The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is a delicious Italian-American dish that typically consists of a breaded chicken cutlet marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. With its crunchy exterior and juicy interior coated in rich, tomatoey sauce and ooey-gooey cheese, chicken parm makes for a mouthwatering main course. However, while chicken parm can certainly stand on its own, the right side dishes can take the meal to even greater heights.

When picking sides for chicken parmesan, you’ll want options that complement the flavors and textures of the dish without overpowering it Here are some of the best side dishes to consider

Pasta

Pasta is a classic accompaniment for chicken parm. After all, the dish is served with marinara sauce, so what could be better than sopping up that tasty sauce with some noodles? Spaghetti is the most popular, but fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni also pair nicely. Top your pasta with extra sauce, basil, and grated parmesan for a delicious meal. Just be careful not to fill up too much on carbs and miss out on 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 provides a tasty way to balance out the richness of chicken parm. The acidity of vinaigrettes matches well with the sweetness of the marinara sauce. Caesar salad, Italian chopped salad, or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette are all good options. You can also add tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and shaved parmesan to liven up your salad.

##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.