You know that moment when you’ve got a beautiful pot of chicken cacciatore simmering away, filling your kitchen with those amazing aromas of herbs and wine, but then you think, “What on earth should I serve with this?” I’ve been there too! As someone who’s spent countless hours experimenting with Italian cuisine, I’m excited to share my favorite side dishes that’ll turn your chicken cacciatore into an unforgettable feast.
The Perfect Pasta Companions
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite – pasta! While chicken cacciatore is fantastic on its own, serving it over the right pasta can elevate this classic dish to new heights. I’ve found that these options work particularly well:
- Pappardelle: These wide, flat noodles are my absolute favorite choice. Their broad surface area is perfect for catching all that delicious sauce, and their texture complements the tender chicken beautifully. Trust me, there’s something magical about twirling those sauce-coated ribbons around your fork!
- Polenta: For a glorious twist on tradition, consider serving your cacciatore over creamy polenta. It’s like creating a cozy bed of cornmeal goodness that soaks up every drop of that rich tomato sauce. I still remember the first time I tried this combination at my Italian friend’s house – it was a game-changer!
Fresh and Light Side Dishes
To balance the richness of chicken cacciatore, you’ll want some lighter sides. Here are my top picks:
- Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Picture colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, all roasted until they’re caramelized and tender. The natural sweetness of these vegetables complements the savory cacciatore perfectly. Pro tip: toss them with just a touch of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing: Sometimes the simplest things are the best. A handful of peppery arugula, dressed with fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cacciatore. I love how the citrusy notes cut through the sauce’s richness.
Crusty Bread Selections
No Italian meal is complete without the perfect bread to soak up those incredible sauce juices. Here are my tried-and-true favorites:
- Ciabatta: This Italian bread’s airy interior and crusty exterior make it perfect for sauce-soaking duties. I love to lightly toast it and rub it with a clove of garlic – it’s a small touch that makes a huge difference!
- Rosemary Focaccia: Sometimes I’ll make a simple garlic parmesan flatbread (you can use this base recipe and modify it). The herbs in the bread echo those in your cacciatore, creating a harmonious flavor combination that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Wine Pairings That Elevate Your Meal
Since chicken cacciatore already includes wine in its preparation, choosing the right wine to serve alongside it is crucial. Here’s what I recommend:
- Medium-Bodied Red Wines: A Chianti Classico or Sangiovese works beautifully. Their acidity complements the tomato sauce while their fruit notes enhance the dish’s savory elements.
- Full-Bodied White Wines: If you prefer white wine, try a rich Verdicchio or an oak-aged Chardonnay. They stand up well to the robust flavors while adding their own complexity to the experience.
Unexpected But Delicious Side Dishes
Want to think outside the box? These unique pairings might surprise you:
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Herbs: Toss them with rosemary and garlic, then roast until golden. The crispy exterior and creamy interior provide a delightful textural contrast to your cacciatore.
- Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic: The slight bitterness of broccolini perfectly balances the rich sauce, while its tender-crisp texture adds a pleasant crunch to each bite.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Plate
Here’s how I like to compose the perfect chicken cacciatore plate:
- Start with your base (pasta or polenta) if using
- Add a generous portion of chicken cacciatore
- Arrange your vegetables on the side
- Add a small portion of salad
- Serve bread on the side
- Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Make-Ahead Suggestions
Life can get busy, so here’s how you can prep some sides in advance:
- Roast vegetables the day before and reheat them just before serving
- Prepare salad components and store separately, combining just before the meal
- Pre-slice bread and store in a paper bag (reheat quickly before serving)
Common Questions About Serving Chicken Cacciatore
Having made this dish countless times, here are answers to questions I frequently receive:
- Can I serve pasta with chicken cacciatore? Absolutely! While it’s not traditional in all parts of Italy, pasta makes an excellent accompaniment.
- What’s the best way to reheat sides without losing quality? For vegetables, a quick trip in a hot oven (375°F for 5-7 minutes) works better than microwave reheating.
- How much side dish should I prepare per person? I recommend about 1 cup of pasta or polenta per person, and about ¾ cup of vegetables. Better to have a little extra than not enough!
Conclusion
The beauty of chicken cacciatore lies not just in the dish itself, but in how you choose to complement it. Whether you’re going traditional with pasta and crusty bread, or mixing it up with roasted vegetables and unique sides, the key is to create a balanced plate that lets each component shine while working together harmoniously.
Remember, these are guidelines rather than strict rules – feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. After all, some of the best food discoveries come from trying something new!
What’s your favorite way to serve chicken cacciatore? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our other Italian-inspired recipes like this delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta or our guide to Italian flatbreads!
