What to Serve with Chicken or Aubergine Parmigiana: Delicious Side Dish Ideas!

Updated on 
28 April, 2023

What To Serve With Chicken or Aubergine Parmigiana

Chicken parmigiana and aubergine parmigiana are two popular Italian dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. But what do you serve with them to make your meal complete? Choosing the right side dishes can make the difference between a good meal and a great one.

What To Serve With Chicken or Aubergine Parmigiana

In this article, we'll look at some ideas for what to serve with chicken parmigiana and aubergine parmigiana. Read on to find out how you can create a delicious Italian feast!

Classic Side Dishes

Chicken and aubergine parmigiana are classic Italian dishes bursting with flavor. Serve them with a selection of side dishes to make the meal complete.

Seasonal fruits, such as oranges and apples, pair well with the rich sauce.

For a heartier option, a fresh pasta salad is always a crowd pleaser. A combination of cooked pasta tossed with vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, plus herbs and cheese make this dish irresistible.

To give the meal an extra burst of color and nutrition, consider adding salads and vegetables to your plate.

Salads And Vegetables

Salads and vegetables are great accompaniments to both chicken and aubergine parmigiana. They add texture, color, and flavor while also providing a light, healthy option.

Here are three ideas to get you started:

  1. Roasted vegetables – choose your favorite vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or squash, toss with olive oil, some fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and roast until golden brown.
  2. Salad greens – for a crunchy contrast to the cheese-covered chicken or eggplant slices, mix together some fresh chopped lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes and drizzle with a vinaigrette dressing.
  3. Spicy dips – combine your favorite condiments like mayonnaise or pesto with some hot sauce for an extra kick that pairs well with either dish.

These salads and vegetables provide an easy way to add nutrition and flavor to any meal without taking up too much time in the kitchen.

To further round out the meal, consider adding one of the many delicious breads or starches available...

Breads And Starches

Salads and vegetables is an important part of any meal, but nothing quite complements a comforting Italian dish like breads and starches.

While some may argue that carbohydrates are not necessary in such a plate, the reality is that they can provide comforting texture to contrast with the smooth sauces and creamy cheeses that both chicken parmigiana and aubergine parmigiana offer.

Breads And Starches

Garlic bread - with its crunchy crust and fragrant topping - is a fan favorite for these dishes. It has just the right amount of flavor to match the herbs used in the preparation without overpowering them.

Mashed potatoes are also a great choice as they provide creaminess and warmth to balance out the flavors of both dishes. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time!

With these sides on hand, your guests will be able to savor every bite of their chicken or aubergine parmigiana.

Now it's time to discuss sauces and condiments which can take this delicious meal even further!

Sauces And Condiments

No dish is complete without the perfect sauce.

For chicken or aubergine parmigiana, there are two main sauces that pair deliciously with the dish. The first is herb infused oils. These can be made with a variety of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, oregano and thyme. Simply mix your desired herbs in oil of choice and drizzle over the parmigiana for an extra flavor boost.

Another great sauce for these Italian dishes is homemade mayonnaise. Like with the herb infused oils, you can add any spices you want to make this condiment unique. Then simply serve alongside the dish as a dipping sauce or spread it on top of the parmigiana before serving.

These sauces and condiments bring out the flavor of chicken or aubergine parmigiana even more, making them even more enjoyable to eat.

Now let's move onto beverages and desserts to round out this delicious meal!

Beverages And Desserts

When it comes to pairing the perfect drinks with chicken parmigiana and aubergine parmigiana, it can be tricky to figure out what's best. But never fear, we got you covered!

For those who would prefer some alcoholic beverages with their meal, there are plenty of options. From light and crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc to fruity and jammy-style reds like Shiraz or Zinfandel, there is sure to be something for everyone's palate. Here's a quick rundown of some delicious pairings:

  • Sauvignon Blanc - Refreshing acidity with aromas of citrus and tropical fruits
  • Chardonnay - Rich and creamy mouthfeel with notes of apples and pears
  • Shiraz or Zinfandel - Boldness in tannins alongside flavors of ripe berries and spices

If you're looking for something a little more family-friendly, mocktail recipes are also an option. Lemonade spritzers made with freshly squeezed lemons and sparkling water make an excellent accompaniment. Other options include cranberry juice blended with lime juice and honey or a simple orange spritzer made from orange juice, soda water, lemon slices, and mint leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Cheese Is Used In Chicken Parmigiana?

The Current Toipic is what type of cheese is used in chicken parmigiana?

Generally, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses are the two most popular types used for this Italian dish.

What Type Of Cheese Is Used In Chicken Parmigiana?

Mozzarella cheese is usually added first to provide a creamy texture as it melts over the chicken, whereas parmesan cheese is typically sprinkled on top to give a crispy crunch.

Both of these cheeses contribute to the signature flavor of chicken parmigiana.

What Herbs And Spices Can I Use To Enhance The Flavor Of Aubergine Parmigiana?

On average, herbs and spices add more than 200 flavor compounds to a dish. When it comes to aubergine parmigiana, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes are all excellent options for enhancing its flavor.

Basil can be sprinkled on top of the aubergine before baking, while oregano works especially well when combined with breadcrumbs or cheese. Garlic powder adds a robustness to the dish that is hard to replicate with fresh garlic cloves. Lastly, adding a few pinches of red pepper flakes will give your aubergine parmigiana some heat without overpowering it.

To complete the meal, why not pair wines like a light Pinot Noir with your dish and serve side dishes such as steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes?

Is It Better To Bake Or Fry Chicken Parmigiana?

When it comes to preparing chicken parmigiana, there is a debate between whether you should bake or fry it. Grilling is also an option but carries less flavor than baking or frying.

If you decide to fry your chicken parmigiana, it must be cooked in a shallow pan filled with oil and the tomato-based sauce should be added afterward.

Baking on the other hand, requires the sauce to be added before cooking and does not involve any oil.

Both methods provide delicious results and it's important to find a method that works best for you.

How Long Should Aubergine Parmigiana Be Cooked For?

Cooking aubergine parmigiana to perfection can be tricky. You want it to be golden and crisp on the outside, while succulent and soft in the center.

The best way to achieve this is to bake it for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure you store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them with a few minutes in the oven or microwave for the perfect dinner every time!

What Type Of Oil Should I Use When Frying Aubergine Parmigiana?

When frying aubergine parmigiana, the best type of oil to use is one with a high smoke point, such as olive or sunflower oil.

Avoid using butter or margarine when frying, as these oils have lower smoke points and will burn easily.

When it comes to cheese, you can't go wrong with a classic mozzarella or an aged parmesan for an extra depth of flavour.

Conclusion

When it comes to preparing chicken parmigiana, it's best to use mozzarella cheese and lightly fry the chicken for a crispier texture. To enhance the flavor, add some herbs and spices like oregano, basil and garlic to your dish.

What Type Of Oil Should I Use When Frying Aubergine Parmigiana?

For aubergine parmigiana, baking is the preferred method of cooking as this will help the aubergines become soft and tender. The cooking time should be around 25 minutes, and make sure you use some good quality olive oil for frying.

With these tips in mind, you can serve up delicious versions of both chicken or aubergine parmigiana that everyone will love!

Jennifer
Jennifer is a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach with a Master's in Nutrition from Cambridge. With over 10 years experience, she shares healthy recipes and science-backed slimming tips on SheCooksSheEats to help people reach their wellness goals. Jennifer stays up-to-date by regularly attending conferences and continuing her nutrition education. She aims to provide research-backed advice to inspire balanced, happy living.
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