If you want to know what to serve with chicken parmesan, here are some of the best sides for this classic dish.
Chicken parmesan is a quintessential Italian dish that is always a hit with diners.
This recipe is simple to make and can be served with various side dishes.
Chicken parmesan is a beloved Italian dish that features breaded chicken breasts cooked in tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese.
The dish can be served either as an entree or main course.
While its origins are often the bone of contention, it undoubtedly gained immense popularity in the United States in the 1950s when its recipe was published in the New York Herald Tribune and the New York Times.
It has since become a staple of Italian-American cuisine and is enjoyed by people worldwide, and it remains one of the most famous Italian dishes.
Read on for some of the best sides to serve with chicken parmesan; from Caesar Salad to Bacon Wrapped Asparagus to Roasted Baby Potatoes & Cherry Tomatoes.
Check out #24 on this list, as this will surely delight your taste buds.
Let’s get right to it!
The mushrooms and peas will add a lovely pop of color to your plate, and their earthy flavor sure is something to appreciate and look forward to.
Give this dish a try next time you’re looking for a new twist on an old favorite!
2. Caesar Salad
The Crispy lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese of a Caesar are simply irresistible.
And when you pair it with a plate of chicken parmesan, it makes for one hearty meal.
The chicken’s tender, juicy slices are a fitting counterpart to the salad’s crisp texture.
The savory sauce ties everything together.
Plus, the Parmesan adds an extra flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Are you searching for an alternative to pasta?
Try these Zucchini Noodles!
Zucchini Noodles are a great way to get your veggies while enjoying an appealing meal.
They pair particularly well with chicken parmesan with the Zucchini Noodles’ mild flavor, letting the fatty, savory flavors of the chicken and sauce shine through.
So if you’re looking for a tasty meal, give Zucchini Noodles with chicken parmesan a try!
A Boston Lettuce Salad with cilantro is a consummate side dish for chicken parmesan.
The lettuce’s slightly sweet and nutty taste pairs with the savory chicken.
The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the robust Parmesan cheese.
The cilantro tacks on a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
This salad is sure to please any chicken parmesan lover.
Creamy Mashed Potato can make even the most straightforward dish feel like a luxurious feast.
The tomato sauce and crispy chicken pair well with the fluffy mashed potatoes, creating an enjoyable, belly-filling dish.
The zesty lemon dressing brightens up the hearty quinoa, and the fresh cilantro adds a touch of flavor.
Plus, it’s super easy to make.
Cook the quinoa and mix in the lemon dressing and cilantro.
The salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
So whether you’re looking for a fresh side dish or a quick meal, this Cilantro Lemon Quinoa Salad is a splendid option.
7. Garlic Bread
The combination of chicken, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese can be pretty heavy, so the lightness of garlic bread helps to balance it out.
Additionally, the garlic flavor pairs well with the seasoning on the chicken.
So next time you’re making this dish, be sure to add some garlic bread to your to-do list.
If you want an ingenious way to enjoy chicken parmesan, try pairing it with eggplant yogurt.
Eggplant yogurt is made from strained eggplant pulp, yogurt, and spices.
It has a thick, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the decadence of the chicken parmesan.
So go ahead and enjoy your chicken parmesan with a side of eggplant yogurt.
Your taste buds will thank you!
While it is sumptuous on its own, chicken parmesan can be even better when paired with a suitable side dish.
One notable option is Roasted Broccoli.
The char from the roasting enhances the broccoli flavor and complements the taste of the chicken parmesan.
Plus, the green color of the broccoli provides a nice contrast to the red of the tomato sauce.
When roasted, broccoli also becomes crispy, providing a nice contrast in texture to the chicken.
10. Saffron Rice
The tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and the gooey Mozzarella all come together to create a simply irresistible dish.
And when it’s paired with a bowl of fragrant, saffron-infused rice, it’s even better.
The rice helps to soak up the appetizing sauce, and the saffron adds a beautiful golden color and a subtle, floral flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
It’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
11. Broccoli Salad
While this dish is typically served with a side of pasta, Broccoli Salad makes for an excellent alternative.
The bright green color of the broccoli provides a beautiful contrast to the red sauce, and the bitter taste helps balance out the savory chicken.
In addition, the crispy texture of the broccoli provides a pleasant contrast to the tenderness of the chicken.
12. Cucumber Salad
The salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, a simple vinegar dressing, sugar, and salt.
The combination of sweetness, acidity, and crunch compliments the flavors of the chicken parmesan.
The salad is made with fresh vegetables—tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and green peppers – and topped with crumbled feta cheese.
The vegetables are crisp and refreshing, while the feta adds a smooth flavor.
The acidity of the tomatoes also helps to balance out the richness of the chicken dish.
Together, these flavors create a well-rounded meal that will please any diner.
Few options are as versatile as Mashed Cauliflower when it comes to side dishes.
This creamy vegetable dish can be flavored in various ways, making it a choice accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
The subtlety of the cauliflower also allows the other flavors in the dish to shine through.
In addition, the dish’s creamy texture pairs well with the crispy breading of the chicken, providing contrast in both texture and flavor.
Its flavor and texture complement the dish without overwhelming it, making it a magnificent partner for this classic Italian entree.
Asparagus wrapped in bacon is the consummate side dish to chicken parmesan.
The salty-smoky bacon pairs exquisitely with the tender-crisp asparagus.
The Parmesan adds a nice hit of umami flavor.
This dish is hassle-free to make, yet it looks impressive on the table.
Wrap the bacon around each asparagus spear, then bake in a hot oven until the bacon is crisp.
Serve with Parmesan cheese on top.
Delish!
16. Caprese Salad
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17. Cauliflower Rice
While a traditional side of spaghetti or angel hair noodles pairs well with this dish, Cauliflower Rice is a worthy alternative.
Made from finely chopped cauliflower, cauliflower rice has a light and fluffy texture that is a prime canvas for chicken parmesan.
18. Waffles
Waffles and chicken parmesan may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they make a terrific match.
The crispy, golden waffles contrast the decadent chicken parmesan.
At the same time, the savory tomato sauce ties everything together.
Plus, the combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
19. Brown Rice
While chicken parmesan is delectable when made with white rice, Brown Rice works just as well—if not better!
The nutty flavor of Brown Rice works well with the cheesy tomato sauce, and the slightly chewy texture contrasts the tender chicken.
Whether you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic dish or want to try something new, brown rice is an outstanding choice for chicken parmesan.
Brussels sprouts might not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of chicken parmesan.
However, they make a yummy addition to this classic dish.
The key is to roast the brussels sprouts first to be nice and crispy.
This way, you’ll get a flavorful side dish that balances the cheesy chicken parmesan.
Boiled Sweet Potatoes have a smooth, creamy texture that pairs seamlessly with the crispy chicken and tomato sauce.
To make boiled sweet potatoes, wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into small chunks.
Plop them into a pot filled with boiling water and cook until they are tender.
Once they are done, drain the water and add a little butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
Then enjoy!
While chicken parmesan is opulent on its own, one way to make it better is to serve it with roasted potatoes and tomatoes.
You can roast the potatoes with some olive oil and herbs, while the tomatoes can be roasted with garlic.
These side dishes add flavor and depth to the chicken parmesan, and they also help to round out the meal.
23. Arugula Salad
Consider arugula when you’re looking for a salad to pair with your chicken parmesan.
The peppery, bittersweet taste of arugula pairs complements the mouthwatering flavors of chicken and cheese.
And the crisp texture of the greens provides a novel contrast to the hot, cheesy chicken.
The greens also add a pop of color and crunch.
25. Baked Rice
Many people enjoy pairing chicken parmesan with Baked Rice.
The rice helps to absorb the flavors of the chicken and tomato sauce, while the chicken provides a juicy contrast to the crispy mozzarella cheese.
Baked rice also has a slightly firm texture that stands up well to the sauce.
The combination of lemon, capers, and butter strikes the perfect balance of flavors, especially when prepared with thin pasta.
Give this tasty recipe 30 minutes of your time, and you’ll surely have a weeknight meal.
Just boil the pasta and make the sauce, then mix everything.
Ingredients include: Fresh lemon juice, capers, fresh parlsey, black pepper, and pasta.
This Garlic Butter Pasta may seem simple, but it packs quite a flavorful punch.
The plain spaghetti is doused in a rich butter garlic sauce and finished off with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
Indulge your taste buds, and you’ll soon be humming joyful tunes.
Ingredients include: Pasta, butter, parmesan, parsley, and ground black pepper.
Here’s a recipe for the mouth-watering bell peppers in your pantry.
Gather all your bell peppers, pasta, aromatics, cheese, and parsley to create a delectable side dish everyone will enjoy.
You can serve this warm, cold, or at room temperature.
You can also stash it in the fridge until everyone is hungry again.
Ingredients include: Pasta spirals, mozzarella, red pepper, green pepper, and yellow pepper.
29. Sesame Noodles
Looking for an Asian-inspired side dish?
Try this recipe!
The dish is easy to put together, and despite the simplicity in appearance, they are bursting with flavor.
It’s already mildly spicy, but you can add more if you like things hot.
Ingredients include: Dried linguine pasta, sesame oil, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and soy sauce.
Have any Zucchini and squash left in your fridge?
Let’s make them robust and flavorful in this simple recipe.
Simply chop the squash and zucchini, mix them with some oil and seasonings, and roast until fork-tender; you won’t even break a sweat.
The dish is also versatile, as you can season it in any way you desire.
Add more quick-roasting vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the mix, and you’ve got a mixed roasted vegetable side dish.
Ingredients include: Zucchini, yellow squash, dried Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and parmesan cheese.
If you love veggies, this recipe will quickly become a side dish staple.
This easy side dish combines broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower flavors with a sprinkle of Parmesan breadcrumbs.
This is perfect for any time of the year.
You can put in some cayenne for more flavor and spice!
Ingredients include: Carrots, broccoli florets, cauliflower, butter, and parmesan cheese.
Topped with golden, melty bliss, this cheesy broccoli casserole will quickly become a weeknight staple.
If you have fussy eaters at home, they will like this meal so much that broccoli becomes their new favorite veggie.
This is super versatile and easy, too; you just have to boil the broccoli, toss everything together, and pop it in the oven.
Ingredients include: Broccoli, butter, flour, milk, and Swiss cheese.
You will adore this Roasted Green Beans recipe if you need a quick, easy side dish that compliments various main courses.
These beans can be on the table in about 15 minutes, making it a convenient veggie side dish.
Add some almonds to give the beans a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients include: Fresh green beans, olive oil, pepper, sliced almonds, and salt.
Check out our tried and tested Roasted Parmesan Green Beans.
This recipe roasts some beets and carrots in a honey glaze to bring out their natural flavors while adding a hint of sweet taste.
Add honey mixture just before finishing the roasting to avoid overcooking it because you would not want a bitter-tasting glaze.
These roasted veggies coated in a sweet glaze are already yummy on their own, but fresh herbs sprinkled on top really put them over the top.
Ingredients include: Beets, carrots, olive oil, honey, and fresh herbs.
Make a twist to the classic American pea salad by adding some sweet corn and blue cheese instead of cheddar cheese and no corn.
The corn adds a nice pop of color, and the blue cheese adds an irresistible flavor.
To spice things up, use zesty ranch salad dressing instead of the traditional mayo-based sauce.
Top with crispy bacon, and this recipe will make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients include: Frozen peas, frozen sweet corn, ranch salad dressing, blue cheese, and bacon strips.
This recipe is simple, yet it will result in something irresistible everyone will be asking for seconds.
Tender, smooth, and bright with lemon, the leaves also have a savory, garlicky flavor.
It makes a nice standalone veggie side dish but tastes great with meats like chicken parmesan.
Add this to your recipe box, and eating your greens will be a breeze.
Ingredients include: Baby spinach, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and lemon.
37. Confetti Rice
This Confetti Rice is a fun combination of fluffy jasmine rice and colorful bell peppers that’s great as a side dish or for grain bowls or tacos.
The recipe is so versatile you can make many other versions out of it.
You can even add your favorite toppings!
Ingredients include: Jasmine rice, chicken base, shredded carrot, frozen baby peas, and frozen corn kernels.
38. Carrot Rice
This Brazilian Carrot Rice is a wonderful option to get your kids to indulge in more veggies without them realizing it.
It is incredibly tasty and adds gorgeous color to your plate.
It is loaded with onions, garlic, carrots, and herbs, making it an excellent pair to chicken parmesan.
It’s a wonderful, effortless way to elevate your standard weeknight meals to the next level.
Ingredients include: Olive oil, freshly grated carrots, kosher salt, fresh parsley, and onion.
39. Fiesta Rice
How about some Mexican-inspired side dish?
Fiesta Rice is a side dish that combines fluffy, tender, flavorful rice and colorful veggies.
Butter, onions, and peppers give the rice a nice flavor before it is submerged in a broth brimming with canned tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
After 15 minutes of simmering, you’ll have a delectable side dish on the table.
This is an excellent way to use up canned veggies in your pantry.
Ingredients include: Butter, yellow onion, long-grain rice, sweet corn kernels, and cilantro.
40. Pineapple Rice
If you’re not a fan of rice, wait until you try this recipe.
It’s loaded with fresh ingredients that add incredible flavor to plain white rice.
Crushed pineapple lends both a sweet taste and crunch, cilantro delivers a spicy and nutty note, and the lime juice brightens everything up.
It’s very easy to make too!
You literally throw everything into a saucepan and let it cook.
Ingredients include: Uncooked white rice, crushed pineapple, butter, lime, and cilantro.
If you’re looking for a new twist on roasted potatoes, try this authentic Greek Lemon Potatoes recipe!
In this recipe, simple pantry ingredients will transform potatoes into a comforting, fresh, bright classic Greek side dish.
Lemon, garlic, and oregano add an irresistible taste to the potatoes while they steam bake in the oven, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
The secret to this recipe is the right potato variety.
Use russet potatoes for best results, but you can also use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes if that’s what you have.
Ingredients include: Vegetable broth, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, and olive oil.
Fingerling potatoes, when roasted until crisp, are not only tasty but also rather attractive.
Add these to your next holiday or family meal as a side dish, and you’ll get rave reviews.
If you don’t have any fingerling potatoes, baby potatoes are a great substitute.
And if you want to switch things up, add dried parsley, dried oregano, or Provencal Herbs instead of Italian seasoning.
Ingredients include: Fingerling potatoes, dried garlic powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, and butter.
The bottom line
So there you have it!
Chicken parmesan is sublime no matter what you serve it with.
With some creativity, you can quickly put together a satisfying meal that your family and guests will love.
So experiment until you find your ideal pairing.
More About Chicken Parmesan
Top 42 BEST Chicken Parmesan Sides🍴
If you want to know what to serve with chicken parmesan, here are some of the best sides for this classic dish.
Ingredients
- Mushroom & Pea Pasta
- Caesar Salad
- Zucchini Noodles
- Boston Lettuce Salad
- Mashed Potato
- Cilantro Lemon Quinoa Salad
- Garlic Bread
- Baked Eggplant With Yogurt
- Roasted Broccoli
- Saffron Rice
- Broccoli Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Greek Salad With Feta Cheese
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Caprese Salad
- Cauliflower Rice
- Waffles
- Brown Rice
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Boiled Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Baby Potatoes & Cherry Tomatoes
- Arugula Salad
- Polenta
- Baked Rice
- Lemon Caper Pasta
- Garlic Butter Pasta
- Bell Pepper Pasta Salad
- Sesame Noodles
- Roasted Zucchini And Squash
- California Blend Vegetables With Parmesan Bread Crumbs
- Broccoli Cheese Bake
- Roasted Green Beans
- Honey Roasted Beets And Carrots
- Ranch Bacon Pea Salad
- Lemon Sauteed Spinach
- Confetti Rice
- Carrot Rice
- Fiesta Rice
- Pineapple Rice
- Greek Lemon Potatoes
- Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Instructions
- Wondering What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan?
- Choose the ingredients that sound good.
- Create a new favorite side dish you'll make again and again!
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