Whether you’re making a whole roasted lemon chicken, delicate chicken piccata, or sticky, sweet Chinese lemon chicken, we’ve got the best side dishes for lemon chicken for you to choose from!
Lemon chicken is one of those iconic dishes made in countries across the globe. Though the preparation across cultures can be vastly different, one thing is for sure: the end result is tangy, zesty, buttery, and delicious! However, it can be hard to think of side dishes for lemon chicken that will complement such a distinct flavor profile.
The easiest way to serve lemon chicken on busy weeknights is to stick to a simple side dish. Here’s a few easy sides that require minimal ingredients and minimal effort:
- Buttered angel hair pasta
- Egg noodles
- Basmati rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- Boxed couscous mix
- Frozen veggie mix
- Bagged Caesar Salad kit
Or, with just a few extra ingredients, consider serving side dishes that will enhance your lemon chicken and make it even more spectacular! Here are 15 delicious ideas for you to choose from:
1. PASTA WITH WHITE WINE SAUCE
I often make a version of this white wine sauce with my lemon chicken. It’s one of those sauces that, after you’ve made it once, you can just wing it and expand on it going forward.
Have extra dill or parsley in the fridge? Add it in. Out of your fave Sauvignon Blanc? Use chicken broth and add a splash of apple cider or sherry vinegar. Like spicy food? Add a swirl of chili oil.
This versatile sauce is perfection poured over pasta! Top with sliced, juicy chicken breast, roasted broccoli, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fabulous lemon chicken pasta bowl!
2. GRILLED VEGETABLE ORZO PASTA
Charred, smoky veggies work really well with the acidity of a lemon butter sauce. And the addition of basil will especially brighten your meal. This recipe uses orzo pasta, but you can also make it with any short-cut pasta or even pearled couscous.
3. GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Lemon chicken is wonderful atop a mound of buttery mashed potatoes. But with just one extra step, you can infuse your heavy cream and butter with garlic and make the most delectable creamy garlic mashed potatoes! This recipe is weeknight-friendly and ready in about 30 minutes.
4. EVERYTHING BAGEL ROASTED POTATOES
Sometimes, lemon chicken can feel a little one-noted. Spruce it up with crispy, golden potatoes sprinkled with toasty, nutty, sharp “everything bagel” seasoning! It’s simply the best way of easily adding contrast to that lemon flavor.
The recipe tells you how to make your own seasoning mix with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic and onion flakes, salt, and pepper but of course, you can always buy a jar at the store too.
(P.S. have you tried it on hard boil eggs? I’m obsessed.)
5. PARMESAN RISOTTO
With just some wine, butter, parmesan, and garlic, you can go from boring white rice to a luscious, creamy risotto that will envelop your delicious lemon sauce and make your taste buds rejoice! Oof, chef’s kiss!
6. SPANAKORIZO (GREEK SPINACH RICE)
The perfect side dish for your roasted lemon chicken! Dill, chives, spinach, garlic, and lemon create so many layers of beautiful fresh flavors. Greek spinach rice will quickly become a favorite side!
7. BARLEY SALAD WITH CUCUMBER & LEMON VINAIGRETTE
A heart-healthy side salad of chewy barley, crisp bits of cucumber, and fresh parsley tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
The bright flavors in this salad are particularly delicious when eaten cold, making it an excellent option for making ahead of time and serving on busy weeknights alongside quick grilled lemon chicken breasts.
8. BROCCOLI CAESAR SALAD
Transform ordinary broccoli into an incredibly delicious side dish by tossing it in a homemade greek yogurt Caesar dressing and topping it with salty parmesan cheese and nutty toasted breadcrumbs.
Don’t have time to make your own dressing? Feel free to short cut it and use store-bought.
9. SAUTEED SPINACH
Fresh spinach gets some love from sauteed onions and a splash of soy sauce in this healthy side dish. The rich umami flavor will cut through a tart lemon butter sauce in just the right way!
10. ROASTED GREEN BEANS WITH CRANBERRIES AND WALNUTS
A surprisingly wonderful combination of flavors is lemon with cranberries and walnuts. This tart and nutty blend even pairs well with the vinegary capers of chicken piccata.
If you don’t care for cranberries, you can still make your roasted green beans with just nuts. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, hazelnuts, or chestnuts all work well in this recipe and pair with a citrusy chicken dish!
11. EASY ROASTED ASPARAGUS
The easiest way to get a weeknight meal done fast is to keep it simple, like with this roasted asparagus side dish. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, it’s only one small step beyond steaming, but let me tell you, it makes a world of a difference in flavor!
Roasting veggies brings out a robust, sweet flavor that is delightful paired with just about any lemon chicken recipe.
12. ZUCCHINI PARMESAN ROUNDS
Cheesy crispy bites of zucchini are a healthy side that is quick and easy to make in the air fryer. Sprinkled with salty parmesan cheese, sharp black pepper, and garlic powder, these are perfect for serving alongside zesty lemon chicken. Add some toasty garlic bread and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.
13. LEMON GARLIC SAUTEED CABBAGE
Cabbage might be one of the most surprising side dishes for lemon chicken. Both low-carb and rich in Vitamin C, this healthy option gets sauteed until it’s golden with the most luscious, buttery flavor. A spritz of lemon at the end provides the perfect little zing to pair with your chicken dish.
Simple and quick to make, this mellow side would pair particularly well with a lemon pepper chicken.
14. ROASTED ARTICHOKE HEARTS
In this easy dish, simple ingredients come together in the most delightful way. Tender artichoke hearts sauteed with sweet grape tomatoes and fragrant garlic. But then there’s a whole red chili pepper that joins the party to add some spice! (Of course, feel free to skip it if you prefer mild foods.)
The recipe also provides modifications for making the artichoke hearts with a Mediterranean or Thai influence, which is wonderful if your lemon chicken recipe has similar flavor profiles.
15. PARMESAN ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Parmesan roasted brussels sprouts are absolutely divine and slightly addicting! Sweet crispy sprouts with nutty parmesan are a perfect match for a zingy lemon chicken dish. It’s a healthy side dish that is easy to make with basic ingredients.
Though trimming sprouts can be a bit time-consuming (enlist your kid helpers for this!), it’s mostly hands-off while roasting in the oven so this recipe is a good option for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe in the recipe card below:
15 Scrumptious Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken
Parmesan Roasted Brussles Sprouts
Sweet crispy sprouts with nutty parmesan cheese are addictingly delicious and the perfect side dish for lemon chicken!
4
servings10
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minutesKeep your screen from going dark while you cook
Ingredients for Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
3 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4-1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Prep Brussels Sprouts: Remove outer leaves, trim ends, and cut into quarters (or halves for small sprouts.) Place onto a baking sheet.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss everything to coat. Spread the brussels sprouts into a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Bake: At 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Finish: Take the pan out; turn oven to Broil. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over your Brussels Sprouts. Put back into oven for about 5 minutes until the tops get a nice, light char (more or less depending on how you like them!) Keep an eye on this step so they don’t burn too much!
- Enjoy!
Notes
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