Chicken cutlets are a versatile and beloved staple, whether breaded, grilled, or pan-fried to golden perfection. But what do you serve with chicken cutlets? I have curated a list of the 20 best side dishes for chicken cutlets! From classics like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese to yummy veggies like sautéed broccolini and crispy Brussels sprouts, this list has something for everyone at your table!.
Need a delicious chicken cutlet recipe? Try my Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets! These cutlets come from the oven golden and crunchy, with minimal effort.
Chicken cutlets are a tasty and versatile protein that can be cooked in a huge number of different ways. You can bread and fry cutlets or bake them and cover them in sauce. The options are endless! But it can be hard to think of a side dish to go with chicken cutlets.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to share 20 amazing side dish ideas that pair perfectly with chicken cutlets. Whether you’re looking for classic sides, fresh salads, vegetarian options or something more unexpected, you’ll find plenty of delicious recipe inspiration here.
The Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cutlets
1. Garlic Bread
Chicken cutlets always go well with warm, crusty garlic bread. The strong garlic flavor goes well with the cutlets, and the bread soaks up any tasty pan sauces or juices. You can serve chicken cutlets with freshly baked garlic bread or even just broiled garlic bread from the store.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a beloved classic side dish for chicken. The smooth, rich potatoes contrast nicely with crispy breaded cutlets or juicy baked cutlets. Jazz up basic mashed potatoes with lots of butter, sour cream, cheese, or mix-ins like bacon, chives or roasted garlic.
3. Rice Pilaf
A simple rice pilaf with onion, herbs, and spices tastes great with chicken cutlets. The fluffy pilaf soaks up the pan juices and sauce beautifully. For extra flavor, try rice pilafs with lemon-herb, cajun seasoning, or saffron added to them.
4. Pasta
Pasta and chicken are a match made in heaven Serving chicken cutlets with pasta like penne, rotini or farfalle allows you to get that delicious pan sauce onto each bite Olive oil-based pasta salads also pair well for lighter meals.
5. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots and squash are easy to make and delicious with chicken. Roasting caramelizes natural sugars and intensifies flavors. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs before roasting.
6. Salad
Fresh green or grain salads balance out fried or sauced chicken cutlets wonderfully. Spinach, kale, arugula, mixed greens, quinoa and barley all make great salad bases to top with veggies, cheese, nuts and a light dressing.
7. Steamed Broccoli
Simple steamed broccoli florets provide a quick, healthy dose of veggies. The bright green broccoli pairs nicely with baked or fried chicken. Drizzle broccoli with olive oil or lemon juice and sprinkle with salt, pepper and optional garlic powder or Parmesan.
8. Bruschetta
Bruschetta, the classic Italian appetizer with tomato, basil, olive oil and vinegar on toasted bread, adds a delicious fresh element alongside chicken. Make easy oven-baked bruschetta ahead of time for minimal work.
9. Green Beans
Buttery green beans go with just about anything, including chicken cutlets. Green beans can be steamed, sautéed or roasted. Toss hot cooked green beans with salt, pepper and minced garlic or garlic powder for extra oomph.
10. Corn on the Cob
During the summer, chicken is often served with grilled corn on the cob. The natural sweet corn pairs well with savory cutlets. During other times of the year, either roasted or boiled corn can be just right.
11. Coleslaw
Creamy cool coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots helps cut through hot, crispy fried chicken. Packaged coleslaw mix lets you toss this together without lots of chopping. Dress coleslaw with mayo, Greek yogurt, vinegar and a touch of sugar.
12. Potatoes
However you like them – baked, mashed, roasted, fried – potatoes pair fabulously with chicken. French fries and tater tots are great for soaking up pan drippings and sauce from breaded cutlets.
13. Mac and Cheese
Ooey-gooey macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food pairing with chicken. Made from scratch or even from a box, mac and cheese is sure to satisfy. Add fun mix-ins like crispy panko breadcrumbs, sautéed mushrooms or chili powder.
14. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up sauce and juices from chicken cutlets. Pick up rolls from your grocery store bakery for easy sides. Brush with butter or garlic butter before serving.
15. Fried Okra
In the South, fried okra is a classic chicken side. The crispy okra provides fun texture contrast with breaded chicken cutlets. Fry okra in small batches just until golden brown and sprinkle with salt.
16. Roasted Butternut Squash
Fall is prime butternut squash season. Roasted butternut cubes caramelize beautifully in the oven for a sweet, hearty side dish with chicken. Toss chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, cinnamon and cayenne for a savory-sweet flavor.
17. Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots are simple to prepare but taste gourmet. Cook carrot coins or strips until tender crisp. Then toss carrots with butter, honey, salt and pepper to coat. The natural sweetness offsets chicken cutlets wonderfully.
18. Creamed Spinach
Creamy, cheesy creamed spinach makes a rich side for chicken cutlets. Sauté chopped spinach with olive oil and garlic. Then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella or any melting cheese. Season creamed spinach with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
19. Baked Beans
Canned or homemade baked beans offer protein and sweet, tangy flavor next to chicken. Heinz beans straight from the can keep it easy. Or simmer beans from scratch with spices and brown sugar or maple syrup for homemade flavor.
20. Skillet Cornbread
Warm cornbread straight from a cast iron skillet completes the chicken plate. Cornbread soaks up sauce and brings additional texture to meals with cutlets. Bake up Jiffy mix cornbread or your own recipe in minutes.
Mix and Match Your Favorites
Chicken cutlets are so versatile, you could serve them multiple times in a week and easily pair them with different sides each time.
Scan this list of 20 side dish ideas to find your favorite pairings. Classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, salad and vegetables always work well. Or venture into more creative territory with options like bruschetta, creamed spinach and honey glazed carrots.
The possibilities are endless for building tasty meals around chicken cutlets and delicious sides. With all these recipe options, you’ll enjoy amazing chicken cutlet meals for many nights to come!
Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese
Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Made with hearty russet potatoes, lots of butter, and so many different kinds of seasonings, Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are loaded with flavor.
How to make PERFECT Chicken Cutlets
FAQ
What can be served with cutlets?
10 Ways to Serve a Chicken CutletServe with a dollop of Maggi Tamarind Sauce or your favorite chutney. Serve with a dollop of spicy mayo, 3:1 mixture of mayo to Sriracha with a squeeze of lime. Serve drizzled with an herby ranch dip (page TK The Weekday Vegetarians).
What to pair with breaded chicken?
Breaded chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, offering a range of flavors and textures. Classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and mac and cheese go well with the crispy chicken because they add creamy, tangy, or cheesy notes.
What are the best sides to serve with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerRoasted Fennel. Butternut Squash Risotto. Crash Hot Potatoes. Easy Sautéed Mushrooms. Twice Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes. Easy Spanish Rice. Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant With Ginger and Miso. Perfect Mashed Potatoes.
What do Italians serve with chicken cutlets?
1 – Lemon Garlic Pasta. 2 – Caprese Salad. 3 – Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. 4 – Sautéed Spinach with Garlic. 5 – Creamy Risotto with Mushrooms. 6 – Grilled Zucchini and Squash. 7 – Italian Chopped Salad. 8 – Baked Eggplant Parmesan.