Indulge in the Italian charm of Chicken Cutlets, a fusion of crispy, crunchy textures and juicy flavors. Made simply with boneless chicken breast, seasonings, eggs, and breadcrumbs, these cutlets are both delicious and easy to prepare. Perfectly paired with everything from roasted veggies to fresh salads and sandwiches, they're a versatile addition to any meal.
Start by patting the thinly sliced chicken breasts dry using a kitchen towel. If the chicken breasts are not thinly sliced, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat hammer, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. Then, proceed to slice them into thinner pieces.
Season the chicken slices evenly with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning, making sure to cover all sides. Let the seasoned chicken rest, setting it aside for use in the next steps of your recipe.
Bread the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Once well mixed, set this egg mixture aside.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, a little salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir these dry ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed.
Take each seasoned chicken slice and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's completely coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breading onto the chicken to make sure it sticks well and is evenly coated.
Fry the Chicken Cutlets
Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the pan, taking care not to overcrowd it for even cooking.
Fry the chicken cutlets for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe temperature for consuming poultry.
Once the cutlets turn golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil, maintaining their crispiness.
To Serve
Enjoy the crispy Chicken Cutlets with a variety of sauces – think classic honey mustard, rich garlic Parmesan, creamy mayonnaise, or flavorful aioli. Complement them with a fresh salad for a delightful, well-balanced meal.
Notes
Here are some expert tips to elevate your Chicken Cutlets to perfection:
Thin and Even Slices: Ensure quick, even cooking by slicing the chicken breasts thinly. For thicker cuts, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to achieve uniform thickness.
Proper Seasoning: Generously season the cutlets with your chosen spices and herbs. This step is crucial for flavor enhancement and depth.
Seasoning Time: Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for a few minutes, enabling the flavors to infuse into the meat before breading.
Preheat the Oil: For pan-frying, heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the chicken. This is key for a crispy, golden exterior.
Breading Techniques: Use different hands or tongs for wet and dry ingredients during breading to avoid clumping and ensure even coverage.
Pressing Breadcrumbs: After breading, gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. This simple action helps the breadcrumbs stick better, ensuring that every bite has that delightful crunch.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the cutlets in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and reduced crispiness.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the frying time to avoid overcooking, which can result in tough, less flavorful chicken.
Cheese Burning Prevention: If using cheese, watch the heat level closely. Reduce it if the cheese starts to burn, to maintain flavor and presentation.
Meat Thermometer Use: To ensure safety and perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. According to FDA guidelines, it should reach at least 165°F (74 °C) for safe consumption.
Resting Time: Let the cooked cutlets rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness and allow flavors to settle.