Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese.
While it’s tasty on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level.
The best sides for chicken Parmesan complement its flavors and textures without overshadowing the main course.
From fresh salads to roasted vegetables and pasta, there are many options to round out your chicken Parmesan dinner.
This article will explore 14 delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with this classic entrée.
You’ll find ideas to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it easy to plan a complete and satisfying meal.
1. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken parmesan. Its crispy exterior and soft interior provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
The rich garlic flavor complements the savory cheese and tomato sauce of the main dish.
You can easily make garlic bread at home by spreading garlic butter on sliced bread and toasting it in the oven.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This creates a cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
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 make a simple version with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing.
For extra flavor, add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
The cool, refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken.
To save time, you can use pre-made dressing and croutons. Or make your own dressing with lemon juice, garlic, anchovies, and olive oil for a fresher taste.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a great side for chicken parmesan. You can use a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It also gives them a nice crispy texture on the outside. This contrasts well with the tender chicken and melty cheese of your main dish.
4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti aglio e olio makes a tasty side dish for chicken parmesan. This simple pasta combines garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a flavorful kick.
To make it, cook spaghetti until al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil.
Add red pepper flakes for heat. Toss the cooked pasta with the garlic oil mixture.
The light, garlicky pasta complements the rich chicken parmesan nicely. It’s a classic Italian pairing that balances flavors well.
You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for extra taste.
5. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad makes a great side for chicken parmesan. This classic Italian dish is simple yet flavorful.
You’ll need fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves. Slice the cheese and tomatoes, then layer them with the basil.
Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
The fresh flavors of the caprese salad complement the rich chicken parmesan nicely. It’s light and refreshing, balancing out your meal.
6. Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus is a light and healthy side dish that pairs well with chicken parmesan. You can easily prepare it in a steamer basket on the stove.
Cook the asparagus for 4-6 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
This veggie side adds color and nutrition to your plate. Its mild taste balances out the rich, savory flavors of the main dish.
7. Risotto Milanese
Risotto Milanese is a classic Italian dish that pairs well with chicken parmesan. This creamy rice dish gets its golden color from saffron.
To make it, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add arborio rice and toast it briefly.
Pour in white wine and let it absorb. Gradually add warm chicken stock, stirring constantly.
Mix in saffron threads for flavor and color. Keep adding stock and stirring until the rice is creamy and tender.
Finish the risotto with butter and Parmesan cheese. The result is a rich, comforting side that complements the crispy chicken and tomato sauce perfectly.
8. Bruschetta
Bruschetta makes a tasty companion to chicken parmesan. This Italian appetizer features toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
To make bruschetta, slice a baguette and toast the pieces. Rub them with garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Top with diced tomatoes mixed with basil, salt, and pepper.
The bright flavors of bruschetta balance the richness of chicken parmesan. The crisp bread also provides a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken.
You can serve bruschetta as a starter or alongside the main dish. It’s an easy side that takes just minutes to prepare.
9. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread is a great side for chicken parmesan. This Italian flatbread has a crispy crust and soft interior. It’s often flavored with herbs, olive oil, and salt.
You can tear off pieces to soak up extra sauce from your chicken parmesan. The bread’s texture contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken.
Try making a sandwich with your chicken parmesan using focaccia as the bread. It adds a delicious twist to leftovers.
For a special touch, warm the focaccia before serving. This brings out its flavors and aroma.
10. Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta makes a tasty side dish for chicken parmesan. The bright, herby flavors of pesto complement the rich tomato sauce and cheese of the chicken.
You can use any type of pasta shape you like. Toss it with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Add some extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
For extra flavor, try mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts. You could also add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Serve the pesto pasta warm alongside your chicken parmesan. The combination of flavors and textures will make for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
11. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a colorful French vegetable stew that pairs wonderfully with chicken parmesan. This dish combines eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers for a flavorful side.
You can serve ratatouille warm or at room temperature. Its tangy tomato base complements the rich cheese and sauce of chicken parmesan nicely.
For a balanced meal, spoon some ratatouille onto your plate next to the chicken. The vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the breaded, cheesy main dish.
You can make ratatouille ahead of time and reheat it when needed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests.
12. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini makes a great side dish for chicken parmesan. It’s light, healthy, and adds a nice contrast to the rich main course.
To prepare, slice zucchini lengthwise into strips. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until tender with nice grill marks.
You can enhance the flavor by adding garlic powder or Italian herbs before grilling. A squeeze of lemon juice after cooking adds brightness.
This side dish is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. It’s a good way to add more veggies to your meal without overpowering the chicken parmesan.
13. Polenta Fries
Polenta fries offer a tasty twist on traditional french fries. These crispy, golden sticks are made from cornmeal and pair well with chicken parmesan.
To make polenta fries, cook polenta until thick, spread it in a pan, and chill. Once firm, cut into strips and bake or fry until crispy.
The outside gets crunchy while the inside stays creamy. Polenta fries have a mild corn flavor that complements the savory chicken and tomato sauce.
You can season them with herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for extra flavor. Serve them hot with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
14. Spinach and Arugula Salad
A spinach and arugula salad is a light and refreshing side dish for chicken parmesan.
Mix fresh spinach and arugula leaves in a large bowl. Add sliced cucumber, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion for extra flavor and crunch.
Make a simple dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle half the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Top with crumbled cheese and toasted nuts for added texture.
Serve the salad right away with extra dressing on the side. This crisp, colorful salad balances the rich flavors of chicken parmesan perfectly.
Wine Pairings
The right wine can elevate your chicken parmesan dinner. Both red and white wines pair well with this classic Italian dish. Your choice depends on personal taste and the specific flavors in your recipe.
Red Wines
Italian reds are natural partners for chicken parmesan. Chianti, made from Sangiovese grapes, has bright acidity that cuts through the rich cheese and tomato sauce. Its cherry and herb notes complement the dish nicely.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is another great option. This medium-bodied red has soft tannins and flavors of plum and spice. It won’t overpower the chicken but still stands up to the bold sauce.
For a non-Italian choice, try Merlot. Its smooth texture and fruity profile work well with the savory elements of chicken parmesan.
White Wines
If you prefer white wine, look for options with good acidity.
Pinot Grigio is a classic Italian white that pairs nicely. Its light, crisp character balances the heavier aspects of the dish.
Chardonnay can work too, especially if it’s not too oaky. Choose an unoaked or lightly oaked version to avoid clashing with the tomato sauce.
Sauvignon Blanc is another good pick. Its herbal notes and zesty acidity can complement the flavors in chicken parmesan without being overpowering.
Nutritional Considerations
Chicken Parmesan can be a high-calorie dish. Choosing side dishes wisely helps balance your meal’s nutrients and manage portion sizes.
Calorie Content
Chicken Parmesan is often quite calorie-dense. A typical serving can have 600-800 calories. This leaves less room for high-calorie sides.
Opt for lighter side dishes to keep your total meal calories in check. Steamed veggies or a small salad are good low-calorie options. They add nutrients without many extra calories.
If you want a starchy side, choose carefully. A small portion of whole grain pasta or a baked potato can fit. Just watch your serving size.
Balancing macronutrients
Chicken Parmesan is high in protein and fat. To balance your meal, focus on adding carbs and fiber from your sides.
Veggie-based sides are great for this. They’re low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients.
Try roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a mixed green salad.
For healthy carbs, consider:
- Whole grain pasta (1/2 cup serving)
- Brown rice (1/3 cup cooked)
- Quinoa (1/4 cup cooked)
These give you energy without spiking blood sugar like white pasta would. They also add more fiber to your meal.