Easy Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan: 25+ Perfect Choices
Are you wondering what to serve with chicken parmesan? I’ve got you covered!
As someone who loves cooking Italian dishes, I know that picking the right side dishes for chicken parmesan can make your meal extra special.
From classic pasta options to fresh salads and roasted vegetables, I’ll share my favorite sides that’ll make your chicken parm dinner amazing.
These easy side dishes will help you create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken parmesan (also called chicken parm) is a beloved Italian-American dish that features crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. I love how the golden-brown coating stays crunchy while the inside stays juicy and tender.
Some Ingredients typically used in Chicken Parmesan:
- Breaded chicken cutlets: Tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs
- Marinara sauce: Rich tomato sauce with herbs and garlic
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty cheese that creates that perfect cheese pull
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor
- Fresh basil: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh flavor
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken until golden brown
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhance every bite
What Sides Go with Chicken Parmesan?
When I’m planning what to serve with chicken parmesan, I think about complementary flavors and textures. You can choose from pasta, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or grains. Let me share my favorite combinations that’ll make your meal complete.
Pasta Options for Chicken Parmesan
Pasta is my go-to side for chicken parmesan. The sauce from the chicken tastes amazing when it mingles with these pasta options. Here are my top picks:
- Spaghetti Marinara: Nothing beats classic spaghetti with marinara sauce alongside chicken parm. I love how the long noodles twirl perfectly around my fork, soaking up all that delicious sauce. The simple tomato sauce lets the chicken stay the star of the show.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: When I want something extra indulgent, I pair my chicken parmesan with creamy fettuccine alfredo. The rich, cheesy sauce creates an amazing contrast with the tangy marinara on the chicken. It’s pure comfort food heaven!
- Penne Arrabbiata: This spicy pasta kicks things up a notch! The heat from the arrabbiata sauce adds excitement to your plate. I especially love how the tube-shaped penne catches little pockets of sauce. For more Italian pasta ideas, explore our easy penne pasta recipes.
- Orzo Salad: On warmer days, I opt for this refreshing pasta salad. The tiny rice-shaped pasta mixed with fresh vegetables and a light dressing keeps things bright and fresh. It’s perfect for outdoor dining!
- Ravioli: Sometimes I get fancy and serve cheese-filled ravioli alongside my chicken parm. The stuffed pasta pockets feel special and add an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Salads that Complement Chicken Parmesan
Fresh salads add color and crunch to your chicken parmesan dinner. I love how they balance out the richness of the main dish. Here are my favorite salad pairings:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing makes this salad a winner. The crunchy croutons remind me of the chicken’s crispy coating, while parmesan shavings tie everything together. The garlic in the dressing works magic with the chicken.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil create an Italian masterpiece. I love how this salad mirrors the flavors in chicken parm but keeps things light and fresh. A drizzle of balsamic glaze makes it perfect. For more Italian-inspired combinations, see our guide on what to serve with caprese salad.
- Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Looking for a healthy side dish to pair with chicken parmesan? This quick green salad is perfect! Just toss fresh, crunchy lettuce with tangy vinaigrette and you’ll have a bright, nutritious side ready in 10 minutes.
- Greek Salad: Chunks of cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives create a Mediterranean feast. The salty feta cheese and tangy dressing make every bite exciting. Need more Greek salad pairing ideas? See Greek salad serving ideas.
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing: Peppery arugula leaves dressed with fresh lemon juice and olive oil wake up your taste buds. I love adding shaved parmesan and pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Simple Vegetable Sides for Chicken Parmesan
Roasted vegetables add nutrition and delicious flavors to your chicken parmesan meal. These sides bring color and variety to your plate:
- Roasted Broccoli: Crispy-edged broccoli florets seasoned with garlic and olive oil are my go-to side. The roasting brings out sweet notes that complement the chicken perfectly. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Garlic Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed with plenty of garlic and a touch of butter make me happy. They stay crisp-tender and soak up all that wonderful garlic flavor. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything up.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These little cabbages turn into crispy, caramelized bites of heaven in the oven. I toss them with olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar before roasting. The sweet-tangy flavor works great with chicken parm.
- Creamed Spinach: This rich and velvety side dish is pure comfort food magic! I love how the tender spinach leaves swim in a creamy garlic sauce. Adding a pinch of nutmeg makes it extra special. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with crispy chicken.
- Zucchini Noodles: These light and fresh “zoodles” are my go-to when I want something healthy. I spiral-cut fresh zucchini and give them a quick sauté with garlic and olive oil. They’re perfect for soaking up sauce without the carbs!
Bread That Pair with Chicken Parm
Want to make your chicken parmesan recipe even better? These bread options will help you soak up every last drop of that delicious marinara sauce!
- Classic Garlic Bread: I can’t get enough of warm garlic bread with my chicken parm! The butter drips all over. You must try this perfect side dish. Want more sauce? This bread soaks it up great! Your tummy will thank you.
- Focaccia: This bread makes me so happy! You can dip it in the yummy sauce. I love the herbs on top. Look at those nice holes in the bread! Your delicious chicken parmesan needs this perfect side dish.
- Breadsticks: These make dinner fun! I grab one to clean my plate. You get crispy ends and soft middles. They’re such good side dishes to serve. Everyone at my table fights over the last one!
- Ciabatta: I tear off big chunks to eat! Your sauce finds homes in all the holes. The crust goes crunch when I bite. This perfect side dish makes me smile. Need more bread pairing ideas? See our guide to the best bread for bruschetta.
Potato Sides for Chicken Parmesan
Potatoes make any meal more satisfying. These starchy sides are perfect when you want something hearty with your chicken parm:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are pure comfort food. I love how they soak up the marinara sauce from the chicken. A splash of warm milk and plenty of butter makes them extra smooth. For more potato inspiration, check out our potato side dishes for steak.
- Sweet Potato Mash: This colorful twist on mashed potatoes brings natural sweetness to your plate. I add a touch of cinnamon and butter to make them irresistible. The orange color looks beautiful next to the red sauce.
- Roasted Potatoes with Herbs: These crispy outside, fluffy inside potatoes are tossed with rosemary and thyme. I love how they get golden brown in the oven. The herbs make them smell amazing!
- Potato Wedges with Garlic Dip: Big, crispy wedges seasoned with paprika and garlic powder are fun to eat. I serve them with a creamy garlic dip that everyone loves. They’re like fancy French fries!
- Potato Gratin: Layers of thin potato slices baked in cream with cheese on top is pure heaven. The crispy cheese crust adds another dimension to your chicken parm meal.
Grain Sides That Enhance Chicken Parmesan
Different grains can make your chicken parmesan meal more interesting. Here are my favorite grain-based sides:
- Risotto: Creamy Italian rice cooked slowly with broth and wine is amazing. I love adding mushrooms and parmesan cheese to make it extra special. The creamy texture works great with crispy chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious quinoa mixed with colorful vegetables and a lemony dressing keeps things healthy. I add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Brown Rice Pilaf: Nutty brown rice cooked with onions and garlic makes a hearty base. I love adding toasted almonds and fresh parsley for crunch and color.
- Barley Salad with Vegetables: Chewy barley mixed with roasted vegetables creates an interesting texture. The earthy flavors complement the chicken perfectly. Sometimes I add feta cheese for extra tang.
- Couscous with Herbs: Tiny pasta pearls flavored with fresh herbs and lemon zest are quick and easy. I love how light and fluffy it gets. Perfect for soaking up sauce!
Conclusion
Now you have plenty of delicious side dishes for chicken parmesan to choose from!
Whether you’re craving classic spaghetti marinara or want to try something new like quinoa salad, these sides will make your chicken parm dinner extra special.
Mix and match these options to create your perfect meal. Remember, the best side dish is one that you and your family will enjoy. Happy cooking!
