Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken is a delicious Italian-inspired dish that is full of flavor. It features chicken breasts cooked in a tomato, garlic and herb sauce. While the chicken is tasty on its own, it would be even better served with some complementary side dishes. Choosing the right sides can enhance the flavors of the chicken and make for a more complete meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken.
Starchy Side Dishes
A starchy side dish is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce from the Tuscan chicken. Here are some excellent options:
Polenta
Polenta is a classic Italian side made from cornmeal. It has a soft, porridge-like texture and mild flavor that pairs nicely with saucy dishes like Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken. You can serve polenta under the chicken or on the side. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for more flavor.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi are small, soft dumplings made from potatoes. They are an ideal match for Tuscan chicken since they hold the sauce so well. Purchase ready-made gnocchi to make this side dish easy. Sauté the gnocchi in olive oil or butter before serving.
Risotto
Creamy risotto makes the perfect bed for Mary Berry’s chicken. Arborio rice is simmered in broth and wine until thick and creamy. Mushroom, pea, or butternut squash are all delicious flavors that would complement the Tuscan chicken.
Pasta
What goes better with an Italian chicken dish than pasta? Options like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well. Cook the pasta al dente and then toss it with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Serve the saucy chicken over the pasta.
Vegetable Sides
Some fresh vegetables on the side will balance the richness of the Tuscan chicken. Here are some great veggie sides:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting brings out delicious sweetness in vegetables. Try roasting squash, zucchini, peppers, onions, carrots or Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They will taste amazing with the tomato sauce from the chicken.
Sauteed Spinach
Leafy greens like spinach help to cut through heavy flavors. Saute spinach with olive oil and garlic until just wilted. The Tuscan chicken sauce is perfect for drizzling over the spinach.
Green Beans
For a pop of color, serve up quick sauteed green beans. You can also roast green beans for deeper flavor. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
What to Drink
An Italian-style meal like Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken calls for a nice Italian wine pairing. Here are some options:
Chianti
A classic choice, Chianti has a medium body and often features flavors of ripe cherry and violet. It’s an excellent match with tomato-based dishes. Select a Chianti Classico for the highest quality.
Pinot Grigio
This popular Italian white wine has notes of citrus, green apple, and mineral. Its bright acidity and subtle flavor complement, not overpower, the Tuscan chicken.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese has fresh cherry and herb notes that align nicely with the tomato and garlic in the chicken sauce. Choose one from Tuscany for an authentic pairing.
Desserts
End your Tuscan chicken dinner on a sweet note with one of these delightful Italian-inspired desserts:
Tiramisu
The classic Italian dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, sweetened mascarpone, cocoa powder, and liquor is the perfect capper for this meal.
Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is a light, creamy custard that can be flavored with anything from vanilla to berries to caramel. It’s not too heavy after the chicken.
Cannoli
A traditional cannoli features a crisp pastry shell stuffed with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling. The mini versions make perfect single-serving desserts.
Gelato
You can’t go wrong finishing with a few scoops of rich Italian gelato in flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, or amaretto.
Full Meal Suggestions
Here are two complete menu suggestions for meals to serve with Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken:
Menu 1
| Dish | Recipe Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Appetizer | Bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, garlic |
| Main | Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken |
| Side | Roasted Zucchini |
| Side | Risotto |
| Dessert | Tiramisu |
Menu 2
| Dish | Recipe Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Salad | Arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette |
| Main | Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken |
| Side | Sauteed spinach |
| Side | Pasta with pesto |
| Dessert | Gelato |
Tips for Serving
Here are a few tips to help make your meal of Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken with sides a success:
- Cook the chicken and sides so that everything is ready at the same time. You don’t want the chicken to sit and get cold.
- Keep the chicken and pasta/rice/polenta warm in a low oven if needed between cooking and serving.
- Finish off the chicken with chopped parsley or basil to add some freshness.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the completed dishes for added Italian flavor.
- Make sure to serve the chicken sauce over the side dishes for added moisture and flavor.
- Set the table with nice dishes, cutlery, and candles for an intimate dining experience.
- Don’t forget the wine and dessert to complete your Tuscan-inspired menu!
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken is a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with starchy sides like polenta, veggie sides like sauteed spinach, Italian wines, and creamy Italian desserts. With dishes like risotto, tiramisu, and a nice Chianti on the menu, you’re sure to have an amazing Italian feast. Vary the sides based on what’s in season or your preferences to complement the robust flavors of the tomatoey baked chicken. With the right balance of flavors and textures, you can’t go wrong with Mary Berry’s Tuscan chicken as your centerpiece. Buon appetito!