Chicken Marsala is a beloved Italian-American classic for good reason. Pan-fried chicken cutlets bathed in a rich, savory sauce of Marsala wine, mushrooms, and shallots – it’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. If you’re planning to make this flavorful entree, you might be wondering: What To Serve With Chicken Marsala?
The beauty of Chicken Marsala lies in its versatility. Its rich sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, from classic pasta and potatoes to fresh vegetables and salads. Whether you’re aiming for a comforting family meal or a sophisticated dinner party, finding the perfect accompaniment is key to elevating your Chicken Marsala experience.
Having grown up in an Italian-American household, Chicken Marsala was a frequent and welcome guest at our dinner table. Later, working in an Italian restaurant, I learned the nuances of creating this dish from scratch, forever captivated by the intoxicating aroma of Marsala wine as it reduces into a luscious sauce. Over countless iterations and pairings, I’ve discovered the best side dishes to complement this iconic entree.
This guide will explore a range of delectable options to serve alongside your Chicken Marsala, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the best pairings to make your Chicken Marsala dinner truly exceptional.
Classic & Comforting Sides for Chicken Marsala
When it comes to classic pairings, you can’t go wrong with options that soak up the delicious Marsala sauce. These comforting sides are always a hit:
-
Buttered Egg Noodles: As mentioned in the original recipe, buttered egg noodles are a quintessential pairing. Their soft texture and mild flavor allow the Marsala sauce to shine. Tossed with butter, garlic, and fresh parsley, they create a simple yet satisfying side.
-
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and familiar base for Chicken Marsala. Their smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the pan-fried chicken and mushroom sauce. For an extra touch, consider adding garlic, parmesan cheese, or herbs to your mashed potatoes.
-
Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf, cooked in broth with aromatics like onions and herbs, is another excellent choice. Rice grains readily absorb the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delight. Consider wild rice or brown rice pilaf for a nuttier flavor and added texture.
- Linguine or Fettuccine: Beyond egg noodles, other pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine work beautifully with Chicken Marsala. Their long strands are perfect for twirling and scooping up every last drop of sauce. Simply toss with butter, olive oil, or a light garlic and herb sauce to complement the richness of the main dish.
Fresh & Vibrant Vegetable Sides
To balance the richness of Chicken Marsala, consider serving it with fresh and vibrant vegetable side dishes. These options add color, texture, and nutritional value to your meal:
-
Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus spears, roasted until tender-crisp with olive oil, salt, and pepper, provide a bright and slightly bitter counterpoint to the savory sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice after roasting enhances their freshness.
-
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: A simple side of sautéed spinach with garlic is quick, healthy, and flavorful. The earthy spinach and pungent garlic complement the mushroom and wine notes in the Marsala sauce.
-
Green Beans Almondine: Green beans, blanched and then sautéed with butter and toasted almonds, offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. This classic side dish adds elegance to your Chicken Marsala meal.
-
Broccoli Rabe (Rapini): For a slightly more bitter and sophisticated vegetable side, consider broccoli rabe. Sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or roasted with red pepper flakes, it provides a robust flavor that stands up well to the richness of the Marsala sauce.
Light & Refreshing Salad Pairings
A fresh salad can cut through the richness of Chicken Marsala and provide a refreshing contrast. Here are some salad ideas that pair well:
-
Italian Salad: A simple Italian salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette dressing is a natural choice. Its bright acidity and fresh vegetables cleanse the palate.
-
Arugula Salad with Parmesan and Lemon: The peppery bite of arugula, combined with shaved parmesan cheese and a lemon vinaigrette, creates a sophisticated and flavorful salad that complements the savory Chicken Marsala.
-
Caprese Salad: The classic Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, offers a refreshing and light side dish. Its simplicity and fresh flavors are a perfect match for the richness of the main course.
Don’t Forget the Bread!
No Italian-American meal is complete without bread for soaking up the delicious sauce! Serve your Chicken Marsala with:
-
Crusty Italian Bread: A simple loaf of crusty Italian bread, sliced and served warm, is perfect for mopping up every last bit of Marsala sauce.
-
Garlic Bread: Garlic bread, toasted and buttery, adds an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.
-
Focaccia: Soft and flavorful focaccia bread, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs or sea salt, is another excellent option.
Complete the Meal
To create a full Italian-American feast around your Chicken Marsala, consider these additions:
- Appetizer: Start with a simple antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables, or a fresh bruschetta with tomatoes and basil.
- Dessert: Finish with a classic Italian dessert like Tiramisu, Cannoli, or Panna Cotta for a sweet ending to your meal.
Ultimately, the best side dish for Chicken Marsala depends on your personal preferences and the occasion. Whether you opt for classic pasta, creamy potatoes, fresh vegetables, or a vibrant salad, the key is to choose sides that complement the rich flavors of the Marsala sauce and create a balanced and satisfying dining experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own perfect pairing!
And of course, if you’re looking to make the star of the show, here’s a reminder of what makes a fantastic Chicken Marsala:
Why This Chicken with Marsala Wine Sauce is Perfection:
- Juicy and flavorful pan-fried chicken.
- Tender, caramelized mushrooms bursting with flavor.
- Delicious Marsala wine sauce made with chicken stock and dry Marsala wine (no heavy cream needed!).
- Perfect served over buttered egg noodles, but versatile enough for other sides.
- Elegant enough for special occasions, yet easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Chicken Marsala Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Boneless skinless chicken tenders (or breasts cut into cutlets)
- All-purpose flour
- Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Shallots (or yellow onion)
- Cremini and shiitake mushrooms
- Cornstarch
- Chicken bone broth (or stock/broth)
- Fresh garlic
- Dry Marsala wine
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Egg noodles (or pasta, potatoes, rice)
Make Chicken Marsala Like a Pro – Quick Steps:
- Dredge chicken in seasoned flour.
- Pan-fry chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Caramelize shallots and mushrooms in butter.
- Deglaze pan with Marsala wine and make sauce with broth and cornstarch.
- Simmer sauce until thickened.
- Return chicken to pan to warm through.
- Serve over your favorite side, garnished with parsley.
Enjoy creating your perfect Chicken Marsala meal!
