Tuscan Chicken makes the perfect 30-minute Italian-inspired dinner, but what can you serve with Tuscan chicken to make it a whole meal? The options are endless but here are 29 of our favorites!.
Tuscan chicken is a chicken thats cooked with garlic and in a sundried tomato cream sauce. Its finished with fresh basil and parmesan. And despite the clearly Italian influence, it has a questionable history.
Its called Tuscan so one would assume its from Tuscany, but not so fast. That’s not where cream sauces come from—they come from the north of Italy, close to the border with Switzerland. The theory is that Tuscan chicken is a name Americans gave to the dish because of the Italian ingredients.
Regardless of the history, its a delicious dish and we have a few delicious Tuscan-inspired dishes. We have a super easy Dairy Free Tuscan Gnocchi and an amazing High Protein Tuscan Chicken recipe. We’re not done with recipes, though. Here are all of our favorite things to eat with Tuscan chicken. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Tuscan chicken is an Italian-style dish that is quick and easy to make. It’s creamy and garlicky, but what should you serve with it? The right side dishes and desserts can make your Tuscan chicken dinner stand out. Fortunately, the options for pairings are nearly endless.
In this article I’ll suggest 29 mouthwatering recipe ideas to serve with Tuscan chicken ranging from classic Italian sides to delicious desserts. With this list, you’ll have no trouble coming up with the perfect complements to create a full Tuscan-themed meal.
An Overview of Tuscan Chicken
Before jumping into the side dish and dessert options, let’s do a quick overview of what exactly Tuscan chicken is.
Tuscan chicken is made with chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a cream sauce with garlic, sundried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese. The dish tastes like it came from Italy, but it’s not from Tuscany.
Based on the cream sauce, it comes from northern Italy, close to the Swiss border. People in the US may have started calling it “Tuscan” chicken because it has Italian ingredients.
Regardless of its dubious origins, Tuscan chicken is absolutely delicious! The creamy, herbaceous sauce pairs nicely with so many side dishes.
12 Perfect Side Dishes for Tuscan Chicken
Here are 12 side dish ideas that will complement the flavors of Tuscan chicken beautifully:
1. Pasta Salad
If you want to go with Tuscan chicken, make a pesto pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The garlic, basil, and olive oil in the pesto taste like the flavors in Tuscan chicken.
2. Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan make a tasty accompaniment. The lemon brightens up the creaminess.
3. Potatoes Au Gratin
For a rich, comforting side, cheesy potatoes au gratin can’t be beat. The creaminess matches the Tuscan chicken sauce.
4. Scalloped Potatoes
Similarly, scalloped potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce also pair wonderfully. Garlic and nutmeg add extra flavor.
5. Roasted Potatoes
For something lighter, oven-roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic are a great option. Crisp outsides and fluffy insides.
6. Potato Bread
If you want a bread accompaniment, try an easy cheese and potato bread. The potatoes give it a unique twist.
7. Butternut Squash
Roast butternut squash cubes to bring out their natural sweetness. Toss them with thyme or rosemary.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Warm, cheesy spinach artichoke dip is an unexpected, but delicious pairing. Scoop it up with bread or vegetables.
9. Kale Chips
For crunch, bake up a batch of kale chips seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. A healthier alternative to croutons.
10. Rice
Simple basmati rice or risotto makes a nice neutral base for the saucy Tuscan chicken. Infuse rice with garlic.
11. Focaccia
Crispy, olive oil-infused focaccia bread is a classic Italian side. Top with tomatoes or herbs.
12. Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula salad tossed with lemon, Parmesan, and olive oil balances the rich chicken.
12 Irresistible Desserts for Tuscan Chicken
You can’t have an Italian-themed dinner without something sweet afterward! Here are 12 delightful desserts for the ultimate Tuscan chicken meal:
1. Tiramisu
Classic Italian tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone is an obvious (but perfect) choice.
2. Vanilla Cupcakes
Light, fluffy vanilla cupcakes are a simple but tasty dessert option. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Carrot Cake
Moist carrot cake swirled with cream cheese frosting echoes the Tuscan chicken flavors.
4. Lemon Bars
For a citrusy dessert, lemony protein bars are bright and refreshing.
5. Mug Cake
Mix up an easy chocolate mug cake for a quick, decadent dessert with little fuss.
6. Peach Melba
Sweet peaches with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream make an elegant finish.
7. Nutella Tartlets
Buttery mini tart shells filled with Nutella are irresistible. The chocolate hazelnut flavor is sublime.
8. Fruit Tart
Showcase seasonal fruits in a stunning free-form tart with vanilla pastry cream.
9. Lemon Meringue Pie
Pucker up with a classic lemon meringue pie encased in a crisp, flaky crust.
10. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Warm, spongy sticky toffee pudding smothered in a toffee sauce is decadently delicious.
11. No-Cream Cheesecake
For a lighter option, try this creamy, New York-style cheesecake made without heavy cream.
12. Almond Cake
An Italian almond cake with a hint of lemon is a perfect simple dessert. Dust with powdered sugar.
Put Together Your Next Tuscan Chicken Feast
Tuscan chicken already has big, bold flavors on its own. But served with the right side dishes and desserts, it becomes a full-blown Italian feast.
Use this list of 29 recipe ideas for inspiration at your next Tuscan chicken dinner. With so many delicious options, you could make different pairings every week and never get bored!
From creamy au gratin potatoes to peach melba and everything in between, these recipes will take your meal from basic to spectacular. Mangia!
side dishes to serve with Tuscan chicken
Now let’s talk about side dishes that go with Tuscan chicken. Don’t worry, we’ll talk about dessert later! We’ve put together a long list of options, so I’m sure you’ll find the perfect match for your dinner.
Picture a colorful pasta salad bursting with flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Its like a flavor explosion in your mouth! This salad is the perfect buddy for your Tuscan chicken. The tangy sauce in the pasta salad mixes so well with the yummy chicken, making every bite a taste adventure!.
Imagine a crunchy salad with tiny Brussels sprouts, almonds, and cheese. Its like a tasty crunch party! Pairing it with your Tuscan chicken is like having a delicious balance on your plate. The tangy salad dressing brings out the best in the chicken, making every bite very tasty.
Close your eyes and think of creamy, cheesy potatoes baked to perfection. Theyre like a warm hug on a plate! These potatoes are a perfect match for your Tuscan chicken. The creamy sauce and savory flavors of the potatoes make every mouthful of chicken even better!.
Picture thinly sliced potatoes soaked in a creamy sauce with hints of garlic and nutmeg. Its like a cozy blanket for your taste buds! Pairing these potatoes with Tuscan chicken is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. The creamy texture of the potatoes adds a tasty twist to every bite of chicken!.
Imagine crispy potato bites seasoned with herbs and spices. Theyre like little flavor bombs! Pairing them with your Tuscan chicken adds an extra crunch to your meal. The crispy outside and fluffy inside of the potatoes make each bite of chicken even more satisfying!.
Think of soft bread with melted cheese and mashed potatoes. It’s like a tasty snack and meal all in one! This bread with Tuscan chicken is like getting a tasty surprise on your plate. The cheesy flavor of the bread adds an extra layer of yumminess to every bite of chicken!.
Imagine crispy butternut squash cubes seasoned with herbs. Theyre like little bites of sunshine! Pairing them with Tuscan chicken adds a tasty twist to your meal. The crispy texture and sweet flavor of the squash make every bite of chicken even more delicious!
Picture a creamy, cheesy dip loaded with spinach and artichokes. Its like a party in your mouth! Pairing this dip with Tuscan chicken adds a fun twist to your meal. The creamy texture and savory flavors of the dip make every bite of chicken even more enjoyable!
Imagine crispy kale leaves seasoned with herbs and spices. Theyre like healthy potato chips! Pairing them with Tuscan chicken adds a tasty crunch to your meal. The crispy texture and savory flavor of the chips make every bite of chicken even more satisfying!
Think of fluffy rice with a fragrant aroma. Its like a warm hug for your taste buds! Pairing it with Tuscan chicken adds a tasty base to your meal. The fragrant aroma and fluffy texture of the rice make every bite of chicken even better!
Ligurian focaccia is crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Baked in extra virgin olive oil and topped with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, it’s the perfect match for Tuscan chicken!
Try this delicious baby arugula salad with shaved parmesan, freshly squeezed lemon, olive oil, and balsamic glaze. It only needs 5 ingredients and 5 minutes!
Fresh chopped veggies & garbanzo beans make up this classic Italian Chopped Salad. Loaded with all the best goodies & a homemade dressing for the perfect Italian side salad.
With so many gorgeous colors and vibrant flavors, this easy Vegetable Medley is a lovely accompaniment to Tuscan Chicken! And, with so many different veggies to choose from, its sure to please everyone round your table!
Imagine creamy mashed potatoes with the rich aroma of truffles. Theyre like a fancy treat for your taste buds! Pairing them with Tuscan chicken adds a luxurious touch to your meal. The creamy texture and earthy flavor of the potatoes make every bite of chicken even more delightful!
Make this veggie-loaded Mediterranean pasta in just 15 minutes and serve it as a side for a delicious Tuscan Chicken. With sweet cherry tomatoes, it will become a family favorite for busy weeknights!
Roasted tomatoes are a delicious side dish to compliment that Tuscan flavor. They’re quick and easy to make in your air fryer anytime!
how do you eat Tuscan chicken?
Before we get into side dishes and desserts to enjoy with this chicken, I often get the question – how do you eat or serve Tuscan chicken? This is a valid question because its a creamy sauce and chicken. Here are my preferred ways to eat it:
- With sourdough so you can eat the chicken and dip it in the creamy sauce.
- Over pasta, so the sauce can cover it, and the chicken is a great way to make the pasta taste better.
- As a low-carb or keto option on its own, or on top of roasted vegetables like mushrooms or asparagus.
Tuscan Chicken | The Ultimate Chicken Dinner?
FAQ
What to eat with chicken tuscan?
I love this dish served with bread, but you can also serve it over rice or pasta, or with creamy mashed potatoes. Whatever you do, I highly recommend serving this alongside something to sop up all of that incredible Tuscan sauce—let’s be honest, it’s the real star of the show here.
What to serve Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken with?
Based on a classic creamy chicken dish, Tuscan chicken is one of Mary Berry’s favourites when she needs an easy supper. It’s lovely served with potatoes, rice or pasta.
What are some good sides for chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerCrispy Parmesan Potatoes. Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm. Creamy Polenta. Elise Bauer. Stir-Fried Mushrooms with Garlic and Chile Oil. Coconut Lime Rice. Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar. 5-Minute Yamitsuki Cabbage. Garlic Fried Rice. Lyonnaise Potatoes.
What kind of bread goes with Tuscan chicken?
Serve creamy Tuscan chicken with garlic bread alongside. Enjoy!