What To Serve With Lemon Pepper Chicken (20 BEST Sides!)

If you’re looking for a vibrant chicken dish that’s full of bold, fresh flavours, you really can’t go wrong with lemon pepper chicken! 

It’s savoury, it’s tart, it’s peppery, and it’s made by cooking succulent chicken breasts in a delicious pan sauce that’s ideal for spooning right over your plate. 

This beautiful meal has made its way into my weekly rotation, partly thanks to it taking just half an hour from start to finish, but you do need to add some side dishes to turn it into a balanced and wholesome meal. 

Need some quick ideas? 

The best options for what to serve with lemon pepper chicken include roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, quinoa salad, steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, Caesar salad, Greek salad, garlic bread, dinner rolls, and baguette. 

Let’s take a look at some more options, with easy to follow recipes and preparation tips… 

Starch-Based Side Dishes

Starch-based sides are a perfect complement to the zesty flavour of lemon pepper chicken, providing a lovely balance to the dish.

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic pairing. 

I highly recommend trying this roasties recipe for the best results every time. 

They’re super crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and are perfectly seasoned. 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For a creamy addition, try garlic mashed potatoes.

Blend boiled potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and a splash of milk for a smooth texture.

• Ingredients:
  • Potatoes
  • Garlic
  • Butter
  • Milk
• Method: Mash together until creamy

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf, infused with onions and herbs, makes for a light yet aromatic side.

It absorbs the flavours from your lemon pepper chicken beautifully.

• Ingredients:
  • Basmati rice
  • Onions
  • Mixed herbs
• Preparation: Sauté onions, mix with rice and herbs, then simmer

(If you love this idea, explore more options for what to serve with rice pilaf). 

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Mix cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables and a lemon dressing for a refreshing side.

• Ingredients:
  • Quinoa
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Lemon juice (for dressing)
• Suggestion: Serve chilled

Fries

Everyone loves fries, and they’re a family friendly option for serving with your lemon pepper chicken! 

I like to cook mine in an air fryer so they’re extra crunchy and delicious. 

Buttered spaghetti

For a simple but delicious side for lemon pepper chicken, try a portion of buttered spaghetti. 

Add some seasoning to taste, and you’re good to go!

Steamed White Rice

A fantastic simple and easy (yet also delicious) side dish is steamed white rice. 

It soaks up the sauce wonderfully, and it’s easily scalable if you’re planning to serve a crowd. 

(For more chicken dinner inspiration, take a look at sides for blackened chicken too!) 

Vegetable Accompaniments

Choosing the right vegetables to accompany your lemon pepper chicken can balance flavours and add a fresh dimension to your meal.

Here are some delightful options for what to serve with lemon pepper chicken if you’re eager to get more veggies in your diet…

Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli pairs wonderfully with the zesty flavour of lemon pepper chicken.

Its subtle, earthy taste and satisfying crunch offer a lovely contrast.

Simply steam until slightly tender and season with a pinch of salt.

Glazed Carrots

Sweet glazed carrots can add a touch of sweetness to your plate.

Glaze them in a buttery brown sugar sauce and add a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant side dish that complements the tanginess of your chicken.

Green Bean Almondine

A classic green bean almondine provides a nutty crunch to the meal.

Toss your green beans with slivered almonds and garlic, and sauté in olive oil until they’re tender-crisp to achieve the perfect texture.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelised edges, offer a rich, robust flavour.

Roast them at a high heat with a drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper until they’re beautifully browned and tender.

Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus is an elegant side, and it’s perfect if you’re cooking for a special occasion or a date night. 

Add some fresh lemon slices, as the acidity really helps the flavours to sing. 

Salads

Pair your lemon pepper chicken with a refreshing salad to complement its zesty flavour.

Each salad option provides a unique texture and taste to balance your meal.

Caesar Salad

For a classic choice, Caesar salad is a great match.

You’ll find the crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing coupled with shavings of Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons offering a satisfying contrast to the spice of the chicken.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad, with its robust feta cheese and tangy Kalamata olives, brings a Mediterranean flair to your plate.

The combination of cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion topped with olive oil dressing makes it a refreshing side.

Arugula and Parmesan Salad

An arugula and parmesan salad adds a peppery note with fresh arugula leaves, which go well with shavings of Parmesan.

The subtle bitterness of arugula contrasts perfectly with the zest of lemon pepper chicken.

Couscous and Mixed Greens

Lastly in terms of salads that are a great choice for what to serve with lemon pepper chicken, a couscous and mixed greens salad weaves in a delightful texture, with fluffy couscous grains amidst a bed of varied greens.

For a touch of sweetness, consider adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Bread Selections

Pairing the right bread with your lemon pepper chicken can enhance the flavours of your meal.

Below you’ll find a selection of breads that complement the zesty and peppery notes of the chicken.

Garlic Bread

Your lemon pepper chicken will pair excellently with garlic bread.

The robust garlic flavour and buttery texture add a rich layer that contrasts nicely with the bright chicken seasoning.

Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are a splendid choice for sopping up any sauce or juices.

They’re soft, fluffy, and a delightful addition to your meal, balancing the zestiness of the chicken with their subtle sweetness.

Baguette

A crusty baguette offers a satisfying crunch and a chewy interior.

It’s ideal for those of you who appreciate a bread that holds up well when dipped in sauces or used to create the perfect bite balanced with chicken.

Focaccia

Herbed focaccia with olive oil is another great match for your lemon pepper chicken.

It brings Italian flair to your table with its aromatic herbs complementing the chicken’s flavour profile.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with lemon pepper chicken? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! 

If you love chicken dishes, you might also want to take a look at what to serve with Thai basil chicken, and what to serve with marry me chicken!