Crispy Chicken Cutlets

If you’re looking for a dish that can turn any meal into a special occasion, then these Crispy Chicken Cutlets are just what you need! This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to cozy gatherings. The golden, crunchy exterior paired with juicy chicken makes each bite delightful. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up even on the most hectic days!

What I love most about these cutlets is their versatility. You can serve them with a fresh salad for a light dinner or alongside some mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, they’re sure to bring smiles around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves crispy chicken, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These cutlets can be made ahead and stored for quick lunches or dinners.
• Flavor Packed: The seasoned breadcrumb coating adds an amazing crunch and flavor with every bite.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll find that all the ingredients are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create those mouth-watering Crispy Chicken Cutlets we all adore!

• 2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup light oil, like light olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Change the Cheese: Use mozzarella or asiago instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spices: Mix in some Italian herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
• Make it Zesty: Swap out regular hot sauce for a zesty sriracha or even add some lemon zest for brightness.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Cutlets

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts and patting them dry. This step is key because it helps the coating stick better! Set your prepared chicken aside while you get your assembly line ready.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In three shallow bowls, whisk together your flour mixed with seasoned salt in one bowl, eggs mixed with water and hot sauce in another, and finally combine panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese in the third. Having everything neatly organized will make breading each cutlet super easy!

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Now comes the fun part! Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the flour mixture, coating it well. Then move it to the egg mixture—just let any excess drip off before placing it in the panko mixture. Press down gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well. Line them up on a plate as you repeat this process until all your chicken is ready.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in your light oil until it reaches about 350°F. A good way to test if it’s ready is by dipping the back of a wooden spoon into the oil; if bubbles form right away, you’re set!

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Carefully place your breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil for about 2 – 3 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; I recommend frying just two at a time so they cook evenly without getting soggy.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Once golden brown and crispy on both sides, transfer your cooked cutlets onto a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep them nice and crisp as you finish frying up the rest.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Enjoy these deliciously crispy chicken cutlets warm straight from the pan! They are fantastic on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauces.

These Crispy Chicken Cutlets are sure to become a staple at your dinner table—happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Chicken Cutlets

Making the perfect crispy chicken cutlets is easy with just a few helpful tips!

• Choose the right oil: Using light olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil ensures that your cutlets fry up crispy without overpowering their flavor. Each of these oils has a high smoke point, which is ideal for frying.
• Keep it dry: Patting the chicken breasts dry before breading helps the coating stick better and prevents any steaming during frying. This results in an extra crispy texture!
• Don’t skip the panko: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. They absorb less oil while frying, giving you that perfect golden crust.
• Maintain the right temperature: Keeping your oil at 350°F is crucial for achieving crispy cutlets. If it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside; if it’s too cool, they will absorb more oil and become greasy.
• Let them rest: After frying, let the cutlets sit on paper towels for a minute or two before serving. This allows excess oil to drain off, ensuring they stay crispy when served.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Cutlets

Crispy chicken cutlets are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cutlets.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the dish and enhances all those savory flavors. Plus, it adds a delightful zesty contrast!
• Sriracha drizzle: For those who love a bit of spice, a light drizzle of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce can add an exciting kick.

Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs beautifully with crispy chicken.
• Steamed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with a little olive oil and seasoning add a healthy touch and vibrant color to your plate.
• Classic coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing balances out the richness of fried chicken and brings in some refreshing crunch.
• Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing makes for an elegant side that complements the chicken perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your crispy chicken cutlets are sure to impress! Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering or cozy dinner at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Crispy Chicken Cutlets is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make these cutlets ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or even freeze them for later. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken cutlets to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the chicken cutlets are fully cooled.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cutlets to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Crispy Chicken Cutlets.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Crispy Chicken Cutlets?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just fine. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results.

How do I make my Crispy Chicken Cutlets extra crispy?

For extra crunch, consider double breading your cutlets by dipping them twice into the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures. This creates an even thicker coating!

Can I bake Crispy Chicken Cutlets instead of frying them?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and spray with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sides pair well with Crispy Chicken Cutlets?

These cutlets are versatile! They pair beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Crispy Chicken Cutlets brings joy and satisfaction to your dining table! The crunchy exterior paired with tender chicken makes it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy making this dish as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations. Happy cooking!