Chicken schnitzel is a crispy, juicy chicken cutlet that is breaded and pan-fried It originated in Germany but has become popular worldwide. While the schnitzel itself is flavorful, having the right side dish can take it to the next level.
In this article I’ll suggest 17 delicious options for what to serve with chicken schnitzel. I’ve included a variety of recipes – from classics like mashed potatoes to unexpected sides like fried cabbage. There’s something here for every taste and dietary need!
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Schnitzel
1. KFC Coleslaw Copycat
Coleslaw is a classic pairing with any fried chicken dish. While you could buy pre-made coleslaw, try making it from scratch for maximum freshness. This copycat KFC coleslaw has just 5 ingredients and comes together in 10 minutes – no cooking required! The cabbage and carrots are tossed in a sweet, creamy dressing. It’s cool, crunchy, tangy and compliments the hot schnitzel beautifully.
2. German Potato Salad
German potato salad is another light and refreshing choice that complements chicken schnitzel well. This version has sliced boiled potatoes tossed with bacon, onions, fresh herbs, vinegar and chicken broth. It’s packed with flavor yet won’t weigh you down on a hot day. The potatoes hold their shape and soak up the delicious dressing.
3. Creamed Spinach
For a rich, creamy vegetable side, creamed spinach is a great option. You can use frozen spinach to make this recipe even easier. The spinach is cooked down with garlic, then mixed with cream cheese, Parmesan, and seasonings. It’s so smooth and velvety! The earthy flavor pairs nicely with the crispy schnitzel.
4. Scalloped Potatoes
These thin sliced potatoes are baked until tender on the inside and crispy on the top. Made with just a few pantry staples like milk, flour and cheese, they are comfort food at its finest. The creamy potatoes are indulgent but not too heavy. Serve them alongside the schnitzel for a satisfying meal.
5. Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles tossed with Parmesan make an easy yet elegant base for chicken schnitzel. The tender noodles are coated in savory browned butter and herbs. Put the crispy schnitzel right on top for a play on chicken Parmesan! This is a great quick weeknight dinner.
6. Baked Beans
No backyard cookout is complete without baked beans! These sweet, tangy beans flavored with bacon and molasses are a classic. The sauce has a nice smoky-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with fried foods like schnitzel. Make them ahead or use canned to keep it simple.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a healthy vegetable side, try oven roasted Brussels sprouts! Brussels sprouts get caramelized and crispy when roasted. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor. The earthy taste and crunch stands up well to the fried schnitzel.
8. Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with a side of creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes! Smooth, buttery potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. For the best flavor, use Yukon Gold potatoes. Boil and mash them with butter, warm milk and just a touch of garlic. Keep it simple and let the potatoes shine alongside the juicy schnitzel.
9. Pasta Salad
A fresh pasta salad is a nice light side for summertime. This recipe has corkscrew pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion and feta cheese. It’s coated in a tangy Italian dressing. Serve chilled or at room temp. The brightness balances the rich chicken dish nicely. Make ahead for easy entertaining!
10. Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food meal, serve chicken schnitzel with macaroni and cheese! Elbow macaroni is cooked until soft, then coated in a creamy cheese sauce made with milk, butter and Cheddar. The classic flavors pair so well with crispy chicken. Customize it by adding bacon, broccoli, or hot sauce.
11. Onion Rings
Onion rings may seem indulgent, but don’t they just taste perfect with fried chicken? These crispy onion rings have a light tempura-style batter that fries up perfectly. The sweet, tender onions inside balance the crunchy exterior. Dip them in ranch or barbecue sauce for even more flavor.
12. Roasted Asparagus
For a quick veggie side, try oven roasted asparagus. Toss trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until lightly browned and tender. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars. Sprinkle with Parmesan for added richness. The green vegetable will balance the fried schnitzel.
13. Fried Cabbage
Fried cabbage is an unexpected but tasty side dish for chicken schnitzel. Thinly shredded cabbage is cooked down with bacon, onions and vinegar. The texture softens and the flavor becomes sweet and tangy. If you want a low carb side, fried cabbage is a great choice that’s still full of flavor.
14. Potato Fritters
These crispy potato fritters are simple to make but pack a tasty punch. Shredded potatoes are mixed with onion, garlic, parsley, and spices then pan fried. They come out with a lovely golden brown crust on the outside and a tender interior. The potato cakes pair nicely with the schnitzel.
15. Sweet Potato Fries
Instead of regular fries, try oven baked sweet potato fries! The natural sugars in sweet potatoes caramelize when roasted. Toss the fries in olive oil and spices like cinnamon, paprika, or Italian seasoning. They turn out perfectly crispy outside and sweet and creamy inside.
16. Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Using an air fryer results in the crispiest, crunchiest potato wedges! Cut potatoes into wedges, coat with oil and spices, and cook in the air fryer. They’ll turn out golden brown and delicious in less time than oven baking. Enjoy them on the side or use them to make schnitzel sandwiches.
17. Simple Green Salad
You can never go wrong with a simple green salad as a side dish! A salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette dressing adds color and freshness to balance a fried meal. Make a batch of homemade dressing so the salad tastes amazing. Top with crunchy croutons or nuts for extra texture.
Chicken schnitzel is delicious but the right side dish can really bring the whole meal together. Try one of these 17 tasty options, from German potato salad to creamy mac and cheese to crispy onion rings. Having a good combination of flavors and textures makes schnitzel even more satisfying. And these recipes are simple enough for a busy weeknight while still feeling special enough for company. What will you serve alongside your crispy chicken schnitzel?
Schnitzel Rules I Swear By
- Pound it properly: Uneven schnitzel equals uneven cooking. I always pound mine to exactly ¼ inch thick. It’s the sweet spot: thin enough to cook fast and stay juicy, thick enough not to fall apart. Don’t skip this.
- Season in layers: I always season the chicken, the flour, the eggs, and the breadcrumbs. Trust me, this is where good schnitzel starts.
- Let’s talk chicken: I almost always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for schnitzel, mostly because that’s Remo’s favorite. But thighs? Totally fair game. They’re even juicier and pack more flavor. Just make sure they’re boneless and pounded out to match the thickness. You want consistent cook time and that perfect crust-to-meat ratio.
- Breadcrumbs matter: I’ve tested this recipe with fresh breadcrumbs, plain, Italian-style, even crushed crackers (don’t ask). Panko wins, hands down. It gives the schnitzel that irresistible golden crunch. I also like the version where I mix half Panko and half Italian breadcrumbs.
- Let it rest: Don’t rush it. Once breaded, let the chicken hang out for 5 to 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick and prevents it from peeling off when it hits the hot oil.
- Fry like a pro: You only need about ½ inch of oil, no deep fryer required. But the oil has to be hot (350°F / 175°C). But heads up: after 2 or 3 batches, the oil can get too dark or full of crumbs, so don’t be afraid to swap it out to keep things crisp, not greasy.
- Tried every method: I’ve air fried it. I’ve baked it. They’re solid options if you’re skipping the oil. But nothing beats a pan fried schnitzel in a cast-iron skillet. That crust? Unreal.
- Wire rack > paper towels: Drain your schnitzel on a wire rack, not paper towels. That way, the bottom stays crisp and doesn’t steam into mush. Trust me, it makes a difference.
What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Panko breadcrumbs are my go-to for that ultra-crispy finish. Regular ones work in a pinch, but they won’t be quite as crunchy.
Molly Yeh Makes Chicken Schnitzel | Girl Meets Farm | Food Network
FAQ
What do you eat chicken schnitzel with?
Chicken schnitzel would be delicious with just about any side dish you’re craving, but I like to balance out the rich and crispy fried chicken with a nice bright acidic salad. You could also pair it with with these crispy crash hot potatoes, any pasta salad, German potato salad, or a crisp cucumber salad.
What is a good side dish for schnitzel?
Schnitzel, a dish of pounded and breaded meat, pairs well with a variety of sides. Common choices include potato salad, fries, and spaetzle, a type of German dumpling. Other popular options include green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
What does schnitzel get served with?
Tip: Munich schnitzel can also be breaded with breadcrumbs from old pretzel rolls. It goes well with fried potatoes or potato salad.Nov 18, 2022
What do Austrians eat with schnitzel?
Schnitzel comes from Austria and it is served with (parsley) potatoes, a slice of lemon and lingonberry jam. Sometimes potato salad, some like to serve it with peas as well. Anything other than that is, as mentioned, a federal crime.