Have you ever thought about what to pair with those crispy Italian chicken cutlets? Well, we’re here to help you out.
Getting the sides right can make or break your meal, and let’s be real—we’ve all ended up with boring sides that didn’t hold a candle to the star of the show.
Remember that time we just steam-rolled veggies and called it a day? Yeah, big yawn. From zesty salads to pasta that’s so comforting it hugs you back, there’s so much more we can do.
Get ready for a spread of side dishes that will not only complement our chicken cutlets but will also keep our taste buds happy. Let’s dig in!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Italian Chicken Cutlets
Here are the top 13 side dishes that pair perfectly with Italian chicken cutlets:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Lemon Garlic Pasta | Pasta, lemon, garlic, Parmesan | Tangy, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
| Caprese Salad | Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, Parmesan | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 35 mins |
| Sautéed Spinach with Garlic | Spinach, garlic, olive oil | Savory, garlicky | Easy | 10 mins |
| Creamy Risotto with Mushrooms | Arborio rice, mushrooms, Parmesan | Creamy, savory | Medium | 40 mins |
| Grilled Zucchini and Squash | Zucchini, squash, olive oil, herbs | Fresh, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Italian Chopped Salad | Romaine, salami, olives, cheese | Tangy, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Baked Eggplant Parmesan | Eggplant, marinara, mozzarella | Cheesy, savory | Medium | 45 mins |
| Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil | Bread, tomatoes, basil, garlic | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Garlic Butter Green Beans | Green beans, garlic, butter | Savory, garlicky | Easy | 15 mins |
| Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta | Pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto | Tangy, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Marinated Artichoke Hearts | Artichokes, olive oil, herbs | Tangy, savory | Easy | 10 mins |
| Roasted Red Pepper and Mozzarella Salad | Roasted red peppers, mozzarella | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
These side dishes complement the crispy and savory flavors of Italian chicken cutlets, offering a mix of fresh, tangy, and hearty options to round out the meal.
1 – Lemon Garlic Pasta
Feeling fancy with pasta doesn’t have to be hard! Lemon garlic pasta is super quick, light, and always a winner.
The best part? We can whip it together in under 20 minutes. Fresh lemon juice gives it a zesty kick, while garlic adds just the right amount of sass. Perfect as a side or a light meal.
Remember to reserve some pasta water. It’s gold for making that sauce cling perfectly.
Top it off with parmesan for a savory touch. Simple, right?
2 – Caprese Salad
What’s more refreshing than a caprese salad? It’s like summer on a plate!
Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes are the stars here. We can’t forget the basil—super vital for that aromatic kick.
Drizzle some balsamic glaze for a sweet tang. Makes it pop!
This dish is super quick to whip. It’s our go-to for lazy lunches or light dinners.
Want to switch it up? Add some avocado for creaminess. Easy peasy.
3 – Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Garlic parmesan potatoes are like crispy little nuggets of happiness. These goldies are roasted to perfection and full of flavor.
We toss them in garlic and parmesan, then pop them in the oven. The result? Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Seasoning is key. A sprinkle of herbs amps up the flavor.
Want them spicier? Add red pepper flakes. These potatoes work with nearly any dish. Just serve, watch them disappear!
4 – Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Who knew spinach could be so cool? Sautéed spinach with garlic is our fast-track to a bright and tasty side. We just toss some fresh spinach in a pan, add garlic, and watch it wilt.
This side dish cooks up in a flash. The garlic brings it to life without overpowering. A squeeze of lemon at the end kicks it up. We can pair it with chicken, fish, or even as a topping for pasta.
A dash of salt and pepper goes a long way. Don’t go overboard on the garlic, though—nobody wants to scare off dinner guests.
5 – Creamy Risotto with Mushrooms
What’s the deal with risotto? It’s not just rice; it’s creamy magic.
Mushroom risotto is a must-try. It’s velvety and packed with flavor. We simmer arborio rice slowly, adding broth bit by bit. This gets us that nice, creamy consistency.
Mushrooms give a hearty touch. Sauté them for extra depth. Add parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Timing is key. Watch the rice closely. Stirring frequently helps. Want to jazz it up? Toss in some fresh herbs. This is a comforting side that stands tall.
6 – Grilled Zucchini and Squash
Grilled zucchini and squash are like the best summer buddies on a plate. They’re light, fresh, and easy to whip up. Throw them on the grill, and they get those beautiful char marks.
A sprinkle of salt and pepper does the trick. Want a hint of zing? A squeeze of lemon wakes things up nicely.
Experiment with spices to kick it up. They’re super versatile and can slickly slide into any meal. These veggies disappear quickly at our gatherings!
7 – Italian Chopped Salad
Next. We’re talking about Italian chopped salad, and wow, this one really brings a party to your plate.
It’s a colorful mix of fresh veggies, cheese, and dressing. We toss in everything from cucumbers to tomatoes.
Chop those veggies small for a nice crunch. It’s all about the dressing—balsamic is a classic choice.
Want a protein boost? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas. It’s our go-to for quick lunches alongside any main.
This salad works as a side or stands tall on its own. Make sure to prep extra—it disappears fast.
8 – Baked Eggplant Parmesan
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Baked eggplant parmesan is totally underrated. It’s all about the crispy layers and cheesy goodness. We slice up eggplant and bake it until it’s golden.
Then we slather it with sauce and mozzarella. This dish is a winner for using up extra veggies. Pair it with pasta or salad for a complete meal.
Don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they keep it crunchy. Add spices for a kick. It’s a comforting side dish that’s a real crowd-pleaser.
9 – Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
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Ever looked at stale bread and thought, “I can do better”? Here’s bruschetta to save the day.
Fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil sit atop toasted bread. It’s a fresh, crunchy delight.
Chop tomatoes small and mix with olive oil. Add garlic for kick.
Toast the bread until golden. Rub with garlic to boost flavor.
Serve immediately for the best crunch. It’s just that simple. Keep this handy for quick snacks or fancy gatherings. You’ve got this.
10 – Garlic Butter Green Beans
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Green beans are underrated, right? Garlic butter green beans are a must-have.
We toss fresh green beans in butter and garlic for a quick side. Simple and tasty.
Add lemon zest for a zing. It’s like a bright spotlight on this veggie.
Cook the beans until they’re tender but still crisp. Crispness is key!
Perfect alongside any main dish, especially chicken.
We can whip these up on a busy night or for dinner guests. Easy peasy!
11 – Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Another pasta dish to add to our rotation is sun-dried tomato pesto pasta.
It’s packed with flavor and super easy. We just mix sun-dried tomatoes with pesto.
Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick meal.
Add some extra cheese for creaminess. It brings everything together nicely.
We can throw in veggies for a fresh touch. Pro tip: reserve a splash of pasta water to keep it saucy.
Dinner’s ready in no time. You’re gonna want to keep this on repeat.
12 – Marinated Artichoke Hearts
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Who knew artichokes could be so fancy? Marinated artichoke hearts are a surprisingly tasty treat.
We toss them in a zingy marinade. It adds loads of flavour while keeping things simple.
Perfect for salads or as a snack! They brighten up any dish.
Want to mix things up? Try them in dips or pasta. Versatile and delicious!
Chop them for easy topping on pizzas, too. They bring a fun twist. Great for those “what do I add” moments!
13 – Roasted Red Pepper and Mozzarella Salad
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Last but not least, roasted red pepper and mozzarella salad is here to surprise. It’s a quick side that feels gourmet.
We mix sweet roasted peppers with creamy mozzarella. This adds a nice texture.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze brings everything together. Fresh basil gives a pop of flavour.
Want a twist? Add olives for extra zest. They fit right in.
It’s vibrant and super easy to whip up any time. We can bring it to gatherings or enjoy it solo.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.