Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! These crispy chicken cutlets are not just another boring chicken recipe - they're a perfect blend of crunchy, golden-brown perfection topped with a tangy, creamy artichoke dressing that elevates the entire dish from simple to sensational. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and gently pounding them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined, adding a small pinch of salt.
- Drain the artichoke hearts and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop them finely and mix with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the artichoke dressing.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep).
- Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes, then plate and generously top with the prepared artichoke dressing.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Pounding the chicken evenly is crucial for uniform cooking - aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness to ensure each bite is perfectly crisp and juicy.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible, as they create a crunchier coating than pre-packaged versions.
- Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) before adding chicken to prevent soggy breading and achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internally for food safety without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and maintain that irresistible crispy exterior.
- The artichoke dressing can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making meal prep even easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 160mg
