Have you ever stared at that crispy, cheesy chicken parm on your plate and thought, “This is amazing, but something’s missing”? You’re not alone! As a long-time food blogger and Italian cuisine enthusiast, I’ve spent years experimenting with the perfect companions for this classic dish.
Chicken parmesan is that magical combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melty cheese that never disappoints But finding the right side dish can turn an already delicious meal into an unforgettable feast. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just trying to jazz up your weeknight meals, I’ve got you covered!
In this guide I’ll share over 20 incredible side dishes that pair perfectly with chicken parm. From classic pasta options to lighter veggie alternatives, there’s something here for every taste preference and dietary need.
Classic Pasta Options (The Traditional Route)
Let’s start with the most obvious pairing – pasta! There’s a reason pasta and chicken parm are like best friends who never want to be separated.
1. Spaghetti with Marinara
Nothing beats the simplicity of regular spaghetti with some extra marinara sauce from your chicken parm. It’s classic for a reason! The long, thin noodles provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up that delicious sauce.
2. Mushroom & Pea Pasta
This is my personal favorite! The earthy mushrooms and sweet peas create an amazing contrast to the savory chicken. Plus, the ricotta cheese sauce adds an extra level of creaminess that complements the marinara beautifully.
3. Penne or Other Pasta Shapes
If spaghetti feels too predictable, try penne, orzo, or tortellini! Different pasta shapes can completely change the experience. Just remember to top with fresh basil, parsley, and maybe some extra grated parmesan for that restaurant-quality finish.
4. Creamy Mac & Cheese
Talk about comfort food heaven! Pairing chicken parm with a creamy baked mac and cheese might sound like carb overload, but trust me, it’s worth every bite. The creamy, cheesy pasta provides a perfect contrast to the tangy marinara sauce.
Healthier Veggie Noodle Alternatives
For those watching their carbs or looking for a lighter option, veggie noodles are your best friend!
5. Zucchini Noodles
Zoodles (as I like to call them) are super easy to make with a spiralizer. Sauté them briefly in olive oil and garlic, and they make a fantastic low-carb base for your chicken parm.
6. Butternut Squash Noodles
These slightly sweet noodles offer a beautiful color and texture. They’re a bit heartier than zucchini noodles, making them perfect for cooler weather.
7. Spaghetti Squash
Nature’s pasta! Roasted spaghetti squash has a mild flavor that won’t compete with your chicken parm, plus it has that satisfying pull-apart texture that mimics real pasta.
Fresh and Crisp Salad Options
Sometimes you just need something light and refreshing to balance out the richness of chicken parm.
8. Caesar Salad
This is probably the most popular salad pairing with chicken parm, and for good reason! The garlicky, tangy dressing and crunchy croutons create the perfect contrast to your main dish. The secret to an amazing Caesar is the anchovy paste in the dressing – don’t skip it!
9. Cucumber Salad
For a super quick side, thinly slice some cucumbers and toss them with vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes for a refreshing, pickle-like side that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
10. Romaine and Celery Salad with Buttermilk Ranch
The crisp vegetables with creamy, garlicky ranch dressing make this a crowd-pleaser that’s still light enough to not overpower your main dish.
11. Tomato Mozzarella Salad
This Caprese-style salad echoes the Italian flavors in your chicken parm while keeping things fresh and light. Plus, the colors look gorgeous on the plate!
Vegetable Sides That Shine
Veggies don’t have to be boring! These flavorful options will have everyone reaching for seconds.
12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When roasted properly, brussels sprouts become caramelized, nutty, and slightly sweet – a perfect complement to savory chicken parm.
13. Garlic Green Beans
Simple yet effective! Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and a touch of butter add color and nutrition to your plate.
14. Baked Eggplant & Yogurt Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired side adds a creamy, tangy element that’s perfect for dipping those bite-sized pieces of chicken parm into.
15. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
For a more indulgent veggie option, wrap asparagus in bacon before roasting. It’s elegant, delicious, and adds a smoky element to the meal.
16. Roasted Baby Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes
Herb-roasted baby potatoes with blistered cherry tomatoes not only look beautiful but also add wonderful texture and flavor variety to your plate.
17. Blistered Green Beans with Pickled Shallots
The tangy pickled shallots and crunchy breadcrumbs take ordinary green beans to extraordinary heights!
Hearty Starch Options
Sometimes you want something more substantial than pasta or veggies.
18. Garlic Bread
Is there anything better than using garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce? I think not! The buttery, garlicky goodness is practically mandatory.
19. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make a hearty base for chicken parm. The neutral flavor lets the chicken shine while still being incredibly satisfying.
20. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
For a lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try cauliflower mash! When done right, it’s creamy, garlicky, and you might not even miss the potatoes.
21. Brown Rice
Nutty brown rice provides a healthy whole grain option that pairs surprisingly well with chicken parm. Try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost!
Unexpected But Delicious Pairings
Ready to think outside the box? These unconventional sides might become your new favorites!
22. Waffles
Yes, waffles! Think of it as an Italian twist on chicken and waffles. The slight sweetness of the waffles contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken and tangy marinara.
23. French Fries
Who doesn’t love fries? They’re perfect for soaking up sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
24. Quinoa Salad
A Mediterranean-style quinoa salad with cucumbers, feta, and red onions adds nutrition and fresh flavors that complement the rich chicken parm.
FAQ About Chicken Parm
Why is it called Chicken Parmesan if it’s made with mozzarella?
Despite containing mozzarella cheese, chicken parmesan gets its name from its place of origin – Parma, Italy – not from the cheese used. Though many recipes do include some parmesan in addition to the mozzarella!
How do you keep chicken parmesan from getting soggy?
The key is to fry your chicken in oil that’s hot enough (around 350°F). You can test this by dropping in a small piece of breading – if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
What is chicken parmesan sauce made of?
Most chicken parm sauces include garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, and mixed herbs. The exact recipe may vary, but these ingredients form the flavor base of most marinara sauces used for chicken parm.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to chicken parmesan, the side dish options are truly endless! What you choose really depends on the kind of meal you’re going for:
- For a hearty, comfort food experience: Go with pasta, mac and cheese, or mashed potatoes
- For a lighter meal: Try veggie noodles or a crisp salad
- For something in between: Roasted vegetables or quinoa dishes offer the perfect balance
I personally love serving my chicken parm with mushroom and pea pasta for family dinners and a simple Caesar salad when I’m trying to keep things lighter. And garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house – it’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce!
What’s your favorite chicken parm pairing? Have you tried any unusual combinations that worked surprisingly well? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk has made me hungry. I think I know what I’m making for dinner tonight!
Appetizers to Serve it With
Making a menu isn’t just about the main event. That’s why you can’t go wrong with these delicious appetizers to go with chicken parmesan! These gourmet recipes would make good sides for your main meal and make your dinner guests ask for seconds.
- Roasted Delicata Squash: Smoky, delicately sweet, and colorful, this breathtaking appetizer will make any Instagram foodie jump for joy.
- Eggplant Yogurt: Eggplant Yogurt is one of the most delicious appetizers you can serve with parmesan-crusted chicken. Tangy, creamy, and garlicky, this Greek-inspired appetizer will prepare any palate for your succulent main dish.
- Olive Bread with Olive Oil Dip: Among the best side dishes in my recipe box, this crusty bread is one of the most popular to serve with parmesan-crusted chicken. Simple yet elegant, this Italian food comes to life when paired with my sumptuous olive oil bread dip.
- Garlic Bread: You don’t need to spend hours with this easy recipe by Smitten Kitchen. Even beginner chefs can make gourmet eats with this classic Italian dish.
I hope this roundup post answered your question of what is a good side dish for chicken parmesan. The good thing is that many of these recipes would also pair well with our other simple chicken dishes like Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast and Whole Roasted Chicken. So go ahead and start building your menu and feed your family with these delicious side dishes.
