Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a crispy, golden masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! These perfectly breaded chicken cutlets are not just a meal, but a culinary experience that combines classic Italian flavors with irresistible crunch. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or someone craving a restaurant-style dish without leaving your kitchen, this recipe is your ticket to mouthwatering perfection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Prepare three shallow dishes for breading station: - First dish: Mix flour with salt and pepper - Second dish: Whisk eggs until well combined - Third dish: Combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder and Italian seasoning
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps breading adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat chicken thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage and maximum crispiness.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke (approximately 350-375°F).
- Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, marinara sauce, or your preferred side dishes like pasta or salad.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure your oil is between 350-375°F for the ultimate crispy exterior without burning.
- Pat chicken dry thoroughly - moisture is the enemy of a crisp breading!
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook cutlets in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature.
- Let the cutlets rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs when possible for the crispiest coating.
- If you want to make ahead, you can bread the cutlets in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
