What Goes With Lemon Pepper Chicken ( 10 Tasty Ideas)
When it comes to lemon pepper chicken, there are endless possibilities for what side dishes can go with it.
You could choose something as simple as steamed vegetables or rice, or you could get a little more creative and make a delicious potato salad or macaroni salad.
Whatever you choose, be sure to keep the flavors in mind so that they complement each other well.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of our favorite recipes to serve alongside lemon pepper chicken.
Let’s start!
What Goes With Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Roasted Rutabaga And Parsnip
- Roasted Onions With Balsamic Vinegar
- Quinoa With Vegetables And Herbs
- Sweet Potato Salad
- Sauteed Mushroom Couscous
- Butternut Squash With Sage
- Fried Rice Noodles With Scallions And Cilantro
- Quinoa Salad With Grilled Vegetables
- Mashed Potatoes
- Coconut Curry Rice
Roasted Rutabaga And Parsnip
Rutabaga and parsnip are two of my favorite root vegetables to roast. They have a slightly sweet flavor that goes well with the lemon pepper chicken.
I like to add a little bit of thyme to the roasting pan for an extra flavor dimension. You could also use other herbs such as rosemary or sage.
The key to roasting root vegetables is to not overcook them. You want them to be tender but still have a slight crunch. I typically roast them at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Another great thing about roasted rutabaga and parsnip is that they can be served hot or cold. If you’re making them ahead of time, simply reheat them in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Quick recipe: Roasted Rutabaga And Parsnip with Maple Glaze
- Ingredients: 1 rutabaga, 2 parsnips, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme
- Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Instructions:
- Peel and cube rutabaga and parsnips.
- Toss with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Roast at 400°F for 35 minutes, stirring halfway.
Roasted Onions With Balsamic Vinegar
There are many cases in which roasted onions with balsamic vinegar make for a great side dish. For instance, they can complement a simple lemon pepper chicken recipe quite nicely.
The sweetness of the onions helps to offset the savory flavors of the chicken, while the acidity of the vinegar helps to brighten the dish as a whole.
Additionally, roasted onions are a healthy and nutrient-rich addition to any meal. They are packed with antioxidants and have been shown to promote cardiovascular health.
Quick recipe:Â Roasted Onions With Balsamic Vinegar and Parmesan
- Ingredients: 4 large onions, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, olive oil, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Instructions:
- Cut onions into wedges.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with Parmesan, then roast for another 10 minutes.
Quinoa With Vegetables And Herbs
Quinoa With Vegetables And Herbs is a great side dish for lemon pepper chicken. The light, yet filling, grain pairs well with the chicken’s savory flavors.
The herbs add a touch of flavor and the vegetables provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. This dish is also high in protein and fiber, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a hearty meal.
Quinoa with vegetables and herbs can also be used as a side dish for fish or meat. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with almost any main course.
Quick recipe: Quinoa With Vegetables And Herbs
- Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, chives), olive oil, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Instructions:
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth.
- Sauté zucchini and bell pepper in olive oil.
- Mix cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
Sweet Potato Salad
Sweet Potato Salad is a great side dish for many different types of recipes. It is especially good with chicken recipes. There are many benefits to using Sweet Potato Salad as a side dish.
One benefit is that it is high in fiber. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to eat healthily. Another benefit is that it is low in calories. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight.
Sweet potato salad is also a good choice for people who are vegetarian or vegan. The salad is also gluten-free, which is important for people who have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant.
Moreover, sweet potato salad is a versatile side dish that can be used in many different types of recipes. It can be used as a side dish for roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or baked chicken. It can also be used as a side dish for pasta dishes, rice dishes, or quinoa dishes.
Quick recipe: Sweet Potato Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts
- Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Instructions:
- Boil cubed sweet potatoes until tender.
- Mix with cranberries and walnuts.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss with potato mixture.
Sauteed Mushroom Couscous
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70650287897958381/
Sauteed Mushroom Couscous is a versatile and healthy side dish that can be used with many different main courses. This dish is high in fiber and protein, low in calories, and has a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Couscous is also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal. To make Sauteed Mushroom Couscous, simply saute mushrooms and onions in olive oil until they are tender.
Then add garlic, broth, and seasonings, and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the couscous and let it cook for about five minutes. Once the couscous is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve.
Quick recipe: Sauteed Mushroom Couscous with Garlic and Thyme
- Ingredients: 1 cup couscous, 1 cup mushrooms, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Instructions:
- Cook couscous according to package instructions.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil. Add thyme.
- Mix with cooked couscous. Season with salt and pepper.
Butternut Squash With Sage
There are many reasons to consider butternut squash with sage as a side dish for lemon pepper chicken.
First, the combination of these two flavors is simply unbeatable. The sage compliments the lemon perfectly, and the butternut squash provides a lovely sweetness and creaminess that takes the dish to another level.
Additionally, this side dish is packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, while sage is a potent antioxidant.
Together, they make a powerhouse duo that can help boost your immune system and protect your cells from damage.
Finally, this side dish is extremely versatile. It can be served hot or cold, and it pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.
Quick recipe: Butternut Squash With Sage and Brown Butter
- Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup sage leaves, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Instructions:
- Cube butternut squash.
- Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Brown butter in a pan and fry sage leaves.
- Toss roasted squash in brown butter and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
Fried Rice Noodles With Scallions And Cilantro
Fried rice noodles with scallions and cilantro is a side dish that can be used for lemon pepper chicken. This side dish is beneficial because it provides essential nutrients, helps to regulate moisture levels, and prevents weed growth.
Fried rice noodles with scallions and cilantro are also suitable side dish because it is low in calories and fat, and it is an excellent source of fiber.
When choosing a recipe to pair this side dish with, consider whether the lemon pepper chicken will be served as a main course or as an appetizer.
If the lemon pepper chicken is served as a main course, the fried rice noodles with scallions and cilantro can be used as a side dish.
On the other hand, if the lemon pepper chicken is served as an appetizer, the fried rice noodles with scallions and cilantro can be used as a dipping sauce.
Quick recipe: Fried Rice Noodles With Scallions And Cilantro and Lime
- Ingredients: Rice noodles, 1 bunch scallions, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 lime, soy sauce, sesame oil
- Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Instructions:
- Cook rice noodles.
- Sauté scallions in sesame oil.
- Toss noodles with scallions, cilantro, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Quinoa Salad With Grilled Vegetables
This quinoa salad is a perfect side dish for lemon pepper chicken. The light, refreshing flavors of the salad compliment the chicken perfectly, and the grilled vegetables add a nice touch of flavor.
This dish is also very healthy, providing plenty of nutrients and fiber. Quinoa is a complete protein, so it’s perfect for those who are looking for a hearty, yet healthy, side dish.
Quick recipe: Quinoa Salad With Grilled Vegetables and Lemon-Tahini Dressing
- Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, assorted vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, onion), 1/4 cup tahini, juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Instructions:
- Cook quinoa.
- Grill vegetables.
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine quinoa, vegetables, and dressing.
Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to side dishes, there are many options to choose from. But one of my personal favorites is mashed potatoes. Not only do they go well with a variety of main courses, but they can also be easily dressed up or down to suit any occasion.
And when it comes to lemon pepper chicken, I think mashed potatoes make the perfect sidekick. The creamy texture of the potatoes helps to balance out the zesty flavor of the chicken, and the starchy nature of the potatoes helps to absorb any excess grease.
Plus, mashed potatoes are relatively inexpensive and easy to make, which makes them a great choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Quick recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Chives
- Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, 1 head garlic, 1/4 cup cream, 1/4 cup chives, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Roast garlic at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Mash potatoes with roasted garlic, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chives.
Coconut Curry Rice
Coconut Curry Rice is a flavorful and nutrient-dense side dish that can be used as a complement to many main dishes.
It is especially delicious when paired with lemon pepper chicken, as the acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.
Coconut curry rice is also an excellent choice if you are entertaining guests, as it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature.
Finally, if you are looking for a lighter option, you could serve the rice without coconut milk.
Quick recipe: Coconut Curry Rice with Cashews
- Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 can coconut milk, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1/4 cup cashews, salt
- Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Instructions:
- Cook rice in coconut milk.
- Stir in curry powder and salt.
- Top with cashews before serving.
Some Common Mistakes When Choosing What Goes With Lemon Pepper Chicken
One common mistake people make when choosing what to serve with lemon pepper chicken is not considering the other ingredients in the recipe.
For example, if the recipe includes vegetables, the fried rice noodles with scallions and cilantro can be used as a bed for the vegetables. On the other hand, if the recipe includes meat, the fried rice noodles with scallions and cilantro can be used as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Another common mistake is not considering the overall flavor of the dish. For example, if the lemon pepper chicken is served with a creamy sauce, a light and refreshing salad may not be the best choice.
Conversely, if the lemon pepper chicken is served with a spicy sauce, a starchy side dish like mashed potatoes may not be the best choice.
Finally, a common mistake people make is not considering the portion size when choosing what to serve with lemon pepper chicken.
For example, if the recipe serves four people, but you only have two people to feed, you may want to consider serving the lemon pepper chicken with a smaller side dish.
Conversely, if the recipe only serves two people, but you have four people to feed, you may want to consider serving the lemon pepper chicken with a larger side dish.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing what goes with lemon pepper chicken, there are many delicious options to choose from.
Be sure to consider the other ingredients in the recipe, the overall flavor of the dish, and the portion size when making your decision.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment!
With so many delicious options available, you’re sure to find a new favorite side dish.
What Goes With Lemon Pepper Chicken ( 10 Tasty Ideas)
Ingredients
- Roasted Rutabaga And Parsnip
- Roasted Onions With Balsamic Vinegar
- Quinoa With Vegetables And Herbs
- Sweet Potato Salad
- Sauteed Mushroom Couscous
- Butternut Squash With Sage
- Fried Rice Noodles With Scallions And Cilantro
- Quinoa Salad With Grilled Vegetables
- Mashed Potatoes
- Coconut Curry Rice
Instructions
- Choose your preferred recipe
- Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
- Prepare your side dish