Chicken cutlets are a versatile and delicious option for any meal, whether youโre cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this comprehensive guide, weโll dive into the best chicken cutlet recipes, share expert tips for achieving crispy, juicy cutlets, and answer all your frequently asked questions about this classic dish.
What You Will Learn:
- How to prepare the perfect chicken cutlet from scratch.
- 10 variations of chicken cutlet recipes that will suit any palate.
- Pro tips for breading and frying to achieve restaurant-quality results.
- FAQs about chicken cutlets and troubleshooting common issues.
1. Classic Chicken Cutlet
The classic chicken cutlet is a staple in many households. Itโs simple, crispy, and pairs well with a variety of sides. Hereโs how to make the perfect classic chicken cutlet.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishesโone with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the chicken cutlets hot with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, salad, or steamed vegetables.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken Cutlet
For a fresh twist on the classic, try this lemon herb chicken cutlet recipe. The addition of lemon zest and fresh herbs brightens up the flavors, making it perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Follow the same steps as in the classic chicken cutlet recipe to prepare the chicken breasts.
- Enhance the Breading: In the breadcrumb mixture, add the lemon zest, parsley, and thyme. This will infuse the chicken with a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Bread and Fry: Proceed with breading and frying the chicken cutlets as described in the classic recipe.
- Serve: Serve the lemon herb chicken cutlets with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
3. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlet
If youโre a fan of Parmesan, this recipe is for you. The Parmesan crust adds an extra layer of flavor and crispiness to the chicken cutlets.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts as in the classic recipe. Season with salt and pepper.
- Create the Parmesan Breading: In the breadcrumb mixture, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Bread and Fry: Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Fry until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and pasta for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
4. Spicy Chicken Cutlet
For those who like a little heat, this spicy chicken cutlet recipe is sure to satisfy. The addition of cayenne pepper and hot sauce gives these cutlets a nice kick.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts, then season with salt and pepper.
- Spice Up the Breading: In the breadcrumb mixture, add the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. Mix the hot sauce with the beaten eggs.
- Bread and Fry: Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in the spicy egg mixture, and coat with the spiced breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the spicy chicken cutlets with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese, and a side of coleslaw.
5. Gluten-Free Chicken Cutlet
For those with gluten sensitivities, this gluten-free chicken cutlet recipe uses almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a delicious alternative.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: As with the other recipes, slice and pound the chicken breasts, then season with salt and pepper.
- Gluten-Free Breading: Use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour, and gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
- Bread and Fry: Dredge the chicken in almond flour, dip in egg, and coat with the gluten-free breadcrumb mixture. Fry until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the gluten-free chicken cutlets with a side of quinoa or a fresh salad.
6. Oven-Baked Chicken Cutlet
For a healthier option, try this oven-baked chicken cutlet recipe. Itโs less greasy than the fried versions but still deliciously crispy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper.
- Breading: Bread the chicken using the same method as the classic chicken cutlet recipe.
- Bake Instead of Frying: Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the oven-baked chicken cutlets with a side of roasted vegetables or a light pasta salad.
7. Chicken Cutlet Parmesan
This recipe takes the classic chicken cutlet and turns it into a comforting Chicken Parmesan dish. Itโs perfect for when youโre craving something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper.
- Breading: Bread the chicken using the same method as the classic chicken cutlet recipe.
- Fry and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Fry the chicken cutlets until golden brown, then transfer them to a baking dish. Top each cutlet with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta or a side salad.
8. Panko Crusted Chicken Cutlet
Panko breadcrumbs add an extra layer of crunch to these chicken cutlets,
making them incredibly crispy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper.
- Panko Breading: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating.
- Bread and Fry: Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Fry until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the panko crusted chicken cutlets with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or a side of potato wedges.
9. Air-Fryer Chicken Cutlet
If youโre looking for a healthier cooking method, the air fryer is a great option. These chicken cutlets come out crispy without the need for a lot of oil.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper.
- Breading: Bread the chicken using the same method as the classic chicken cutlet recipe.
- Air-Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Spray the basket with olive oil, place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer, and lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Air-fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the air-fryer chicken cutlets with a side of steamed vegetables or a quinoa salad.
10. Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese is an Italian classic thatโs similar to a chicken cutlet but typically served with a light salad on top. Itโs a fresh and elegant way to enjoy chicken cutlets.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for serving
- Balsamic vinegar for dressing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice and pound the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper.
- Breading: Bread the chicken using the same method as the classic chicken cutlet recipe.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken cutlets until golden brown, then set aside.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the salad on top of the chicken cutlets and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
- Serve: Serve the chicken Milanese immediately for a crisp, refreshing meal.
Equipment
- ๐ช Meat mallet
- ๐ณ Large skillet
- ๐ Paper towels
- ๐ฅฃ Shallow dishes for breading
- ๐ฅ Tongs
- ๐ก๏ธ Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- For the cutlets:
- 3 ๐ chicken breasts halved horizontally
- 3 ๐ฅ large eggs beaten
- 2 cups ๐พ Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ยฝ cup ๐ง grated Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ cup ๐พ all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ๐ง salt
- ยฝ tsp ๐ถ๏ธ black pepper
- 1 tsp ๐ง garlic powder
- ๐ข๏ธ Vegetable oil for frying
- ๐ Lemon wedges for serving
- ๐ฟ Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken between plastic wrap.
- Pound to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Breading Station:
- Dish 1: Flour seasoned with salt & pepper
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan & garlic powder
- Cooking:
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge chicken in flour.
- Dip in egg wash.
- Coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain on paper towels.
Notes
โ Can I bake instead? Yes, 400ยฐF for 20-25 minutes
โ Can I use chicken tenders? Yes, reduce cooking time
โ Make ahead? Best fresh, but can reheat
โ Air fryer? 370ยฐF for 12-14 minutes
Nutrition
FAQs About Chicken Cutlets
If your chicken cutlet isnโt crispy, it could be due to the oil not being hot enough or overcrowding the pan. Make sure to fry the chicken in batches and use oil that is hot enough to sizzle when the chicken is added.
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly, preventing dry spots. Additionally, donโt overcook the chicken; fry it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze the breaded cutlets and fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Chicken cutlets pair well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, salads, or rice pilaf.
To reheat chicken cutlets and maintain their crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy.