What to Serve with Chicken Cacciatore (23 Top Side Dishes)

Racking your brain about what to serve with chicken cacciatore? I have the best solutions right here!

Chicken cacciatore is an Italian classic. It features juicy chicken in a robust tomato sauce with veggies and herbs.  

Cacciatore translates to “hunter” in Italian. So you know you’re in for a savory, rustic meal. 

Finding the right dish to go with it can be challenging. But these chicken cacciatore sides have you covered! There are a variety of options like mashed potatoes, fettuccine Alfredo, and ratatouille. 

From big family dinners to meals for two, you’ll find just what you need. 

1. Cheesy Polenta with Spring Vegetables

Polenta is an Italian favorite. So it’s already a terrific match. This version, in particular, is great with chicken cacciatore. 

The cheesy creamy polenta is so comforting next to the robust sauce. Plus, the spring veggies make it a little less guilty. 

When serving this by itself, I’m all about the chimichurri. For chicken cacciatore, I swap it out for gremolata. This herby Italian condiment makes it pop!

2. Fettuccine Alfredo

A big Italian family dinner isn’t complete without pasta. And this fettuccine Alfredo is a prime choice. Chicken cacciatore is heavy on tomatoes, which is why Alfredo works so well.

The rich creamy sauce presents a remarkable contrast of flavors. Plus, you can whip it up in 15 minutes.

3. Stuffed Cheese Garlic Bread

Don’t just settle for any garlic bread. This stuffed bread is totally over the top! Each slice is stuffed with garlicky, cheese, and buttery goodness.

The trick is to slice almost completely through the bread. That allows you to stuff it while leaving it intact.

You can use it to sop up every last bite of the cacciatore or snack on it in between bites.

4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Give the family what they want and make mashed potatoes. These uber creamy, garlicky, and buttery spuds are the ultimate comfort food.

Paired with hearty chicken cacciatore, the duo is beyond gratifying. 

You can add Parmesan cheese or skip it. Loads of sour cream, butter, and milk make it rich enough as is.

5. Italian Chopped Salad 

This is the one salad everyone will eat. It’s packed to the brim with all sorts of goodies. Salami, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and tomatoes are just a few. 

Nobody will fuss about eating their veggies when you serve this dish!

6. Zucchini Noodles With Basil & Pine Nuts

Need a low-carb pasta option? Pair chicken cacciatore with these zoodles. The bright flavors are a nice contrast to the savory chicken and tomatoes.

This recipe also lets you eat your noodles without all the guilt. Plus, it sneaks some veggies into the meal.

7. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Need something to go with chicken cacciatore for date night? Creamy mushroom risotto is a fine choice. Umami, creamy, and earthy, it’s a delectable vegetarian dish.

It’s fancy enough to wow, but easy enough to make at home. It doesn’t take super long either, just 35 minutes.

Plus, you save more by making it at home. So you can splurge a little on a fine bottle of wine.

8. Caesar Salad

With such a savory robust dish, a fresh side is in order. And this Caesar is perfect!

It has all the standards, including croutons, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing. Chicken, bacon, avocado, cucumber, and a poached egg make it even more intriguing.

It pulls out all the stops for a memorable meal.

9. Irish Soda Bread

You’re probably wondering why I’d suggest an Irish side instead of Italian bread. To start, it’s crusty, soft, tasty, and rustic. So it’s great with the hunter-style dish. Also, it doesn’t require yeast. That makes it very beginner-friendly.

Plus, it’s from an Irish nonna’s kitchen. So you know it’s good. 

10. Fluffy Couscous with Asparagus and Golden Raisins

For something nutritious and quick, go with an easy couscous. The tiny pasta complements the Italian flavors of the cacciatore. The add-ins make it wholesome and tasty. 

It also couldn’t be any easier. You cook your veggies in stock, then stir in couscous and raisins. The entire dish is done in one pot! 

11. Ratatouille 

Watch out chicken cacciatore, ratatouille will steal the show! This recipe is a dazzling addition to a rustic feast. It also has a bunch of complementary ingredients for cacciatore. 

Both have a robust tomato sauce. Yet ratatouille fills in the gaps with all the fresh veggies. All that’s missing now is the garlic bread. 

12. Buttered Egg Noodle Side Dish

Sometimes, it’s nice to keep sides simple with buttered noodles. 

The chicken cacciatore already takes care of the juicy protein and flavorful sauce. Add buttered egg noodles for the perfect match. 

They give you the carbs you want and the extra substance you need. And the flavors don’t distract from the chicken cacciatore. 

13. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is the best easy green veggie side. It’s quick, fuss-free, and inexpensive. It’s also packed with the nutrients your chicken cacciatore is missing.

Coat it in an umami Asian sauce to make the pairing extra savory.

14. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Make your chicken cacciatore more comforting with jalapeno cheddar cornbread. Cheesy, spicy, buttery, and fluffy, this stuff is so hard to resist. 

Cheddar is not only mixed into the batter but there’s also a thick layer on top. Jalapenos add little bursts of heat while the sweet bread keeps it in check.

15. Sautéed Spinach

Sauteed spinach is an affordable side you can make in a pinch. It’s ready in a handful of minutes and the ingredients are minimal. Plus, it provides a boost of vitamins and minerals that you need. 

Really, it’s the perfect accompaniment. It’s so versatile it goes with just about anything. You’ll love it with cacciatore!

16. Herbed Rice Pilaf

Herbed rice pilaf is great for virtually any chicken dinner. Thyme, rosemary, parsley, and garlic make it aromatic. Cook it in broth and add butter to make it even more savory. 

For a gluten-free option, stop there. Otherwise, make it Italian with broken bits of vermicelli pasta. 

17. Zesty Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables

Set the patio table for dinner and dine al fresco, Italian style!

Veggies are anything but boring when you toss them on the grill. Add a zesty balsamic sauce and they’re even more yummy. 

For chicken cacciatore, I’m particularly fond of grilled asparagus, summer squash, and mushrooms. However, feel free to make substitutions as needed. 

18. Green Bean Casserole

We all know green bean casserole goes great with poultry. So whip one up for your chicken cacciatore. They’re both comforting dishes you can serve family-style. 

Speaking of which, the family will love this. It’s an oldie but a goodie you can make with five ingredients. 

19. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is the fresh accompaniment your chicken cacciatore needs.

Heirloom tomatoes enhance the salad, and those thick mozzarella slices are so heavenly. The basil, though, is what truly makes it pop. 

Top it with pesto, sweet balsamic glaze, or quality olive oil.

20. Pan-Fried Gnocchi With Spinach and Sausage

Gnocchi is a type of Italian potato dumpling. Add sausage and spinach, and it’s great for chicken cacciatore. It’s a fantastic alternative to noodles. It’s also quick enough to make in less than 30 minutes. 

When picking out sausage, Italian is the best. But if you want something lean, turkey is great, too.

21. Air Fryer Onion Rings

These crispy onion rings can double as an appetizer or a side. 

The cornmeal, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumb breading give them the best crunch. And the sweet onions give them the best flavor. If you don’t have sweet onions, Spanish onions are nice. Yellow onions can also work in a pinch. 

22. Spiced Roasted Baby Potatoes

These roasted potatoes have the most ravishing seasoning. It’s a replica of aloo chat, so it’s packed with warming Indian spices. 

When paired with chicken cacciatore, it creates a symphony of flavors. 

Go on and try it. I think you’ll love this flavorful fusion pairing.

23. Creamy Italian Pastina

Pastina means little pasta in Italian. And this creamy pastina is perfect for chicken cacciatore. The little tidbits are made extra rich with broth, egg, butter, and cheese. 

It makes your meal more indulgent while satisfying all your cravings. Plus, all it takes is six ingredients and 7 minutes! It’s that quick.