What Goes Well with Chicken Cutlets?

Chicken cutlets, with their crispy exterior and juicy interior, are a beloved staple in many cuisines. But what goes well with chicken cutlets to create a truly memorable meal? Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a dinner party, or just looking to elevate your weeknight meals, finding the perfect accompaniments can transform a simple chicken dish into a culinary delight.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 25 delicious pairings that complement and enhance the flavors of chicken cutlets. From classic side dishes to innovative accompaniments, we’ll cover a range of options to suit various tastes, dietary needs, and cooking styles. We’ll also delve into the principles of pairing, considering factors like flavor balance, texture contrast, and nutritional complementarity.

So, let’s embark on this culinary journey to discover what goes well with chicken cutlets and how to create perfectly balanced, satisfying meals!

Classic Side Dishes

When considering what goes well with chicken cutlets, it’s hard to go wrong with these timeless favorites:

1. Mashed Potatoes

A creamy side that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes
2. Drain and return to pot
3. Add milk and butter, mash until smooth
4. Season with salt and pepper

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crispy exterior of chicken cutlets beautifully.

2. Roasted Vegetables

A colorful and nutritious side dish that enhances any chicken cutlet meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper
3. Spread on a baking sheet
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through

Roasted vegetables add color, nutrition, and a variety of textures to your plate.

3. Green Salad

A light and refreshing option that balances the richness of chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl
2. Toss with desired amount of dressing just before serving

A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy chicken cutlets.

Pasta and Grain Sides

When pondering what goes well with chicken cutlets, consider these carb-based options:

4. Lemon Garlic Pasta

A zesty pasta dish that complements the flavors of chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions
2. In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add cooked pasta, lemon zest, and juice
4. Toss with Parmesan cheese and parsley

The bright flavors of this pasta dish pair wonderfully with simple or herb-crusted chicken cutlets.

5. Quinoa Pilaf

A healthy and tasty option instead of the usual rice pilaf.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pine nuts)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly
2. In a saucepan, sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil
3. Add quinoa and broth, bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes
5. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped nuts

This protein-rich side dish complements chicken cutlets while adding extra nutritional value to your meal.

Vegetable-Based Sides

For those seeking lighter options when considering what goes well with chicken cutlets, try these vegetable-based sides:

6. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

A simple yet elegant side dish that pairs well with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant
3. Add green beans and almonds, sauté for 3-4 minutes
4. Season with salt and pepper

The crunch of the almonds and the tender-crisp green beans provide a delightful texture contrast to chicken cutlets.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A flavorful vegetable side that complements the simplicity of chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Coat the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through
4. Mix balsamic vinegar and honey, drizzle over roasted sprouts

The caramelized Brussels sprouts with tangy-sweet balsamic glaze offer a sophisticated accompaniment to chicken cutlets.

Salads as Main Accompaniments

When pondering what goes well with chicken cutlets, consider these hearty salads that can serve as a main accompaniment:

8. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

A protein-packed salad that complements chicken cutlets beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
2. Toss gently to mix
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving

This refreshing salad adds a Mediterranean flair to your chicken cutlet meal.

9. Caprese Salad

A classic Italian salad that pairs wonderfully with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a plate
2. Tuck basil leaves between the slices
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
4. Season with salt and pepper

The fresh flavors of the Caprese salad complement the savory chicken cutlets perfectly.

Sauces and Condiments

The right sauce can elevate your chicken cutlets to new heights. Here are some options when considering what goes well with chicken cutlets:

10. Lemon Butter Sauce

A simple yet luxurious sauce that enhances the flavor of chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant
3. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper
4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes

This bright, tangy sauce adds a touch of elegance to your chicken cutlet dish.

11. Homemade Marinara Sauce

A versatile sauce that pairs well with chicken cutlets, especially for Italian-inspired meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the garlic until it is fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper
3. Simmer for 20-25 minutes
4. Stir in fresh basil before serving

This homemade marinara sauce turns your chicken cutlets into a delicious chicken parmesan-style dish.

Global Flavors

Explore international cuisines when deciding what goes well with chicken cutlets:

12. Greek-Style Tzatziki

A cool, refreshing sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl
2. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving

Tzatziki adds a Mediterranean flair to your chicken cutlet meal.

13. Asian-Inspired Slaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw that complements chicken cutlets with an Asian twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
2. Whisk together remaining ingredients for the dressing
3. Toss slaw with dressing just before serving

This Asian-inspired slaw adds a fresh, crunchy element to your chicken cutlet dish.

Healthy Options

For those looking for nutritious sides when considering what goes well with chicken cutlets, try these options:

14. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

A healthier alternative to french fries that pairs well with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
2. Toss sweet potato wedges with oil and seasonings
3. Please arrange the items in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through

These sweet and savory wedges offer a nutritious complement to chicken cutlets.

15. Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb alternative that pairs well with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, riced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet
2. Sauté onion and garlic until softened
3. Add cauliflower rice, cook for 5-7 minutes
4. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs

This light and fluffy cauliflower rice is a great base for chicken cutlets.

Comforting Sides

When pondering what goes well with chicken cutlets for a cozy meal, consider these options:

16. Creamy Polenta

A comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring water or broth to a boil
2. Slowly whisk in polenta, reduce heat to low
3. Cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter

The creamy texture of polenta complements the crispy exterior of chicken cutlets beautifully.

17. Garlic Bread

A classic side that goes well with many chicken cutlet dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced lengthwise
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Mix butter with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan
3. Spread mixture on baguette halves
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy

Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any sauces served with your chicken cutlets.

Unique Pairings

For those looking to experiment with what goes well with chicken cutlets, try these unique options:

18. Mango Salsa

A sweet and spicy accompaniment that adds a tropical twist to chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl
2. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving

This bright and flavorful salsa adds a refreshing contrast to savory chicken cutlets.

19. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

A low-carb alternative that pairs well with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Lightly sauté zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes
2. Toss with pesto sauce
3. Add cherry tomatoes and pine nuts
4. Season with salt and pepper

These light and flavorful zucchini noodles offer a fresh alternative to traditional pasta sides.

Dietary-Specific Options

When considering what goes well with chicken cutlets for specific dietary needs, try these options:

20. Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh

A refreshing, gluten-free side dish that pairs well with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
3. Pour the dressing onto the quinoa mixture and toss it well.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving

This gluten-free tabbouleh offers a light, refreshing contrast to crispy chicken cutlets.

21. Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Mash

A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that goes well with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower florets until very tender
2. Drain well and return to the pot
3. Add butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese
4. Mash or puree until smooth
5. Season with salt and pepper
6. Garnish with chives if desired

This creamy cauliflower mash provides a satisfying, keto-friendly side for chicken cutlets.

Seasonal Pairings

When considering what goes well with chicken cutlets, don’t forget to take advantage of seasonal produce:

22. Summer: Grilled Corn Salad

A bright, summery side dish that complements chicken cutlets beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill corn until lightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob
2. In a large bowl, combine corn kernels with bell pepper, onion, and cilantro
3. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, and salt
4. Toss the salad with the dressing
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving

This refreshing corn salad adds a burst of summer flavor to your chicken cutlet meal.

23. Fall: Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage

A comforting autumn side dish that pairs well with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through
4. During the final 5 minutes of roasting, you can choose to drizzle the dish with maple syrup if you’d like.

This sweet and savory squash dish complements the simplicity of chicken cutlets with rich fall flavors.

International Inspirations

Explore global cuisines when deciding what goes well with chicken cutlets:

24. Italian: Panzanella Salad

A Tuscan bread salad that pairs wonderfully with chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toast bread cubes in the oven until lightly crisp
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and basil
3. Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper
4. Toss the salad with the dressing
5. Allow the dish to sit for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

This rustic Italian salad provides a delightful contrast to crispy chicken cutlets.

25. Mexican: Cilantro Lime Rice

A zesty side dish that adds a Mexican flair to chicken cutlets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice following the instructions on the package, using either water or broth.
2. Once cooked, fluff rice with a fork and stir in olive oil
3. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt
4. Toss until well combined

This bright and flavorful rice dish complements chicken cutlets with a touch of Mexican-inspired zest.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, the answer to what goes well with chicken cutlets is diverse and exciting. From classic pairings like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to more innovative options like mango salsa or zucchini noodles, there’s a perfect accompaniment for every taste preference and dietary need.

Key takeaways to remember when pairing sides with chicken cutlets:

1. Consider texture contrasts: Pair crispy cutlets with creamy or soft sides for a balanced mouthfeel.
2. Balance flavors: Complement the savory taste of chicken with fresh, tangy, or sweet accompaniments.
3. Think about nutritional balance: Include a variety of vegetables, whole grains, or legumes to create a well-rounded meal.
4. Don’t forget about sauces: The right sauce can elevate a simple chicken cutlet to a gourmet dish.
5. Experiment with global flavors: Draw inspiration from different cuisines to keep your meals exciting.

Remember, the best pairing is ultimately the one that you and your family enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to mix and match or put your own spin on these suggestions. The versatility of chicken cutlets allows for endless creativity in meal planning.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion meal, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these pairing ideas will help you create delicious, satisfying meals centered around chicken cutlets.

For more culinary inspiration and cooking techniques, visit the USDA’s Choose My Plate for balanced meal ideas.

Happy cooking, and enjoy exploring the delicious world of chicken cutlet pairings!