What to Serve with Chicken Marsala: Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Meal
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion.
When it comes to serving chicken marsala, it is important to choose the right side dishes to complement the dish. In this article, we will explore some of the best side dishes to serve with chicken marsala.
Understanding Chicken Marsala is key to selecting the right side dishes. Chicken Marsala is a dish made with chicken breasts that are cooked in a creamy Marsala wine sauce. The dish is typically served with pasta or rice, but there are many other side dishes that can be served with it.
Classic Italian sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and polenta are great options, but there are also many unique side dishes that can be served with chicken marsala.
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that is typically served with pasta or rice.
Classic Italian sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and polenta are great options to serve with chicken marsala.
There are also many unique side dishes that can be served with chicken marsala, such as eggplant fries, baked spaghetti squash, and sun-dried tomato and basil rice.
Understanding Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that features chicken cutlets cooked in a creamy Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. It is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.
The dish gets its name from the Marsala wine used to make the sauce. Marsala wine is a fortified wine from Sicily that has a deep, rich flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit. The wine is typically used in cooking to add depth and complexity to sauces and stews.
To make Chicken Marsala, chicken cutlets are first dredged in flour and then pan-fried until golden brown. The mushrooms are then sautéed in the same pan with garlic and shallots until they are tender and golden.
The Marsala wine is then added to the pan along with chicken broth and heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce. The chicken is then added back to the pan and simmered in the sauce until it is cooked through and tender.
The creamy Marsala sauce is what really makes this dish special. It is rich, velvety, and full of flavor. The addition of mushrooms adds an earthy depth to the sauce that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the Marsala wine.
When it comes to serving Chicken Marsala, it is important to choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the dish. Creamy polenta, roasted fingerling potatoes, and braised greens are all great options that will help balance the richness of the sauce.
A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
Overall, Chicken Marsala is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce and tender chicken, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Classic Italian Sides
When it comes to serving chicken marsala, it’s always a good idea to stick to classic Italian sides to complement the dish. Here are some delicious options to consider:
Pasta Varieties
Pasta is a classic Italian side that pairs perfectly with chicken marsala. Opt for handmade pasta or pasta varieties like garlic parmesan angel hair pasta to add some extra flavor. Some popular options include:
Linguine
Fettuccine
Penne
Rigatoni
Rice Options
If you prefer rice over pasta, there are plenty of options to choose from. Brown rice, jasmine rice, and white rice are all great choices. Consider adding some herbs like rosemary or thyme to the rice for added flavor.
Potato Sides
Potatoes are a versatile side that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, and fondant potatoes are all great options. Baked sweet potatoes are also a delicious and healthy alternative.
Bread Choices
Garlic bread is a classic Italian side that pairs well with chicken marsala. Homemade garlic bread or bread rolls are great options. Consider serving a variety of breads to accommodate different preferences.
Vegetable Sides
Vegetables are a healthy and delicious side option for chicken marsala. Green beans, asparagus, broccolini, zucchini, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all great choices. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, and sautéed green beans or broccolini are all delicious options.
Salads
Salads are a refreshing and healthy side option. Spinach, tomatoes, and caprese salad are all classic Italian choices. Arugula salad and kale Caesar salad are also delicious options. Consider adding some protein like grilled shrimp or chicken to the salad for a more filling meal.
Overall, there are plenty of classic Italian sides that pair perfectly with chicken marsala. Whether you prefer pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, vegetables, or salads, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.
Unique Side Dishes
When it comes to serving chicken marsala, the traditional side dishes are always a safe bet. However, for those looking to mix things up and add a unique twist to their meal, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Polenta and Risotto
Polenta and risotto are two Italian sides that pair perfectly with chicken marsala. Creamy polenta, made from cornmeal, has a smooth texture that complements the rich and savory flavors of the chicken marsala.
Mushroom risotto or parmesan risotto are also great options that add a touch of elegance to the meal.
Noodle Options
While egg noodles are a classic side dish for chicken marsala, there are other noodle options that can add a unique twist to the meal.
Almond noodles, made with almond flour, have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the chicken marsala. Buttered noodles, tossed with butter and herbs, are also a simple yet delicious option.
Additional Italian Sides
For those looking to stick with Italian sides, there are plenty of options beyond the traditional ones. Green bean almondine, made with fresh green beans and toasted almonds, is a light and refreshing side that pairs well with the rich flavors of the chicken marsala.
Buttered peas and carrots, braised greens, ricotta gnocchi, and roasted fingerling potatoes are all great options that add a unique twist to the meal.
Overall, there are plenty of unique side dishes that can be served with chicken marsala. Whether it’s creamy polenta, almond noodles, or braised greens, these options are sure to impress and add a touch of variety to the meal.
When it comes to serving chicken marsala, it is important to consider the dietary restrictions of your guests. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available that can accommodate different dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Choices
For those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, there are several side dishes that are gluten-free and still pair well with chicken marsala. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, are a great option.
Another option is to serve a gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta, with a simple olive oil and garlic sauce.
If you are looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour for thickening the sauce, almond flour can be used instead. It provides a similar texture and flavor, without the gluten.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
For vegan or vegetarian guests, there are several options that can be served alongside chicken marsala. A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and olives can be a refreshing and flavorful option. Another option is to serve a vegetable side dish, such as roasted root vegetables or sautéed spinach.
If you are looking for a vegan or vegetarian alternative to chicken in the dish, there are several options available. One option is to use seitan, which has a similar texture to chicken. Another option is to use tofu, which can be marinated in a flavorful sauce and then sautéed.
Overall, there are many options available for those with dietary restrictions when it comes to serving chicken marsala. By considering the needs of your guests and providing alternative options, you can ensure that everyone enjoys the meal.
Enhancing Flavors
Chicken Marsala is a flavorful dish that can be elevated even further by adding complementary flavors to the meal. Here are some ingredients and dishes that can enhance the flavors of chicken marsala:
Garlic: A popular ingredient in Italian cuisine, garlic can add a pungent and savory flavor to chicken marsala. Adding garlic to the dish can also provide health benefits such as reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
Parmesan: A hard, nutty cheese, parmesan can add a rich and savory flavor to chicken marsala. Grating parmesan cheese over the dish can enhance the overall taste and texture of the meal.
Mozzarella: A soft, mild cheese, mozzarella can add a creamy and mellow flavor to chicken marsala. Adding mozzarella to the dish can also provide a contrast in texture to the chicken and sauce.
Nutty flavor: Nuts such as walnuts or pine nuts can add a nutty and earthy flavor to chicken marsala. Chopped nuts can be added to the dish or used as a garnish to enhance the overall taste and texture.
Pears: A sweet and juicy fruit, pears can add a refreshing and fruity flavor to chicken marsala. Adding sliced pears to the dish can also provide a contrast in texture to the chicken and sauce.
Cayenne: A spicy chili pepper, cayenne can add a kick of heat to chicken marsala. Adding cayenne to the dish can also provide health benefits such as reducing inflammation and aiding digestion.
Heavy cream: A rich and creamy ingredient, heavy cream can add a luxurious and velvety texture to chicken marsala. Adding heavy cream to the sauce can also help to balance out the acidity of the wine.
Brown sugar: A sweetener, brown sugar can add a subtle sweetness to chicken marsala. Adding a small amount of brown sugar to the sauce can help to balance out the flavors and provide a depth of flavor.
By incorporating some of these ingredients and dishes into the meal, the flavors of chicken marsala can be enhanced and elevated to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Pairing with Wine
When it comes to pairing wine with Chicken Marsala, there are a few options to consider. The key is to choose a wine that complements the flavors of the dish without overpowering it.
Here are some wines to consider:
Chardonnay: A dry, full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay is a classic pairing for Chicken Marsala. Its buttery flavor and oaky notes work well with the rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce.
Chenin Blanc: Another dry, full-bodied white wine that pairs well with Chicken Marsala is Chenin Blanc. Its acidity and fruity notes help cut through the richness of the sauce.
Pinot Noir: For those who prefer red wine, a lighter, low-tannin option like Pinot Noir is a good choice. Its earthy and fruity notes complement the flavors of the dish without overpowering it.
Gamay: Another light red wine to consider is Gamay. Its bright fruit flavors and low tannins make it a good match for the dish.
Merlot: For those who prefer a bolder red wine, Merlot is a good option. Its fruity and spicy notes complement the flavors of the dish well.
Marsala Wine: Of course, you can also consider serving Chicken Marsala with a glass of the namesake wine. This fortified wine from Sicily is used in the dish itself, so it makes a natural pairing. Its nutty and caramel flavors complement the sauce and add depth to the dish.
Ultimately, the best wine to pair with Chicken Marsala depends on personal preference. Experiment with different options to find the perfect match for your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides complement Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and pasta.
The creamy sauce of the dish goes well with starches like rice, potatoes, and pasta. Vegetables like asparagus, green beans, and broccoli also complement the dish nicely.
What are some non-pasta options to serve with Chicken Marsala?
While pasta is a popular option to serve with Chicken Marsala, there are plenty of non-pasta options as well. Some great options include quinoa, farro, or couscous. These grains have a similar texture to pasta and can be cooked in a variety of ways to complement the dish.
What are some unique side dishes to pair with Chicken Marsala?
For those looking for something a little different, there are plenty of unique side dishes that pair well with Chicken Marsala.
Some options include roasted sweet potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, or a mixed green salad with a citrus dressing. These options add a unique twist to the classic dish and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
What vegetables pair well with Chicken Marsala?
Vegetables are a great way to balance out the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala. Some great options include asparagus, green beans, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach. These vegetables provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the dish nicely.
What are some gluten-free side dishes to serve with Chicken Marsala?
For those with gluten sensitivities, there are plenty of gluten-free options to serve with Chicken Marsala. Some great options include roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These options provide a variety of flavors and textures without any gluten.
What are some wine pairing options for Chicken Marsala?
Chicken Marsala pairs well with a variety of wines, including red and white. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir or Chianti pairs well with the dish. For white wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the flavors of the dish nicely.
