Chicken Parmesan, with its crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, is a beloved Italian-American classic. While it’s a satisfying meal on its own, choosing the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience and create a balanced and truly memorable dinner. If you’re wondering what to serve with chicken parmesan, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some delicious options that perfectly complement this iconic dish.
Classic Pasta Sides
Pasta is an almost mandatory accompaniment to Chicken Parmesan, reinforcing the Italian-American theme and providing a satisfying carbohydrate element to the meal.
- Spaghetti: The quintessential choice, spaghetti is simple, versatile, and soaks up the delicious tomato sauce from the Chicken Parmesan beautifully. Its long strands are easy to twirl and eat alongside the cutlet.
- Fettuccine: For a slightly richer pasta experience, fettuccine’s wider, flatter noodles offer a more substantial bite and hold onto sauce exceptionally well. This is a great option if you want a more decadent feel.
- Linguine: Similar to spaghetti but slightly wider and flatter, linguine is another excellent choice that balances well with the textures and flavors of Chicken Parmesan. It’s a versatile option that works with various sauce consistencies.
Fresh and Light Salads
To cut through the richness of the Chicken Parmesan, a fresh and vibrant salad is an ideal counterpoint. It adds lightness and acidity, creating a more balanced and refreshing meal.
- Italian Salad: A simple Italian salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing is a classic and refreshing choice. The vinegar-based dressing helps to cleanse the palate and contrast the richness of the main dish.
- Caesar Salad: While creamy, a Caesar salad offers a different kind of freshness with its romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing. The crisp lettuce and sharp Parmesan provide textural and flavor contrast.
- Caprese Salad: For ultimate simplicity and fresh Italian flavors, a Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil is a winner. The juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella offer a light and flavorful counterpoint.
Roasted Vegetables
Adding roasted vegetables to your Chicken Parmesan meal is a fantastic way to incorporate more nutrients and flavors. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and provides a delightful textural contrast.
- Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper is a healthy and delicious side. The slightly charred florets offer a pleasant bitterness that balances the richness of the Chicken Parmesan.
- Roasted Asparagus: Elegant and flavorful, roasted asparagus is a sophisticated side dish that pairs beautifully with Chicken Parmesan. Its tender texture and slightly grassy flavor provide a refined counterpoint.
- Roasted Green Beans: Easy to prepare and always satisfying, roasted green beans offer a crisp-tender texture and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the Italian flavors of the main course.
Bread and Other Carbs
Beyond pasta, other carbohydrates can also serve as excellent accompaniments, especially if you’re looking for something different or want to soak up every last bit of sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing for any Italian-American meal, garlic bread, whether crusty or soft, is perfect for scooping up extra sauce and adding a comforting, garlicky flavor to the plate.
- Risotto: For a more luxurious side, creamy risotto, especially Parmesan risotto, can be an indulgent addition. Its rich texture and flavor echo the creamy mozzarella in the Chicken Parmesan, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta, made from cornmeal, offers a comforting and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory Chicken Parmesan. Its soft texture provides a lovely contrast to the crispy chicken.
Ultimately, the best side dish for Chicken Parmesan depends on your personal preferences and the overall dining experience you wish to create. Whether you opt for classic pasta, a refreshing salad, healthy roasted vegetables, or comforting bread and carbs, these suggestions are sure to enhance your Chicken Parmesan meal and make it a truly delightful culinary experience.
