Ever stared at those golden, crispy chicken cutlets on your plate and thought, “What the heck do I serve with these bad boys?” You’re not alone! I’ve been there countless times, which is why I’ve put together this super comprehensive guide of what can you eat with chicken cutlets. Whether you’ve got breaded chicken cutlets fresh from the pan or baked ones hot from the oven, I’ve got you covered with side dishes that’ll make your dinner sing!
Chicken cutlets are like that reliable friend who gets along with everyone – they pair well with practically anything But finding that perfect match can take your simple weeknight dinner from “meh” to “wow!” Let’s dive into all the delicious possibilities!
Starchy Sides That Perfectly Complement Chicken Cutlets
When it comes to hearty, filling sides that’ll make your chicken cutlet meal complete, these starchy options are absolute winners:
Rice Options
Rice is my go-to side when I’m serving chicken cutlets – it’s simple yet so satisfying!
- Basmati Rice Pilaf: Cook basmati rice in chicken broth and butter for a flavor boost that complements chicken without overpowering it. A sprinkle of fresh chives adds color and freshness.
- Garlic Mushroom Quinoa: For a nutritious alternative to traditional rice that still packs amazing flavor.
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice: Perfect low-carb option that mimics rice texture with extra flavor.
Potato Perfection
Nothing says comfort food like potatoes alongside crispy chicken cutlets!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor – the ultimate comfort side dish. Add gravy and you’ll be in heaven!
- Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Baby potatoes roasted with thyme, garlic, and rosemary until crispy outside and tender inside. Try sprinkling with parmesan before roasting for extra crunch!
- Potato Gratin: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce – rich but oh-so-worth it.
- Air Fryer Roast Potatoes: Quick, crispy, and uses less oil than traditional roasting.
Pasta Pleasers
Pasta and chicken cutlets? Yes please! These carby delights are perfect partners:
- Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta: Warm, buttery pasta with garlicky breadcrumbs that echoes the texture of breaded cutlets.
- Mac and Cheese: The ultimate crowd-pleaser! Rich, creamy, and customizable with add-ins like broccoli or cayenne for heat.
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: Simple pasta with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes that lets the chicken shine.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy, rich pasta that turns dinner into a special occasion.
Other Starchy Options
- Macaroni Salad: A pasta salad loaded with veggies and a zesty mayo dressing – perfect for summer meals.
- Garlic Bread: Ideal for soaking up any juices from your chicken cutlets.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomato topping on crunchy bread makes a nice contrast to the cutlets.
Fresh Salads to Balance Your Meal
Salads provide that perfect fresh contrast to crispy, savory chicken cutlets. Here are some amazing options:
Green-Based Salads
- Fresh Tomato Salad: Juicy tomatoes, crisp red onions, and fresh herbs in a simple vinaigrette – summer in a bowl!
- Zucchini Ribbon Salad: Elegant, bright, and dressed with a creamy lemon dressing that cuts through the richness of cutlets.
- Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad: A fun fusion with grilled corn, creamy cotija cheese and tender kale leaves that balances the richness of fried cutlets.
Slaw Options
- Classic Coleslaw: The crunch of cabbage with creamy dressing is a perfect textural contrast.
- Pickled Red Cabbage: Adds vibrant color and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of chicken.
- Broccoli Slaw: A nutritious twist on traditional coleslaw that adds extra crunch.
Hot Vegetables That Complement Chicken Cutlets
Warm veggie sides add nutrition and flavor dimension to your meal:
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Quick-roasted green beans with garlic and cheese that are ready in just 15 minutes.
- Miso Sesame Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These aren’t your grandma’s Brussels sprouts! The umami-rich glaze and crispy texture make these irresistible.
- Sautéed Broccolini: Simple but elegant, especially with a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Roasted Asparagus: Quick, elegant, and perfect alongside chicken cutlets.
- Glazed Carrots: Sweet and colorful, these add a pop of brightness to your plate.
Sauces and Toppings to Elevate Your Chicken Cutlets
The right sauce can transform a simple chicken cutlet into something spectacular:
- Mushroom Marsala Sauce: Rich, umami-packed gravy that turns cutlets into a restaurant-worthy dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Add this and a sprinkle of mozzarella for instant chicken parm!
- Fresh Pineapple Salsa: Bright, summery topping that adds sweetness and acidity.
- White Wine Gravy: Elegant sauce that’s easier to make than you might think.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet, spicy, and colorful – perfect for summer dinners.
Global-Inspired Side Dishes
Take your chicken cutlets on a world tour with these internationally-inspired sides:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elotes): Grilled corn slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder.
- Brazilian Collard Greens: Garlicky greens with coconut milk and a hint of spice.
- Korean Banchan: Small side dishes like kimchi or seaweed salad add unexpected flavor combinations.
- Vietnamese Quick Pickles: Tangy carrots, daikon, and cucumbers add crunch and acidity.
Quick Weeknight Pairings
When time is tight but you still want a delicious meal:
- Chicken cutlets + bagged salad + garlic bread: Ready in under 20 minutes total!
- Chicken cutlets + microwavable rice + steamed frozen vegetables: Minimal prep, maximum satisfaction.
- Chicken cutlets + pasta with jarred sauce: Classic comfort in about 15 minutes.
Meal Prep Friendly Combinations
Make ahead and enjoy all week:
- Sunday prep: Make a batch of chicken cutlets, roasted potatoes, and blanched green beans.
- Chicken cutlet grain bowls: Place cutlets over prepped quinoa with roasted veggies and your favorite sauce.
- Chicken cutlet wraps: Slice cutlets and wrap with prepped vegetables and dressing for quick lunches.
Creating Complete Meals: Mix and Match Guide
For a perfectly balanced plate, try these combinations:
Light & Fresh Meal
- Chicken cutlets
- Zucchini ribbon salad
- Fresh tomato salad
- Lemon wedges
Comfort Food Classic
- Chicken cutlets
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Glazed carrots
- Mushroom gravy
Italian-Inspired Dinner
- Chicken cutlets
- Spaghetti aglio e olio
- Roasted tomatoes
- Garlic bread
Low-Carb Option
- Chicken cutlets
- Cauliflower rice
- Roasted brussels sprouts
- Avocado slices
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best side dish for breaded chicken cutlets?
A: Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and fresh salads are all excellent choices that balance the crispy texture of breaded cutlets.
Q: What vegetables go well with chicken cutlets?
A: Green beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, and zucchini are all fantastic vegetable pairings for chicken cutlets.
Q: Can I serve chicken cutlets at a dinner party?
A: Absolutely! Chicken cutlets can be dressed up with elegant sides like herb-roasted potatoes, asparagus, and a nice mushroom sauce for a dinner-party worthy meal.
Q: What’s a good low-carb side for chicken cutlets?
A: Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads all make excellent low-carb sides for chicken cutlets.
My Personal Favorite Combinations
I’ve tried many different sides with chicken cutlets over the years, and these are my personal top three:
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The Classic: Chicken cutlets with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and mushroom gravy. Simple but absolutely perfect!
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The Summer Feast: Chicken cutlets with fresh tomato salad, grilled corn, and a squeeze of lemon. Light, fresh, and perfect for hot weather.
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The Weeknight Wonder: Chicken cutlets with brown butter pasta and a simple arugula salad. Ready in 20 minutes but tastes like I spent hours!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlet Pairings
- Consider texture contrasts: Pair crispy cutlets with something creamy or soft.
- Think about flavor balance: Rich cutlets benefit from acidic or fresh companions.
- Keep seasonings compatible: If your cutlets have Italian seasoning, Italian-inspired sides make sense.
- Manage your cooking timeline: Choose sides that can be prepared while your cutlets cook.
Chicken cutlets are truly one of the most versatile proteins in my cooking arsenal. With so many delicious pairing options, you could serve them weekly without ever repeating the same meal twice! From comforting potatoes and pasta to fresh and vibrant salads, there’s a perfect side dish for every season, occasion, and preference.
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken cutlets? I’d love to hear your go-to combinations in the comments below!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese is delicious twist of the classic version! Easy to make and so creamy!
Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese
