What to Serve with Chicken Cutlets: 35+ Delicious Side Dishes

Chicken cutlets are a versatile and quick-cooking main course, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. But finding the perfect side dish to complement them can sometimes feel like a chore. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Chicken Cutlets, you’ve come to the right place! This guide offers over 35 incredible side dish ideas, ranging from light and fresh salads to hearty and comforting vegetables and grains, ensuring your chicken cutlet meal is a resounding success.

Whether you’re preparing classic Italian chicken cutlets, crispy fried versions, or a simple pan-seared dish, the right side dish can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s explore a wide array of options that will tantalize your taste buds and perfectly complement your chicken cutlets.

The Ultimate Guide to Side Dishes for Chicken Cutlets

Finding the perfect side dish is all about balance and flavor harmony. You want to choose sides that not only taste delicious with chicken but also offer a variety of textures and nutritional benefits. Here’s a curated list of side dishes, categorized to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Fresh and Flavorful Salads

Salads are a fantastic way to add lightness and freshness to your chicken cutlet meal. They cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a vibrant contrast.

Sauteed Squash

1. Sauteed Zucchini and Squash: This simple side dish highlights the natural sweetness of summer squash and zucchini, enhanced with savory Italian herbs. It’s a quick and healthy option that pairs beautifully with any type of chicken cutlet.

Tomato Couscous

2. Tomato Couscous: Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is toasted and then simmered in a flavorful burst tomato sauce. A squeeze of lime adds a delightful tang, making this couscous dish a flavorful and interesting side.

Grinder Salad

3. Grinder Salad: Inspired by the viral TikTok trend, this chopped salad is packed with deli meats, cheeses, crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, and pepperoncini peppers, all tossed in a creamy vinaigrette. It’s a fun and flavorful salad with an Italian deli vibe.

Aglio e Olio

4. Garlic and Oil Pasta (Aglio e Olio): A classic Italian side dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio features simple yet flavorful ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Sauteed Spinach

5. Sauteed Spinach: Boost your nutrient intake with this incredibly easy and healthy side. Fresh baby spinach is quickly sauteed with garlic and olive oil, creating a simple yet satisfying green vegetable side.

Cabbage Steaks

6. Roasted Cabbage Steaks: For a more substantial vegetable side, try roasted cabbage steaks topped with bacon and a creamy, garlicky mustard sauce. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, making it a surprisingly delicious side.

Kale White Bean Salad

7. Kale White Bean Salad: Inspired by Erewhon, this healthy salad combines kale, creamy avocado, cannellini beans, and seeds in a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. It’s a hearty and nutritious salad that works as a side or even a light meal.

Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower

8. Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower: If you’re a fan of cacio e pepe pasta, you’ll love this low-carb, gluten-free twist. Roasted cauliflower florets are tossed in a cheesy, peppery sauce, delivering the same rich flavors as the classic dish.

Braised Fennel

9. Braised Fennel: Elevate your meal with this elegant side dish. Fennel bulbs are braised slowly with thyme, garlic, lemon, and honey, resulting in caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth fennel with complex flavors.

Cherry Tomato Salad

10. Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons: Sweet cherry tomatoes meet tangy vinaigrette and roasted lemons in this vibrant salad. Roasting the lemons mellows their acidity and adds a unique caramelized note.

Canned Corn

11. Elevated Canned Corn: Don’t underestimate canned corn! Learn how to transform ordinary canned corn into an extraordinary side dish with simple seasonings and flavor boosters. This guide provides tips from stovetop cooking to creative flavor combinations.

Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

12. Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing: A classic for a reason! This spinach salad is quick, easy, and delicious, featuring sweet strawberries and a creamy poppyseed dressing. It’s a refreshing and light side that’s perfect for warmer months.

Smashed Potatoes

13. Easy Smashed Potatoes with Mojo Sauce: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these smashed potatoes are incredibly flavorful thanks to a vibrant mojo sauce. They’re a satisfying and textural side dish that’s sure to impress.

Arugula Salad

14. Arugula Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette: This simple arugula salad is a go-to green side dish. The peppery bite of arugula pairs perfectly with the acidity of a red wine vinaigrette, making it an ideal accompaniment to richer dishes like chicken cutlets.

Spinach Rice

15. Spinach Rice: Sneak in extra greens with this tasty spinach rice. A vibrant green spinach paste is stirred into fluffy white rice, adding savory flavors and a beautiful color to this simple side.

Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts

16. Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts: Love artichokes? These air fryer artichoke hearts are incredibly crispy and flavorful, seasoned with parmesan and Italian herbs. They make a great appetizer or a unique and healthy side dish.

Radicchio Salad

17. Italian Radicchio Salad: This vibrant salad features radicchio dressed in a creamy lemon vinaigrette, along with buttery Castelvetrano olives, crunchy breadcrumbs, and nutty parmesan cheese. A special tip ensures the radicchio isn’t bitter.

Instant Pot Quinoa

18. Instant Pot Quinoa: Learn how to cook perfect, fluffy quinoa in your Instant Pot with minimal effort. Quinoa is a protein-rich and versatile grain that makes a healthy and satisfying side dish.

Smashed Brussel Sprouts

19. Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts taken to the next level! These smashed Brussels sprouts are flattened and roasted until extra crispy, then drizzled with a delicious lemon tahini sauce for added flavor and richness.

Fennel Chickpea Salad

20. Fennel and Chickpea Salad: This make-ahead salad is perfect for potlucks or easy lunches. Fennel and chickpeas are tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette and topped with parmesan cheese for a flavorful and refreshing side.

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad

21. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts are tossed with a light red wine vinaigrette in this crunchy and delicious salad. It’s a delightful way to enjoy Brussels sprouts in a fresh and vibrant way.

Copycat Costco Quinoa Salad

22. Copycat Costco Quinoa Salad: Recreate the popular Costco quinoa salad at home! This healthy and hearty grain-based salad is packed with fresh veggies and a bright lemon dressing, making it a satisfying and flavorful side.

Kale Caesar Salad

23. Kale Caesar Salad: A healthier twist on a classic Caesar salad. Massaged kale is topped with creamy garlic dressing, crispy homemade croutons, and parmesan cheese. Massaging the kale makes it tender and delicious.

Zucchini Pasta Salad

24. Zucchini Pasta Salad: This zucchini pasta salad is bursting with summer flavors. Sautéed zucchini, parmesan cheese, fresh dill, and crunchy walnuts are combined in a flavorful dressing, creating a satisfying and текстурный salad.

Pesto Couscous

25. Pesto Couscous: Fluffy Israeli couscous is combined with vibrant basil pesto in this easy yet sophisticated side dish. The Italian flavors are addictive, making this couscous a crowd-pleaser.

Grilled Peppers

26. Grilled Bell Peppers: Learn how to make perfectly tender and blistered grilled bell peppers at home. They are incredibly easy to prepare and add a smoky sweetness to your meal, perfect alongside grilled or pan-fried chicken cutlets.

Shaved Fennel Salad

27. Shaved Fennel Salad: Quick and refreshing, this shaved fennel salad features a light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and a wonderful crunch. It’s an excellent side for richer dishes and provides a palate-cleansing contrast.

Shirazi Salad

28. Shirazi Salad: A simple and refreshing Persian salad with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. A tangy dressing with fresh herbs, lime juice, and olive oil brings all the flavors together.

Fennel Pasta

29. Roasted Fennel Pasta: Fresh linguini is tossed in a light lemon sauce with roasted fennel in this flavorful pasta dish. A dollop of creamy ricotta cheese adds extra richness and complements the roasted fennel beautifully.

Grilled Broccolini

30. Grilled Broccolini: Grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and crunchy Marcona almonds. It’s a perfect side dish for fall menus or Thanksgiving, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

31. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic: Achieve crispy and delicious Brussels sprouts with minimal oil using your air fryer. Simply dressed with balsamic vinegar and salt, they are a quick and healthy side that’s bursting with flavor.

Sugar Snap Pea Salad

32. Sugar Snap Pea Salad: This warm-weather salad is a delightful combination of crunchy and sweet sugar snap peas, fresh basil, and almonds, tossed in a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing. It’s incredibly refreshing and flavorful.

Sous Vide Asparagus

33. Sous Vide Asparagus: Learn how to cook asparagus to perfection using the sous vide method. Achieve bright green, perfectly cooked spears with options for garlic, parmesan, or lemon flavoring.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction

34. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction: These roasted Brussels sprouts are elevated with a balsamic reduction and sweet cranberries, making them a simple yet elegant side dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Stuffed Artichoke Hearts

35. Stuffed Artichoke Hearts: Enjoy the flavors of stuffed artichokes without all the fuss. Canned artichoke hearts are topped with a flavorful “stuffing” of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic, then baked to golden perfection.

Instant Pot Artichokes

36. Instant Pot Artichokes: Cook artichokes quickly and easily in your electric pressure cooker! This recipe provides tips for infusing them with delicious flavor while simplifying the cooking process.

Hearty and Comforting Sides

For a more substantial meal, consider these comforting and satisfying side dishes that pair wonderfully with chicken cutlets.

Duchess Potatoes

37. Duchess Potatoes: Impress your guests with these fancy piped potato side dish. Duchess potatoes are rich, creamy, and cheesy baked mashed potatoes with a subtle crisp exterior – a truly elegant and indulgent side.

Sunchokes

38. Roasted Sunchokes: Discover the versatility of sunchokes, a knobby root vegetable. Roasted with olive oil, garlic, and thyme, they become tender and flavorful, making an easy and unique side dish for any meal.

Mashed Potatoes

39. Easy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream: These mashed potatoes are incredibly creamy, buttery, and tangy thanks to the addition of sour cream. Made easily with a stand mixer, they are the ultimate comfort food side dish.

Glazed Carrots

40. Best Glazed Carrots: Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned, and perfectly glazed, these carrots are a side dish that both kids and adults will love. Their sweetness and tenderness make them a delightful accompaniment to chicken cutlets.

Italian Chopped Salad

41. Italian Chopped Salad (Hearty Version): While listed earlier as a salad, this Italian Chopped Salad can also be a hearty side due to its inclusion of salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas. It’s a more substantial and filling salad option.

Parmesan Delicata Squash

42. Parmesan Delicata Squash: Roasted delicata squash slices are coated with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese until tender and cheesy. This simple yet addictive side dish is perfect for fall and winter meals, adding warmth and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Cutlet Sides

Many of these side dish recipes can be prepared in advance, saving you valuable time on busy days. Salads like fennel and chickpea salad, shaved Brussels sprout salad, and quinoa salads often taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Roasted vegetables can be prepped ahead and roasted just before serving, or reheated gently. Always check the individual recipe for specific make-ahead and storage instructions.

Explore More Side Dish Ideas

Looking for even more inspiration? Browse a wider selection of side dish recipes to find your next favorite pairing for chicken cutlets and beyond.

Have you tried any of these side dishes with your chicken cutlets? Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite pairings! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on Instagram using #platingsandpairings and tag @platingsandpairings.

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What to Serve with Chicken Cutlets: 35+ Easy Sides

Wondering what to serve with Chicken Cutlets? Here’s 35+ of the best side dishes. From salads, vegetables, appetizers and more! Try this Shaved Fennel Salad. It comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon vinaigrette and wonderful crunch.

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Print PinServes 4 servings

Created by Platings and Pairings

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add the pine nuts. Toast for 5-10 minutes, until golden brown, stirring occasionally and keeping an eye on them so that they don’t burn.
Meanwhile, thin slice your fennel and celery and chop the parsley – Add them all to a large bowl.
Toss fennel, celery and parsley with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.

Notes

Unlike lettuce based salads, this salad retains its great crunch for a couple of days, so be sure to save any leftovers!
Store any leftover pine nuts in the freezer – They’ll stay fresh for much longer this way.

Nutrition

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