This article was updated on the 3rd of August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your chicken cutlets, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for chicken cutlets.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with chicken cutlets are basmati rice pilaf, mushroom marsala sauce, and mac and cheese. You can also serve salads like zucchini ribbon salad, fresh tomato salad, and Mexican street corn kale salad. For more classic options, serve garlic mashed potatoes or herb-roasted potatoes.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Great Flavor Pairings for Chicken Cutlets
Chicken cutlets are thin slices of chicken usually coated with breadcrumbs and pan-fried, giving you golden, crispy crusts.
- Fresh flavors: Chicken cutlets can get pretty greasy and heavy, so you can’t go wrong with pairing them with something fresh. Leafy greens are always a great idea or even a fresh salsa for a fun twist.
- Tangy flavors: Bright, tangy flavors can help cut through the greasiness of your chicken cutlets, ensuring their flavor doesn’t become overwhelming. You can incorporate elements like capers or pickled vegetables into the meal. You can even get away with just a spritz of fresh lemon over your freshly cooked cutlets.
- Creamy flavors: Crispy chicken cutlets are the perfect vehicles for creamy elements like a bechamel sauce or a cheese sauce.
Starchy Sides
Chicken cutlets and starchy sides are a match made in heaven. You’re guaranteed a delightfully satisfying meal, although you might be left in need of a nap.
Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta
4.9 ⭐️ (33 ratings) | 30 mins
Chicken cutlets are the protein, so it’s a no-brainer to have some carbs on the side. And my favorite has got to be this brown butter parmesan pasta.
It doesn’t have many ingredients, but it’s warm, buttery, and oh-so-garlicky. I especially love how Damn Delicious incorporates breadcrumbs, which helps add extra texture that elevates this humble pasta dish.
And the best part is you can get this dish from the kitchen to the table in just 30 minutes, making it excellent for busy weeknights.
What readers are saying…
“This was so simple and quick but delicious!!! Thank you!”
“Lip-smacking good! It all disappeared in minutes – and I’m definitely going to get requests to make it again very soon!”
“I have made this several times and it is one of my favorite pasta dishes!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇮🇹 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
🥰 Fettucine Alfredo
😇 Zoodles Cacio e Pepe
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 40 mins
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for fried chicken cutlets. They’re simple, but they have delectable creamy goodness that’ll leave you satisfied.
Add some gravy to the mix and the mash will soak it all up, turning your meal into the ultimate comfort food!
While you can mash any potato variety, I usually stick with Russets or Yukon Gold for the creamiest results. Other varieties like red potatoes need to be mashed carefully to prevent overworking them and turning them gluey.
What readers are saying…
“Made these tonight and they were yummy!”
“These are the best mashed/smashed potatoes our family has EVER had. So delish!”
“It was an easy recipe to follow and the mashed potatoes turned out creamy and garlicky just like the way my family likes it. Yummy!!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌱 Dairy-free Mashed Potatoes
🧘♀️ Cauliflower and Parsnip Mash
Macaroni Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (47 ratings) | 2 hrs 28 mins
Looking for a side salad to serve with your chicken cutlets that isn’t just a load of greens? This macaroni salad has your back.
Aside from the pasta, it’s loaded with celery, bell pepper, and red onions, all tossed in a deliciously zesty and creamy mayo-based dressing. It’s great for potlucks, or just for your regular weeknight dinner.
The caveat is you need to prepare this salad ahead of serving since it needs to chill in the fridge for two hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
What readers are saying…
“This macaroni salad was absolutely delicious! My guests liked it as well and asked if they could take some home!”
“Easy and super delicious!! I added tomatoes as well because I needed to use them up. Family loved it, will definitely make it again!!”
“The dressing is what makes this salad. Absolutely delicious…I don’t think I will be making my family recipe macaroni salad for quite awhile.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Basmati Rice Pilaf
4.5 ⭐️ (322 ratings) | 25 mins
I’ve never been one to turn down a good rice meal, especially when there’s a juicy chicken cutlet on top of it.
Cooking the basmati rice in broth and butter gives it a lightly savory flavor that complements your chicken cutlets without overpowering them.
I also like finishing this pilaf off with freshly chopped chives for a refreshing pop of color and extra flavor.
What readers are saying…
“I didn’t hold out much hope as it was such a simple recipe. How wrong I was! Stunning rice.”
“This is definitely going to be my go-to when I need rice as a side dish. This rice pilaf is tender and flavorful.”
“So yummy and so easy! It turned out perfectly.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mac and Cheese
5.0 ⭐️ (951 ratings) | 45 mins
Mac and cheese is a classic side dish, and for good reason. It’s perfect if you’ve got any fussy eaters at the table (because everyone loves it), and it’s really easy to customize.
Want it a bit spicy? Add some cayenne pepper. Want some veggies? Add some broccoli. Anything goes with this pasta dish. Spend With Pennies even adds condensed cheddar soup to make this mac and cheese extra rich and creamy.
Is your mouth watering yet?
What readers are saying…
“Good, good stuff. I did not use the soup. Still very creamy!”
“Amazing recipe! My entire family loved it and everyone came back for seconds.”
“So delish! Thank you for the awesome video, as well! I followed as instructed and it turned out wonderful!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇬🇧 Cauliflower Cheese
🌱 Dairy-free Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Herb-Roasted Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 35 mins
If you’re sick of fries and mashed potatoes as side dishes, try these herb-roasted spuds.
You won’t be able to resist these baby potatoes once they’re covered in thyme, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Plus, they’re crispy on the outside, and delightfully tender on the inside. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
I also like sprinkling the spuds with parmesan cheese before roasting for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. Yum.
What readers are saying…
“These were actually the best-roasted potatoes I’ve ever had. I’ve tried so many recipes throughout the years but these were hands down the best.”
“My husband said he would like to have these at least once a week! Very delicious!”
“They were awesome! Even my picky eater really liked them. Definitely will be making again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables and Salads
Veggies and salads are the way to go if you want to keep your chicken cutlets light, healthy, but still satisfying.
Fresh Tomato Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 5 mins
The beauty of chicken cutlets is that you can pair them with anything. But the best side dish for a crunchy chicken cutlet in my book is none other than a fresh tomato salad.
Despite its simplicity, it boasts so much flavor courtesy of the juicy tomatoes, crisp red onions, and the herb garnish.
Recipe creator Valentina recommends using basil, cilantro, parsley, or a combination of these fresh herbs for this salad.
What readers are saying…
“Very good. I have made this salad twice. We will be having it often when tomatoes are in season.”
“This was a smashing hit with my family… Just divine! I’m off to find more tomatoes cuz this salad was gone way too fast.”
“This salad is incredible! It’s so simple and easy but still tastes so bright, fresh and delicious! Yum!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
4.3 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 15 mins
There are so many side dishes that go great with chicken cutlets that it’s hard to choose. But if you’re living a busy-paced lifestyle, then I highly recommend these quick green beans.
They’re healthy and colorful, and they’re ready in 15 minutes. Plus, the oven does all the cooking for you. The high heat helps crisp up the green beans’ exteriors while keeping their insides nice and tender.
Eat Well 101’s recipe starts with 3/4 cup of parmesan cheese, but you can increase it to a full cup if you’re a cheese enthusiast like me.
What the chef says…
“To make your green beans more tender: You can pre-cook green beans in the microwave with 1 cup water for 5 minutes, then soak in ice-cold water before mixing with butter, garlic, and parmesan.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧘♀️ Steamed Green Beans
🥗 Green Bean Salad with Lemon and Dill
Zucchini Ribbon Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 10 mins
Have you ever had a zucchini ribbon salad? It looks bright and gorgeous on a plate, and it will only take you 10 minutes to put together.
Zucchini has a mild flavor on its own, but this recipe’s creamy lemony dressing adds a vibrant touch that’ll tickle your taste buds. Elizabeth of Bowl of Delicious finishes this salad off with parmesan shavings, but I can say it’s still tasty even without the cheese.
Pair this with a chicken cutlet for the perfect summertime dinner that anyone will love.
What readers are saying…
“An easy and different way to serve veggies to my kiddos…they all loved it!“
“I love this recipe! So easy and so delicious! I have made it twice – last night I did not have any parmesan. I think I like it even better without the cheese.”
“Great fresh-tasting salad. The lemon makes all the difference! I even (accidentally) used less oil than the recipe called for, and it was still fantastic.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😋 Roasted Zucchini Salad
🔥 Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil
Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 15 mins
If you love grilled corn on the cob, you’re going to love this corn salad. It’s a fun side for your chicken cutlets and is filled with loads of different textures from the creamy cotija, juicy corn kernels, and silky, tender kale leaves.
And it has a delightful smoky, zesty flavor that helps cut through the greasiness of your chicken cutlets.
Pro-tip: Massaging kale with olive oil and lime juice may seem odd, but it softens the tough leaves and helps mellow out their bitterness. So don’t skip this step!
What readers are saying…
“My husband made this for me one evening over the summer and it is a DREAM!!! All my favorite flavors. This would be so great for a party too.”
“This is wildly good. Brought it to salad club (sub feta for cotija, added roasted pumpkin seeds) and everyone devoured it.”
“… the recipe was GREAT and I would be proud to serve this to others! I know this will be on our rotation this summer and I cannot wait to try it with grilled corn!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Miso Sesame Glazed Brussels Sprouts
4.9 ⭐️ (20 ratings) | 30 mins
Getting bored with plain old roasted Brussels sprouts? This recipe has your back!
The roasted sprouts are coated in a finger-licking miso-sesame glaze, infusing them with nutty, umami goodness that’ll have you coming back for more.
And if that’s not enough, the glazed sprouts are then tossed with a panko-parm mixture and then broiled, giving you an extra crispy bite.
What readers are saying…
“These were really good! but honestly, it was one of those dishes where they became addictive eating the leftovers cold the next morning. Will definitely make again!”
“So simple and is a nice change from usual ways to service Brussel sprouts. Taste like restaurant-style appetizer right from your kitchen.”
“So so yummy and easy to prepare!! Would definitely make again!
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧄 Air fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
🥰 Creamy Brussels Sprouts
Sauces and Toppings
Chicken cutlets can get pretty boring on their own, but they’re a breeze to jazz up with the right sauces or toppings. You can keep it classic with a mushroom sauce, but you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Mushroom Marsala Sauce
4.9 ⭐️ (8 ratings) | 30 mins
Dressing up breaded chicken cutlets is as simple as adding a flavorful sauce like this hearty mushroom gravy.
The rich, umami mushroom flavor adds depth to the meal, and the chicken cutlet soaks up all the silky gravy, making each bite extra delicious.
Recipe creator Julia uses double or heavy cream to give this gravy a luscious consistency. But I’ve made this recipe with sour cream, and it worked wonders. It added a bit of a tang, but the gravy was just as rich and meaty.
What readers are saying…
“Wonderful sauce, rosemary is the key to the next level.”
“Superb!! And so easy. I made this with coconut cream (unsweetened) because I cannot do dairy. It was delicious.”
“This is so good!! Such a comforting meal!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pickled Red Cabbage
5.0 ⭐️ (8 ratings) | 4 hours
I love serving pickled red cabbage with fried chicken cutlets.
It adds a vibrant splash of color to the plate, and the brine gives this side dish a bright, tangy kick that offsets the savory notes of your chicken cutlets.
Another thing I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. I like adding red pepper flakes for heat, but you can also try jalapenos or even red onions for an even brighter pop of color.
What readers are saying…
“I came across this pickled red cabbage recipe and it was so easy to make and super tasty! I will definitely make it again!”
“I just made 3 batches, one with chilli oil and one with miso and chilli oil and one plain. So excited to taste!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Marinara Sauce
5.0 ⭐️ (131 ratings) | 30 minutes
Not in the mood for gravy? Why not make marinara and transform your cutlets into chicken parm instead?
You can use jarred marinara if you’re in a rush, but making it from scratch only takes an extra 30 minutes and will give you a richer flavor.
And making it from scratch allows room for customization. I like sneaking in shredded zucchini for an extra nutritious boost.
What readers are saying…
“Thanks for getting back to me. This sauce is definitely better than any jarred sauce I’ve ever used!!!”
“Everyone loves this marinara! even me, and I’m not even a big a marinara fan usually.”
“This is seriously so much better than any of the jar sauce you can buy and it saves me money, because now I can jar my own. Thank you!!!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fresh Pineapple Salsa
4.9 ⭐️ (41 ratings) | 20 minutes
Bring a delicious summery twist to your chicken cutlets with a topping of pineapple salsa.
Not only does it add a fresh and bright flavor, but it also brings a colorful splash that instantly makes your plate Insta-worthy.
Cookie and Kate recommends using fresh pineapple for the best flavor. In a rush? Some grocery stores offer pre-cut fresh pineapple, which is pricier, but more convenient.
What readers are saying…
“I made this and it turned out great. I did another batch… Definitely was good.”
“Thank you for this recipe….it has become my go-to favorite.”
“I used to be skeptical of the idea of fruit in salsa, but now I’m a total fan!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Chicken Cutlets – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion creamy macaroni salad
- 1 portion fresh tomato salad
- 1 portion mushroom marsala sauce
- 1 portion basmati rice pilaf
- 1 portion garlic parmesan roasted green beans
- 1 portion marinara sauce … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your chicken cutlet according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: brown butter parmesan pasta, fresh tomato salad, garlic mashed potatoes, creamy macaroni salad, mushroom marsala sauce, garlic parmesan green beans, basmati rice pilaf, zucchini ribbon salad, classic mac and cheese, herb roasted potatoes, and Mexican street corn salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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