Sweet & Savory Brussels: Balsamic Roasted with Pecans & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Alright then, let's dive into the delicious world of side dishes for chicken ! ever found yourself staring blankly into the fridge wondering what to serve alongside your roast chicken? honestly, we've all been there.

So, i'm chuffed to bits to share some fantastic ideas that will make your chicken side dish recipes easy and utterly scrumptious.

Sweet & Savory Brussels: Balsamic Roasted with Pecans

Fancy something a bit posh? these aren't your bog-standard boiled sprouts, mind you! we're talking roasted brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic glaze and crunchy toasted pecans.

It's the perfect vegetable sides for chicken . roasting really brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts. this is a game changer, even if you are not a big fun of brussels.

This side dishes for chicken recipe has a touch of sophistication. balsamic vinegar adds a lovely tang. toasted pecans give it a satisfying crunch.

This recipe is easy peasy, prep time is minimal!

It is suitable for 4-6 servings. This recipe is full of fibre and vitamins.

Did you know that brussels sprouts are packed with vitamin c? they're also a good source of fiber. this makes it a healthy sides for grilled chicken or any chicken dish, really.

Serve it up alongside a sunday roast or even a fancy coq au vin. honestly, it's a crowd-pleaser!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo: Chicken's Best Mate

Now, who doesn’t love a bit of creamy goodness? this creamy garlic parmesan rice is a total winner. it's the best rice side dishes to make.

Think of this as a posh mac and cheese but with orzo.

Forget boring rice! this garlic parm rice is a proper treat. it's a simple recipe but it is full of flavours.

This rice side dish recipes are great with chicken and ready in less than 30 minutes.

This chicken side dish recipes easy to do, the prep time is very short. You only need one saucepan for this rice side dishes .

Each serving comes packed with protein and some good fats from the parmesan. Serve this alongside some grilled chicken, or even chicken parmesan. Honestly, it's a match made in heaven.

These best sides for baked chicken are great for any meal.

Alright then, let's get down to brass tacks. we're talking ingredients and gear for some seriously scrumptious side dishes for chicken .

Honestly, the right side dishes for chicken can turn a simple roast into a right proper feast.

Ingredients & Equipment for Top-Notch Side Dishes

I've got two belters for ya. First, Balsamic Brussels, then Creamy Garlic Parm Orzo.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Alright, first up, the Sweet & Savory Brussels: Balsamic Roasted with Pecans.

• Brussels Sprouts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Look for firm, bright green sprouts. Avoid any that are yellowing or have blemishes. You want them fresh as a daisy.
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Extra virgin's the best, innit?
• Salt: ½ tsp (2.5ml) .
• Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (1.25ml) .
• Balsamic Vinegar: ¼ cup (60ml) . A good quality balsamic makes all the difference. The cheap stuff's a bit too vinegary, you know?
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Either works a treat!
• Pecan Halves: ¼ cup (30g) . Roughly chopped, mind.

And now for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo: Chicken's Best Mate:

• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, wouldn't you agree?
• Orzo Pasta: 1 cup (200g) .
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml) . Low sodium, yeah? We don't want it too salty.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120ml) .
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , grated. The real deal, not that powdery stuff.
• Salt: ¼ tsp (1.25ml) , or to taste.
• Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (1.25ml) , or to taste.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp (30ml) , chopped, for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: A Dash of This, A Pinch of That

For the brussels, that balsamic glaze is key. honey or maple syrup balances the tanginess, and the pecans add a lovely nutty crunch.

You could chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick if you're feeling adventurous! it is one of the vegetable sides for chicken you can easily find.

For the orzo, don't skimp on the garlic! and good quality parmesan makes all the difference. a little goes a long way.

A dash of nutmeg can also elevate the creaminess. you know?

I remember one time i tried to make this with that pre-grated parmesan. honestly? disaster. it just didn't melt properly, and the flavour was all wrong.

Learnt my lesson that day! fresh is always best.

Equipment Needed: The Essentials

For the Brussels, you'll need:

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper (optional, makes cleanup easier)
• Small Saucepan (for the glaze)

For the orzo, you'll only need:

• Medium Saucepan

No need for fancy gadgets, just the basics. if you don't have parchment paper, just grease the baking sheet. sorted! many consider creamy garlic parmesan rice as rice side dishes .

However, the orzo recipe is just as delicious. in fact, rice side dish recipes can be easily transformed into orzo ones using this method! there are plenty of chicken side dish recipes easy to prepare! and that's it! simple, right? time to get cooking and create some stellar best sides for baked chicken meals.

We are sure your guests will love these quick side dishes for chicken

Now you've got everything you need to make these recipes.

Alright then, let's get down to brass tacks and chat about cooking methods, particularly when we're talking side dishes for chicken .

Honestly, finding the perfect partner for your chicken dinner can be a right game changer. i've been there myself, staring into the fridge wondering what on earth to whip up.

I am here to help, don't panic.

Sweet & Savory Brussels: Balsamic Roasted with Pecans & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25ml) black pepper
• ¼ cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15ml) honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup (30g) pecan halves, roughly chopped

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the baking sheet.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned, flipping halfway through.
• While sprouts are roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze: Combine balsamic vinegar and honey/maple syrup in a small saucepan.
• Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened and syrupy.
• Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them like a hawk so they don't burn!
• Drizzle roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.
• Sprinkle with toasted pecans and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:150 calories

Fat:9g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Sweet & Savory Brussels: Balsamic Roasted with Pecans

These Brussels sprouts? Not like the ones you suffered through as a kid. I'm talking crispy, nutty, and drizzled with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze.

Prep Steps

First, get everything ready. this is what chefs call mise en place . it basically means "everything in its place". we are going to need 1.

5 lbs (680g) brussels sprouts , 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil , ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt , ¼ tsp (1.

25ml) black pepper , ¼ cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar , 1 tbsp (15ml) honey or maple syrup , and ¼ cup (30g) pecan halves .

Trim and halve the sprouts. get those ingredients measured out! safety first: mind your fingers with that knife.

Step-by-Step Process

Okay, oven time!

1. Preheat that bad boy to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway, until tender and browned.
4. While those are roasting, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan until syrupy. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
5. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3- 5 minutes till fragrant. Keep an eye; burnt nuts are sad nuts!
6. Drizzle sprouts with that balsamic goodness and sprinkle with pecans.

Visual cue? You want them tender but with a bit of char.

Pro Tips

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, or you'll end up steaming the sprouts. nobody wants soggy sprouts! for extra crispiness, skip the parchment paper and put them straight on the baking sheet.

You can even prep the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. it is a good thing because brussels sprouts are great vegetable sides for chicken .

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo: Chicken's Best Mate

Looking for something a bit more comforting? this creamy garlic parmesan rice ... well, actually it's orzo, but it's got that same feel.

.. it's a winner. i've made it countless times when i needed some killer side dishes for chicken !

Prep Steps

Get organized, yeah? grab 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil , 2 cloves garlic , 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta , 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth , ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream , ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese , ¼ tsp (1.

25ml) salt , ¼ tsp (1.25ml) black pepper , and 2 tbsp (30ml) parsley . mince that garlic. it's key to the whole thing!

Step-by-Step Process

Let's get cooking!

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute – just until fragrant. Burnt garlic is not the vibe.
2. Add the orzo, stir to coat, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12- 15 minutes until the orzo is tender.
4. Stir in the cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with parsley.

You want the orzo al dente and most of the broth absorbed. This is one of my favorite rice side dish recipes !

Pro Tips

Use good-quality parmesan; the cheap stuff just won't do. don't overcook the orzo. al dente is key!. for a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but i promise you, the garlic parm rice taste will be less sinful! plus, you can easily add some sautéed mushrooms for a bit more oomph.

These are some super easy chicken side dish recipes . i think these are potentially the best sides for baked chicken , for me!

There are tons of options, of course, including healthy sides for grilled chicken , but i think these are a cracking good start.

This is so much better than just throwing together some quick side dishes for chicken without any love. give them a whirl and let me know what you think!

Right then, let's talk about some proper Recipe Notes for these cracking side dishes for chicken ! Honestly, these tips can make or break a dish, you know?

Serving Up Deliciousness

Plating Like a Pro

Forget just chucking it on a plate! for the brussels sprouts, arrange them artfully. think rustic chic. maybe a scattering of extra pecans? for the creamy garlic parmesan orzo , a swirl in the bowl looks dead fancy.

A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of colour. it elevates it, doesn’t it?

Complement Your Chicken

What to drink? a crisp white wine with the sprouts, definitely. something that cuts through the sweetness. and the orzo? a nice rosé, i reckon.

As for side dishes for chicken , a simple green salad always does the trick. balances out the richness, see? it makes it a good vegetable sides for chicken selection.

Storing Like a Boss

Fridge Savvy

Leftover sprouts will keep in the fridge for about 3 days. the orzo? about the same. make sure they're in airtight containers, yeah? stops them from drying out.

Honestly, nobody likes a dry sprout.

Freezer Fails & Wins

The sprouts? Freezing is a no-go. They’ll go all soggy. The orzo? You can freeze it, but the texture might change a bit. It's better fresh, truly.

Reheating Right

Reheat the sprouts in a hot oven to crisp them up again. the orzo? gently on the hob, with a splash of milk or broth.

Stops it from going clumpy. i learned that the hard way, let me tell you.

Variations: Keep it Interesting

Dietary Tweaks

Want a dairy-free orzo? Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Works a treat! And for the sprouts, agave nectar instead of honey. Easy peasy.

Seasonal Swaps

In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash to the sprouts. Lush! And in spring, some fresh asparagus would be perfect with the orzo, especially for a healthy sides for grilled chicken .

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Okay, here's the thing. these rice side dish recipes are side dishes , so the nutritional information is more about the whole meal rather than the garlic parm rice individual component.

The rice side dishes contain a bit of carbs, fats, and protein. they also come with vitamins and minerals from the veggies and cheese.

Just don't go overboard, yeah?

These quick side dishes for chicken aren't just tasty; they're also a bit good for you! especially if you pair them with a lean piece of chicken.

You got this! you can find a lot of the best sides for baked chicken .