So you’ve decided to whip up a delicious chicken parmesan for dinner tonight, but you’re scratching your head wondering what side dish would make this Italian classic shine even brighter Don’t worry, I’ve been there too! Figuring out what side goes with chicken parmesan can sometimes be just as challenging as making the main dish itself.
I remember the first time I made chicken parm for my family. The chicken came out perfect – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, smothered in marinara and melty cheese. But I served it with a random side that just didn’t work, and the whole meal felt… incomplete. Since then, I’ve experimented with tons of different side dishes to find the perfect companions for this Italian-American favorite.
In this post, I’ll share my top 16 side dishes that pair beautifully with chicken parmesan From classic pasta options to lighter veggie sides, there’s something here for everyone!
What Makes a Great Chicken Parmesan Side Dish?
Before diving into specific side dishes, let’s talk about what makes a good pairing with chicken parm. The ideal side dish should
- Balance the richness of the cheesy, saucy chicken
- Complement the Italian flavors without competing with them
- Add textural contrast to the crispy-yet-tender chicken
- Provide nutritional balance to complete your meal
With that in mind, let’s explore the best options!
Classic Pasta Sides for Chicken Parmesan
Pasta is probably the most traditional side to serve with chicken parmesan. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious marinara sauce that might otherwise go to waste!
1. Mushroom & Pea Pasta
This light yet flavorful pasta combines earthy mushrooms with sweet peas in a creamy ricotta sauce. The combination adds a burst of color and flavor that complements chicken parm without overwhelming it. The ricotta cheese sauce is particularly divine when mixed with any extra marinara from your chicken.
2. Simple Spaghetti
Sometimes the simplest option is the best! A serving of perfectly cooked spaghetti with a light coating of olive oil or butter makes the perfect canvas for your chicken parmesan to shine. If you’re feeling fancy, toss it with a bit of garlic and herbs.
3. Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve your chicken parm with a side of creamy baked mac and cheese. Yes, it’s indulgent – you’ll definitely need a nap afterward – but the combination is absolutely worth it for those days when you just need some serious comfort food.
Fresh & Light Salad Options
If you’re looking to balance the richness of chicken parmesan with something lighter, a fresh salad is the perfect choice.
4. Caesar Salad
There’s something about the garlicky, tangy flavors of a classic Caesar salad that pairs perfectly with chicken parmesan. The crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons provide a wonderful textural contrast to the tender chicken. The real star is that anchovy-garlic dressing that cuts through the richness of the chicken parm.
5. Cucumber Salad
For a refreshing side that takes just minutes to prepare, try a simple cucumber salad. The cool crispness offers a nice contrast to the warm, rich chicken parmesan. It’s also a great way to incorporate some veggies into your meal without much effort.
6. Caprese Salad
This Italian classic featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze echoes the Italian flavors in your chicken parm while adding freshness to your plate. The simplicity of a Caprese salad lets the chicken remain the star while still contributing meaningful flavors to the meal.
7. Romaine and Celery Salad with Buttermilk Ranch
This crisp, refreshing salad with a super garlicky ranch dressing is bursting with flavor without being too heavy. It provides a nice counterpoint to the richness of chicken parmesan while still feeling indulgent thanks to that creamy dressing.
Vegetable Sides That Shine
Veggies are always a good idea! They add nutrition, color, and balance to your chicken parmesan dinner.
8. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
I was skeptical about cauliflower mash at first too, but trust me – it’s amazing with chicken parm! It has all the texture of mashed potatoes without the heaviness, and the garlic flavor complements the Italian seasoning in your chicken perfectly.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Don’t write off brussels sprouts until you’ve tried them roasted! When caramelized in the oven, they develop a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with chicken parmesan. They add a nutritional boost to your meal without feeling like you’re just eating vegetables for the sake of health.
10. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
For a more elegant side dish that still feels special, try bacon-wrapped asparagus. The combination of tender-crisp asparagus and savory bacon elevates your chicken parm to dinner-party status. You can even get fancy with honey or balsamic glaze drizzled on top.
11. Blistered Green Beans with Pickled Shallots and Toasted Breadcrumbs
These aren’t your average green beans! The combination of blistered beans, tangy pickled shallots, and crunchy breadcrumbs creates a sophisticated side that adds both texture and bright flavors to complement your chicken parmesan.
Bread and Potato Sides
Sometimes you just need some good carbs to round out your meal!
12. Garlic Bread
Is there anything better than using warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce? I think not! This classic side dish is popular with chicken parm for good reason – it’s absolutely delicious and so simple to prepare.
13. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes make a hearty companion to chicken parmesan. The mild flavor of potatoes lets the chicken shine while providing a comforting side that everyone loves. Plus, they’re perfect for soaking up extra sauce!
14. Roasted Baby Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes
For a more sophisticated potato option, try roasting baby potatoes with cherry tomatoes, herbs, olive oil, and garlic. The result is a flavorful side dish that adds beautiful color to your plate and complements the Italian flavors in your chicken parm.
Unexpected But Delicious Pairings
Looking to shake things up? These less traditional sides might surprise you!
15. Waffles
I know what you’re thinking – waffles with chicken parm?? But hear me out! We all love chicken and waffles, right? This is just an Italian-inspired version of that classic combo. The waffles provide a perfect vessel for soaking up sauce, and the contrast between their slight sweetness and the savory chicken is amazing.
16. Brown Rice
For a healthier option that still feels substantial, consider serving your chicken parmesan with brown rice. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it more interesting than white rice, and it’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from your chicken parm.
FAQs About Chicken Parmesan Side Dishes
Why is it called chicken parmesan if it’s made with mozzarella?
Despite what many think, the name doesn’t actually come from the cheese used! Chicken parmesan (or “chicken parmigiana”) is named after the region of Parma in Italy where the dish originated, not the cheese itself.
How do I keep my chicken parmesan from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy chicken parm, make sure your oil is hot enough when cooking (around 350°F) and cook the chicken until it’s properly crisp before adding sauce and cheese.
What’s in traditional chicken parmesan sauce?
Most chicken parmesan sauces include garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, and mixed herbs in a tomato base. The specific herbs may vary, but oregano and basil are common.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Side Dish
When it comes down to it, the best side dish for your chicken parmesan depends on what kind of meal you’re in the mood for:
- If you want a hearty, filling dinner, go for pasta, potatoes, or rice
- For a lighter meal that still feels complete, choose a fresh salad or vegetable side
- If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving 2-3 different sides to please everyone
My personal favorite combo is a simple Caesar salad with garlic bread on the side – the perfect balance of freshness and carby goodness to complement the star of the show!
Remember, there’s no wrong answer here – chicken parmesan is delicious enough to shine alongside almost any side dish. The most important thing is to choose sides that you and your dinner companions will enjoy!
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken parmesan? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments!
Classic Caesar Salad
A crisp and refreshing Caesar salad is the perfect side to balance out the richness of chicken parmesan. The combination of crunchy romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese is a match made in culinary heaven and it is an easy recipe too.
These golden and crispy potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with a chicken parmesan recipe. The garlic-infused flavor adds a wonderful depth to the meal and the crispy exterior contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. Roast baby potatoes are another great option.
This fresh and vibrant side is a delightful accompaniment to a rich recipe like chicken parmigiana. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil brings a burst of flavor to the table.
As a fun alternative, try our blueberry caprese skewers instead!
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors. Choose a medley of colorful vegetables such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a nutritious and delicious side dish. Or you could opt for one vegetable like roast green beans or brussels sprouts.
Velvety and smooth, creamy polenta is a comforting side that pairs beautifully with Chicken Parmesan. The rich and buttery texture adds a luxurious element to the meal. This is a great option if you want to make your meal a little heavier and more filling.
Light and nutritious, sautéed spinach is a simple yet flavorful side dish. The wilted spinach adds a vibrant green color to the plate and provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken parmesan. This is a nice healthy side dish that has lots of great flavor!
These are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor! Covered with bread crumbs, fresh herbs, and fresh parmesan, they’re an excellent choice that the whole family will love!
What better way to mop up any leftover sauce than with warm and garlic bread? These soft and buttery breadsticks are the perfect complement to the flavors of this classic Italian dish.
You can also try homemade garlic bread or Texas toast to serve alongside the chicken parm.
Any type of pasta works well when it comes to chicken parmesan sides. But zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or any vegetable noodles are the perfect alternative to a side of pasta if you want to keep the calories lower or just make it a lighter meal.
Simply use a spiralizer to make your noodles then sauté with a little olive oil or avocado oil before serving.
The creamy texture of baked sweet potatoes with salt and butter and the mildly sweet flavor makes a delicious meal served with parmesan cheesy chicken breasts. You can also make slow cooker sweet potatoes with bacon for an even more savory side.
If you need a heartier side for your chicken parmesan dish, brown or white rice work well! Rice isn’t a typical side in Italian cuisine, but it still tastes great with the tomato sauce from the chicken parm!
You can make the rice in the slow cooker while you work on the chicken parmesan or for a more authentic Italian dish try a mushroom risotto instead.
This salad is a great way to get a healthy dose of greens and protein in one dish. The broccoli provides a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the chicken parmesan.
Crispy smashed baby potatoes are small potatoes that are boiled until tender, then gently flattened and roasted until golden and crisp. With their irresistibly crunchy exterior and tender interior, these potatoes offer a delightful texture and flavor that’s hard to resist.
What is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan is a dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a flavorful and satisfying Italian-American classic that combines tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese.
Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and satisfying dish on its own, but adding the perfect side dish can take it to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, here are 15 sides that will complement the flavors of Chicken Parmesan and elevate your meal.
