





Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parm, is a classic Italian-American dish that combines breaded and fried chicken cutlets with tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that can be enjoyed on its own, but it can also be the starting point for a variety of delicious meals.
One popular option is to serve chicken parm with pasta. The rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese pair perfectly with spaghetti or linguine. Simply cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions, then plate it alongside the chicken parm, spooning some extra tomato sauce on top. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
If you’re looking to add some veggies to your meal, consider making a chicken parm sub or sandwich. Place a chicken cutlet on a roll or a baguette, add some tomato sauce, and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. For extra flavor and texture, you can also add some sautéed bell peppers and onions. Toast the sandwich in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a lighter option, you can transform chicken parm into a salad. Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips and let it come to room temperature. In a bowl, combine your favorite salad greens, such as Romaine or spinach, with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and red onions. Top with the chicken strips and drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. You can also add croutons for crunch and grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Whether you prefer pasta, sandwiches, or salads, there are plenty of delicious options to enjoy with chicken parm. The versatility of this classic dish makes it a go-to choice for any occasion, from a cozy dinner at home to a casual get-together with friends or family.
Delicious Dishes to Accompany Chicken Parm
Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that is loved by many. Its crispy breaded chicken topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese makes it a favorite for both kids and adults. To make your chicken parm meal even more satisfying, here are some delicious dishes that you can serve alongside.
1. Garlic Bread: Nothing complements chicken parm better than a warm and buttery garlic bread. The crispiness of the bread and the aromatic garlic flavor pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken parm. You can either make your own garlic bread or buy pre-made ones for convenience.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is a great addition to your chicken parm. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes creates a delicious and fragrant sauce that complements the chicken parm perfectly. The spaghetti’s al dente texture adds a nice contrast to the crispy chicken.
3. Caprese Salad: A refreshing caprese salad is a light and vibrant side dish that balances out the richness of the chicken parm. Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, this salad adds a burst of freshness to every bite. Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables is a healthy and colorful side dish that goes well with chicken parm. You can use a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Roasting them in the oven brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors.
5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad is a great choice to serve alongside chicken parm. The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese complement the chicken parm’s flavors beautifully. You can also add some croutons for extra crunch.
6. Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with chicken parm. Seasoned with herbs and spices, these crispy potatoes add a delicious texture and flavor to your meal. Serve them as wedges or cubed, depending on your preference.
7. Ratatouille: This French vegetable stew is a unique and flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed with chicken parm. Made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, ratatouille is a medley of flavors that adds depth to your meal. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
These are just a few delicious dishes that you can serve alongside your chicken parm. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or hearty and flavorful, there’s always a perfect side dish to complement this classic Italian favorite.
Crispy Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to chicken parmigiana. This crispy and aromatic bread will complete your meal and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon of parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the Italian bread in half lengthwise.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, softened butter, parsley, and salt.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the bread.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Cut the bread into slices and serve warm.
Enjoy this crispy garlic bread alongside your delicious chicken parmigiana for a satisfying and flavorful meal. The combination of the crispy bread and the cheesy chicken will make your taste buds tingle with delight.
Fresh Green Salad
Enhance your chicken parm dish with a vibrant and refreshing fresh green salad. This simple side dish will perfectly complement the richness of the chicken parm, balancing out the flavors and adding a crisp element to your meal.
To make a delicious fresh green salad, start with a base of mixed greens such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula. These greens provide a good balance of flavors and textures. Add some thinly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
For a burst of sweetness, sprinkle in some cherry tomatoes or slices of ripe avocado. Their juicy and creamy textures will add depth to your salad. Additionally, you can include some sliced red onions for a hint of sharpness.
To bring everything together, toss the salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. A classic combination of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey will beautifully coat the greens without overpowering the chicken parm flavors.
Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding some shaved Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. These cheeses will add a salty and creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the chicken parm.
So, whip up this fresh green salad as a side dish for your chicken parm meal for a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. Enjoy!
Roasted Vegetables Medley
A delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your chicken parm is a roasted vegetables medley. This medley is a combination of colourful and flavourful vegetables that are roasted to perfection. It adds a pop of vibrant colours and a burst of freshness to your plate.
To make this roasted vegetables medley, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, gather your favourite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Wash and chop these vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Next, place the chopped vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle some olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices of your choice. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the vegetables for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir the vegetables halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting. The vegetables should be tender but still slightly crispy.
When the vegetables are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavour.
This roasted vegetables medley is a versatile side dish that pairs well with chicken parm. It adds a healthy and colourful element to your meal while complementing the rich and savoury flavours of the chicken parm. Enjoy!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
One classic and delicious side dish to serve with chicken parm is creamy mashed potatoes. The creamy texture and rich flavor of mashed potatoes perfectly compliments the crispy chicken and tangy marinara sauce.
To make creamy mashed potatoes, you’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. Add more milk if needed to achieve a creamy texture.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy mashed potatoes alongside the chicken parm.
These creamy mashed potatoes will add a comforting and satisfying element to your chicken parm dish. Enjoy!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and classic Italian dish that pairs well with chicken parm. It’s a pasta dish that is flavored with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Parsley for garnish
Here’s how to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the spaghetti with the garlic and oil mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet delicious pasta dish that complements the flavors of chicken parm. The garlic and olive oil add a rich and savory taste to the dish, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of heat. Serve this pasta dish alongside chicken parm for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Q&A
What is chicken parm?
Chicken parm, short for chicken parmesan, is a popular Italian-American dish made with breaded chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese.
How do I cook chicken parm?
To cook chicken parm, you’ll need to bread and fry chicken cutlets, then top them with marinara sauce and cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with pasta or on a sandwich.
Can I make chicken parm without frying?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of chicken parm by baking the breaded chicken cutlets instead of frying them. This will reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
What can I serve with chicken parm?
You can serve chicken parm with a variety of side dishes, such as spaghetti or fettuccine pasta, garlic bread, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of sautéed mushrooms.
Can I freeze chicken parm?
Yes, you can freeze chicken parm for later. Just make sure to cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake it in the oven until heated through.
What are some side dishes that go well with chicken parm?
There are several side dishes that complement chicken parm, including roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of pasta with marinara sauce.
Can you suggest any alternative mains to serve with chicken parm?
If you’re looking for something other than chicken parm as the main dish, you could try serving it alongside a simple grilled chicken breast or a juicy steak. Both options would pair nicely with the flavors of the chicken parm.