What Goes Well with Chicken Cutlets: 20 Amazing Side Dish Ideas

Chicken cutlets are a versatile and tasty protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From breaded and fried cutlets to baked and sauced cutlets, the possibilities are endless! But coming up with side dish ideas to serve alongside chicken cutlets can sometimes be a challenge.

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

Warm, crusty garlic bread is a no-fail pairing with chicken cutlets. The bold garlic flavor stands up well to cutlets, and the bread helps soak up any delicious pan sauces or juices Freshly baked garlic bread or even just broiled grocery store garlic bread can complement chicken cutlets wonderfully.

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

Simple rice pilaf, flavored with onion, herbs and spices, makes a satisfying accompaniment for chicken cutlets The fluffy pilaf soaks up pan juices and sauce beautifully. Try rice pilafs with fun additions like lemon-herb, cajun seasoning or saffron for extra flavor

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

In summer, grilled corn on the cob is a classic accompaniment for chicken. The natural sweet corn pairs well with savory cutlets. In other seasons, roasted or boiled corn can provide the same balance.

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!

Breaded chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, offering a range of flavors and textures. Classic choices include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and mac and cheese, which complement the chicken’s crispiness with creamy, tangy, or cheesy notes.