Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that everyone loves A breaded chicken cutlet topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese – what’s not to like? But coming up with the perfect side dishes to serve with chicken parm can be tricky You want something that will complement the flavors without overpowering the dish.
I’ve put together this list of my 20 favorite side dishes to serve with chicken Parmesan. From hearty pasta bakes to fresh salads and veggie sides, there’s something here for every taste and dietary preference. Read on for delicious recipe ideas!
Best Pasta Sides for Chicken Parmesan
Pasta is the most classic pairing for chicken Parmesan. A big platter of spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape is a no-brainer with this dish. But consider branching out and trying one of these tasty pasta recipes instead
1. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti and chicken parm are a match made in comfort food heaven. Tubular ziti pasta baked in tomato sauce with melted cheese is the ultimate hearty Italian meal. For an extra layer of flavor, add Italian sausage, spinach, or mushrooms to the ziti.
2. Pesto Pasta
Bright, herby pesto is a delicious contrast to the rich chicken parm. Toss hot pasta with a simple homemade or store-bought basil pesto and finish it with extra Parmesan cheese for a more luxurious texture.
3. Fettuccine Alfredo
Creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with crispy chicken Parmesan. Mix the breaded chicken right into the hot fettuccine for a more cohesive meal.
4. Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food meal, serve chicken Parmesan with ooey-gooey macaroni and cheese. Homemade is best, but a boxed version jazzed up with extra cheese and spices works too.
5. Pasta Primavera
Fresh vegetables give this pasta side a lighter feel that complements chicken parm beautifully. Sauté zucchini, tomatoes, spinach and more in olive oil with garlic, herbs and Parmesan. Toss with pasta and serve.
Fresh Vegetable Side Dishes
If you want to go lighter with your chicken parm side dishes, try one of these easy veggie recipes. The colors and flavors will make your plate pop.
6. Sauteed Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli rabe’s pleasant bitterness balances the richness of chicken Parmesan. Sauté it in olive oil with garlic, red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious partner for breaded chicken Parmesan. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 400°F until browned and tender.
8. Sauteed Spinach
Quick-cooking spinach sautéed with olive oil and garlic adds color and nutrition without weighing down your chicken parm. Add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan to take this simple side up a notch.
9. Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet glazed carrots are a classic complement to savory chicken Parmesan. Peel and slice carrots, simmer in broth until tender, then toss with honey, butter and a pinch of salt.
10. Roasted Cauliflower
Nutty, roasted cauliflower florets are so tasty with chicken parm. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Roast at 425°F until browned and fork-tender.
Crisp Cool Salads
A fresh salad on the side will cut the richness of chicken Parmesan beautifully. These vibrant recipes are full of contrasting flavors and textures.
11. Caesar Salad
You can’t go wrong pairing chicken Parmesan with a classic Caesar salad. Crisp romaine, garlicky dressing, Parmesan cheese and croutons – it’s a perfect match.
12. Caprese Salad
Slice up fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil for an easy Caprese salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bright tomatoes and cheese pair nicely with chicken Parmesan’s similar flavors.
13. Greek Salad
A Greek salad with olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumber and onion makes a zesty, Mediterranean-style side for chicken parm. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and garlic for the dressing.
14. Kale Salad
Massaged kale salad adds nutrition and crunch alongside chicken Parmesan. Toss shredded kale with a simple vinaigrette, dried cranberries, walnuts and shaved Parmesan.
15. Italian Chopped Salad
Chopped salads are endlessly adaptable. Make an Italian-style version with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, chickpeas, provolone, basil and zesty Italian dressing.
Hearty Whole Grain and Bean Sides
For a more hearty, filling side dish with your chicken Parmesan, go for a fiber- and protein-packed whole grain or bean recipe. These are some of my favorites:
16. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, classic choice with chicken parm. Toss chopped potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning before roasting.
17. Quinoa Pilaf
Protein-rich quinoa makes a more interesting side than plain rice. Cook quinoa according to package directions, then toss with sauteed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan for a flavor boost.
18. Polenta
Creamy, satisfying polenta is a nice complement to chicken Parmesan’s textures. Prepare polenta according to package directions, then top it with marinara sauce and Parmesan.
19. Refried Beans
Warm, spicy refried beans pair wonderfully with crispy breaded chicken. Grab a can or make your own, seasoned with cumin, garlic and chipotle pepper. Add shredded cheese on top.
20. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
What doesn’t taste amazing with creamy mashed potatoes? Jazz them up with garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and herbs for an indulgent side dish.
Putting Together the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Meal
With so many delicious options, it can be tempting to overdo it on sides for chicken Parmesan! I recommend choosing just 1-2 complementary dishes to accompany the chicken. A classic pairing is chicken parm with pasta or zoodles and a fresh salad or veggie side.
Some other balanced meal ideas include:
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Chicken Parmesan + Baked Ziti + Sauteed Broccoli Rabe
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Chicken Parmesan + Fettuccine Alfredo + Caprese Salad
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Chicken Parmesan + Pesto Pasta + Roasted Cauliflower
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Chicken Parmesan + Greek Salad + Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The possibilities are endless! Use this list as inspiration to come up with your own perfect pairing for chicken parm. Get creative with recipes you love and flavors that appeal to your tastes. With a well-matched side or two, this Italian classic becomes an easy, tasty weeknight meal.
Appetizers to Serve it With
Making a menu isn’t just about the main event. That’s why you can’t go wrong with these delicious appetizers to go with chicken parmesan! These gourmet recipes would make good sides for your main meal and make your dinner guests ask for seconds.
- Roasted Delicata Squash: Smoky, delicately sweet, and colorful, this breathtaking appetizer will make any Instagram foodie jump for joy.
- Eggplant Yogurt: Eggplant Yogurt is one of the most delicious appetizers you can serve with parmesan-crusted chicken. Tangy, creamy, and garlicky, this Greek-inspired appetizer will prepare any palate for your succulent main dish.
- Olive Bread with Olive Oil Dip: Among the best side dishes in my recipe box, this crusty bread is one of the most popular to serve with parmesan-crusted chicken. Simple yet elegant, this Italian food comes to life when paired with my sumptuous olive oil bread dip.
- Garlic Bread: You don’t need to spend hours with this easy recipe by Smitten Kitchen. Even beginner chefs can make gourmet eats with this classic Italian dish.
I hope this roundup post answered your question of what is a good side dish for chicken parmesan. The good thing is that many of these recipes would also pair well with our other simple chicken dishes like Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast and Whole Roasted Chicken. So go ahead and start building your menu and feed your family with these delicious side dishes.
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FAQ
What’s a good side for chicken parm?
A good side dish for chicken parmesan should complement its rich, savory flavor. Popular choices include pasta (spaghetti, linguine), a fresh salad (like Caesar or a simple green salad), or roasted vegetables (especially broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini).