What To Serve With Chicken Marsala (20 Best Side Dishes)

Chicken marsala is a classic and elegant dish, featuring tender chicken breast smothered in a rich marsala sauce. This Italian-American favorite is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

But, what could make chicken marsala even better? The perfect side dishes to complement its flavors, of course! From creamy polenta and roasted vegetables to garlic bread and Caesar salad, I round up my favorite chicken marsala side dishes.

So, whether you serve chicken marsala for a dinner party or a family meal, these delicious and easy sides will make your chicken marsala dinner one to remember!

What to serve with chicken marsala including images of tagliatelle noodles, Brussels sprouts, green salad and garlic bread.

Looking for a quick answer? Here are my favorite sides for chicken marsala.

Some of the best side dishes to serve with chicken marsala are mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, garlic parmesan green beans, roasted carrots, wild rice pilaf, creamy polenta, sautéed mushrooms, green salad with balsamic dressing, roasted brussels sprouts, risotto, garlic bread, steamed broccoli, grilled zucchini, caesar salad, roasted potatoes, garlic mashed cauliflower, buttered noodles, Caprese salad, roasted root vegetables, and crusty bread.

1. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic and versatile side dish that pairs well with many main dishes. But have you tried them with chicken marsala? It’s a match made in heaven.

The creamy and buttery mashed potatoes complement the savory marsala wine sauce of the chicken marsala, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

We love: Simple Creamy Mashed Potatoes (by Olive & Mango)

2. Roasted asparagus

A delicious and easy side dish to serve with chicken marsala is roasted asparagus. The creamy and savory Italian dish pairs perfectly with the earthy and tender flavors of roasted asparagus.

Simply toss the asparagus in olive oil, season with sea salt and black pepper, and roast them in the oven or air fryer for a quick and gluten-free side option. It’s even better with grated parmesan cheese!

We love: Easy Roasted Asparagus (by The Endless Meal®)

3. Garlic parmesan green beans

When it comes to serving a delicious and hearty main dish like chicken marsala, I always want a simple side dish that complements it well. That’s where garlic parmesan green beans come in.

Not only are these green beans easy to prepare, but their garlic parmesan flavor pairs well with the savory marsala sauce of the chicken. This vegetable side dish adds a burst of freshness and color to your plate, making it a great side for a dinner party or a weeknight meal.

We love: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans (by Greens & Chocolate)

4. Roasted carrots

Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your Chicken Marsala? Look no further than roasted carrots.

Sweet oven-roasted carrots pair perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of Chicken Marsala.

Plus, this is also a great gluten-free side dish option for those with dietary restrictions.

We love: Roasted Carrots {2 Ways!} (by Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

5. Wild rice pilaf

The nuttiness and texture of wild rice perfectly complement the tender chicken breasts and rich and flavorful sauce.

It’s a great healthy alternative to the more classic carb-heavy side dishes like egg noodles and mashed potatoes.

We love: Wild Rice Pilaf (by Simply Whisked)

6. Creamy polenta

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish. So, I love to pair it with more Italian side dishes. And my favorite is creamy polenta.

The creamy texture and savory flavors of polenta complement the tender chicken and flavorful Marsala sauce. It’s a heavenly match packed with Italian flavors.

Serve it with some steamed or grilled asparagus and a crisp salad. The fresh flavors of the vegetables will balance out the richness of the cheesy polenta and creamy chicken marsala.

We love: Easy Cheesy Italian Polenta (by Comfort & Peasant)

7. Sautéed mushrooms

Chicken marsala recipes often add mushrooms to the sauce, but never enough in my opinion! So, I love to double up on mushrooms and serve the creamy chicken with a large bowl of sautéed mushrooms instead.

The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair perfectly with the savory and rich sauce of the chicken marsala. Add a splash of white wine and some fresh herbs to your sautéed mushrooms.

Then serve them with chicken marsala over a bed of white or brown rice for a satisfying and easy side dish.

We love: Sauteed Mushrooms in Garlic Butter (by Dinner at the Zoo)

8. Green salad with balsamic dressing

A green salad with balsamic dressing is the perfect side dish to round out most meals.

The tangy and slightly sweet balsamic vinegar complements the rich and savory flavors of the dish. Plus, the freshness of the salad helps balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Simply toss a mix of green salad leaves with a balsamic dressing. I also like to top the salad with sliced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.

We love: How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (by Salads for Lunch)

9. Roasted brussels sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are my favorite side dish to serve with chicken marsala.

The hearty and robust flavor of the sprouts complements the rich and savory taste of the chicken marsala sauce. And I love the crispy texture of the roasted sprouts.

Serve the chicken marsala and roasted Brussels sprouts with your favorite starch. Rice, pasta, mashed potato, or baked sweet potatoes all work superbly!

We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts (by Eatwell101)

10. Risotto

Risotto is a classic Italian side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken marsala. The combination makes the ultimate comfort food pairing.

For an extra burst of flavor, use a good quality chicken broth when preparing the risotto.

Serve with some sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for a pop of color and added nutrition.

We love: The Best EVER Risotto Recipe (by 40 Aprons)

11. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The crispy and buttery bread is the perfect vessel to soak up all the flavorful sauce and juices from the chicken.

Plus, with its easy and quick preparation, garlic bread is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party with friends and family.

We love: Cheesy Garlic and Herb Bread (by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen®)

12. Steamed broccoli

Steamed broccoli is an incredible side dish to serve with chicken marsala. The earthy flavors of the broccoli complement the rich and savory flavors of the creamy marsala sauce, making them a perfect pair.

For an indulgent flavor boost, toss the steamed broccoli in a garlic butter sauce before serving.

We love: Perfect Steamed Broccoli (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

13. Grilled zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a great vegetable side dish that pairs well with the rich and flavorful chicken marsala.

I love to sprinkle the grilled zucchini with shredded basil leaves, freshly grated parmesan cheese and ground black pepper for added Italian flair. Serve with some focaccia bread to complete your Italian feast.

We love: Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan (by Wholefully)

14. Caesar salad

Ceasar salad is one of my all-time favorite recipes to serve with any meal.

The tangy dressing of the salad pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the chicken marsala. Plus, the crisp and refreshing lettuce helps balance out the heavy pasta dish. And the crunchy croutons add texture.

We love: The BEST Caesar Salad (+ Homemade Caesar Dressing) (by FoodieCrush)

15. Roasted potatoes

For a delicious and filling side dish to serve alongside chicken marsala, roasted potatoes are a must-try.

Their neutral taste pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the sweet marsala and tangy tomato sauce. Plus, the crispy edges and soft centers of the potatoes add a satisfying texture to the meal.

Serve with greens to complete your meal. A simple arugula salad is perfect.

We love: Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes (Exceptional!) (by Two Kooks In The Kitchen)

16. Garlic mashed cauliflower

Garlic mashed cauliflower is a delicious and healthy side dish that offers a great low-carb alternative to garlic mashed potatoes.

Plus, it’s pretty simple to make—just boil the cauliflower, then mash it with garlic or sour cream for added creaminess. A food processor makes light work of cauli mash!

We love: Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower (by Healthy Fitness Meals)

17. Buttered noodles

Buttered noodles are a classic and delicious side dish to serve with chicken marsala. The rich and creamy sauce of the marsala pairs perfectly with the soft and buttery noodles for an indulgent, comforting meal.

If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles (or zoodles) are delicious sautéed in butter. Or try spaghetti squash with roasted garlic butter.

Plus, buttered noodles are a quick and easy side dish that pairs easily with roasted, grilled, or steamed veggies to complete the meal.

We love: Buttered Noodles Recipe (by Food Lovin Family)

18. Caprese salad

I adore a Caprese salad and I don’t need an excuse to serve it with pretty much every meal!

It’s the combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil that keeps me coming back to it.

Plus, it’s one of the easiest salads out there!

We love: Caprese Salad Recipe (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

19. Roasted root vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are another great side dish to serve with chicken marsala.

The earthy and sweet flavors of the roasted vegetables complement the rich and savory flavors of the marsala sauce.

To make roasted root vegetables, simply toss your favorite root vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized. It’s always a hit at my dinner table, especially paired with a creamy Caesar salad and warm dinner rolls.

We love: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables (by This Healthy Table)

20. Crusty bread

Ultimately, you only need something to soak up all that savory sauce. And what better than some crusty homemade bread on the side?

But, of course, if you’re not a baker, or in a rush to get the perfect side dish for your midweek dinner, any crusty store-bought bread will work. Or grab a beautiful Italian focaccia.

We love: World’s Easiest Yeast Bread recipe – Artisan, NO KNEAD crusty bread (by RecipeTin Eats)

Frequently asked questions

Chicken Marsala pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Other great options include risotto, pasta, bread rolls, or garlic bread.

Yes, Pinot Noir can be a great pairing with Chicken Marsala. The fruity and earthy flavors of Pinot Noir complement the rich and savory flavors of the dish. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference, so it’s best to experiment with different wine pairings to find your favorite.

Chicken marsala sauce typically contains flour, butter, chicken broth, Marsala wine, and heavy cream. Some aromatic ingredients like garlic, shallots and sliced mushroom boosts the flavor.

The best marsala wine substitute is another fortified wine with a similar flavor profile. My favorite is Madeira wine. But sherry or port also works well.

Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a new and exciting recipe, there’s something on this list for everyone. I hope you found these incredible side dishes helpful for your next chicken marsala meal!

As always, feel free to share your own suggestions and ideas in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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