Chicken Parmesan is a tasty Italian-American dish that many people enjoy. It’s made with breaded chicken covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese. While it’s great on its own, picking the right side dishes can make your meal even better.
There are many different sides you can serve with Chicken Parmesan. You can choose from pasta, vegetables, salads, and bread options to go with your main dish. These sides can add new flavors and textures to your meal. They can also help balance out the rich taste of the Chicken Parmesan.
1. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a tasty match for chicken parmesan. The golden-brown crust and soft middle complement the chicken’s texture nicely.
The garlicky flavor pairs well with the tomato sauce and cheese. You can make garlic bread easily at home or buy it pre-made.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top before baking. Serve the garlic bread warm alongside your chicken parmesan for a satisfying meal.
2. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken parmesan. You can easily make this salad at home with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing.
For added flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cool, refreshing salad balances out the rich, warm chicken parmesan nicely.
You can also add some grilled chicken to the salad for extra protein. This turns it into a complete meal if you’re looking for a lighter option alongside your chicken parmesan.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for chicken parmesan. To prepare them, trim the ends and cut the sprouts in half.
Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet cut-side down.
Roast the sprouts at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy and browned. Flip them halfway through cooking.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese before roasting. The cheese will get crispy and delicious.
When done, the Brussels sprouts should be tender inside with crispy, caramelized exteriors. Their slightly nutty flavor pairs well with chicken parmesan.
4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet tasty Italian pasta dish that pairs well with chicken parmesan. It’s made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
This light pasta complements the rich flavors of chicken parmesan nicely. The garlic and olive oil create a smooth sauce that coats the noodles without overpowering the main dish.
You can easily make this side in about 20 minutes while your chicken parmesan is cooking. It’s a great option when you want something quick and flavorful to round out your meal.
5. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad makes a great side dish for chicken parmesan. This Italian classic brings fresh flavors to the table.
You’ll need ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, then layer them with basil.
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
The bright acidity of tomatoes cuts through the richness of chicken parmesan. Creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil round out the flavors nicely.
This light, refreshing salad balances the heavier main dish. It’s quick to make and looks beautiful on the plate.
6. Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles make a great low-carb side for chicken parmesan. You can easily create them using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.
To prepare, sauté the zucchini noodles in a pan with some olive oil and garlic for 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get mushy.
For extra flavor, toss the cooked zucchini noodles with grated parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice. This light side complements the rich chicken parmesan nicely.
You can also mix in some halved cherry tomatoes or wilted spinach for added nutrition and color. Zucchini noodles are a tasty way to get more veggies with your meal.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make a tasty side for chicken parmesan. These bite-sized treats offer a nice contrast to the main dish.
You can fill mushroom caps with cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake them until golden and crispy on top. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs well with the savory chicken and tomato sauce.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic or bacon to your stuffing mix. You can also use different types of mushrooms like portobello or cremini.
Stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare ahead of time. Pop them in the oven while your chicken parmesan is resting. They’ll be hot and ready to serve alongside the main course.
8. Lemon Asparagus
Lemon asparagus is a tasty and light side dish that pairs well with chicken parmesan. To make it, rinse and trim fresh asparagus spears.
Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then roll to coat evenly.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before roasting in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes. The asparagus should be tender but still crisp.
For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This bright and zesty side adds a nice contrast to the rich chicken parmesan.
9. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip makes a delicious side for chicken parmesan. This creamy, cheesy dip offers a nice contrast to the savory chicken.
You can serve it warm with toasted bread slices or crackers for dipping. The combination of spinach and artichokes provides extra veggies to round out your meal.
For an easy version, mix together cooked spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded parmesan. Bake until hot and bubbly. The rich, gooey texture pairs well with crispy chicken parmesan.
10. Risotto
Risotto makes a delicious side for chicken parmesan. This creamy rice dish adds a luxurious touch to your meal. You can make risotto with chicken broth for extra flavor.
Try adding vegetables like peas or mushrooms to your risotto. This gives it more texture and nutrition. Grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the creamy taste.
Risotto takes some time to cook, so start it before your chicken. Stir it often to release the starches and get that signature creamy texture. The rich risotto balances nicely with the crispy chicken parmesan.
11. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a tasty side dish that goes well with chicken parmesan. It’s quick to make and adds color to your plate.
You’ll sauté fresh green beans in butter until crisp-tender. Then toss them with toasted sliced almonds and a squeeze of lemon juice.
This French-inspired side brings a nice crunch and nutty flavor. The bright beans contrast nicely with the richness of chicken parmesan.
It’s an elegant yet simple option that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The almonds and lemon brighten up the green beans for a fresh, light accompaniment.
12. Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup makes a great side dish for chicken parmesan. This soup contains small meatballs, tiny pasta, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
The light and savory flavors of the soup complement the rich and cheesy chicken parmesan nicely. You can serve a small bowl of Italian wedding soup as a starter or appetizer.
For the best pairing, keep the soup portion small so it doesn’t overshadow the main dish. The combination provides a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that your guests will enjoy.
13. Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta makes a perfect side dish for chicken parmesan. This smooth, comforting corn-based porridge complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
To make polenta, bring chicken broth to a boil and slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for about 20-25 minutes until thick and tender.
For extra richness, stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese at the end. The result is a velvety, flavorful base that soaks up the tomato sauce from your chicken parmesan.
You can also bake polenta for a hands-off method. Mix it with water in a dish, cover, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
14. Grilled Broccolini
Grilled broccolini is a tasty side dish that pairs well with chicken parmesan. This veggie is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, with a mild flavor and tender texture.
To make it, toss broccolini with olive oil, garlic, and spices. Grill for a few minutes until it’s lightly charred and bright green.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese on top after grilling. This adds a nice tang and salty note to complement the chicken.
Grilled broccolini is quick to prepare, usually taking about 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple yet delicious way to add some greens to your meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken Parmesan and its side dishes can offer a range of important nutrients. These meals combine proteins, carbs, and fats with essential vitamins and minerals.
Balance of Macronutrients
Chicken Parmesan provides a good mix of macronutrients. The chicken breast is high in protein, which helps build and repair your muscles. The breading and cheese add carbs and fats for energy.
Side dishes like vegetables or salads boost the meal’s nutritional value. They add fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full longer.
Whole grain sides like brown rice or quinoa offer complex carbs. These give you steady energy and extra fiber.
A balanced meal with chicken Parmesan can keep you satisfied and energized for hours.
Vitamin and Mineral Intake
Chicken Parmesan and its sides can be rich in vitamins and minerals. The tomato sauce is high in vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that may lower cancer risk.
Cheese adds calcium for strong bones and teeth. It also provides vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Green veggie sides like broccoli or spinach are packed with vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain iron and folate, which support healthy blood.
Colorful salads offer a mix of nutrients. Red tomatoes have vitamin C, while dark leafy greens provide iron and calcium.
By choosing varied sides, you can create a nutrient-dense meal that supports your overall health.
Pairing Vegetables with Chicken Parmesan
Vegetables add color, nutrition, and balance to chicken Parmesan. The right veggie sides complement the rich, cheesy flavors while providing a fresh contrast.
Seasonal Vegetable Options
In spring, try asparagus or peas alongside your chicken Parmesan. Their bright green colors and crisp textures pair nicely.
Summer offers many choices like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. These veggies bring vibrant hues to your plate.
Fall vegetables like roasted squash or Brussels sprouts add warmth. Their slight sweetness balances the savory chicken.
For winter, go with hearty options such as roasted root vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes work well.
Year-round picks include broccoli, green beans, and spinach. These versatile veggies always taste great with chicken Parmesan.
Preparation Methods for Vegetables
Roasting brings out natural sweetness in vegetables. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking.
Steaming keeps veggies bright and crisp. This method works well for broccoli, carrots, and green beans.
Sautéing in garlic and olive oil adds flavor. Try this with spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Grilling gives a smoky taste to vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, and peppers are great grilled.
Raw veggie salads offer a fresh crunch. Mix cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for a simple side.
Blanching and shocking keeps colors vivid. This works well for asparagus or green beans.
Complementary Grain Choices
Grains add substance and flavor to your chicken Parmesan meal. They soak up sauces and provide a satisfying base for the dish.
Rice Varieties
White rice offers a neutral backdrop for chicken Parmesan. Its mild taste lets the main dish shine. Brown rice gives a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
For a fancier option, try risotto. This creamy Italian rice dish pairs well with the crispy chicken. Arborio rice is the best choice for risotto. It absorbs flavors while staying firm.
Wild rice adds color and texture to your plate. Its earthy taste contrasts nicely with the rich chicken Parmesan.
Pasta Selections
Spaghetti is a classic choice for chicken Parmesan. Its long strands catch the sauce well. Fettuccine is another good option. It’s wider than spaghetti and holds up to the hearty dish.
Penne or ziti work great too. Their tube shape traps sauce inside. This gives you a burst of flavor with each bite.
For a lighter option, try angel hair pasta. It cooks quickly and doesn’t overwhelm the chicken. Whole wheat pasta adds extra nutrition and a slightly nutty taste.