What to Serve With Bruschetta Chicken? 27 Best Side Dishes

Last updated on August 8th, 2024

Chicken bruschetta involves grilled bread topped with flavorful chicken, sliced tomatoes, olives and basil. And while this sounds like an appetizing snack on its own, why not turn it into a meal? Take a look at some of the delightful side dish ideas for you to try! Also, let us know if you try one of these options for what to serve with bruschetta chicken.

What is Bruschetta?

Traditional bruschetta is a classic Italian dish consisting of sliced bread dipped in olive oil. It’s topped with tomato slices, garlic, and basil leaves. It’s typically served as an appetizer before the main meal, but can also make a great side dish.

Bruschetta can be served alongside soups and salads, or simply devoured on its own. In today’s post, we’re specifically talkinga bout chicken bruschetta open-faced sandwiches,

What Goes With Bruschetta Chicken

Some of the best side dishes for bruschetta are normally served as appetizers.

Here are some delicious varieties to choose from:

Garlic Brown Rice

A scrumptious combination of garlic fried rice served alongside crispy chicken bruschetta will have you salivating in anticipation.

The recipe requires several ingredients consisting of olive oil, garlic, uncooked rice, parsley, salt, and water. You can include an additional vegetable you like to balance out the cold chicken flavors.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

While the name might be a mouthful, you won’t be able to keep your hands off of this pasta salad.

The combination of pasta salad with bruschetta is exceptional. A light and refreshing mouthful of antipasto salad, accompanied by a bite of bruschetta will go down a treat.

You can include anything you want to the dish, to make it even more delicious. The ingredients consist of light Italian elements like olives, bocconcini, cooked pasta and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also include cheese or meat if you want to shake things up a little.

The dressing is also very easy to make, and involves olive oil, chili flakes, salt, pepper and parsley.

Caesar Salad

The garlic and tangy dressing of Caesar salad matches the chicken’s taste, and the crisp lettuce adds crunch.

To make it different, try grilling the romaine lettuce. Cut it in half, brush with olive oil, and cook it quickly on the grill. This will give it a slightly smoky taste that goes well with the grilled chicken.

Add fresh grated Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons to make your Caesar salad even better.

Garden Salad

A simple garden salad is good if you want the bruschetta chicken to be the main focus. You can use any vegetables you have in your fridge.

Start with mixed greens like butter lettuce, arugula, and baby spinach. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onions. You can also put in bell peppers and shredded carrots for more crunch and nutrition.

The dressing is important for a good garden salad. A light dressing works well. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a little Dijon mustard, and some honey. This dressing will go well with your bruschetta chicken without being too strong.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad adds a tangy flavor.

Use chunks of tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add Kalamata olives and cubes of feta cheese. You can also put in green bell pepper slices and some dried oregano to make it more like a traditional Greek salad.

The dressing for a Greek salad is simple. Just use good quality olive oil and a little red wine vinegar. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

If you want to try something different, add some diced watermelon to your Greek salad. The sweet watermelon tastes good with the salty feta cheese and goes well with the bruschetta chicken.

Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad isn’t a typical leafy salad, but it has many of the same flavors as the bruschetta topping.

To make a Caprese salad, layer slices of tomato with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil leaves. Pour some good olive oil and balsamic vinegar over it. Add some salt and black pepper. This simple side dish matches the flavors of your bruschetta chicken.

For a different look, use different colored tomatoes or use burrata cheese instead of mozzarella.

Remember, using fresh ingredients makes the best salads. Try to get fresh vegetables from a local market if you can.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This easy Italian pasta dish lets the chicken’s flavors stand out. The garlic, olive oil, and mild spice from red pepper flakes go well with the tomato and basil on the chicken.

To make this pasta side:

1. Cook spaghetti until it’s still a bit firm
2. Cook minced garlic in olive oil
3. Add red pepper flakes
4. Mix in the cooked pasta and a bit of pasta water
5. Add parsley and grated Parmesan

Tip: Keep some pasta water before draining. It helps make a smooth sauce that sticks to the pasta.

Lemony Orzo

For something different, try lemony orzo. This small, rice-like pasta has a nice texture and lemon flavor that goes well with bruschetta chicken. The lemon taste makes each bite taste fresh.

To make it:

1. Cook orzo following the package directions
2. While it’s still hot, mix in:
   • Lemon zest and juice from 1-2 lemons
   • Some olive oil
   • Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill
   • Crumbled feta cheese if you want (it’s really good!)

This light side dish makes your bruschetta chicken meal feel like a tasty summer treat.

Stuffed Tomatoes

Stuffed tomatoes are another great side dish to have alongside chicken bruschetta, because they include lots of delicious flavors. They are also super easy to make.

All you need is some breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, chili flakes, fresh basil and tomatoes. Although you can include minced meat, and other flavorings if you wish.

Roasted Pumpkin

Roasted pumpkin packs a bucket load of flavors, and while it’s delicious on its own, it’s even better when served alongside chicken bruschetta.

The unique combination of flavors will make this light dinner, insanely scrumptious. And it only requires a few ingredients: pumpkin, chili flakes, salt pork, vegetable oil, white wine vinegar, and white pepper.

Braised Leeks

Braised leeks are much better than simply fried leeks, because they include beef stock, lemon zest and a sprinkle of pepper for an elevated finish.

This particular version of braised leeks pairs well with any bruschetta recipe, especially a chicken bruschetta.

Fried Zucchini

Zucchini is a super versatile vegetable, meaning that it’s best when served with a variety of dishes.

Fried zucchini can be served as an appetizer before the main is bought to the table. Or simply placed alongside bruschetta as a delicious, crisp accompaniment.

This dish is super simple to make and includes milk, white wine vinegar, black pepper, zucchini, and flour.

• Simply dip your zucchini in milk and white vinegar mixture.
• Toss this into the flour, and deep fry.
• Sprinkle with black pepper and enjoy!

Quinoa

This pseudo-cereal contains about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per cooked cup, surpassing many grains in nutritional value. To prepare, rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating. Cook using a 2:1 liquid-to-quinoa ratio, substituting half the water with chicken broth to enhance flavor. After simmering for about 15 minutes, let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb remaining liquid.

For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons each of chopped basil and parsley, and a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil per cup of cooked quinoa. 

Couscous

This quick-cooking pasta comes in various sizes, with Moroccan couscous being the smallest and most common in the U.S. It cooks in just 5-10 minutes, making it an efficient choice for weeknight meals.

For a Mediterranean-inspired salad, use a 1:1 ratio of couscous to boiling water, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Per cup of cooked couscous, add 1/4 cup each of diced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta, and 1 tablespoon of chopped Kalamata olives. Dress with a mixture of 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of fresh mint.

Roasted Rainbow Medley

Combine bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onions for a colorful and flavorful side dish. To prepare, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes until caramelized.

This results in a delicious mix of flavors that pairs well with the chicken.

Garlicky Sautéed Greens

For a lighter option, consider garlicky sautéed greens.

Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard work well for this dish. The key is to avoid overcooking – aim for tender greens that still have some texture.

Start by sautéing sliced garlic in olive oil until golden. Then add your greens and cook just until they wilt. Finish with a squeeze of lemon to add brightness and balance the richness of the chicken.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Grilled asparagus is another excellent side.

To prepare, toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp with visible grill marks. After grilling, add lemon zest and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The citrus and salty cheese flavors complement the bruschetta chicken well.

Herb-Roasted Baby Potatoes

They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with plenty of flavor.

Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. This results in golden-brown potatoes that pair nicely with the chicken.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts, when roasted and glazed with balsamic vinegar, offer a mix of sweet and tangy flavors with crispy outer leaves.

To prepare, halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, then drizzle with balsamic glaze in the last few minutes of cooking. The glaze will caramelize slightly, creating a side dish that complements the flavors of bruschetta chicken.

Cheese Platter

A well-curated cheese board offers a variety of flavors and textures to complement your meal. Here’s how to build an appealing cheese platter:

1. Start with a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert.
2. Add a semi-hard option like Gouda or Havarti.
3. Include a hard cheese such as aged Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
4. Add a blue cheese like Gorgonzola for a tangy flavor.
5. Accompany with crusty bread, crackers, fruits, and nuts.

Pro tip: Include some honey or fig jam for a sweet contrast that enhances the cheese flavors.

Burrata

Burrata is a luxurious cheese with a super creamy texture that goes with most sandwiches – including this one!

Serve it simply:

1. Place a whole burrata on a plate.
2. Drizzle with good quality olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper.
4. Serve with toasted baguette slices.

The rich, creamy burrata provides a nice contrast to the tangy tomatoes in your bruschetta chicken.

Whipped Ricotta

For a lighter dairy side that still offers great flavor, try whipped ricotta. It’s easy to make and versatile:

1. In a food processor, blend ricotta cheese until smooth.
2. Add a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Whip until light and fluffy.
4. Serve in a bowl with a swirl of olive oil on top.

You can get creative with this one – try adding herbs like basil or thyme, or even a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. It’s great for spreading on crusty bread or using as a dip for veggies.

Greek Yogurt Tzatziki

While not traditionally Italian, tzatziki offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory flavors of bruschetta chicken.

This Greek yogurt-based dip is cool and tangy.

1. Grate a cucumber and squeeze out excess water.
2. Mix with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, and a splash of lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Green Beans with Blue Cheese

If you love beans, then this is the perfect side dish to have with bruschetta, because it’s super delicious and very easy to make.

• Boil the beans in boiling water.
• Then add your spices like salt, garlic, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Finally add a handful of crumbled blue cheese for the finishing touch.
• Enjoy with your chicken bruschetta!

Pesto

Pesto is a classic Italian dish that pairs well with bruschetta. The pesto must be thick with a good olive oil to basil ratio.

You can use this as a sauce, or dip for your chicken bruschetta. Simply dip and devour!

Pesto Pasta

The green sauce can also be used for a pasta dish that will make your brushcetta an even fuller meal. They taste fresh and goes well together.

You can buy pesto, but making it at home is easy and tastes better. Here’s how:

1. Mix fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor
2. Slowly add olive oil until it’s the right thickness
3. Add salt and a bit of lemon juice

Mix this with any pasta shape you like. Curly shapes like fusilli work well because they hold more sauce.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a great side to have alongside bruschetta. It’s light, and loaded with scrumptious flavors, and super easy to prepare.

• Simply boil your potatoes till they’re nice and tender
• Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, garnish with fresh herbs
• Coat in your favorite dressing.

Potato salad is best served cold, so it’s always great to make it ahead of time.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Bruschetta

Bruschetta and grilled chicken make a fantastic combination. Take a look at this drool-worthy recipe:

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts (bite sized pieces)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp. thyme
• ¼ tsp. rosemary
• Pinch salt and pepper

For the bruschetta

• 6 Roma tomatoes
• 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil
• ⅓ cup fresh basil
• Pinch salt and pepper
• Mozzarella cheese or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

For grilled chicken

1. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
2. Add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt to a small bowl.
3. Mix until combined.
4. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl.
5. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is coated all over.
6. Place the bowl in the fridge and marinate for 30 minutes.

Bruschetta

1. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and dice 4 tomatoes.
2. Mince ⅓ cup of fresh basil, and place the diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil into a bowl with half a tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then stir and set aside.
4. Heat a grill pan to medium heat. Wait until the pan gets hot then add the marinated chicken.
5. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Once the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165 degrees F, remove them from the pan.
6. Allow the chicken breasts to rest.
7. Top the chicken with a generous serving of bruschetta, followed by some basil.
8. Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy.

Side Dishes for Yummy Bruschetta You Shouldn’t Miss!

From pasta salad to delectable roasted pumpkin, these scrumptious side dishes will have your tummy satiated in no time!

1. Garlic Brown Rice
2. Antipasto Pasta Salad
3. Caesar Salad
4. Garden Salad
5. Greek Salad
6. Caprese Salad
7. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
8. Pesto Pasta
9. Lemony Orzo
10. Stuffed Tomatoes
11. Roasted Pumpkin
12. Braised Leeks
13. Fried Zucchini
14. Quinoa
15. Couscous
16. Roasted Rainbow Medley
17. Garlicky Sautéed Greens
18. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
19. Herb-Roasted Baby Potatoes
20. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
21. Cheese Platter
22. Burrata
23. Whipped Ricotta
24. Greek Yogurt Tzatziki
25. Green Beans with Blue Cheese
26. Pesto
27. Potato Salad

What to Serve With Bruschetta Chicken – FAQs