Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is made by breading and frying chicken, then topping it with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
It is a dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even over pasta.
While chicken Parmesan is delicious on its own, there are a variety of sauces that can be used to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Here are 10 of theĀ best sauces to use on chicken Parmesan.
What Sauce Goes on Chicken Parm?
The most popular sauces to use on chicken parm are marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce. However, there are many other options that can be just as delicious, such as pesto sauce, creamy garlic sauce, or even a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.
As you can see, there are many great sauces to accompany chicken parm.
Here are 10 great sauces that will compliment your chicken Parmesan and bring out its natural flavors:
1. Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is super popular for a reason: it’s delicious!
It’s the perfect complement to chicken parm, and it’s also pretty easy to make at home.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme all taste great in marinara sauce.
Spices:
A little bit of crushed red pepper flakes gives marinara sauce a nice kick.
You can also add some black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Other Ingredients:
A splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar adds acidity and depth of flavor to marinara sauce.
If you want a creamier sauce, you can add some heavy cream or half-and-half.
2. Alfredo Sauce
If you prefer your sauce thick and creamy, then you have to try this one.
Alfredo sauce is the perfect topping for chicken parm.
It’s rich and flavorful, with a hint of garlic and Parmesan cheese.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
Fresh basil or oregano add a bright, fresh flavor to Alfredo sauce.
If you’re using dried herbs, be sure to rehydrate them in water for 10 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
Spices:
A pinch of red pepper flakes gives Alfredo sauce a little bit of heat.
You can also add black pepper, but be careful not to overdo it as it can make the sauce bitter.
Other Ingredients:
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor of Alfredo sauce.
If you want a richer sauce, you can add some heavy cream or half and half.
3. Pesto Sauce
If you like bold flavors, pesto sauce is the perfect complement to chicken parm.
It’s made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and it has a bright, herby flavor that really shines through.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
Pesto sauce is traditionally made with basil, but you can experiment with other herbs like cilantro, mint, or parsley.
Spices:
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little bit of heat to pesto sauce.
You can also add other spices like black pepper, oregano, or thyme.
Other Ingredients:
Lemon juice or vinegar brightens up the flavors of pesto sauce.
If you want a creamier sauce, you can add some milk or cream.
And for a cheesy twist, try adding grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
4. Creamy Garlic Sauce
I love garlicky flavors, so creamy garlic sauce is one of my favorite sauces to pair with chicken parm.
It’s rich and flavorful, without being too heavy.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
Fresh parsley, basil, and oregano all taste great in creamy garlic sauce.
Spices:
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little bit of heat to the sauce.
If you want a more intense flavor, you can also add some crushed black peppercorns.
Other Ingredients:
Lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the sauce, while grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of creaminess.
If you want a richer sauce, you can add some heavy cream or whole milk.
5. Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing
Olive oil and vinegar dressing is a simple, yet delicious sauce that goes great with chicken parm.
It’s easy to make at home, and you can customize it to your liking.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme add a bright, fresh flavor to olive oil and vinegar dressing.
Spices:
A little bit of garlic powder or onion powder gives olive oil and vinegar dressing a savory flavor.
Add these spices sparingly, as it’s easy to go overboard and make the dressing too salty.
Other Ingredients:
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of honey can both help balance out the acidity of the vinegar.
You can also add Parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon for an extra special treat.
6. Bolognese Sauce
If you want a filling and tasty meal, chicken parm is a great option.
And what makes it even better is pairing it with bolognese sauce.
The sauce is rich and flavourful, and goes great with the chicken.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parsley
Spices:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
7. Aioli
Aioli is a safe choice when it comes to chicken parm.
It’s a garlic mayonnaise that really pulls the flavors of the dish together.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Basil
Spices:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
8. BBQ Sauce
If you like the sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy taste of BBQ sauce, then you’ll love it on chicken parm!
It’s a great way to add some extra flavor to this already delicious dish.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
Spices:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Other ingredients:
- Tomato paste
9. Jalapeno Hot Sauce
If you like your foods with a little bit of a kick, then you’ll love jalapeno hot sauce on chicken parm.
The spice level can be adjustable to your liking, so if you want it extra spicy, just add more jalapenos!
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parsley
Spices:
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
Other ingredients:
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
10. Honey Mustard Sauce
How about a family-friendly favorite?
Chicken parm is delicious with a honey mustard sauce!
The sweetness of the honey pairs well with the savory chicken and the tanginess of the mustard is a perfect finishing touch.
How to Extra Add Flavor
Herbs:
- Dill
- Parsley
- Rosemary
Spices:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mustard powder
Other ingredients:
- Honey
- Mayonnaise
What Sauce Goes on Chicken Parm? (10 Tasty Sauces)
Ingredients
- Marinara Sauce
- Alfredo Sauce
- Pesto Sauce
- Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing
- Bolognese Sauce
- Aioli
- BBQ Sauce
- Jalapeno Hot Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
Instructions
- Pick any sauce from this list to put on your chicken parm.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy in no time!