Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that is simple to prepare, flavorful, and goes with a variety of side dishes. This delightful dish is ideal for a group gathering or a family dinner.
However, it can sometimes be challenging to find the perfect side dish combination to complement lemon pepper chicken. Side dishes can make or break the overall taste and appeal of the dish. So, what to serve with lemon pepper chicken?
If you’re struggling to decide which side dish would go best with your lemon pepper chicken, then fret not because in this post, we will be sharing some quick and amazing side dishes that you can serve with your delicious lemon pepper chicken.
What is lemon pepper chicken? What does lemon pepper chicken taste like?
Lemon pepper chicken is a type of dish made with boneless chicken pieces, usually marinated in a perfect combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and seasonings such as black pepper and oregano.
The taste of the lemon pepper chicken is zesty and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the lemon juice.
It’s great served over rice or potatoes or simply on its own. It can also be cooked on the grill or baked in the oven for an easy meal.
Best sides to serve with lemon pepper chicken
1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the perfect complement to Lemon pepper chicken. They are healthy, crispy, and can be enjoyed in many forms.
You can mash them, turn them into fries, or roast them. Roasting will leave them crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside, keeping their natural sweetness.
2. Baked Asparagus
If you’re looking for a crunchy, tasty, low-carb side dish, baked asparagus is the way to go.
You can either drizzle it with olive oil and salt or cheese and bake it for a few minutes. The result is a crispy and delicious side dish that perfectly complements the lemon pepper chicken’s flavor.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Lemon pepper chicken can be paired perfectly with some creamy mashed potatoes. Potatoes have a natural richness that perfectly balances the dish’s tangy flavor.
4. Grilled Zucchini
Grilling the vegetables is an excellent way to keep all the flavors locked in. Grilled zucchini is simple to make and succulent.
The vegetable gets a delicate smoky flavor with a soft texture that goes well with the chicken. Season it with some salt and pepper for a subtle taste.
5. Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad has everything you could ever ask for – crunchy lettuce, tangy dressing, and salty Parmesan cheese.
A side Caesar salad with lemon pepper chicken is the perfect combination to deliver the ultimate experience.
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6. Cilantro Rice
Add some color and flavor to your table with some fresh cilantro rice. The rice’s green color and unique flavor will perfectly complement the tanginess of the chicken.
It is a tasty and healthy side dish that even the pickiest eaters will love.
7. Raw Vegetable Salad
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish, try tossing some raw vegetables into a salad.
You can include vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and bell peppers and dress them up with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The salad will provide additional nutrients and crunch to your meal.
8. Grilled Pineapple
Grilling pineapple is a game-changer; with this method, it gets a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the chicken’s flavor.
It is low-calorie, refreshingly sweet, and the perfect side dish to complete your chicken.
9. Baked Beans
Baked beans are the ultimate comfort food. They are flavorful, creamy and have a lovely texture.
They are easy to make and can be used as a side dish for almost any meal, especially for lemon pepper chicken.
Explore More: Best Side Dishes to serve with Potato Salad and Baked Beans
10. Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are delicious in their own right, but they’re even better when paired with lemon-pepper chicken.
You can toss them with garlic sauce, salt, pepper, and lemon juice before serving. Garlic green beans will add a flavorful kick to your meal.
11. Roasted Broccoli
If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, look no further than roasted broccoli.
The earthy notes of this nutrient-rich vegetable go perfectly with tangy lemon and the zing of pepper.
12. Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad adds a burst of color and texture to the plate. You can add a multiple variety of veggies, herbs, nuts, and fruits to create a salad that’s both delicious and nutritious.
13. Sweet Potato Fries
Not only is Sweet Potato Fries a fun and flavorful side dish, but they also pack a punch with their Vitamins A and C content.
The sweetness of the fries pairs beautifully with the zesty flavors of lemon pepper chicken.
14. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a delicious French side dish made with fresh vegetables is a classic that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal.
Ratatouille pairs perfectly with delicious and tangy lemon pepper chicken.
15. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing and crispy side dish that’s perfect for a light meal.
Its crunchy texture complements the juicy flavors of the chicken, and the acidity of the dressing adds just the right amount of tang.
16. Roasted Corn
Roasted corn is a classic side dish that’s both sweet and savory. Roasting the corn brings out the caramelized sweetness that pairs deliciously with the tangy lemon and zesty pepper.
17. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a classic that’s easy to make and a perfect accompanying side dish.
This salad has a fresh, crunchy texture that pairs well with tangy lemon pepper chicken.
18. Mediterranean Salad
A Mediterranean salad is abundant with flavors and textures, and it’s perfect for a light and fresh side dish.
The salad is a mixture of fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts, drizzled in a tangy dressing that complements the flavors of the lemon pepper chicken.
What sauce goes with lemon pepper chicken?
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that is a simple and delicious addition to any meal. To make it even more flavorful, adding a sauce is the perfect way to take your chicken up a notch.
Here are the five best sauces to pair with lemon pepper chicken:
1. Creamy Mustard Sauce
Creamy Mustard Sauce is a smooth and creamy sauce that takes just a few minutes to whip up and adds a tangy kick to the savory flavors of the lemon pepper chicken.
With ingredients like mustard, cream cheese, butter, and herbs like parsley or thyme, this sauce has everything you need for a flavorful meal.
2. Garlic Butter Sauce
Garlic butter sauce is made with fresh garlic and butter for a rich and flavorful topping that elevates the taste of your lemon pepper chicken.
You can even add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor!
3. Honey Chipotle Barbecue Sauce
Sweet honey mixed with smoky chipotle peppers creates an irresistible balance of sweet and spicy in this barbecue sauce.
A little goes a long way when it’s drizzled over your lemon pepper chicken for added flavor complexity that’ll keep you coming back for more!
4. Bourbon Maple Glaze
For something unique, try out this bourbon maple glaze on your lemony fried chicken! (Recipe)
The sweetness of the maple syrup, accompanied perfectly by the smokiness of the bourbon, creates a tantalizing glaze that’s sure to become one of your favorites!
5. Hot Honey Sauce
Hot honey sauce pairs perfectly with fried or grilled lemon pepper chicken as it balances out all its savoriness with some heat from chili peppers and sweetness from the honey.
It’s definitely worth giving this combination a try the next time you’re in need of a delicious dinner!
Find Out More: What to Serve with Smoked Chicken
What cheese goes with lemon pepper chicken?
When it comes to pairing cheese with lemon pepper chicken, the possibilities are seemingly endless. Here are six of the best cheese options that work perfectly with this classic dish:
1. Parmigiano-Reggiano
Often referred to as ‘the king of cheese’, Parmigiano-Reggiano is a great choice for adding flavor and texture.
2. Feta
Feta is crumbly; salty cheese goes great when crumbled over the top of the cooked lemon pepper chicken.
The tangy taste of feta pairs perfectly with the brightness of the lemon and pepper seasoning.
3. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a mild cheese that melts wonderfully when melted over cooked lemon pepper chicken. As it melts, it adds creamy notes to the savory lemon pepper flavors.
4. Goat Cheese
A slightly sharp yet creamy goat cheese adds another layer of flavor to the already flavorful lemon pepper chicken.
It’s also great used as a topping or spread on top before baking in the oven!
5. Parmesan
Shaved or grated parmesan has a unique nutty flavor that complements the zestiness of lemon and black pepper very well.
Sprinkling some over your cooked dish adds a nice crunch as well as extra depth to your meal!
6. Cheddar
Who said cheddar only belongs on burgers? This sharp, flavorful cheese has enough bite to stand up against any spicy seasonings you use in your lemon pepper chicken recipe and gives it an even more indulgent finish!
What seasoning goes with lemon pepper chicken?
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that is enjoyed by many. Not only does it have a unique and flavorful combination of lemon and pepper, but the combination of seasonings can be used to create an incredibly delicious meal.
One of the best seasonings to use when making lemon pepper chicken is a blend of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
The combination of these four ingredients creates a flavorful seasoning that perfectly complements the lemon pepper flavor profile.
Sea salt adds a briny flavor and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the other spices, while garlic and onion powder provide a depth of taste that enhances the overall dish.
The black pepper provides a savory kick and brings all the seasonings together for a balanced flavor profile.
Sprinkling this blend over chicken before cooking will ensure that your lemon pepper chicken has maximum flavor and deliciousness!
Learn More: What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken
What rice goes with lemon pepper chicken?
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that pairs well with five kinds of rice.
Basmati rice offers a subtly nutty flavor and light, fluffy texture that is ideal for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Jasmine rice has a unique aroma and slightly stickier texture, making it perfect for absorbing the citrusy, peppery goodness of the lemon pepper sauce.
Brown rice is an ideal source of fiber and vitamins, and its earthy texture pairs nicely with the bright flavor of the lemon pepper.
Wild rice provides a hearty nuttiness that enhances the flavor of your meal, while white rice is great for keeping things classic.
What salad dressing goes with lemon pepper chicken?
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that pairs well with a variety of salad dressings.
For a tangy and zesty option, try a simple vinaigrette along with olive oil, lemon juice, and freshly cracked black pepper.
If you prefer something creamy, an herbed ranch dressing with a touch of garlic works nicely. For more sweetness, an orange or honey mustard dressing would work well too.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something light and refreshing to go with your chicken, try a Greek-style yogurt and herb dressing or an avocado-based dressing for added creaminess.
Whichever dressing you choose, it will be sure to bring out the flavors of the lemon pepper chicken perfectly!
What are the best flavors to go with lemon pepper chicken?
Lemon pepper chicken is a delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of flavors.
Bright, zesty flavors like garlic, lemon, basil and oregano highlight the natural flavor of the chicken, while more robust ingredients such as rosemary and paprika help to create a rich, savory flavor profile.
To complement the classic dish, roasted vegetables such as potatoes or sweet potatoes make a great side dish. For an even heartier meal, try serving it with quinoa or brown rice.
For those looking for something sweeter to contrast the tartness of the lemon pepper seasoning, adding fruits like oranges or grapefruit can provide balance to the dish.
A citrusy salad with fresh greens also makes for a refreshing addition to this classic favorite.
Additionally, adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top will add an extra depth of flavor to this already delicious recipe!
How do you jazz up lemon pepper chicken?
There are lots of ways to jazz up lemon pepper chicken. You could marinate the chicken in a mixture of fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, olive oil, salt and pepper before cooking it.
For an extra kick of flavor, you can finish the cooked chicken with freshly-squeezed lemon juice and minced herbs like parsley or oregano.
Other options include adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish some heat.
Finally, if you like creamier dishes, try adding some cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled or baked lemon pepper chicken!
How do you display lemon pepper chicken on a platter?
To properly display lemon pepper chicken on a platter, you should begin by arranging the chicken pieces attractively.
Start by laying out any large pieces, such as breasts and drumsticks, around the edges of the platter in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Then, fill in the gaps with smaller pieces like wings and thighs.
To add even more visual appeal, you can place herbs like rosemary or parsley on top of the chicken before arranging it on the platter.
Finally, drizzle the lemon pepper sauce over the entire dish. Once finished, you’ll have a beautiful spread that is sure to impress your guests!
things to make with lemon pepper chicken
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish with endless possibilities. It’s flavorful and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight meals or entertaining guests.
For an easy dinner, try baking the chicken in the oven with lemon pepper seasoning for juicy and tender results.
Or, for something a bit more adventurous, use your Instant Pot to make moist and delicious pressure-cooked lemon pepper chicken with minimal effort.
You can also pan-fry the chicken for a crispy texture or use it as the main component in other dishes such as pasta, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, and more.
Wrap Up on what to serve with lemon pepper chicken
Choosing the perfect side dish to serve with lemon pepper chicken can be a daunting task, but with these amazing side dish options, you’ll never worry about that again.
You can always have something that appeals to everyone’s taste, be it roasted broccoli or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that deserves a perfect side dish pairing to bring out its delectable flavors.
These side dishes are quick, easy to make, and will have your guests and family asking for seconds. Try them today, and you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
How much lemon pepper chicken per person?
It is recommended to serve 6 ounces of lemon pepper chicken per person. This amount allows for a generous portion that can be accompanied by a side dish or salad.
When cooked correctly, the chicken should have a crispy exterior and juicy interior, seasoned with a savory blend of black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and other spices.
The lemon juice will add a bright and tangy flavor to the dish that makes it truly memorable.
What vegetables go with lemon pepper chicken
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that pairs deliciously with a variety of vegetables.
Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus make great accompaniments as they soak up the savory flavor of the lemon pepper sauce.
Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms also go well with this dish; they can be roasted or sautéed in butter or olive oil to bring out their natural flavors.
Carrots and parsnips are excellent additions, too; they can be boiled until just tender and then mixed with herbs and spices for an extra layer of flavor.
For a lighter side dish, consider steaming some green beans or spinach.
Topping your lemon pepper chicken with a bright mix of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions adds texture and crunch to the plate.
What is good to eat with chicken drumsticks?
Chicken drumsticks go incredibly well with all sorts of side dishes.
For something light and refreshing, try a salad with spinach, arugula, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes have the perfect texture to accompany the crispy chicken.
You can also make a flavored rice dish like jambalaya or paella.
Finally, some steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are always a good option.
