What to Serve With Balsamic Chicken (8 Delicious Ideas to Try)
Last year as my office holiday party was winding down, I decided to take my leftover side dish of stuffing and put it in the microwave. Unfortunately, someone placed the Tupperware container in the freezer so when I went to microwave it, the stuffing was frozen solid.
And we all know what happens when you try to microwave frozen food, it explodes everywhere. So there I was, at 11 PM, cleaning stuffing off the ceiling and walls.
Needless to say, the office got to hear me cursing out my stovetop at almost midnight on Christmas eve.
But what can I say? I get hangry.
Anyways, what I’m trying to say is that you should never underestimate the power of a good side dish. Just like my beloved stuffing, a great side dish can make or break a meal. And when it comes to balsamic chicken, there are so many delicious options to choose from.
So what are the best side dishes for balsamic chicken? Let’s take a look.
Best Side Dishes for Balsamic Chicken
- Roasted Potatoes
- Easy Grilled Asparagus
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
- Green Beans with Bacon and Almonds
- Buttered Corn
- Sautéed Greens
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Potatoes
Let’s get the ball rolling with roasted potatoes and you know I love me some potatoes. There’s just something about their creaminess and versatility that makes them a perfect side for any dish, especially chicken.
And when you roast ’em up in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and sea salt?
Well, they’re just out-of-this-world delicious.
As for why they go so well with balsamic chicken, I think it has something to do with the acidity of the vinegar. It really brings out the flavors of the potatoes and makes them sing.
So how do you make ’em? It’s easy as pie.
Just preheat your oven, wash your potatoes good and proper, slice ’em into thin wedges, and toss with a bit of olive oil and sea salt. Then bake for a few minutes or until nice and crispy. And wham-bam-booey you’re done!
However, even if you’re not a fan of balsamic chicken, don’t worry, these roasted potatoes would be delicious alongside just about anything. grilled fish, roasted veggies, you name it.
Easy Grilled Asparagus
In general, asparagus is a suitable side dish for chicken because it’s so versatile. You can grill it, roast it, or even sauté it. And it goes well with just about any kind of chicken.
I especially love it with balsamic chicken because the acidity in the balsamic vinegar really brings out the flavor of the asparagus.
Now, to prepare this side dish, simply trim the ends off of your asparagus and then toss them in a little olive oil. Then, add them to your grill or grill pan and cook for a few minutes, or until they’re tender but still crisp.
Once they’re done, I like to drizzle them with a little bit of balsamic vinegar and serve immediately. This easy-grilled asparagus is also great as a side dish for fish, steak, or even pasta.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Following up on this list of side dishes for balsamic chicken, I have the king of all comfort foods baked mac and cheese.
Frankly speaking, mac and cheese is a southern staple, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by pairing it with some balsamic chicken. The cheesy goodness complements the acidity of the chicken perfectly, and the crunchy topping provides a nice contrast in texture.
Best of all, this dish is easy to prepare. Simply bake some mac and cheese according to your favorite recipe, then top it with some cooked chicken and a balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use it as a main course. Just add some green beans or a salad on the side, and you’ve got a complete meal.
Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
This next side dish is a bit more sophisticated, but it’s no less delicious. Cranberry-pecan wild rice pilaf is an excellent accompaniment to balsamic chicken, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
Now, the key to this dish is in the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the cranberries, the nuttiness of the pecans, and the acidity of the balsamic vinegar all come together to create a unique and flavorful dish.
Moreover, it’s not difficult to make. Simply cook your rice according to package directions, then stir in some chopped cranberries, pecans, and a balsamic glaze. That’s it! This dish can be served as a side or as a main course.
Green Beans with Bacon and Almonds
Y’all, I am tellin’ you this side dish is amazin’. Green beans are one of my fava vegetables, and bacon just makes everythin’ better. Plus the almonds give it a nice crunch.
Now, I know some of y’all might be thinkin’, “How do you prepare this side dish?”
Well, let me tell you. First, you need to snap the ends off the green beans. Then, you cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crisp. You remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and drain it on some paper towels.
Afterward, you add the green beans to the bacon grease and cook them until they’re tender. Finally, you add the bacon back in and sprinkle on some almonds. It sounds simple. And it is.
I promise you, your family will love this side dish. Needless to say, if green beans ain’t your thing, you could always try using Brussels sprouts or broccoli. Just remember, everything is better with bacon!
Buttered Corn
I absolutely love buttered corn as a side dish for balsamic chicken. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the tangy chicken, and the butter adds a lovely richness to the dish.
And it’s so easy to make! Just shuck the corn and boil it in milk, along with your favorite herbs and spices for a few minutes, then drain and stir in some butter.
In a similar fashion, if you’re looking for something a little different, you can also use buttered corn as a side dish for roasted pork or grilled salmon.
Sautéed Greens
Continuing on this list of awesome side dishes for balsamic chicken, I have sautéed greens.
Greens are a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal, and they pair well with just about anything. In this case, the bitterness of the greens offsets the sweetness of the balsamic chicken, and the two flavors come together beautifully.
As for preparation, simply wash your greens and remove any tough stems. Then, sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they’re wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re done.
So there you have it! Simple yet tasty sautéed greens.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Finally, if you’re looking for a side dish that’s a little bit fancier than buttered corn, you should try garlic Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts. This dish is bursting with flavor, and from my experience, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
To make this side dish, simply trim your Brussels sprouts and toss them with some olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Then, roast them in a preheated oven until they’re tender and crispy. I like to serve them with a bit of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
In addition to Balsamic Chicken, this side dish also goes well with roasted pork tenderloin or grilled salmon.
FAQ
What goes good with barbecue chicken?
There are many delicious side dishes that go well with barbecue chicken. Some of our favorites include biscuits, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.
What are some good side dishes for grilled chicken?
If you’re looking for something to serve with grilled chicken, you can’t go wrong with roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a simple salad.
What goes good with balsamic chicken?
There are many delicious side dishes that go well with balsamic chicken. Some of our favorites include green beans with bacon and almonds, buttered corn, sautéed greens, and garlic Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts. Each of these sides is a perfect complement to the flavors of balsamic chicken.
Conclusion
Taking everything into account, these are some of the best side dishes for balsamic chicken. Each dish has its own unique flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of balsamic chicken.
So, now that you know what to serve with balsamic chicken, Take those cooking tools out, invite some friends over, and enjoy a delicious meal.
And don’t forget to try out different side dishes to find what you like best!