Italian Chicken Cutlets
Learn how to make Italian Chicken Cutlets that are crispy on the outside and tender inside with an easy and quick recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these cutlets feature a flavorful herbed breadcrumb coating and can be fried or baked to your liking.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Coating
- 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (seasoned lightly with salt and pepper)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat and slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets about 1/4 inch thick. If needed, place the chicken between parchment paper and lightly pound with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness and uniform cooking.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder to streamline the breading process.
- Bread the Cutlets: Coat each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs making sure it’s fully coated but not dripping, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to cover both sides evenly for maximum crunch.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded cutlets in the hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding to keep them crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove cutlets and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure even thickness by pounding chicken for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Keep eggs and breadcrumbs chilled for better coating adherence.
- Maintain medium heat when frying to cook cutlets through without burning the crust.
- Let cutlets rest a minute after frying to keep them juicy inside.
- For extra crunch, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Italian Chicken Cutlets, crispy chicken, breaded chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner