Looking for ideas on what to serve with pesto chicken? Look no further. Pesto chicken is one of those dishes that makes an excellent family dinner. It’s a high-protein Italian dish that everyone in the family will love.
The chicken is cooked in a delicious pesto sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Cream is typically added to the sauce, making a rich and creamy pairing for the tender chicken.
Pesto chicken is often served over pasta, rice, or vegetables. And it’s also great for entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when guests arrive.
What so Serve with Pesto Chicken
Although pesto chicken tastes great on its own, you’ll need an accompaniment to make it a meal. But finding the perfect pesto chicken side can be a challenge. So, if you’re wondering what to serve with pesto chicken, here are our top 9 suggestions.
1. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and satisfying side dish to serve alongside pesto chicken. This hearty vegetable dish consists of thinly sliced eggplant breaded and fried to golden perfection. Then it’s layered with cheesy marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Eggplant parmesan pairs perfectly with pesto chicken with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. It provides a flavorful contrast to the herby and savory tones of the pesto. Plus, both dishes can be easily prepared ahead of time.
2. Fresh Vegetable Salad
A great meal should always taste and look good. And when wondering what to serve with pesto chicken, find a side that looks good next to the green pesto.
A salad of cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, corn, onions, and lettuce is a great option. Drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette on it, and you have the perfect accompaniment to pesto chicken.
The bright, acidic flavors of the tomatoes and onions help cut through the rich, creamy pesto sauce. And the crunch of the lettuce provides a nice contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli cheese casserole is a classic side dish that pairs well with various main courses. The rich cheese sauce and tender broccoli are perfect for the flavorful pesto chicken. What’s great is you can prepare this dish in advance, so it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
In addition, broccoli cheese casserole is easy to make. Simply combine broccoli, cheese, milk, and breadcrumbs in a casserole dish and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This side is so versatile that you can mix and match your favorite vegetables for the perfect cheesy casserole.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with pesto chicken. This versatile veggie is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the body and support good health.
You could cut whole butternut in half or cut it into bite-sized cubes. Either way, simply drizzle it with olive oil and seasoning before popping it into the oven. Your butternut cubes can be served as is. While the halves can be scooped out and creamed with a dollop of butter.
When the butternut squash is roasted, it enhances its natural flavors, allowing its sweet and slightly nutty taste to shine through. Combined with the rich, herby flavor of pesto chicken, this versatile veggie makes for a satisfying and healthy meal
5. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a versatile side dish that goes well with several different main courses. In this dish, cauliflower is grated and then sauteed with garlic, onion, and other seasonings. The result is a fluffy, light dish reminiscent of rice and packed with flavor.
Best of all, cauliflower rice is low in carbohydrates and calories. This makes it a healthy choice when deciding what to serve with pesto chicken.
When served with pesto chicken, the two dishes complement each other perfectly. The juicy chicken provides a welcome contrast to the light and fluffy cauliflower. At the same time, the flavorful pesto ties the whole dish together.
6. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to the more common French fries. They require little time and effort to prepare and are a perfect match for pesto chicken. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the richness of the chicken. And the pesto adds a fresh and flavorful touch.
Simply cut sweet potatoes into thin strips, coat in olive oil and coarse salt, and bake in a until crispy. The result is a crispy, savory treat that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
7. Southern Pan-Fried Potatoes and Onions
Southern pan-fried potatoes and onions are a great side dish to serve with pesto chicken. It is both flavorful and easy to make. And it’s another one of the side dishes on this list that can be made in advance and reheated before serving.
The potatoes and onions are cooked in a skillet with oil, butter, and seasonings until golden brown and crispy. Garnish your dish with sour cream, grated cheese, and spring onions for added flavor. It’s a delicious and flavorful way to add the starch element to your meal.
8. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Stuffed portobello mushrooms are a nutritious side that complements pesto chicken perfectly. Portobello mushrooms are large, so they’re perfect for stuffing. They’re also the tastiest of mushrooms. And there are several ingredients you can stuff them with, including onions, garlic, cheese, and crisp bacon bits.
Making stuffed portobello mushrooms is straightforward. Simply drizzle them with oil and fry them for 4 minutes. Then top them with your chosen stuffing and grill them in the oven for a few minutes.
The earthy flavor of the portobello mushrooms is a perfect accompaniment for the herby basil pesto. This is also the perfect side if you want something relatively light when exploring what to serve with pesto chicken.
9. Creamed Spinach
This delicious and nutritious side is one of the most popular pairings for pesto chicken. The creamy, rich flavors of the spinach complement the light, herbal flavors of the chicken for a perfect balance of flavor.
You can make your own by sautéing some chopped spinach in olive oil until it is wilted. Then, add some heavy cream and parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to your desired taste, and serve hot.
Creamy spinach also pairs perfectly with sautéed mushrooms. Combine these two dishes with pesto chicken, and you have a winner.
Conclusion
With our list of delicious sides, there’s no more wondering what to serve with pesto chicken. These 9 tasty dishes will elevate your pesto chicken main for a superb lunch or dinner.
Try some of the side dishes we’ve recommended and discover which suits you best. They’re all incredibly tasty dishes that can hold their own both as a side and alone. They also make delicious leftovers, so you can be sure anything you don’t eat won’t go to waste.