Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American classic that’s loved by many for its crispy breaded chicken cutlets smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a casual family dinner or date night in
While the chicken, sauce, and cheese trio is delicious on its own, chicken parm is even better when paired with a vegetable side dish The right veggie complements the flavors of the chicken and adds color, texture, and nutrients to round out the meal
But with so many vegetables to choose from, what are the best options to serve with chicken parmesan? Here are 12 of my top recommendations for vegetable pairings that will take your chicken parm dinner to the next level.
1. Garlicky Green Beans
Fresh green beans sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings are a simple yet amazing pairing with chicken parmesan. The crisp-tender beans provide a nice textural contrast to the soft chicken cutlets. Their fresh, verdant flavor balances out the richness of the cheese and sauce.
To make garlicky green beans, simply sauté chopped garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add trimmed green beans and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the beans reach your desired tenderness. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a heartier veggie side, roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic choice. Brussels sprouts get caramelized and crispy when roasted, developing a sweet, nutty flavor. Their petite size and texture mimics that of the breadcrumb coating on the chicken.
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast at 400°F until deeply golden brown. Sprinkle with lemon juice and parmesan for a pop of brightness.
3. Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Along the same lines as Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli is another excellent paring. The high heat of the oven transforms the broccoli, concentrating its flavor. Roasting also adds crispy edges and caramelized bits that pair divinely with chicken parm.
Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F, stirring halfway through, until nicely browned. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and parmesan cheese.
4. Parmesan Zucchini
For a lighter side, try Parmesan zucchini. Thinly sliced zucchini is sautéed until just tender. Then it’s sprinkled with parmesan cheese that melts and forms a crisp, cheesy crust as the zucchini finishes cooking.
The bright green vegetable provides moisture and freshness. And the cheese crust mirrors the crispy breaded exterior of the chicken. It’s a match made in heaven.
5. Sauteed Spinach
Leafy spinach sautéed with olive oil and garlic offers nutrient-density and versatility. It can be served as-is for a simple side. Or chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, or parmesan can be added to jazz it up.
The mild flavor of spinach complements without overpowering the chicken parm. And its texture contrasts nicely with the other components of the dish.
6. Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
For a twist on traditional pasta sauce, oven-roasted tomatoes are phenomenal. Slow roasting condenses and intensifies the flavors of cherry or grape tomatoes.
Roast halved tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. The concentrated sweet-tart tomato flavor complements the seasoned chicken breading. And the jammy texture provides contrast to the tender chicken and sauce.
7. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
For a lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try garlic mashed cauliflower. Simply steam cauliflower florets until very soft, then mash with butter, garlic, and cream or cream cheese.
The smooth, garlicky cauliflower mash adds richness and substance without the carbs of potatoes. Its mild flavor lets the chicken parm shine. Just be sure to go heavy on the garlic!
8. Creamed Spinach
Another creamy veggie side is creamed spinach made with butter, cream cheese, and parmesan. The smooth pureed spinach has a mild earthy flavor that pairs impeccably with chicken parm.
The creaminess of the spinach contrasts the crispy chicken coating. And the pop of spinach color looks beautiful on the plate next to the beige chicken and sauce.
9. Roasted Carrots
For some color variety, roasted rainbow carrots are a stellar choice. The natural sweetness of carrots intensifies during roasting. Their tender-crisp texture provides a nice contrast.
Peel and trim a mix of purple, yellow, and orange carrots. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary. Roast at 425°F until caramelized but still have a bite to them.
10. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic accompaniment for chicken parmesan. For the best flavor, brush bread slices with garlic-infused olive oil or butter. Then toast until golden brown and crispy.
The crunch of the garlic bread contrasts nicely with the other soft components. And the garlicky flavor complements the herbaceous tomato sauce. It may be simple, but it’s a tried and true pairing.
11. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a fresher take on pasta that pairs swimmingly with chicken parm. Cook pasta shells or rotini according to package directions. Toss with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
The bright pesto and tomato flavors cut through the richness of the chicken parmesan. The cheese and pasta echo the cheesy tomato sauce notes. And the crunch of the pasta provides textural contrast.
12. Grilled Zucchini
For easy summer grilling, flavorful grilled zucchini is your best bet. Simply coat thick zucchini planks with olive oil and your favorite herbs and spices. Grill over medium-high heat until charred and tender.
The smoky char flavor contrasts the fried chicken coating. And the hearty planks stand up well to the saucy chicken parm. Serve it as a light accompaniment for warmer weather.
Tips for Serving Vegetables with Chicken Parmesan
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Match textures when selecting vegetables. Aim for a mix of tender, crisp, and creamy.
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Roasting is a great way to add flavor. Oven roasting caramelizes natural sugars and intensifies flavors.
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Go for bold seasoning with garlic, herbs, lemon, and Parmesan to complement chicken parm.
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Sautéing and grilling add nice charred bits and crisp-tender texture.
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Color variety makes for an eye-catching plate. Pick veggies with contrasting colors.
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Serve lighter veggies like zucchini and spinach to balance the rich chicken parm.
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Warm vegetable sides work especially well. They mirror the hot chicken right out of the oven.
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Let the vegetables shine by keeping the chicken parm ingredients simple. Tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, basil.
Conclusion
Chicken parmesan deserves an equally delicious vegetable sidekick. The options are plentiful, from garlicky green beans to pesto pasta salad. Crisp, bright, roasted veggies pair particularly well. They provide contrasting flavors and textures that complement the fried chicken coating, melty cheese, and savory tomato sauce.
Use seasonal produce and veggies that your family loves. Intensify the flavors with high-heat roasting, charring, or caramelization. And don’t be afraid to add bold seasonings like garlic and herbs to make the vegetables stand out next to the flavor-packed chicken.
With this guide of 12 best vegetables to serve with chicken parmesan, you’ll have delicious new dinner ideas to add to your regular rotation. Just pair your family’s favorite veggie side with the chicken parm for an easy, satisfying meal everyone will love.
What Pasta To Serve With Chicken Parm
Almost any pasta goes great with chicken parmesan. Almost. I’d stay away from smaller pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni, except for maybe the soup. They’d work in the chicken parm soup recipes.
Generally, people like to serve parm with a long-strand pasta like spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine. But I also find it goes just as great with bowtie pasta, penne, or rotini. Honestly, whatever your favorite pasta is, it’ll work.
Also, maybe skip the pasta. Don’t underestimate the power of a chicken parm sandwich.
What Is Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan, or chicken parm, is a simple but classic Italian-American dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella and/or provolone cheese. It’s up there among the fanciest of classic comfort food recipes.
The recipe is believed to have been created in the 1930s or 1940s by Italian immigrants living in the Northeast United States – think New York, New Jersey, lower New England. The dish quickly gained tremendous popularity. Probably because it’s mind-blowingly delicious.
At their heart these recipes are all pretty similar with regard to ingredients. After all, it’s chicken parmigiana. However, there are numerous ways to prepare delicious chicken parmesan at home. From classic styles made in a variety of ways to chicken parm soup and lasagna variations, you’re sure to find a few versions of the classic comfort food your family will love. For even more easy chicken parm recipes, check out my post → here
PRO TIP: Always use a calibrated meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Baked Chicken Parmigiana Recipe – This has been one of my kids favorite recipes for a long, long time. Instead of frying the chicken, make this easy baked chicken parm that also uses sour cream as a binder for the breadcrumb mixture. It’s a healthier version of the classic. Get the recipe → here.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan – This is such an easy weeknight dinner to make! Use the air fryer to make crispy chicken pieces. And there’s no mess from pan frying! Plus, without the oil, this is a healthier chicken dinner option. I like to use Italian bread crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese for the breading mixture. Get the recipe → here.
Chicken Parmesan Lasgana – Perfect for the whole family! Just put cooked pasta and chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish for this easy chicken parm bake! Get the recipe → here.
One Pan Chicken Parmesan – Make the whole dish in just one large skillet, including the pasta. This is an easy, quick dinner recipe for busy weeknight dinner time. To start the dish, saute the chicken in olive oil with minced garlic or garlic powder. Get the recipe → here.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe – Dump into a casserole pan and bake for an easy dinner the whole family will love! Use jarred marinara sauce or homemade marinara sauce in this dish. You will bake with aluminum foil and then remove the foil to melt cheese on top of this. Get the recipe → here.
WW Chicken Parmesan Recipe – This Weight Watchers Chicken Parmesan is only 2 Weight Watchers Points per serving! Serve this easy and family-approved dinner recipe with other low-point foods for a delicious and low-point WW dinner! Get the recipe → here.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe – Take the hassle out of dinner and let the slow cooker do most of the work. This delicious Chicken Parmesan Crock Pot is the perfect slow-cooker comfort food. Warning: your house will smell delicious for hours. Get the recipe → here.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup – This crockpot chicken parm soup has all the decadence of the comfort food classic in a thick and delicious soup. This family-friendly dinner recipe takes just minutes to prep. Get the recipe → here.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan – 13 Delicious Side Dish Ideas
FAQ
What vegetables go well with chicken parm?
Classic Italian-inspired sides like broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette pair well with chicken parmesan.
What to serve with parmigiana besides pasta?
- Garlic Bread. Who doesn’t love a big hunk of buttery garlic bread?! …
- Caprese Salad. A caprese salad is loved by just about everyone. …
- Antipasto Salad. …
- Italian Green Beans. …
- Mixed Green Salad. …
- Lasagna. …
- Meatballs. …
- Broccoli Rabe.
What is a good side dish for Parmesan crusted chicken?
Parmesan crusted chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that pairs well with many side dishes. Popular sides to serve with this dish include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, broccoli or cauliflower au gratin, and a light salad.
What is the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana?
Chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana are the same dish, just with different names. “Parmigiana” is the Italian term, while “parmesan” is the English adaptation, according to Facebook users.