Lemon pepper chicken is pretty much what it says on the tin, chicken seasoned with lemon zest and black pepper. It has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that I can’t get enough of.
If you’re wondering what to serve with lemon pepper chicken, you’re in the right place. In this article, I list 14 of the most popular side dishes for lemon pepper chicken.
The best side dishes for lemon pepper chicken are roasted Greek potatoes, asparagus pasta salad, and mashed sweet potatoes. Good vegetable sides include a sauteed vegetable medley, cheesy roasted green beans, and butter-roasted carrots. Broccoli mac and cheese is a great left-wing suggestion.”
Starches
Lemon pepper chicken is your meal’s protein, so all you’re missing is a starchy side to complete the meal. Dishes like roasted potatoes have a complementary savory flavor that’ll allow your chicken’s zesty notes to shine, but you can also try a hearty rice pilaf for more texture.
Wild Rice Pilaf
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 1 hr 15 mins
Wild rice’s earthy flavor can be too much in a pilaf, so I love this recipe’s fix — using a 50/50 mixture of wild and brown rice.
This gives the pilaf an earthiness that won’t overpower your chicken’s zesty flavors, making for a more balanced bite. And with other additions like mushrooms, peas, and pecans, you’re guaranteed a satisfying and nourishing meal.
What readers are saying…
“… I have had great success with previous recipes from this site and so I went for it for Christmas dinner. I and my family were not disappointed! Full of flavor and filling.”
“Made a version of this and my whole family enjoyed it very much.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🕰 Quick Rice pilaf
🍅 Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice Skillet
🍄 Spinach Mushroom Quinoa
Slow-roasted Greek Potatoes
4.0 ⭐️ (123 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
Can’t get enough lemony goodness? Consider pairing your lemon pepper chicken with these slow-roasted potatoes.
Unlike traditional recipes, this version involves roasting the spuds in a lemony broth, which infuses them with a bright, savory flavor.
This method also makes the potatoes delightfully fluffy, which more than makes up for the lack of crisp exteriors.
What readers are saying…
“This has been a go-to potato recipe in our house for a while—we love it!”
“These potatoes were really delicious. They were easy to make and I plan to make them often.”
“These were absolutely delicious! I’ve always wanted to make potatoes like they serve at a Greek restaurant but never knew how. But now I do.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🏃♀️ Air-fryer roasted potatoes
🍟 Double-fried French fries
🌿 Garlic herb mashed potatoes
Spanish Rice and Chickpeas
5.0 ⭐️ (12 ratings) | 35 mins
Eating lemon pepper chicken reminds me of summers spent in Spain, lounging by the sea and eating all afternoon.
So I couldn’t leave this Spanish rice dish off my list. The smoked paprika gives it a gorgeous orange hue and a lovely smokiness that contrasts well with the zesty lemon pepper chicken.
Plus, the addition of the chickpeas gives it a nice crunch and adds some extra protein.
What readers are saying…
“Wonderful recipe for diet-conscious people!”
“This was so delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥥 Coconut lime rice
🍄 Baked mushroom rice
😇 Spanish cauliflower rice
Comfort Food
Transform your lemon pepper chicken into the ultimate comfort meal with these sides. Mashed potatoes are a no-brainer, but have you ever tried mashed sweet potatoes? They’re the best of both worlds.
And we can’t forget about mac and cheese – go with a one-pot version if you’re in a rush.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
4.8 ⭐️ (28 ratings) | 30 mins
Serving lemon pepper chicken for kids? Pair it with a side of this broccoli mac and cheese!
The homemade cheese sauce is delightfully creamy and lightly salty, which helps offset the bright, peppery notes of the chicken.
And adding broccoli is a great way to increase this dish’s nutritional value. Sometimes I also add cauliflower and chop it up so small my kids don’t even realize it!
What readers are saying…
“What a lovely recipe. This was a hit with my 2.5 year-old. I pulverized the broccoli florets in my food processor to make it as fine as possible so it kind of melts away into the sauce.“
“Just as it said, quick and delicious! Super easy recipe with the cheese sauce being the perfect consistency!”
“This is my second time making this dish and it was so simple I get my daughter to be in-charge. It is also very delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌱 Dairy-free mac and cheese
🥦 Baked parmesan broccoli casserole
Garlic Bread
4.4 ⭐️ (85 ratings) | 30 mins
Garlic bread may be a pasta staple, but I believe it goes well with any dish, lemon pepper chicken included.
It’s super easy to make and requires mostly pantry staples. Plus, its crunchy texture is an excellent contrast to the tender chicken.
Psst… don’t forget to save your last bite of this garlic bread and use it to soak up the chicken’s bright, peppery sauce.
What readers are saying…
“This was the best garlic bread I’ve had made in years, and will now be the only one I ever make. The flavor was outstanding.“
“This garlic bread looks absolutely fantastic. I love how easily it comes together with just a handful of ingredients.”
Easy and delicious! And it freezes well, for quick garlic bread servings during the week.
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥜 Vegan garlic bread
🥖 Classic crusty French baguettes
🏃♀️ Keto garlic bread
Mashed sweet potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 45 mins
Looking to switch things up? Whip up a creamy mash made with sweet potatoes instead.
What sets this apart from the typical mash recipes is it calls for roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. This simple change gives the mash a deeper and more robust flavor that pairs nicely with your lemon pepper chicken.
And don’t worry about this being dessert-like. Aside from the balsamic vinegar, you can add other savory elements like fresh thyme, rosemary, or parmesan cheese to offset the sweetness.
What readers are saying…
“Very delicious. No leftovers!”
“That roasted garlic though! Love all the variations for this recipe.”
“Love this recipe! This is one I could eat every day!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Creamy Polenta
30 mins
This creamy polenta is a game-changer for anyone who loves a comforting, creamy side dish.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, it transforms into a smooth and velvety bowl of goodness that’s the perfect complement to the zesty flavors of lemon pepper chicken.
Whether you cook it with chicken broth for added depth or keep it vegetarian with vegetable stock, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please.
What chef is saying…
“Don’t stop stirring! Polenta isn’t as finicky as risotto, but they do share the same rules. The more your stir, the creamier it will be.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables
Now you’ve got the protein and the starch, all that’s missing is a veggie side. I like keeping it simple with sauteed vegetables, but why not try a Southern twist with collard greens?
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
4.7 ⭐️ (34 ratings) | 35 mins
Roasting has got to be my favorite method of cooking carrots. It’s quick, easy, and the high heat chars the carrots a bit, which adds a light smoky flavor.
This recipe from Diethood jazzes the carrots up further with a honey garlic butter glaze. This simple glaze infuses them with a sweet-savory kick that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Enjoy these delicious roasted carrots alongside your lemon chicken for a complete and healthy meal.
What readers are saying…
“My husband and most of my grown children do NOT like cooked carrots, however, they LOVED these! They will be added to the rotation at our house.”
“These were so good!! I discovered too late the first time I made them that I was out of honey so I had to substitute brown sugar. It was so delicious that I consider it a happy accident”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Stovetop honey butter carrots
🧀 Air fryer parmesan carrots
🥗 French carrot salad
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
20 mins
Forget about steamed broccoli; once you’ve tried this Parmesan roasted broccoli, there’s no going back. Can you tell I like roasted vegetables?!
The edges become crispy and caramelized in the oven, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that’s simply irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to add a healthy, crunchy side to your lemon pepper chicken.
What chef is saying…
“When tossing ingredients some bread crumbs and grated parmesan will drop to the bottom. When transferring the broccoli to the pan, use a spoon to scoop the leftovers on top of broccoli.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍄 Garlic Roasted Mushrooms
🥦 Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
🔥 Spicy Broccoli Stir Fry
Sauteed Vegetables
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 35 mins
This suggestion is a bit vague — but that’s on purpose!
Take a look in your fridge and see what vegetables you have that are starting to look a little worse for wear. Chuck them in a pan together, and you have a wonderful side dish for your lemon pepper chicken.
Or you can follow Spaceships & Laser Beams’ lead and use frozen veggies instead.
What readers are saying…
“Love this recipe! Easy, delicious, and nutritious.”
“This sounds great, especially to fix to eat healthy.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍠 Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
🔥 Grilled Veggie Skewers
🌞 Summer Veggie Gratin
Cheesy Roasted Green Beans
4.7 ⭐️ (34 ratings) | 35 mins
With only a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper, and a little oven magic, you can turn boring old green beans into something fabulous!
And if that’s not enough, the cheesy green beans are topped with mozzarella cheese and then broiled in the oven for the last time to add that creamy goodness.
Pro-tip: make sure to use fresh green beans to achieve that crisp-tender bite.
What readers are saying…
“Husband who doesn’t like green beans loved these and between the two of us we ate the whole pan!”
“This is a simple yet elegant side dish. It’s very yummy and goes great with just about any meat.”
“These are AWESOME! Can’t wait to make them again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥗 Green Bean Salad with Lemon and Dill
🤩 Green Bean Casserole
💵 Garlic Parmesan Canned Green Beans
Harvest Succotash
4.5 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 35 mins
I don’t know about you, but lemon pepper chicken reminds me of summer, making this colorful succotash an excellent side dish.
Recipe creator Sylvia uses a colorful medley of summer veggies for this recipe to celebrate the season. But as long as you have the corn and shell beans, you can use any veggies you like for this dish.
What readers are saying…
“I decided to give this one a chance. I am glad I did. Even my reluctant vegetable eater enjoyed it.“
“It was a tasty way to use our abundant zucchini. We didn’t have green beans or okra, but rainbow cauliflower was a fine substitute.”
“This recipe looks so seasonal and great. I’m sensitive to onion and garlic so will be trying it with garlic-infused olive oil and green onion tops.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob
🧀 Creamed Corn Casserole
Salads
Salads are an excellent accompaniment to lemon pepper chicken for a lean and healthy meal. A classic Caesar or any leafy salad is a great option, but why not go with a pasta salad if you want something heartier?
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
4.7 ⭐️ (503 ratings) | 30 mins
This Mediterranean orzo salad is the ideal side dish for lemon pepper chicken if you’re looking for something hearty and healthy.
Veggies like bell peppers, spinach leaves, onions, and olives bring that freshness and crunch that you’re looking for, while the orzo has all the carbs.
Plus, it’s such a breeze to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this a couple of times, now. It’s a fantastic salad to make on these hot summer days.“
“This recipe was so delicious! The brightness of the lemon juice was the perfect touch! It makes a huge amount, but can easily be scaled down, and I love that you can add or subtract ingredients with whatever you have on hand.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍂 Fall-inspired Pasta Salad
🥜 Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
😇 Gluten-free Pasta salad with Artichoke
BBQ Potato Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 55 mins
If you want to be the talk of the town this summer, pair your lemon pepper chicken with this BBQ potato salad.
It’s sweet and spicy, with the right amount of crunch from those little bits of bacon and celery. And the BBQ sauce ties everything together, helping mellow out the acidic flavor of the lemon pepper chicken.
Every bite feels like a party for your taste buds!
What readers are saying…
“This was the best potato salad I have ever had – amazing and delicious flavors and unique as well. This will be a favorite going forward!“
“This is a must-try. I made it for tonight’s dinner with smoked tri-tip and spicy spiralized cucumber salad. It was so good. You can easily 1/2 this recipe. Thank you. Will be making it again!“
“This looked so good I just had to try it. I prepared it exactly to your recipe and it is absolutely wonderful!!! Thank u so much for the recipe this is a keeper!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌱 No-mayo potato salad
🇫🇷 French potato salad
🧘♀️ Creamy broccoli cauliflower salad
Asparagus Pasta Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (84 ratings) | 45 mins
This pasta salad is the ideal springtime accompaniment for your lemon pepper chicken.
It’s loaded with crisp asparagus spears, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs that’ll make each bite delightfully refreshing.
And the honey mustard vinaigrette adds the right amount of bite to complement your zesty chicken.
What readers are saying…
“I made this recipe twice this week. We are only 2 the house. Yes, it’s THAT good! I’m craving it all the time!!“
“Delicious! Made this for a light dinner tonight. Love eating a rainbow of color!“
“My mother-in-law said this is her favorite thing to eat. It’s def a go-to now. I even like this warm!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌞 Ranch pasta salad
🇮🇹 Antipasto Pasta Salad
Caesar Salad
4.4 ⭐️ (39 ratings) | 20 mins
I always enjoy my Caesar salad with chicken, so I had to have this classic on the list.
It’s a very easy salad to put together and the lettuce and croutons provide a satisfying crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
If you want to make your homemade Caesar more special, whip up your own croutons and dressing (included in the recipe!).
What readers are saying…
“I have made this dressing several times never disappointing! Also if out of fresh garlic, the bottle version works. Add to taste.”
“I like this recipe but for my dressing, I combined basil pesto, sour cream, Ripe avocados, and freshly squeezed lemon juice and blended it in a blender.”
“Looks delicious. And the directions are great. Once in a while, I have grilled the romaine if I really feel ambitious.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
❄️ Winter Caesar Salad
🌱 Vegan Caesar Salad
😇 Healthy Caesar Salad
Quinoa Tabbouleh
15 mins
Once you try this quinoa tabbouleh, you’ll forget all about the traditional version. This dish swaps out bulgur for quinoa, adding a lovely nutty flavor and making it both gluten-free and protein-packed.
The grains are tossed with chopped fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing – it’s a refreshing addition to any meal and pairs great with the robust flavors of lemon pepper chicken.
What chef says…
“This healthy Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad recipe is delicious, filling, gluten-free and vegan.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍋 Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
🥗 Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Creamy Coleslaw
4.8 ⭐️ (197 ratings) | 10 mins
This creamy coleslaw is an absolute classic. It’s a delightful mix of crunchy cabbage and carrots, tossed in a homemade creamy dressing that’s tangy yet slightly sweet.
It’s the perfect cool counterpoint to the warm spices of lemon pepper chicken. You can have it on the table in 10 minutes, but I always make it a few hours before so the flavors have time to properly develop.
What readers are saying…
“I’m not a big fan of most coleslaw but this is bomb !!! I put this on my pulled pork sandwich’s and so good…”
“I made a double batch for a birthday celebration….it was AMAZING! A week later I was still hearing about how good it was!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥕 Spicy Asian Slaw
🍎 Apple Walnut Coleslaw
🥬 Kale and Brussels Sprout Slaw
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken [18 Sides]
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, ends trimmed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic minced
- ¾ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 1¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsps fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 F. Grease your baking sheet with non-stick cooking oil spray.
- Arrange green beans on a baking sheet. Make sure none of them are overlapping. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over your prepped green beans and toss them to evenly coat.
- Bake the green beans for 20 minutes or until vibrant and crisp-tender. Once tender, remove from the oven and top with mozzarella cheese. Return the green beans in the oven and broil until the cheese melts and becomes golden (about 4-5 minutes).
- Serve immediately.
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