Crispy Chicken Cutlets are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crunchy coating. Whether served as a main course, sliced over a salad, or tucked into a sandwich, these cutlets are a hit for any occasion. The secret to achieving that perfect, crispy exterior lies in the breading process, which involves coating the chicken in seasoned flour, egg, and breadcrumbs or panko, then frying or baking to golden perfection.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make delicious crispy chicken cutlets, offer tips for keeping them perfectly crunchy, and explore ways to customize them for different meals.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Chicken Cutlets
- Perfectly Crunchy: The combination of breadcrumbs or panko ensures a crispy, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
- Versatile: These cutlets can be served on their own, paired with sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables, used in sandwiches, or sliced over salads or pasta dishes.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you can make restaurant-quality chicken cutlets in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Cutlets
To make the perfect crispy chicken cutlets, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (Japanese breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable oil or olive oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are thick, you can butterfly them by slicing them in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces, or you can place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ¼ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs (or panko) with grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is well coated on both sides. For extra crunch, press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken Cutlets: Heat about ½ cup of vegetable or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet. Fry the cutlets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Drain the Cutlets: Once cooked, transfer the cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken cutlets hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Pair them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Baked Version for a Healthier Option
If you prefer a healthier, less oily version of crispy chicken cutlets, you can bake them in the oven.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Chicken: Follow the same breading process as outlined above.
- Bake the Cutlets: Arrange the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help achieve a crispy crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Cutlets
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: While regular breadcrumbs work well, panko adds an extra crispy texture due to its coarser, flakier consistency. For the crispiest cutlets, go for panko!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken cutlets, make sure to leave enough space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy rather than crispy cutlets.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Drain on Paper Towels: After frying, place the cutlets on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, which helps them stay crisp.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Spicy Chicken Cutlets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herbed Chicken Cutlets: Mix dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Chicken Parmesan: Turn your crispy chicken cutlets into Chicken Parmesan by layering them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baking until bubbly and golden.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Meal: Serve the chicken cutlets with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Chicken Cutlet Sandwich: Place the cutlets on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise or a spicy aioli for a delicious chicken sandwich.
- Over Pasta: Serve the cutlets with your favorite pasta and a side of marinara or Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken Milanese: Serve the crispy cutlets with a side of arugula salad tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan for an Italian-inspired meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Cutlet)
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Cutlets are a versatile, easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you fry them to golden perfection or bake them for a healthier version, these cutlets are always satisfying and full of flavor. With their crunchy exterior and juicy, tender interior, they can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious, crispy goodness of homemade chicken cutlets!
