The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is a tasty Italian-American dish made with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and breaded chicken cutlets. Chicken parm is a delicious main dish because it has a crunchy outside and a juicy inside covered in tomatoey sauce and gooey cheese. But even though chicken parm is great on its own, the right side dishes can really make the meal stand out.

You’ll want to choose sides for chicken parmesan that go well with the dish’s flavors and textures without taking over. Here are some of the best ones to think about:

Pasta

Pasta is a classic accompaniment for chicken parm. Since the dish comes with marinara sauce, what could be better than some noodles to soak up that tasty sauce? Spaghetti is the main choice, but fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni also go well with it. For a tasty meal, add extra sauce, basil, and grated Parmesan cheese to your pasta. Just make sure you don’t eat too many carbs and miss the chicken!

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is a perfect match for chicken parm. The garlic and Italian seasoning provide a savory complement to the tomato sauce, while the texture contrasts nicely with the juicy chicken cutlet. Brush sliced French or Italian bread with garlic butter and broil or toast until crispy on the outside and soft inside. Roasted garlic can also be mixed into butter or olive oil for an extra punch of flavor.

Salad

A fresh salad is a tasty way to cut down on the fat in chicken parm. Vinaigrettes are sour, which goes well with marinara sauce’s sweetness. You could have a Caesar salad, an Italian chopped salad, or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. To make your salad more interesting, you can also add shaved Parmesan, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and tomatoes.

##Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini caramelizes their natural sugars and gives them a sweet, almost nutty taste. Their texture also offsets the softness of the cheese-covered chicken cutlet. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before roasting to complement the rest of the meal.

Mashed Cauliflower

For a lighter, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try creamy cauliflower mash. Simply steam and puree cauliflower florets with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful side dish. The cauliflower soaks up the cheesy flavors of the chicken parm beautifully.

Polenta

Creamy, golden polenta makes an interesting and upscale pairing for chicken parm. Boiled cornmeal gives polenta its signature velvety texture that contrasts with the crispy chicken coating. Stir in butter, cheese, and seasonings like garlic and parsley to add layers of flavor. Fried polenta rounds are also tasty served alongside.

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf, made with chicken broth and aromatics like onion and garlic, offers a simple starch to soak up sauce. The fluffy texture and versatility of rice pilaf allows it to work with a wide range of dishes. To make it more interesting, add mushrooms, carrots, peas, or other vegetables. Herbs like parsley or lemon zest will provide brightness.

Parmesan Risotto

For an indulgent take on rice, whip up a creamy Parmesan risotto. The slowly simmered Arborio rice has a rich, cheesy flavor that enhances the chicken parm experience. Stirring in butter and cheese at the end finishes the risotto with a decadent creaminess. Additional garlic, mushrooms, or asparagus can also be mixed in.

Breadsticks

Italian-style breadsticks are ideal for dipping in any leftover sauce on your plate after finishing the chicken parm. They have a pleasant crunch and airy interior compared to the juicy chicken cutlet. Try sprinkling breadsticks with Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning before baking for extra flavor.

Vegetable Medley

A homemade vegetable medley lets you work in multiple veggie sides. Try roasting carrots, zucchini, red peppers, onions, and potatoes on one sheet pan with olive oil and Italian spices. You’ll get a variety of flavors and textures to keep each bite interesting. The veggies will soak up the chicken juices, sauce, and cheese beautifully.

So don’t settle for boring sides with your chicken parm! With a little creativity and the right combination of flavors, textures, colors, and nutrition, you can take this Italian favorite to new levels. Next time, try one or more of these tasty side dishes to make your chicken parm dinner complete. Your taste buds will thank you.

Chicken Parmesan pairs well with a variety of sides. Common choices include pasta (especially spaghetti) with marinara sauce, garlic bread, and a fresh salad like Caesar salad or Caprese salad. You can also opt for roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or polenta.