Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Italian Chicken Cutlets! Whether you choose to pan-fry them to crispy perfection or bake them for a healthier twist, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can whip up a meal that’s bursting with flavor in under 35 minutes. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Place the flour in a shallow dish, beat the eggs in another shallow dish, and combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third shallow dish.
- Take each chicken breast and place it between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is about 1/2 inch thick. This will help the chicken cook evenly and become tender.
- Once all the chicken breasts are pounded, season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- If you are pan-frying, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle), carefully place the coated chicken cutlets in the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Cook the chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- If you prefer to bake the chicken cutlets, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Place the coated chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with olive oil spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top for added crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Flip the cutlets halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken cutlets from the skillet or oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad, pasta, or marinara sauce.
Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: For the most tender cutlets, ensure that you pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents dryness.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning! A good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken will elevate the flavors. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices for a personalized touch.
- Oil Temperature Matters: When pan-frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good test is to drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy cutlets instead of crispy ones.
- Bake for a Healthier Option: If you prefer baking, ensure to spray or drizzle olive oil on top of the cutlets before baking for that extra crunch. Remember to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, allow the cutlets to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite.
- Serve with Style: Pair your chicken cutlets with a fresh salad, pasta, or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a lovely finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
