Pesto chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make entrée. Pesto chicken is one of the most popular dishes in any home cook’s repertoire.
It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and goes with almost anything. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, pesto chicken is sure to fit the bill.
But what to serve with pesto chicken? To make your meal complete and give it that extra wow factor, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite sides that pair perfectly with this classic dish. Read on to discover the best things to serve with pesto chicken!
What is pesto chicken? What does pesto chicken taste like?
Pesto chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of pesto and chicken.
Pesto is an Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and salt.
The combination of these ingredients creates a deep green sauce with a bold flavor. When combined with cooked chicken, this can create an incredibly flavorful meal.
The taste of pesto chicken depends on the type of pesto used to make it.
For example, if you use a store-bought pesto or even homemade pesto that doesn’t have much flavor to it, the resulting dish will be mild in flavor but still tasty.
However, if you use an especially flavorful pesto, the dish can become quite intense and flavorful. The flavors of pesto combine with the chicken to create a unique taste that is both rich and creamy.
There are many variations of pesto chicken recipes, so you can find one that has just the right balance of flavor for your palate.
Ultimately, pesto chicken tastes like a delicious combination of Italian flavors made up of basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and salt.
Its rich flavor will tantalize your taste buds while still remaining light enough to enjoy in any season.
22 Sides to serve with pesto chicken
1. Pasta
What could be more fitting than a plate of pasta when serving pesto chicken?
Not only does this go-to side dish complement the flavor of pesto chicken, but it can also help stretch your meal further by bulk it up nutritionally and make it more filling.
Choose something like orecchiette or penne for a perfect plate of comfort food.
Discover More: The Perfect Side Dishes to Accompany Pesto Pasta
2. Salad
A nice salad is an excellent way to lighten up your meal while still providing plenty of nutrition.
Leafy greens like arugula or spinach are a great choice as they don’t overpower the taste of the pesto within the chicken.
You can also add other elements such as tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, carrots, bell peppers, nuts and seeds for added texture and flavor.
For an extra boost of protein, try adding chickpeas or feta cheese!
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables intensifies their flavor and brings out their natural sweetness – making them the perfect accompaniment to pesto chicken!
Try roasting broccoli florets with olive oil and garlic for a delicious side dish that will delight all your dinner guests.
Alternatively, you could roast mushrooms alongside red onions in balsamic vinegar – these flavors will combine perfectly with the pesto sauce!
Explore More: Best Pasta to Serve with Steak for a Memorable Meal
4. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is another great way to add some green goodness to your meal.
To make grilled asparagus, simply season fresh asparagus spears with salt and pepper (and any other seasonings you like) before grilling them over medium heat for about 8 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time.
For extra flavor, top your grilled asparagus with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when it comes off the grill.
5. Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa pilaf makes an excellent side dish for pesto chicken because it adds a nutty flavor that complements the rich flavors of pesto beautifully.
Quinoa pilaf can be made in advance and reheated when you’re ready to serve it—so it’s perfect if you’re prepping ahead of time for a dinner party or special occasion!
Simply cook quinoa according to package instructions before stirring in butter or olive oil along with diced onion, garlic cloves, thyme leaves, dried cranberries (or raisins), slivered almonds (or pine nuts), freshly chopped parsley or cilantro leaves.
Then season with salt and pepper before serving warm alongside your pesto chicken entrée.
6. Caprese Salad
Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil alongside a dollop of pesto make for the perfect side dish.
The caprese salad combines both sweet and salty flavors which pair nicely with pesto chicken.
Learn More: Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
7. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Create an amazing array of flavor combinations by grilling your favorite vegetables on skewers and pairing them with pesto chicken.
Try bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and onions for a colorful medley that is sure to please.
8. Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli Rabe is bitter green packs a punch when sautéed in olive oil or garlic and paired with pesto chicken.
The combination of flavors is truly unique and can be enjoyed warm or cold depending on your preference.
9. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside, these delicious potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner party!
A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds richness that pairs beautifully with the pesto chicken entree.
10. Baked Ziti
Another classic Italian dish, this comforting casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger!
Layer cooked ziti pasta in baking dish and top it off with ricotta cheese mixed with pesto before baking until golden brown perfection.
11. Crispy Polenta Fries
Deliciously crunchy polenta fries are an excellent way to switch up your side dishes!
Enjoy them plain or topped with melted cheese and you will never tire of this classic Italian recipe!
12. Stuffed Tomatoes Provencal
Sweet tomatoes stuffed full of savory ingredients like garlic and olives provide an amazing addition to any meal featuring pesto chicken as its main course! (Recipe)
Top them off with some mozzarella cheese before baking in the oven for an out-of-this-world experience!
13. Garlic Breadsticks
Who doesn’t love pizza night? Make it extra special by serving up fresh homemade garlic breadsticks alongside your favorite Italian entrée—pesto chicken!
A light brushing of garlic butter gives these breadsticks just enough zip without overpowering the subtle tones of the main dish itself.
14. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks makes a great alternative to meat when served alongside your favorite Italian dish such as pesto chicken!
Slice thick cauliflower steaks and roast them until they’re tender and crispy around the edges for a truly unforgettable side dish experience!
Explore More: Perfect Sauces for Cauliflower Steaks
15. Focaccia Bread
Enjoy Focaccia Bread, the traditional Italian flatbread as part of your meal featuring delicious pesto chicken!
Top it off with some herbs before popping it in the oven for maximum tastiness and serve warm for best results!
16. Sautéed Spinach & Mushrooms
Healthy yet full of flavor; this side dish pairs perfectly with juiciest slices of pesto chicken ever tasted!
Sautee spinach leaves together with mushrooms for extra umami goodness then season them lightly before serving atop your favorite grain or pasta option for a complete meal experience unlike any other!
17. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Everyone’s all-time favorite appetizer gets an upgrade when baked in combination with sharp cheddar cheese then served alongside an Italian inspired entrée like Pesto Chicken!
It’s cheesy and garlicky – what more can you ask for?
18. Grilled Ratatouille
Grilled Ratatouille is a traditional French side dish made from eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions & zucchini.
Grilled ratatouille offers bright & bold flavors that contrast nicely against milder dishes like Pesto Chicken – plus it looks gorgeous too!
19. Fresh Tomato Salad
Light, refreshing & so simple to put together; fresh classic tomato salad pairs especially well when served alongside Pesto Chicken due to its smooth texture & clean taste that complements but does not overpower its counterpart.
20. Sliced Avocado & Feta Salad
Sweet, creamy avocado slices combined with salty feta cheese make for an unforgettable side dish when served alongside a Pesto Chicken entree.
Finish it off with some fresh herbs & olive oil for an extra boost of flavor!
21. Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad is excellent to serve with pesto chicken simple yet flavorful salad is made up of crisp kale leaves, crunchy croutons & a zesty Caesar dressing – perfect for adding balance to your dinner plate featuring Pesto Chicken!
22. Crispy Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are always a crowd pleaser! Serve them as an accompaniment to Pesto Chicken for a complete meal that will have everyone begging for more!
Fry or bake the wedges until golden brown then toss with your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.
Find Out: Best Sauce Goes with Potato Wedges
What are the best flavors to go with pesto chicken?
Pesto chicken pairs well with a variety of flavors. Some classic flavor combinations include mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
For a more daring flavor combination try adding olives or roasted bell peppers. You can also add some zest to the dish by adding fresh lemon juice or zest.
The pesto sauce itself can be seasoned with herbs such as oregano and basil for added complexity.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something a bit spicier, you can incorporate chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the dish!
With each ingredient carefully chosen to complement one another, you’re sure to have an amazing dish bursting with flavor!
Another great way to enhance this dish is by topping it with some fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. This will add the perfect finishing touch to your pesto chicken dish and make it look even more enticing!
With all of these delicious options, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
So go ahead and get creative with your flavor combinations – you can’t go wrong with this classic Italian dish! Bon Appetite!
How do you jazz up pesto chicken?
One way to jazz up pesto chicken is to add some fresh herbs, a pinch of garlic, and a dash of chili flakes. You can also blend in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.
If you want to make it even more delicious, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
You can also top with fresh basil leaves and serve over hot cooked pasta for an amazing meal!
How do you display pesto chicken on a platter?
To display pesto chicken on a platter, begin by arranging the cooked pieces of chicken on the plate in an aesthetically pleasing way. Use larger pieces towards the center and arrange smaller pieces around it.
Garnish the plate with fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary or thyme.
Drizzle a generous amount of bright green pesto over the chicken. Place roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves around the chicken for extra color, flavor, and texture.
If desired, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve with freshly cooked sides like potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Wrap Up on What to serve with pesto chicken
Pesto chicken is one of those classic dishes that never fails to please; there’s something about its herby goodness that just makes everything taste better!
To make sure your meal is complete, why not try serving it up with one (or all!) of these delicious sides? From roasted vegetables to salads and pasta dishes – there’s something here for everyone!
So next time you’re having guests over for dinner or just want something special for yourself at home – why not whip up some tasty pesto chicken along with one of these accompaniments? – We guarantee you won’t regret it!
FAQs
How much pesto chicken per person?
The amount of pesto chicken per person will depend on how much the individuals are ready to eat and how many people there are.
Generally, a single serving of pesto chicken can provide enough food for one person.
However, if the group is large, it would be preferable to account for more servings of the dish.
When preparing a meal for a larger group, most chefs recommend approximately 6 ounces of protein per person, which translates to about three-quarters cup of cooked chicken per person.
Furthermore, when considering the rich flavors in pesto chicken, it might be wise to err on the side of caution and increase portion size accordingly.
What is pesto traditionally served with?
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce that is typically served with pasta.
It is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
This combination of ingredients creates a thick, flavorful sauce that can be used to top off any type of pasta dish.
Additionally, pesto can also be used as a topping for pizza and sandwiches. The vibrant green color of the pesto makes it an attractive and delicious addition to any meal.
What vegetable goes with pesto chicken?
The classic pairing for pesto chicken is usually a side of pasta, but you could also pair it with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, squash, or zucchini.
Other options include steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or even mashed potatoes.
Whatever vegetable you choose to accompany your pesto chicken should be cooked in a way that complements the flavors of the dish and allows all of its ingredients to shine. Enjoy!
What sauce goes well with pesto chicken?
A classic pairing for pesto chicken is a simple cream sauce. The creamy texture and mellow flavor of the sauce can help to balance out the boldness of the pesto, creating a delicious meal.
Other great sauces to pair with pesto chicken include lemon-caper butter, garlic tomato cream, or balsamic glaze.
For something lighter and fresher, try a white wine or herb vinaigrette. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be delicious!
