Chicken Cutlets – These cutlets are crispy from the outside and juicy from inside which is both versatile and delicious for a quick appetizer.
What Are Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are thin slices of chicken breast that are either pounded or sliced to achieve a uniform thickness. The thinness allows for quick cooking, making them a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal plans. Cutlets can be pan-fried, breaded, baked, or even grilled, offering endless possibilities for preparation.
Why Make Chicken Cutlets?
- Quick Cooking Time: Since they’re thin, chicken cutlets cook in a matter of minutes.
- Versatility: They can be paired with various sauces, sides, and spices.
- Healthy Option: When prepared without excess oil or butter, chicken cutlets are a lean source of protein.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets
- Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken ensures tenderness and better flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Pounding: This step ensures even cooking, so you avoid dry or undercooked spots.
- Control the Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken cooks through. Medium heat is usually ideal.
Variations of Chicken Cutlets
Chicken cutlets can be adapted to a wide range of cuisines and flavors. Here are a few popular variations:
- Chicken Parmesan Cutlets: After frying, top each cutlet with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Lemon Butter Cutlets: After frying, deglaze the pan with lemon juice and butter, then pour the sauce over the cutlets for a tangy twist.
- Spicy Cajun Cutlets: Add Cajun seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy, Southern-style flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
How to Serve Chicken Cutlets
Chicken cutlets are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- With a Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the fried cutlets.
- Over Pasta: Pair with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal.
- In a Sandwich: Place a cutlet on a crusty roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a delicious chicken cutlet sandwich.
- On a Bed of Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve the cutlets over brown rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cutlets
Storing leftovers is simple and ensures you can enjoy delicious cutlets later without sacrificing quality.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan and warm the cutlets over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-6 minutes for a crispy exterior.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for cutlets?
A: Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but the texture will be slightly different. Thighs are juicier and may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: How do I keep the breading from falling off?
A: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. Allow the breaded cutlets to rest for a few minutes before frying.
Q: Can I bake cutlets instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and place breaded cutlets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cutlets are golden and cooked through.
Q: What’s the best oil for frying cutlets?
A: Olive oil or vegetable oil are great choices. Olive oil gives a nice flavor, while vegetable oil has a higher smoke point.
Chicken Cutlets
Chicken Cutlets - These cutlets are crispy from the outside and juicy from inside which is both versatile and delicious for a quick appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups homemade breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 ¼ cup grated pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 large eggs
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Extra virgin olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prep the Breadcrumbs: Mix the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, ¾ cup of the grated cheese, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Use your fingers to work the garlic evenly into the mix.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs with ½ cup cheese, a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
- Flour Setup: Pour the flour into a third bowl, season with salt and pepper, and mix.
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken slice between plastic wrap and pound to ½ inch thick with a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Line up the bowls in this order: flour, egg mixture, breadcrumbs, with a plate at the end for the breaded chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in flour, shake off excess, coat in egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until all chicken pieces are breaded.
- Fry the Cutlets: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook the cutlets in batches (1-3 pieces at a time) until golden brown on each side.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a 250°F oven for up to 1 hour.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 684Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 240mgSodium 883mgCarbohydrates 60gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 66g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken cutlets are a must-have recipe in any home cook’s repertoire. They’re quick, versatile, and easily adapted to suit any taste preference. With the tips and variations shared here, you’re now ready to create restaurant-quality cutlets right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, chicken cutlets are sure to become a household favorite.
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