Why Crispy Chicken Cutlets are Special to Me
Crispy Chicken Cutlets have always been a family favorite, making appearances at dinner tables during both casual evenings and special gatherings. I remember watching my mom prepare them, the sound of the breading hitting the hot oil, and the smell filling the house. It was always such a treat when we had these for dinner, and they were the star of many of our family meals.
The best part of these cutlets, for me, is their versatility. They can be dressed up with a squeeze of lemon, smothered in gravy, or served simply with a side of your favorite veggies. No matter how they’re served, they always bring a sense of home and warmth. It’s a dish that can turn a regular meal into something memorable, and I’ll always associate crispy chicken cutlets with family gatherings, comfort, and love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cutlets:4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Fresh lemon wedges
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Marinara sauce (if serving as a chicken parmesan)
Cooking Tools / Utensils Needed
Meat mallet or rolling pin (to flatten chicken)
Shallow bowls or plates (for breading station)
Large skillet or frying pan
Tongs or spatula
Paper towels (for draining)
Knife and cutting board
Cooling rack (optional)
The Crispy Chicken Cutlets Making Process
1. Prepare the ChickenPlace the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that the cutlets cook evenly.
2. Season the ChickenSeason the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat before breading.
3. Set Up the Breading StationIn a shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
4. Bread the ChickenDredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides evenly. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to both sides. Repeat for each chicken breast.
5. Fry the ChickenHeat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of bread should sizzle when dropped in), carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken carefully to avoid the breading falling off.
6. Drain the ChickenOnce cooked, transfer the crispy chicken cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. If you have a cooling rack, place it on top of the paper towels to help the cutlets stay crispier.
7. Serve and GarnishServe the crispy chicken cutlets hot, with lemon wedges for squeezing, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. If you’re making chicken Parmesan, spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and top with melted mozzarella cheese.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 400
Protein: 38g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g (Note: The nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Cutlets are an incredibly satisfying dish that is both simple to prepare and always delicious. The combination of a crispy, golden coating and juicy chicken on the inside makes for the perfect bite every time. Whether served with a side of mashed potatoes, on top of a salad, or as part of a sandwich, these cutlets are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
What I love most about crispy chicken cutlets is their versatility and the joy of making them from scratch. They bring a sense of comfort, and each bite reminds me of family meals and special moments shared around the dinner table. If you’ve never made crispy chicken cutlets before, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s easy, comforting, and always a crowd favorite.
Enjoy!
