Lucas Delgado
Lemon pepper chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on your preference. If you're looking for something light and refreshing to balance the zest of the lemon, consider a salad, such as a Greek salad or a Caprese pasta salad. For a heartier option, potatoes are a classic choice and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as mashed, roasted, or Hasselback potatoes. Other starchy sides include pasta and rice, which can be flavoured with lemon vinaigrette, saffron, or chicken broth. Finally, roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts can add a healthy and tasty crunch to your meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Greek salad, Caesar salad, Caprese pasta salad |
| Vegetables | Green beans, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Broccoli, Broccolini, Parsnips, Carrots, Corn, Zucchini |
| Breads | N/A |
| Potatoes | Mashed potatoes, Hasselback potatoes, Halved baby red potatoes, Colcannon, Potato wedges, Roasted potatoes |
| Pastas | Orzo, Pasta with peas, Broccoli pasta, Caprese pasta salad |
| Grains/Rice | Basmati rice, Rice pilaf, Saffron rice, Cumin rice, Turmeric rice, Saffron rice, Thyme rice, Marjoram rice, Parsley rice |
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What You'll Learn
Rice pilaf
Lemon pepper chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides, including vegetables, salads, breads, potatoes, pastas, and rice. Rice pilaf, a flavourful and versatile side dish, is an excellent choice to accompany lemon pepper chicken. Here is a detailed recipe for rice pilaf that serves 6 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock or broth, or a mix of water and stock (the amount may vary depending on the type of rice used)
- Butter
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Olive oil
- Vermicelli or orzo pasta (or substitute with an equal amount of fideo pasta)
- White rice, preferably long-grain (about 2 cups)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: vegetables of your choice (such as carrots, celery, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers), toasted almonds, or raisins
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the stock or broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Stir the mixture occasionally as it heats up.
- In a separate large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the vermicelli or orzo pasta and cook until it turns golden brown, which should take about 4-6 minutes.
- Add the rice to the skillet and cook until it becomes bright white, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the warm broth mixture into the skillet with the rice and pasta. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add the chopped parsley to the skillet. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until all the broth has been absorbed by the rice.
- Fluff the rice pilaf with a fork before serving.
You can also add some heated peas, toasted almonds, or raisins to the pilaf for extra flavour and texture.
Leftovers and Storage:
The rice pilaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last for up to 2 months. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop, adding a small amount of water or broth to keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out.
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Roasted vegetables
Lemon pepper chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of roasted vegetable sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
Potato Variations
Potatoes are a classic side dish that can be prepared in numerous ways to complement lemon pepper chicken. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Mashed potatoes: Combine roasted potatoes with a whole head of garlic, then mash them together for a creamy and flavourful side.
- Hasselback potatoes: These potatoes look fancy but are simple to make. You can roast them in the oven or prepare them in a slow cooker.
- Baby red potatoes: Halve and roast these potatoes with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for a delicious side that pairs well with chicken.
- Colcannon: This traditional Irish dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed greens, making it a perfect pairing for lemon pepper chicken any time of the year.
Other Vegetable Sides
In addition to roasted vegetables and potatoes, you can explore other vegetable sides to enhance your lemon pepper chicken:
- Charred Cajun corn: This slightly sweet and smoky side dish is finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, making it an ideal companion for lemon chicken.
- Grilled eggplant: Simply char the eggplant and season it with garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar for a quick and tasty side.
- Zucchini fritters: Shredded zucchini and Parmesan cheese give these fritters a unique flavour. Instead of deep-frying, cook them on a griddle or pan for a healthier option.
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Salads
A Greek salad with feta, Kalamata olives, and other colourful ingredients is another tasty choice. For a simple side, a classic Caesar salad is always a good option.
For a more unique salad, try a broccoli pasta salad. Combine blanched broccoli with orzo pasta, lemon vinaigrette, roasted red peppers, and asparagus. For a starch-filled salad, roast some potatoes and add them to orzo with cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
If you're looking for a lighter option, a zucchini noodle salad is a great choice. Simply sauté zucchini noodles in avocado oil with garlic, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Breads
Lemon pepper chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of breads. Here are some ideas for bread sides to accompany your lemon pepper chicken:
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side that pairs well with almost any dish, and lemon pepper chicken is no exception. To elevate this combination, add some cheese to your garlic bread. The sharpness of the garlic and the creaminess of the cheese will create a delicious contrast of flavours with the zesty lemon and spicy pepper in the chicken.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a quick and easy option that doesn't require any rising time. For a Mexican-inspired twist, add some jalapenos to your cornbread for a spicy kick that will complement the peppery notes in the chicken.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is a great choice if you're looking for a Mediterranean-themed meal. Serve your lemon pepper chicken with naan bread, olives, feta cheese, and eggplant for a flavourful feast. The soft and chewy texture of naan bread makes it perfect for soaking up any juices or sauces from the chicken.
Homemade Breadcrumbs
If you're looking for a creative way to use leftover bread, consider making your own breadcrumbs. Simply dry out some bread in the oven, process it into crumbs, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can then use these breadcrumbs to coat your lemon pepper chicken, adding a crispy texture and extra flavour.
Bread Rolls
Sometimes, a simple bread roll can be the perfect side to soak up all the delicious juices from your lemon pepper chicken. Whether you prefer fluffy white bread rolls or hearty whole grain rolls, the choice is yours. Bread rolls can also be a great vessel for making sandwiches or sliders with your lemon pepper chicken.
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Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish to serve with lemon pepper chicken. You can make an air fryer version by roasting the potatoes and a whole head of garlic before mashing them together. This gives the mashed potatoes a deeper, roasted flavour.
Hasselback potatoes are another great option. They look fancy but are simple to make and don't take long to prep. You can either roast them in the oven or use a slow cooker, which won't heat up your kitchen.
Roasted baby red potatoes are also a perfect side dish for lemon pepper chicken. Halve baby red potatoes and roast them with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
You can also make roasted potato wedges. Cut potatoes into wedges; russets are a good choice for this. Coat the wedges with a mixture of chicken stock, lemon juice, parsley, and garlic. Then, generously coat them with olive oil, add some salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven.
Colcannon is a traditional Irish side dish that combines the richness of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with the savoury taste of sautéed greens. It's a perfect side dish for lemon pepper chicken and can be enjoyed any time of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many side dishes that go well with lemon pepper chicken. Some examples include roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or potatoes. If you're looking for a starch, roasted potatoes or rice pilaf are great options. For something lighter, a salad or zoodles (zucchini noodles) can be a good choice.
There are several potato side dishes that can complement lemon pepper chicken. Some ideas include mashed potatoes, Hasselback potatoes, baby red potatoes roasted with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, or colcannon (an Irish side dish that combines mashed potatoes with sautéed greens).
Yes, there are several pasta side dishes that can pair well with lemon pepper chicken. Some options include orzo pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes; pasta e piselli (pasta with peas); or a broccoli pasta with lemon zest.
