Tuscan chicken is a flavorful dish that combines chicken with a delicious medley of Italian herbs, spices, wine, and vegetables. With its rich tomato-based sauce, Tuscan chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes that can complement or contrast its robust flavors. This article will explore options for delectable pairings that will take your Tuscan chicken dinner to the next level.
The Classic Pairings
Some traditional pairings make perfect culinary sense with Tuscan chicken’s Italian roots. These classic side dishes highlight the herbs, tomatoes, and wine used to create the Tuscan chicken’s sauce.
Pasta
Pasta makes an ideal partner for Tuscan chicken. The pasta soaks up the flavorful sauce while offering a hearty base. Opt for short tubular pastas like penne, rigatoni, or ziti which can grab bites of chicken and roasted veggies along with the rich sauce. Match the shape of the pasta to the size of other ingredients in the Tuscan chicken. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or angel hair which won’t hold the hearty elements as well.
Bread
Warm, crusty bread is meant for sopping up the zesty Tuscan chicken sauce. Choose an artisan Italian bread like ciabatta, focaccia, or gluten-free Italian bread. Slice or cube the bread and let guests scoop up the garlic-basil infused sauce. For a fuller meal, brush slices of Italian bread with olive oil and grill briefly before serving alongside the Tuscan chicken.
Polenta
Creamy, golden polenta is a Tuscan chicken essential. The cornmeal porridge soaks up the dynamic flavors of the tomato sauce and feels right at home with Italian herbs. Prepare traditional polenta by simmering cornmeal in broth and milk before letting it set up. Or pick up a log of ready-made polenta to slice and pan fry or grill before serving. Top polenta with a generous spoonful of Tuscan chicken sauce.
Risotto
Much like polenta, risotto is a worthy Italian-inspired pairing for Tuscan chicken. The starchy Arborio rice drinks up the tomato sauce and gains even more flavor. Parmesan cheese folded into the risotto finishes it beautifully. Or top plain risotto with shavings of Parmesan to complement the herby notes in the Tuscan chicken.
Vegetable Pairings
Don’t let the protein and carbs steal the show. Bright vegetables add color, nutrients, and freshness to balance Tuscan chicken’s heartiness. Think seasonal choices that echo the herbs and Mediterranean flavors.
Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Fire-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, zucchini, and cauliflower caramelize beautifully with Tuscan chicken. Toss veggies in olive oil and Italian seasonings before roasting in the oven or grilling them alongside the chicken. The charred edges and smoky aroma accentuate the flavors already at play in the Tuscan chicken.
Green Beans
Slender, squeaky green beans pair nicely with Tuscan chicken. Blanch quickly and shock in cold water to set the bright green color. Then dress with olive oil, crushed red pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Or opt for green beans amandine tossed in browned butter and slivered almonds. Either preparation provides a tasty, vegetal counterpoint.
Broccoli Rabe
Also called rapini, broccoli rabe has a pleasantly bitter bite that balances the richness of Tuscan chicken. Blanch briefly to take the raw edge off while leaving some texture. Toss broccoli rabe with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan. The flavors marry seamlessly with the Tuscan chicken.
Roasted Butternut Squash
The creaminess of roasted butternut squash makes it a savory foil for Tuscan chicken. Peel, seed, and dice the squash before tossing with olive oil and roasting until caramelized. The natural sweetness complements the herbal notes in the chicken sauce. Sprinkle roasted squash with fresh sage or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Salad and Slaw
Fresh, crunchy salads and slaws accent Tuscan chicken’s richness. Tart vinaigrettes and creamy dressings balance the hearty tomato sauce. Turn to Italian favorites or recipes that use complementary flavors.
Caprese Salad
A caprese salad with sliced fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil couldn’t be more suited for Tuscan chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction to tie the flavors together. Or layer the components in a sandwich alongside Tuscan chicken for an inventive twist.
Arugula and Fennel Salad
Peppery arugula and crunchy shaved fennel make a sophisticated pairing with Tuscan chicken. Toss the salad greens with fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Shower with grated Parmesan for a finishing touch. The bright, licorice notes of fennel contrast beautifully with the Tuscan chicken.
Italian Chopped Salad
Riff on an Italian chef salad with salami, provolone, peppers, onions, olives, and garbanzo beans. Dress the chop with red wine vinegar and oil for a bold complement to Tuscan chicken. Sprinkle with parsley or basil to echo the herbal flavors in the dish.
Citrus Fennel Slaw
For a lighter take, try a fennel slaw dressed with citrus. Thinly slice fennel bulbs and purple cabbage. Toss with orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and fresh dill. The bright, tangy slaw cuts the richness of the Tuscan chicken.
Starchy Sides
In addition to pastas and risottos, Tuscan chicken pairs well with other starchy sides. Think hearty potatoes, grains, legumes, and dumplings that can soak up the savory sauce.
Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta is a match made in heaven for Tuscan chicken. The coarsely-ground cornmeal simmers into a velvety skillet side. For extra richness, stir in mascarpone cheese, cream, or butter before topping with Tuscan chicken sauce.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, satisfying accompaniment. Quarter small red or yellow potatoes, toss with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic, and roast until browned. The caramelized edges complement Tuscan chicken’s deep flavors.
Barley Risotto
For a nutty, gluten-free option, make risotto with pearl barley instead of Arborio rice. The chewy grains soak up the Tuscan chicken sauce while adding protein. Finish the barley risotto with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Gnocchi
These petite potato dumplings feel perfectly at home with Tuscan chicken. Boil gnocchi until floating, then sauté in olive oil and herbs. Top with Tuscan chicken sauce for a hearty, yet elegant Italian-inspired meal.
White Beans
Protein-packed cannellini or great northern beans make a satisfying plant-based side. Sauté beans with garlic and rosemary before simmering in vegetable broth. Pair with Tuscan chicken for a pop of creamy texture.
Fruity and Herby Sides
Vibrant fruits and herbs provide bright counterpoints to Tuscan chicken’s richness. Think summery flavors that keep things feeling fresh.
Sauteed Spinach
Garlic-sauteed spinach offers a dose of green goodness. Lightly cook the spinach in olive oil with minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with lemon juice and grated Parmesan for depth.
Honey Balsamic Kale
Lacinato or curly kale turns silky when braised with flavors that echo Tuscan chicken. Sauté chopped kale in olive oil before adding chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and honey. Simmer until the kale is tender.
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
Bursting with sweetness, blistered cherry tomatoes pair playfully with Tuscan chicken. Simply sauté halved tomatoes in olive oil with crushed red pepper and garlic. Finish with torn basil and seasoning.
Charred Peaches
For a honeyed contrast, char sliced peaches on the grill alongside the chicken. Their juicy sweetness balances the Tuscan chicken. Make a quick peach salsa by dicing the fruit with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
Conclusion
Tuscan chicken’s bold, tomatoey flavors pair wonderfully with a variety of fresh vegetable sides, pastas and grains, salads, and more. Stick with Italian-inspired classics like polenta, risotto, and charred vegetables or get creative with seasonal produce. Just be sure to generously spoon that garlicky Tuscan sauce over everything on your plate. Buon appetito!