Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American classic. This dish, featuring breaded chicken cutlets smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, is a satisfying main course on its own. However, to create a truly balanced and memorable meal, choosing the right side dishes is essential. If you’re wondering “what to serve with chicken parmesan,” you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explore a variety of perfect pairings that will complement the flavors and textures of your Chicken Parm and elevate your dining experience.
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Chicken Parmesan is often the star of the show, and for good reason. When making it at home, you have the advantage of avoiding some common restaurant pitfalls. One frequent issue with restaurant Chicken Parm is sogginess. Too much sauce under and over the chicken cutlet can lead to a dish that lacks the desired crispy texture. A key tip for homemade Chicken Parmesan that rivals the best is to use sauce judiciously. As Chef John from Allrecipes wisely suggests, “Don’t put any sauce under the chicken cutlets, just a little bit of sauce on top, so the breading stays relatively crisp.” This method ensures that the breadcrumb coating, often enhanced with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and crunch, remains delightful.
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Classic Pasta Sides for Chicken Parmesan
When considering side dishes for Chicken Parmesan, pasta is a natural and traditional choice. Serving Chicken Parm with pasta transforms it into a hearty and comforting Italian-American feast. Here are some popular pasta options:
- Spaghetti: The most classic pairing, spaghetti, provides a familiar and satisfying base for Chicken Parmesan. You can toss spaghetti with a simple marinara sauce, garlic and olive oil, or even a light pesto for a different flavor profile.
- Penne: Penne pasta, with its cylindrical shape and ridges, holds sauce well and offers a pleasant chewiness. It’s another excellent option for soaking up the flavors of your chosen sauce.
- Linguine: Similar to spaghetti but slightly flatter, linguine also works beautifully with Chicken Parmesan. Its wider surface area allows it to embrace sauces effectively.
- Angel Hair Pasta (Capellini): For a lighter pasta option, angel hair pasta cooks quickly and provides a delicate texture that complements the richness of Chicken Parmesan without being too heavy.
When serving pasta with Chicken Parmesan, consider offering the pasta with a separate sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their plates and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy if plated together for an extended period.
Fresh and Vibrant Vegetable Sides
To balance the richness of Chicken Parmesan, incorporating fresh and vibrant vegetable side dishes is a fantastic idea. Vegetables offer contrasting textures, flavors, and essential nutrients. Here are some vegetable sides that pair exceptionally well:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized exterior. A simple toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps some garlic powder or Italian seasoning before roasting makes them a flavorful and healthy accompaniment.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans with garlic and a touch of olive oil or butter provide a crisp-tender texture and a welcome garlicky flavor that complements the savory Chicken Parmesan.
- Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Quickly sautéed spinach or kale with garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice offers a healthy and slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the main dish.
- Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad, with its fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, provides a refreshing and light side. The acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the basil cut through the richness of the Chicken Parmesan beautifully. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- Side Salad with Italian Dressing: A simple green salad with a light Italian vinaigrette offers a crisp and refreshing contrast. Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions are classic salad components that work well.
Delicious Bread and Other Complementary Sides
Beyond pasta and vegetables, other side dishes can enhance your Chicken Parmesan meal. Consider these options for added flavor and texture:
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread, whether baguette slices brushed with garlic butter or toasted garlic knots, is always a welcome addition to an Italian-American meal. The crispy, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the plate.
- Focaccia: Soft and flavorful focaccia bread, perhaps seasoned with rosemary or sea salt, offers a delightful textural contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Risotto: For a more substantial side dish, a creamy risotto, such as Parmesan risotto or mushroom risotto, can create a luxurious and comforting meal. However, risotto is quite rich, so consider serving smaller portions to avoid overwhelming the palate.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta, whether soft or grilled, provides a comforting and slightly sweet base that complements the savory Chicken Parmesan. You can top polenta with Parmesan cheese or herbs for added flavor.
Choosing the Right Wine Pairing
To further elevate your Chicken Parmesan dining experience, consider wine pairings. As Allrecipes suggests, you might be surprised at the best wine choices. While you might instinctively reach for a heavy red wine, lighter-bodied reds or even white wines can be excellent complements.
- Chianti: A classic Italian red wine like Chianti, with its medium body and acidity, is a traditional and reliable pairing for Chicken Parmesan.
- Sangiovese: Similar to Chianti, Sangiovese wines from Italy offer bright acidity and red fruit flavors that work well with tomato-based sauces.
- Pinot Noir: A lighter-bodied red like Pinot Noir, especially from California or Oregon, can provide a fruit-forward and earthy counterpoint without overpowering the dish.
- Dry Rosé: A dry rosé wine, with its crispness and red fruit notes, can be a surprisingly versatile pairing for Chicken Parmesan, especially in warmer weather.
- Crisp White Wines: For white wine lovers, consider a crisp and dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Their acidity and refreshing character can cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce.
Ultimately, the best side dishes for Chicken Parmesan depend on your personal preferences and the overall dining experience you wish to create. Whether you opt for classic pasta, fresh vegetables, flavorful breads, or a combination, the goal is to choose sides that complement the flavors and textures of the Chicken Parm, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
