Are you stuck wondering what to serve with your zesty lemon chicken? I’ve been there too, standing in my kitchen unsure of what goes with lemon pepper chicken and which side dishes would perfectly complement this flavorful dish.
After much research and experimentation, I have gathered a host of fantastic options that accentuate the tangy citrus and warm spice flavors inherent in pepper chicken. In this blog post, expect a journey through palate-pleasing sides from mashed sweet potatoes to couscous salad that will make your meal unforgettable.
Ready for taste-bud magic? Let’s get cooking!
Key Takeaways
- Side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, BBQ potato salad and roasted Brussels sprouts pair well with lemon pepper chicken to balance its flavors.
- Fresh and light options such as Mediterranean couscous salad, lemon orzo, and caprese salad can add a refreshing touch to your meal.
- Grilled vegetables, cauliflower rice, and green beans almondine are delicious alternatives that complement the zesty flavors of chicken.
- Additional suggestions include roasted beet salad, quinoa tabbouleh, and corn and avocado salad for added variety.
Traditional Side Dishes for Lemon Pepper Chicken
Let’s talk about what goes with lemon pepper chicken in traditionals. Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs garlic bread just perfectly with this chicken.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes serve as an exceptional side to complement lemon pepper chicken. They carry a rich, creamy texture that balances the bold flavors of the chicken. Infusing garlic into these fluffy spuds adds a subtle kick, intensifying the overall dish without overshadowing its star ingredient – the zesty pepper chicken.
This perfect pairing delivers a hearty meal with layers of delightful flavor and texture nuances for an unforgettable dining experience.
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus is a light and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with lemon pepper chicken. Asparagus is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
To prepare steamed asparagus, simply trim the ends of the spears and steam them until they are tender-crisp. The vibrant green color and delicate flavor of the asparagus complement the zesty flavors of this dish.
This combination provides a balance of textures and tastes that will delight your taste buds. Steamed asparagus is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a simple yet elegant side dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I love pairing roasted Brussels sprouts with chicken. The crispy texture and earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts complement the zesty taste of the lemon pepper chicken dinner just perfectly.
Roasting them in the oven brings out their natural sweetness while adding a savory touch. Plus as roasted potatoes, they are packed with nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, making them a healthy choice for a side dish.
With each bite, you’ll experience a delicious combination of flavors that will take your meal to the next level.
Fresh and Light Side Dishes
If we talk about something fresh and light – what goes with lemon pepper chicken? Some fresh and light side dishes that pair well with lemon pepper chicken include a rice dish a Mediterranean couscous salad, lemon orzo, and caprese salad.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
To accompany my chicken, I love serving a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean Couscous Salad. This salad is bursting with flavor from ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
The couscous adds a satisfying texture to the chicken dish, while still allowing the flavors of the vegetables to shine through. It’s the perfect side dish for a light and refreshing meal that complements the citrusy notes of the lemon pepper chicken perfectly.
Lemon Orzo
I love pairing pepper chicken with a refreshing and tangy lemon orzo. The combination of the zesty chicken and citrus flavors with the delicate pasta creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Lemon orzo is made by cooking small, rice-shaped pasta in chicken broth infused with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. The result is a bright and flavorful side dish that complements the savory taste of the chicken perfectly.
The lightness of the orzo balances out the bold flavors of the lemon pepper seasoning, creating a well-rounded dining experience. Give this simple yet delightful pairing a try for your next dinner!
Caprese Salad
One of my favorite side dishes to pair with lemon chicken is a fresh and vibrant Caprese Salad. This classic Italian salad features slices of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
The combination of flavors from the juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and aromatic basil perfectly complements the zesty and flavorful lemon pepper chicken. It’s a light and refreshing side dish that adds a burst of freshness to the meal.
Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Alternative Side Dishes for Pepper Chicken
Still looking for what goes with lemon pepper chicken? Grilled Vegetables, Cauliflower Rice, and Green Beans Almondine are delicious alternatives that pair perfectly with the zesty flavors of lemon pepper chicken. Don’t miss out on these unique and flavorful side dish options!
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish option to serve with lemon pepper chicken. The smoky char from the grill adds depth of flavor to vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
Grilling brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender lemon pepper chicken. It’s a simple way to add some color and freshness to your meal while keeping it light and nutritious.
So fire up the grill for some tasty veggies that will complement your lemon pepper chicken!
Cauliflower Rice
I love serving cauliflower rice as a side dish with lemon pepper chicken. It’s a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional rice that adds a light and fresh element to the meal.
Cauliflower rice is made by simply grating or pulsing cauliflower florets until they resemble small grains of rice. Then, it can be quickly sautéed in a pan with some olive oil and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper.
The result is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with the zesty flavors of lemon pepper chicken. You can also try it with egg fried rice!
Green Beans Almondine
I love serving roasted green beans with almondine as a side dish with lemon pepper chicken. The crisp-tender green beans are sautéed in butter until they’re bright and flavorful. Then, they’re sprinkled with crunchy almonds for added texture and nuttiness.
This classic French recipe is simple yet elegant, making it the perfect accompaniment to the zesty flavors of the chicken. The combination of tender green beans and buttery almonds adds a delightful contrast to each bite.
It’s a delicious way to round out your meal and add some extra veggies to your plate.
Additional Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Pairings
Some additional suggestions for what goes with lemon pepper chicken are as follows:
– Roasted Beet Salad: Add a pop of color and earthy sweetness to your lemon pepper chicken with a side of roasted beet salad. The tender beets, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts create the perfect balance of flavors.
– Quinoa Tabbouleh: For a light and refreshing side dish, try pairing lemon pepper chicken with quinoa tabbouleh. The combination of fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, tangy lemon juice, and fluffy quinoa complements the zesty flavors of lemon butter sauce the chicken.
– Corn and Avocado Salad: Create a vibrant summer plate by serving lemon pepper chicken with a side of corn and avocado salad. The sweet corn kernels, creamy avocado slices, and zesty lime dressing provide a burst of flavor that enhances the citrus notes in the chicken.
Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beet salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with lemon pepper chicken. The earthy sweetness of the roasted beets complements the zesty flavors of the chicken, creating a harmonious combination.
Thinly sliced roasted beets are tossed with fresh greens, such as arugula or spinach, and topped with crumbled goat or parmesan cheese for a creamy touch. A simple vinaigrette dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick to this refreshing salad.
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, roasted beet salad adds an exciting element to any meal featuring lemon pepper chicken.
Quinoa Tabbouleh
I absolutely love pairing lemon pepper chicken with a refreshing and nutritious side dish like quinoa tabbouleh. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy grain option.
In this tabbouleh, the quinoa is mixed with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley, all tossed in a zesty lemon pepper sauce dressing. The combination of the tangy flavors from the pepper chicken and the vibrant freshness of the quinoa tabbouleh creates a perfectly balanced meal that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet while still enjoying flavorful dishes. We still have one option for you when it comes to what goes with lemon pepper chicken.
Corn and Avocado Salad
I love pairing my pepper chicken with a refreshing corn and avocado salad. The combination of sweet corn kernels, creamy avocado chunks, and tangy lime dressing perfectly complements the zesty flavors of the lemon chicken itself. Pour some soy sauce over it and serve it with fresh parsley!
It adds a fresh and vibrant element to the meal, making it feel light and satisfying. Plus, the crunchiness of the corn provides a nice contrast to the tender chicken. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the vegetables.
It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier side dish option that still tastes amazing.
FAQs
1. What side dishes pair well with lemon pepper chicken?
Some wonderful side dish options that go well with chicken include roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes roasted broccoli, steamed rice, or a fresh salad. You can also pair it up with grated parmesan cheese for a unique flavor.
2. Can I serve lemon pepper chicken with pasta?
Yes, serving main dish of lemon pepper chicken with pasta is a delicious option. You can toss the cooked chicken with your choice of pasta and add some vegetables or a creamy Alfredo sauce for extra flavor. Add some italian seasoning and a delicious sauce to pair up.
3. Are there any specific sauces that complement chicken?
Yes, there are several sauces that pair nicely with lemon chicken. Some options to consider are a tangy citrus sauce, a zesty garlic aioli, or a light and refreshing herb vinaigrette.
4. What beverages would go well with lemon pepper chicken?
For beverages to accompany your meal featuring your favourite chicken, you can choose from options like iced tea, sparkling water infused with citrus flavors bottled lemon juice, or even a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that can be served with this chicken to enhance its flavors. From traditional options like garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus to fresh and light choices like Mediterranean couscous salad and lemon orzo, there is something for everyone’s palate.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try alternative options such as grilled vegetables or cauliflower rice for a unique twist. Ultimately, the key is to find side dishes that complement the zesty and flavorful nature of lemon pepper chicken.