We’re about to level up your balsamic chicken game. You know that delicious balsamic chicken you whip up weekly? Well, it needs a squad.
We’re talking 10 epic side dishes that will turn your meal from tasty to tastier. Think mashed potatoes that are smooth as butter. Or how about arugula salad that unexpectedly burst with flavor?
Ran out of ideas for sides last week and got called out? We’ve all been there. Let’s ensure that doesn’t happen again.
Let’s get this flavor train moving!
Top 10 Side Dishes for Balsamic Chicken
Here are our top picks for side dishes that will perfectly complement your balsamic chicken:
Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Time |
Couscous Salad | Couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers | Light, tangy | Easy | 20 min |
Ratatouille | Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers | Savory, herby | Medium | 40 min |
Grilled Peaches | Peaches, honey, balsamic glaze | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 min |
Arugula and Parmesan Salad | Arugula, Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette | Peppery, savory | Easy | 10 min |
Lemon Garlic Broccolini | Broccolini, lemon, garlic | Zesty, garlicky | Easy | 15 min |
Pesto Pasta | Pasta, basil, pine nuts | Fresh, nutty | Medium | 25 min |
Caprese Salad | Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 min |
Stuffed Bell Peppers | Bell peppers, quinoa, black beans | Savory, hearty | Medium | 35 min |
Sautéed Kale | Kale, garlic, olive oil | Earthy, garlicky | Easy | 15 min |
Herb Focaccia Bread | Flour, rosemary, olive oil | Savory, herby | Medium | 2 hrs |
1 – Couscous Salad
Alright team, let’s chat couscous salad! It’s light, fluffy, and adds a great texture to any meal.
We’re talking about tiny pasta pearls mixed with fresh veggies, tangy lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil. It’s zesty and refreshing.
It’s perfect for soaking up those balsamic chicken juices. We love adding a sprinkle of feta. It brings a nice, salty punch.
2 – Ratatouille
This French veggie medley is hearty and vibrant. We’ve got eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes cooked with garlic and olive oil.
The flavors are rich, earthy, with a touch of sweetness. Perfect side for our balsamic chicken. There’s a balance between the tender veggies and the tangy balsamic sauce. We love how it elevates the whole meal without stealing the spotlight.
3 – Grilled Peaches
Ever tried grilled peaches with balsamic chicken? Game changer. The sweetness of the peaches complements the tangy chicken beautifully.
We love how juicy and caramelized they get. Slice them, brush with olive oil, grill until tender. You’ll need peaches, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Their natural sugars caramelize, adding a smoky flavor. Serve warm for a great balance with the chicken. So simple, yet so tasty!
4 – Arugula and Parmesan Salad
Picture this: peppery arugula, crispy and fresh. Tossed with sharp parmesan that’s shaved into delicate curls. It’s a flavor dance in your mouth. We use a light lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty kick. Perfect with balsamic chicken.
We can’t forget the pine nuts. They add a subtle crunch and a buttery taste. This salad is simple yet sophisticated. The mix of textures and flavors is just right.
5 – Lemon Garlic Broccolini
Lemon garlic broccolini is crisp with a bright punch from lemon. It’s like regular broccoli’s cooler cousin. We make it by sautéing fresh broccolini with minced garlic.
The flavors are simple but bold. The garlic gives it a nice, savory depth. The lemon zest adds a zippy brightness. This combo is perfection.
We sprinkle with a bit of sea salt to finish.
6 – Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is our zesty sidekick. It’s fresh, vibrant, and herby, with a punch of garlic and basil.
We mix al dente pasta with a homemade pesto sauce. This sauce has fresh basil, garlic, parmesan, pine nuts, and quality olive oil. The result? A creamy, nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Plus, it pairs so well with the tangy balsamic chicken. Talk about a match made in heaven.
7 – Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a summery delight. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil make up its essence. We drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.
The vibrant colors scream freshness. The flavors balance perfectly — salty cheese, sweet tomatoes, and herbaceous basil. Every bite is a burst of farm-fresh goodness.
We love how quick and simple it is. Perfect for a light side with your balsamic chicken.
8 – Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are the star of the show. The vibrant colors are a feast for the eyes, and the taste is unbeatable. Filled with a mix of rice, ground turkey, and sautéed veggies, they are hearty and wholesome.
We season them with garlic, cumin, and paprika. They balance the sweetness of the peppers perfectly. The melted cheese on top is pure comfort.
We love how they make meal prep a breeze. The flavors meld together wonderfully. Each bite is a savory delight, and they pair effortlessly with balsamic chicken.
9 – Sautéed Kale
Sautéed kale is our trusty sidekick. It’s vibrant and healthy.
We get simple ingredients: fresh kale, olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt. Garlic adds a rich, savory note.
The olive oil makes it tender with a mild, earthy flavor. We love how quickly it cooks. Kale stays slightly crispy.
We often add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. This is a nutritious, tasty side.
10 – Herb Focaccia Bread
Herb focaccia bread is crispy outside, fluffy inside. It’s loaded with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The olive oil gives it a rich, savory flavor.
We love how it smells fresh out of the oven. Tastes even better dipped in balsamic. Easy to make, perfect for mopping up sauce.
It’s a simple bread that’s incredibly satisfying.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.