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Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine, celebrated for its comforting flavors and satisfying combination of crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. While chicken parmesan is certainly delicious on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes elevates the entire dining experience. If you’re wondering “What To Serve With Chicken Parm”, you’re in the right place. This guide will explore a variety of side dishes that complement chicken parmesan perfectly, ensuring a balanced and delightful meal.
Chicken parmesan is often enjoyed for its hearty and rich profile. The crispy breaded chicken, savory tomato sauce, and generous layer of melted cheese create a flavorful and texturally satisfying main course. However, to make it a complete and well-rounded meal, consider side dishes that offer contrast and balance. Think about incorporating sides that bring freshness, acidity, or different textures to the table.
Classic Pasta Pairings
It’s almost impossible to talk about chicken parmesan without mentioning pasta. Serving chicken parm over a bed of pasta is a classic and incredibly satisfying choice.
- Spaghetti: Spaghetti is perhaps the most traditional pasta to serve with chicken parmesan. Its long strands are perfect for twirling and soaking up the delicious tomato sauce from the chicken.
- Linguine: Similar to spaghetti but slightly wider and flatter, linguine also works wonderfully. Its increased surface area can hold even more sauce.
- Penne: Penne, with its cylindrical shape and ridges, is excellent for capturing chunky sauces and cheese. It provides a different texture compared to long-strand pasta.
- Fettuccine: Wider and ribbon-like, fettuccine offers a heartier bite and pairs well with the richness of chicken parmesan.
When serving pasta, consider tossing it lightly with some of the tomato sauce used on the chicken parm, or offer a separate bowl of sauce on the side. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can also enhance the pasta.
Fresh and Vibrant Vegetable Sides
To cut through the richness of chicken parmesan and add a touch of freshness, vegetable side dishes are an excellent choice.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized exterior. Consider roasting vegetables like:
- Broccoli: Roasted broccoli florets offer a slightly bitter and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the chicken.
- Asparagus: Tender-crisp roasted asparagus provides a delicate and slightly grassy flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Roasted bell peppers, especially red and yellow, add sweetness and vibrant color to the plate.
- Zucchini and Eggplant: These vegetables roast beautifully and complement Italian flavors.
- Sauteed Spinach or Garlic Green Beans: Quickly sauteed spinach with garlic or green beans with a touch of olive oil and garlic provides a simple yet flavorful green side. The slight bitterness of spinach or the crispness of green beans offers a pleasant contrast to the chicken.
- Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad, with its fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, is a refreshing and light side that echoes the Italian flavors of chicken parmesan. The acidity of the tomatoes and the creamy mozzarella balance the richness of the main dish.
- Garden Salad with Italian Vinaigrette: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light Italian vinaigrette offers a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the heavier chicken parmesan. The acidity in the vinaigrette helps to cleanse the palate.
Other Complementary Side Dishes
Beyond pasta and vegetables, several other side dishes can enhance your chicken parmesan meal.
- Garlic Bread or Italian Bread: Crusty garlic bread or slices of warm Italian bread are perfect for soaking up any extra tomato sauce on your plate. The garlicky flavor complements the Italian seasonings in the chicken parmesan.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a comforting and slightly sweet base that can pair well with chicken parmesan, especially if you serve the chicken sliced on top of the polenta.
- Risotto: While perhaps a bit heavier, a simple risotto, like a Parmesan risotto or a lemon risotto, can be a luxurious side dish. However, consider if you want a very carb-heavy meal when choosing both pasta and risotto.
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Ultimately, the best side dish for chicken parmesan depends on your personal preferences and the overall feel you want for your meal. Whether you opt for classic pasta, fresh vegetables, or another complementary side, choosing dishes that offer balance and contrast will create a truly satisfying and delicious dining experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite pairings to enjoy with this iconic Italian-American dish!
