when they’re roasted, giving them a deep, rich flavor that is absolutely irresistible.
And the texture is just as amazing as the taste.
Roasted sweet potatoes are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them the perfect side dish for any meal.
To take your roasted sweet potatoes to the next level, there are a few things you can do.
First, try roasting them with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
The herb-infused oil will give the potatoes an extra boost of flavor that you’ll absolutely love.
Another great tip is to toss the potatoes with some crumbled bacon before roasting them.
The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor that takes these potatoes over the top.
3. Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to serve broccoli rabe, try sautéing it.
This cooking method brings out the vegetable’s natural flavors and results in a dish that is both nutritious and tasty.
Plus, it’s easy to elevate this side dish by adding some extra ingredients.
When sautéed, broccoli rabe takes on a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that is really delicious.
The texture of the vegetable also changes when cooked this way- it becomes more tender and easier to chew.
If you find that raw broccoli rabe is too bitter for your taste, definitely give sautéing a try.
To make this dish even more special, consider adding in some garlic, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese.
These ingredients all pair well with broccoli rabe and will help to enhance its flavor.
If you’re looking for a truly unique twist, try substituting the traditional olive oil for sesame oil- it makes for a delicious and fragrant dish.
4. Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to pasta, spaghetti squash is a great option.
It’s lower in calories and carbs, and it’s a good source of vitamins A and C.
Plus, it’s super easy to prepare.
Just bake it in the oven until it’s tender, then top it with your favorite tomato sauce.
The taste and texture of spaghetti squash are similar to pasta, but it’s not as dense or chewy.
The strands are more delicate, so they absorb the flavors of the sauce better.
To make the dish even more flavorful, try adding some sautéed veggies or shredded cheese on top.
- Roast your spaghetti squash in the oven before topping it with sauce. This will help to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Sauté some onions and garlic in olive oil, then add them to your tomato sauce. This will give the sauce a richer flavor.
- If you want a cheesy flavor without all the calories, sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top of your dish.
5. Quinoa Salad with Feta and Mint
This quinoa salad is a perfect side dish for your next chicken meatball dinner.
It’s packed with flavor from the feta cheese and mint, and the quinoa provides a satisfying texture.
The best part about this dish is that it can be easily elevated to suit any taste.
If you’re looking for a little more protein, you could add some chickpeas or grilled chicken to the salad.
For a more substantial side dish, try serving it over a bed of greens.
And if you want to make it even more flavorful, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or substituting the mint for basil.
6. Kale Caesar Salad
Looking for a new way to enjoy kale? Try this delicious Kale Caesar Salad.
The kale is packed with nutrients, and the salad is full of flavor.
This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side salad.
The taste and texture of this salad are amazing.
The kale is crispy, and the dressing is creamy.
The salad also has a nice crunch from the croutons and Parmesan cheese.
The flavors all work together perfectly.
There are a few things you can do to make this dish even better.
First, add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Second, use homemade croutons for even more flavor.
Third, try using a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta cheese.
All of these additions will take this dish to the next level.
7. Farrotto with Mushrooms
This dish is hearty and filling but still light enough that it won’t weigh you down.
The farrotto is creamy and comforting, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor.
This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
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The key to this dish is to make sure the mushrooms are properly cooked.
They should be browned and slightly crispy around the edges.
This will give them the most flavor.
Be sure to cook the farrotto until it is al dente.
This will ensure that it is nice and creamy.
To really elevate this dish, try using a mix of different mushrooms.
This will give the dish more depth of flavor.
You can also top it with a fried egg for a bit of extra protein.
8. Creamy Potato Leek Soup
This soup is the perfect comfort food.
It’s creamy and rich, with a subtle flavor that comes from the leeks.
The potatoes also add a nice creaminess and body to the soup.
The best part about this soup is that it’s so easy to make.
You don’t need any special ingredients or skills.
Just some simple chopping and simmering.
And if you want to elevate the dish, there are a few easy ways to do it.
First, try roasting the potatoes before adding them to the soup.
This will give them a deeper flavor and add a little bit of texture.
Second, use chicken or beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Finally, top the soup with some crumbled bacon or shredded cheese before serving.
9. Tomato Basil Soup
Tomatoes and basil are a classic combo for a reason – their flavors just work together.
This soup is the perfect way to celebrate summer’s peak produce.
The tomatoes are sweet and juicy, while the basil adds a bright, fresh flavor.
The soup has a smooth, velvety texture, and the hint of garlic gives it an extra zing.
To really elevate this dish, try roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup.
This brings out their natural sweetness and gives the soup a deeper flavor.
You can also experiment with adding other herbs, such as thyme or oregano.
And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dollop of cream on top.
10. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a refreshing, chilled soup that originates from Spain.
It’s made with a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and bread.
Gazpacho has a light, slightly acidic taste, and a smooth texture.
To elevate this dish, consider adding some chopped avocado or hard-boiled eggs.
You could also top it with croutons or a drizzle of olive oil.
For an extra bit of flavor, try adding some smoked paprika or cumin to the soup.
11. Eggplant Caponata
Eggplant Caponata is a dish that originates from Sicily.
It is a stewed eggplant dish that is typically made with tomatoes, onions, celery, capers, and vinegar.
This dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
The taste of Eggplant Caponata is sweet and sour.
The eggplant is cooked down until it is soft, and then the vinegar is added to give it a tart flavor.
The sweetness comes from the addition of raisins or sugar.
This dish can also have a smoky flavor if you roast the eggplant before adding it to the other ingredients.
If you want to elevate this dish, you can add some pine nuts or almonds for crunch.
You could also top it with some fresh parsley or basil.
Serve it with some crusty bread so that you can soak up all of the delicious sauce.
12. Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Parmesan
This roasted cauliflower dish is a delicious and easy side that goes great with chicken meatballs.
The cauliflower is roasted in the oven until it’s nice and crispy, then it’s tossed with lemon and Parmesan cheese.
This dish is packed with flavor and texture, and it’s also healthy and low-carb.
The key to making this dish successful is to roast the cauliflower properly.
You want to make sure that the florets are cut evenly so that they all cook at the same rate.
I also like to toss the cauliflower with a little bit of olive oil before roasting, as this helps to promote browning.
Once the cauliflower is out of the oven, be sure to add the lemon juice right away so that it doesn’t get absorbed by the hot cauliflower.
This dish can be served as-is, or you can elevate it by adding some chopped fresh parsley or basil.
If you’re looking for an even heartier side, you could serve this roasted cauliflower with some cooked quinoa or rice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of delicious side dishes that go great with chicken meatballs.
You can’t go wrong with any of the choices listed above.
Each dish has its own unique taste and texture that will complement the chicken meatballs perfectly.
So, the next time you’re thinking of what to serve with chicken meatballs, be sure to try out one of these side dishes.
Your taste buds will thank you.
What to Serve with Chicken Meatballs? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 3. Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
- 4. Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce
- 5. Quinoa Salad with Feta and Mint
- 6. Kale Caesar Salad
- 7. Farrotto with Mushrooms
- 8. Creamy Potato Leek Soup
- 9. Tomato Basil Soup
- 10. Gazpacho
- 11. Eggplant Caponata
- 12. Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Parmesan
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!