Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish, known for its crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese. To take this meal to the next level, pairing it with the perfect side dishes is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the best sides for Chicken Parmesan, from classic pasta to healthy vegetables, and even unique low-carb options. Whether you’re looking for something light or hearty, there’s a side for every palate!
Why Pair the Right Side Dish with Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan is rich and filling, thanks to its cheese, tomato sauce, and breaded chicken. The right side dish will help to balance these flavors and textures. Great sides can:
- Enhance flavor: A fresh or tangy side can balance the richness of the cheese and fried chicken.
- Add variety: Side dishes bring in different textures, adding interest to the meal.
- Lighten up the meal: Lighter sides like salads or vegetables help cut through the heaviness of the main dish.
Classic Side Dishes
Garlic Bread – A Crunchy Classic Side for Chicken Parmesan
Garlic bread is a go-to side for any Italian meal, and it pairs perfectly with Chicken Parmesan. The crispy bread with butter and garlic is ideal for dipping into the marinara sauce, and it adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
How to Make Garlic Bread:
- Ingredients: Sliced bread, butter, garlic, parsley.
- Instructions: Spread garlic butter over sliced bread and toast until crispy. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
Garlic bread is a quick and easy way to complement the rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan.
Caesar Salad – A Fresh Side to Balance Chicken Parmesan
A Caesar salad is an ideal side for Chicken Parmesan. The crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Caesar Salad Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Romaine Lettuce | 1 head |
| Caesar Dressing | ½ cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup |
| Croutons | 1 cup |
Simply toss the romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese for a refreshing, light side that complements the main dish beautifully.
Best Pasta Sides for Chicken Parmesan
Pasta is the traditional and classic side dish to serve with Chicken Parmesan. Whether you choose spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, pasta adds a comforting element to the meal. Marinara sauce can be added to match the Chicken Parmesan, or you can opt for a simple garlic and olive oil preparation.
Popular Pasta Choices:
- Spaghetti: A light, thin pasta that soaks up marinara sauce well.
- Penne: This tubular pasta holds onto sauce for a more filling, hearty bite.
- Fettuccine: Wide, flat noodles perfect for pairing with a creamy or tomato-based sauce.
Low-Carb Sides
Roasted Vegetables – A vegetable Side for Chicken Parmesan
Roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish for Chicken Parmesan. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots offer a lighter option, and roasting them brings out a sweet, caramelized flavor.
How to Roast Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
Roasted vegetables are not only healthy but also offer a vibrant contrast in texture and flavor to the rich Chicken Parmesan.
Quinoa Salad – A Light, Gluten-Free Side for Chicken Parmesan
Quinoa salad is another excellent healthy side dish. This light, protein-packed grain can be mixed with fresh vegetables and herbs for a refreshing, gluten-free option.
Ingredients for Quinoa Salad:
- Quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro).
- Toss cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables and dress with lemon juice and olive oil.
Quinoa’s light, fluffy texture and zesty flavor balance the richness of Chicken Parmesan while adding a nutrient-dense component to the meal.
Cauliflower Rice – A Low-Carb Alternative to Traditional Sides for Chicken Parmesan
For a low-carb side dish, cauliflower rice is a perfect alternative. Light and fluffy, it’s easy to season with herbs and garlic to enhance its flavor.
How to Make Cauliflower Rice:
- Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice.
- Sauté the cauliflower in olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper until tender.
Cauliflower rice offers a low-carb, healthy side option without sacrificing flavor, making it a great choice to serve with Chicken Parmesan.
Unique and Elegant Sides
Saffron Rice – An Elegant Side Dish for Chicken Parmesan
Saffron rice is a luxurious side dish that adds both color and flavor to your Chicken Parmesan meal. The subtle flavor of saffron, combined with a hint of turmeric, gives the rice a golden hue that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Ingredients for Saffron Rice:
- Rice, saffron threads, turmeric, garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth.
- Cook rice with broth, saffron, and a pinch of turmeric for a colorful and flavorful side.
This elegant side is perfect for special occasions when you want to elevate your Chicken Parmesan meal.
Zucchini Noodles – A Low-Carb and Fresh Alternative to Pasta
Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, offer a nutritious and low-carb substitute for regular pasta. Their fresh, light flavor is the perfect complement to the rich marinara sauce and melted cheese in Chicken Parmesan.
Zoodles Recipe:
- Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles.
- Sauté the zoodles in olive oil and garlic for 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
Zucchini noodles add a fresh, crunchy component to the meal, and they’re a great option if you want to keep things light.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A Flavorful and Healthy Side for Chicken Parmesan
Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a deep, nutty flavor to the table. When roasted to perfection, they become slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect side dish to complement Chicken Parmesan.
Tip: For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with a bit of parmesan cheese before serving.
Less Common Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan
Creamy Polenta – A Comforting Side for Chicken Parmesan
Polenta is a smooth, creamy Italian dish made from cornmeal. It’s a comforting side dish that pairs well with the crispy texture of Chicken Parmesan. You can make creamy polenta by cooking it with butter and parmesan cheese.
How to Make Creamy Polenta:
- Cook cornmeal in water or broth.
- Stir in butter and parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
Polenta is a filling, comforting addition to your Chicken Parmesan meal, offering a soft contrast to the crispy chicken.
Wild Rice with Mushrooms – A Nutty, Earthy Side for Chicken Parmesan
Wild rice is a hearty, nutty grain that pairs beautifully with Chicken Parmesan. When combined with sautéed mushrooms, it adds an earthy depth of flavor to the meal.
How to Make Wild Rice with Mushrooms:
- Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
- Sauté mushrooms with garlic and olive oil, then mix them into the cooked rice.
This flavorful side adds complexity to the meal and offers a delicious, unique alternative to traditional pasta or bread sides.
Grilled Vegetables – A Light, Smoky Side Dish for Chicken Parmesan
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant bring a smoky, charred flavor to the meal. Season the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling them to tender perfection.
Tip: Grilled vegetables not only add flavor but also bring vibrant colors to your plate, making your meal look as good as it tastes.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right side dishes for Chicken Parmesan enhances the overall meal, adding balance, flavor, and texture. Whether you prefer classic choices like garlic bread and pasta, healthy options like roasted vegetables and quinoa salad, or more unique sides like saffron rice and wild rice, there’s a side dish for every occasion.
Quick Recap:
- Classic Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, pasta.
- Unique Sides: Saffron rice, zucchini noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Less Common Options: Creamy polenta, wild rice with mushrooms, grilled vegetables.
By choosing the right side dish, you can create a balanced, satisfying meal that complements the rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan.
FAQs
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots are excellent choices. Their caramelized flavors balance the richness of Chicken Parmesan while adding texture and nutrients.
Yes, rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with Chicken Parmesan. Options like saffron rice or wild rice with mushrooms provide a flavorful and hearty base for the meal.
No, while pasta is a classic choice, you can also try healthy alternatives like quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, or polenta to offer a lighter, more balanced meal.
Healthy sides like roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh quinoa salad provide a light and nutritious complement to the richness of Chicken Parmesan.
By using these side dishes, you can easily create a balanced, flavorful meal with Chicken Parmesan as the star, supported by a variety of delicious sides. Whether you stick with the classics or try something new, these sides will make your meal unforgettable!
