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Italian Chicken Cutlets

Italian Chicken Cutlets
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Italian Chicken Cutlets are tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden, seasoned breadcrumb crust. This flavorful and quick-to-prepare recipe uses simple pantry staples for a versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Crispy on the outside and moist inside, these cutlets bring a taste of Italy to your table and can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • Chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick)

Breading

  • Flour, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper (about 1 cup)
  • Eggs, beaten (2 large)
  • Breadcrumbs, Italian seasoned or plain (1 1/2 cups)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
  • Garlic powder (1 tsp)
  • Dried herbs (oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning blend) (1 tsp)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking

  • Olive oil or vegetable oil, for shallow frying (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim and slice the chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets approximately 1/4 inch thick. Pound the cutlets gently if necessary to achieve uniform thickness, ensuring quick and even cooking.
  2. Set Up the Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with lightly seasoned flour (salt and pepper), second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere a solid crust.
  4. Cook the Cutlets: Heat a generous amount of olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
  5. Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot for the best crispy texture and juicy flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure uniform thickness by pounding chicken cutlets to cook quickly and prevent dryness.
  • Use fresh or homemade breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for perfect frying results.
  • Allow cutlets to rest briefly after frying to lock in juices and crisp the coating.
  • Season each breading layer (flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs) for deeper flavor.
  • Variations: use gluten-free breadcrumbs, add fresh herbs, spice with red pepper flakes, add lemon zest, or stuff with cheese for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian chicken cutlets, crispy chicken, breaded chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken cutlets, Italian dinner, fried chicken cutlets

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/italian-chicken-cutlets/