Chicken Francaise is an ideal classic French dish that is loved by many. It’s a mouth-watering combination of tender chicken, crispy coating, and delicious lemon butter sauce that’s hard to resist.
It features pan-fried chicken cutlets in a white wine sauce that is tangy and savory, making it perfect for a special dinner or any occasion.
However, this dish can be a bit bland when served on its own, so it’s always a great idea to serve it with some delicious side dishes that will complement its taste. But, what to serve with chicken francaise?
Don’t worry; we got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll share some quick and amazing side dishes that complement Chicken Francaise perfectly. Not only are these dishes easy to prepare, but they’re also guaranteed to impress your guests.
What is chicken francaise? What does chicken francaise taste like?
Chicken Francaise is an Italian-American dish, also known as wedding chicken, made of chicken cutlets dipped in egg and lemon-butter sauce.
It has a delicate flavor with a hint of lemon that pairs well with pasta, rice or vegetables.
The classic preparation is simple but flavorful, featuring lightly sautéed chicken breast medallions served alongside a light and tangy butter sauce flavored with garlic, white wine, shallots and fresh parsley.
The crunchy texture of the chicken cutlets contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce creating an unforgettable dish!
15 Best Sides to serve with chicken Francaise
1. Roasted Vegetables
If you want a healthy and colorful side dish, roasted vegetables are your best bet.
You can roast your favorite veggies, like asparagus, carrots, and potatoes, in the oven with a splash of olive oil and some seasoning.
Roasted veggies add a nice crunch and earthy flavor to balance the rich taste of Chicken Francaise.
Discover More: Best vegetables to serve with sweet and sour chicken
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes are an ideal classic side dish and are a no-brainer when it comes to pairing them with Chicken Francaise.
Rich, velvety, and creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic and butter create a perfect balance with the tangy lemon butter sauce of Chicken Francaise.
3. Rustic Bread
A crusty loaf of bread is a simple yet mouth-watering side dish that pairs well with almost anything, including Chicken Francaise.
You can enjoy the bread on its own or dip it into the lemon butter sauce for an added kick.
4. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a tomato-based vegetable dish that is a healthy and flavorful option that goes well with Chicken Francaise.
Ratatouille is made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes and seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Its hearty texture and rich flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to the dish.
5. Caesar Salad
For a perfect light and refreshing side dish to balance out the richness of Chicken Francaise, make a Caesar salad.
Fresh, crunchy romaine lettuce, garlicky croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing make the perfect combination to enhance the taste of Chicken Francaise.
6. Green Beans Almandine
Fresh green beans are a healthy and delightful side dish to serve with Chicken Francaise.
Green Beans Almandine is simply boiled green beans mixed with toasted almonds, garlic, and butter. This simple yet tasty side dish adds extra texture and crunch to the meal.
7. Lemon Rice Pilaf
Lemon Rice Pilaf is a light, tangy rice dish that pairs perfectly with Chicken Francaise.
This dish is made with a combination of rice, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice, cooked to perfection. (Recipe)
It’s light, fluffy, and tangy, making it a perfect side to balance out the richness of Chicken Francaise.
8. French Fries
Who doesn’t love French fries? Crispy and golden fries are a fantastic side dish to serve with Chicken Francaise.
Whether homemade or store-bought, they can be eaten on their own or dipped in the lemon butter sauce for added flavor.
9. Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a light and flavorful side dish with fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil.
The combination of these ingredients with a drizzle of balsamic glaze makes this dish a perfect match for Chicken Francaise.
10. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that adds a lovely smoky flavor to the meal.
Toss the asparagus spears with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them until they’re cooked to perfection.
The earthy and smoky taste of asparagus complements the flavors of Chicken Francaise well.
11. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
A light and refreshing tomato and mozzarella salad is a great accompaniment to Chicken Francaise.
Slice some fresh ripe tomatoes and mozzarella cheese and arrange them over a bed of greens. Drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and enjoy.
Explore More: Delicious Pairings to Serve with Tomato Mozzarella Salad
12. Risotto
Risotto is a creamy, flavorful rice dish that pairs perfectly with Chicken Francaise.
You can make it with a variety of ingredients, such as mushrooms, peas, or pumpkin, depending on your preference.
13. Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb option, try serving cauliflower rice with Chicken Francaise.
You make it by grating the cauliflower and sautéing it with some olive oil and garlic, then seasoning it to taste.
14. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a great way to add some greens to your meal. Simply sauté some spinach in olive oil and garlic until it wilts, then season with salt and pepper.
15. Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potato is a filling and a delicious side dish for Chicken Francaise. You can top it with some cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar for added sweetness. (Recipe)
What are the best flavors to go with chicken francaise?
When it comes to pairing flavors with chicken francaise, there are a variety of options. For starters, citrus flavors pair well with the lemon-butter sauce of the dish.
Garnishes such as lemon slices or orange segments can be used to create an ideal contrast and add zest to the meal.
Adding herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can create an herbal flavor profile that complements the dish.
Depending on the meal’s composition, vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini can be added to create a heartier dish.
Furthermore, adding a bit of white wine to the sauce can add complexity and balance out any acidity from the lemon juice.
With these pairings, chicken francaise is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Finally, for a finishing touch, consider using light cheeses such as feta or Parmesan. These types of cheese are mild enough not to overpower the flavors but strong enough to provide contrast.
Sprinkling them over top of the finished product will add creaminess and bring all of the flavors together.
For a gourmet twist, consider using a balsamic glaze for the final presentation. With the combination of flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table! Enjoy!
You can also combine this dish with other traditional Italian dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for an added layer of flavor.
With some practice and creativity, you’ll be able to create new variations of chicken francaise that are sure to wow your family.
Learn More: Quick and Amazing Side Dishes to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken
How do you jazz up chicken francaise?
You can jazz up chicken francaise by adding herbs and spices to the flour mixture used in coating the chicken.
For example, you could add oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil or garlic powder to the mix. You can also incorporate some Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for more flavor.
Additionally, try using butter instead of oil when cooking your chicken francaise; it adds a richer taste that pairs nicely with the herbs and spices.
Lastly, serve your dish with fresh lemon wedges that provide an extra zesty flavor when squeezed on top of your meal.
How do you display chicken francaise on a platter?
Chicken Francaise can be displayed on a platter in an attractive and appetizing way.
Start by arranging the chicken breasts on the platter, making sure that they are spaced out nicely.
Place a few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme and parsley between each breast for added color and flavor.
Drizzle some of the buttery sauce over the chicken, or create a separate olive oil-lemon juice mixture to pour over them as well.
Finally, garnish with slices of lemon and additional herbs. This is sure to make for a delicious and beautiful presentation!
Find Out More: Quick and Amazing Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Florentine
Wrap Up on what to serve with chicken francaise
When it comes to pairing side dishes with Chicken Francaise, the possibilities are endless.
From roasted vegetables to garlic mashed potatoes to grilled asparagus, there are a variety of options to choose from depending on your mood and taste.
I hope this list of the best quick and amazing side dishes has inspired you to add some variety to your next Chicken Francaise dinner and take your dining experience to the next level!
FAQs
How much chicken francaise per person?
The amount of chicken francaise per person can vary ideally depending on the size of the portion and the appetite of each individual.
Generally speaking, a single chicken francaise portion can be enough for one person if it is a decent-sized serving.
However, if you are serving it as part of a larger meal, then about half a portion or 4-5 ounces per person would be sufficient.
Additionally, some people may prefer to have more than one chicken francaise portion in order to satisfy their hunger; in that case, about 7-8 ounces would be an appropriate amount.
What’s the difference between chicken Francaise and chicken francese?
Chicken Francaise is a dish made of chicken breast cutlets that have been beaten flat, seasoned with salt and pepper, dredged in flour, dipped in egg mixed with lemon juice or white wine, and dredged again before being cooked in butter.
Chicken francese is similar to chicken Francaise, but instead of being coated with an egg and lemon juice mixture, it is coated with an egg batter made from egg whites and yolks along with Parmesan cheese.
The pan-fried dish has a crunchy coating on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Both dishes are usually served over pasta or rice.
What kind of pasta to serve with chicken francese?
1. Rigatoni alla Siciliana
This traditional Italian dish combines rigatoni pasta with a creamy tomato sauce, eggplant, and mozzarella cheese for a delicious combination of flavors that pairs perfectly with chicken francese.
2. Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish made with butter, cream, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
The creamy sauce coats the noodles and provides an indulgent backdrop to the lightly fried chicken francese.
3. Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
This dish’s robust flavor complements the delicate flavors of chicken francese nicely.
4. Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka is an Italian favorite made with penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce laced with vodka.
The hint of smoke from the vodka adds depth and complexity to the chicken francese while cutting through any fattiness from the dish’s cream sauce base.
5. Ravioli Caprese
Ravioli Caprese is a delightful blend of melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil encased in pillowy ravioli pasta shells.
The freshness of this dish pairs wonderfully with the savory taste of chicken francese for an unforgettable meal experience.
What wine goes with chicken francaise?
When it comes to pairing wine with chicken francaise, a light and crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a great choice.
These wines will balance the natural acidity of the lemon in the sauce and bring out the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan cheese.
For reds, opt for something low in tannins, such as a Beaujolais or Grenache. These wines offer fresh fruit flavors that pair wonderfully with the savory sauce.
Chardonnays are also a great option to consider, as they provide a richer body and texture to complement the creamy sauce.
For an additional touch of sweetness, choose an off-dry Riesling that will add depth to this classic dish.
What vegetables go with chicken francaise?
Chicken Francaise is an ideal classic French dish that accompanies perfectly with a variety of vegetables.
Fresh steamed asparagus is an excellent accompaniment, as the bright flavor of asparagus complements the lemon and buttery sauce of the chicken.
Roasted bell peppers are another great option, providing a savory contrast to the delicate flavors of the dish.
Additionally, sautéed zucchini and mushrooms provide earthy undertones that pair well with Chicken Francaise.
For added color and texture, Brussels sprouts in garlic butter make a wonderful addition to this meal.
