What to Serve with Chicken Francese (7 Incredible Sides to Try)

Nobody said picking a side dish for Chicken Francese would be easy! There are so many delicious options to choose from, it’s hard to know what will pair well with this dish. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

Just a few months ago, I was in the same predicament. I had no idea what to make for my friend’s birthday dinner. Chicken Francese was on the menu, and I wanted to make something that would compliment it perfectly.

After doing some research, I came up with a list of tasty side dishes that should leave everyone wanting more. So I started testing out recipes. Some of them were great, while others… not so much.

But after a lot of trial and error, I finally found the perfect pairing for Chicken Francese. And trust me, it’s worth the wait. So without further ado, here are my top seven picks for side dishes to serve with Chicken Francese.

 Side Dishes for Chicken Francese

1. Arugula Salad
2. Green Beans Almondine
3. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
4. Achiote Rice
5. Pasta
6. Roasted Carrots
7. Baked Potatoes

Arugula Salad

Let’s get started with arugula salad. You might be thinking, “Hey, why would I pair arugula with my chicken francese?” And I’m here to tell you, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! The peppery flavor of arugula goes so well with the milder chicken francese.

Plus, it’s a nice way to get some greens in your meal. Preparing the salad is simple. Just wash and dry the arugula, then put it in a bowl. I like to add a little bit of olive oil and vinegar, but you can also just use your favorite salad dressing. Feel free to add as much or as little as you like – there’s no wrong way to do it!

Likewise, this side dish is also great on its own as a light lunch. Just add some cherry tomatoes and croutons, and you’re good to go!

Green Beans Almondine

Up next is a delicious and healthy side dish to go with your Chicken Francese. It’s none other than green beans almondine. This classic French dish is made with fresh green beans, almonds, and garlic, and it’s the perfect way to round out a meal.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes, then saute them with the garlic and almonds. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and you’re done!

Green beans almondine goes well with just about any main course, so feel free to experiment. Try it with fish, pork, or even tofu. And if you’re not in the mood for chicken Francese, this side dish would also be delicious with roasted chicken or lamb chops.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, just leave out the chicken and you’ve got a delicious veggie dish!

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan

All things considered, Chicken Francese is a beautiful main dish, but it needs a little something extra to really make it shine. That’s where our next side dish, roasted asparagus with lemon and Parmesan comes in.

This side dish is an excellent complement to Chicken Francese because the bright flavors of the lemon and Parmesan help to balance out the rich chicken. Plus, the asparagus provides a welcome pop of color and freshness.

At the same time, roasted asparagus is not just a pretty face. It’s also incredibly easy to make. Simply toss some asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a hot oven until tender.

Then, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and you’re done. From my experience, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Achiote Rice

Following that, we have achiote rice. This is a flavorful and colorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s made with rice, onions, and garlic, and it gets its beautiful orange color from annatto paste.

To make this side dish, simply saute the onions and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened. Add the annatto paste, and chicken stock, and bring to a boil.

Finally, add the rice and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper, once cooked go ahead and serve. But, if you’re feeling fancy, you can top it with some chopped scallions or cilantro. Trust me, even without the extras, this dish is sure to please.

Additionally, it’s best served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.

Pasta

Following those yummy baked potatoes, we have our good old friend pasta. This is a classic side dish that goes with just about anything.

As a result, pasta makes a great side dish for Chicken Francese, as it soaks up the delicious lemony sauce and pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. Plus, preparation is a no-brainer, just boil some water and cook the pasta according to the package directions.

And if you’re feeling a bit extravagant, you can even add a little Parmesan cheese on top.

It’s easy, isn’t it? You bet it is!

But what I really love about pasta is that it’s such a budget-friendly and versatile dish. You can choose any type of pasta you like, and there are so many different ways to prepare it.

You can keep it simple with just a little bit of olive oil and garlic, or you can make it more complex with a variety of vegetables and meats.

Roasted Carrots

Next, we have roasted carrots! These are great side dishes for Chicken Francese because they are simple to make and packed with flavor. Beyond that, the sweetness of the carrots helps to balance out the savory flavors of the chicken.

Besides, everybody knows that the best part of roasted carrots is the crispy bits. But how do you get them?

First, you need to cut your carrots into uniform pieces. I like to slice them thin, about a quarter-inch thick. Then, toss them in olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. I usually go with a classic thyme and rosemary combo.

Then, roast them in a preheated oven until they’re tender and slightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on them though, because you don’t want them to burn!

The result is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes perfectly with our Chicken Francese. Not to mention, carrots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and fiber.

Baked Potatoes

Last but not least, we have our lovely baked potatoes! This goes beautifully with our Chicken Francese, and I’ll tell you why. First of all, it’s a comforting dish. There’s nothing quite like a fluffy baked potato smothered in butter, salt, and pepper.

It’s also a versatile dish you can add sour cream, chives, cheese, or any other toppings you like. Plus, it’s an affordable dish. Potatoes are one of the most inexpensive ingredients you can buy, making them the perfect side for our Chicken Francese.

Moreover, they help to soak up all of the delicious sauce and they are just so darn cute!

But don’t stop there!

These little potatoes are also great as a standalone side dish or as a topping for salads and soups. To make this dish, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees, wash your potatoes, and then bake them for about 45 minutes. And Boom! Now you have the perfect side dish for your Chicken Francese.

So now you know some good reasons to serve baked potatoes with your Chicken Francese.

FAQ

What is the difference between Francese and piccata?

While both are served with a lemony sauce, the main difference is that Francese uses egg batter while piccata does not.

What can I use instead of white wine?

if you don’t want to use alcohol, simply replace the wine with chicken broth.

Do capers add flavor?

Capers are usually used as a garnish; however, they do add a briny, floral flavor to your dish. If you don’t like them, simply leave them out.

What are some other side dishes I could serve with Chicken Francese?

Some other great side dishes include mashed potatoes, green beans, and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Conclusion

All in all, there are many great side dishes you can serve with Chicken Francese.

But these awesome side dishes are my personal favorites because they are simple to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

So here’s to a delicious and well-rounded meal! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Until next time!