The satisfying sound of chicken cutlets crackling in a hot skillet is music to anyone’s ears. This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets recipe brings a delightful crunch with every bite, making it a favorite at family dinners or casual weeknight meals. With its golden-brown exterior and a burst of cheesy flavor, it’s no surprise that this dish is often requested by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta or a simple salad, it’s a crowd-pleaser that ticks all the boxes for a quick and delicious meal.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s so much to adore about Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets. For starters, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for any night of the week. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a relaxed Sunday dinner, this dish shines.
But what really sets it apart is its simplicity and deliciousness combined. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that feels both special and comforting. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it ideal for families. Plus, the crispy texture is simply irresistible.
"I made these chicken cutlets for my family last night, and they couldn’t stop raving about them! Perfectly crispy and so flavorful.” — Sarah K.
The cooking process explained
Ready to whip up some magic in the kitchen? Here’s a quick overview to guide you through making these delightful chicken cutlets. You’ll start by seasoning the chicken and then expertly dredging it in flour, egg, and a savory breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Finally, pan-frying brings out that signature crunch. It’s simple, satisfying, and the end result is downright delicious.
Gather these items
Here’s what you will need for this recipe:
- 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey cutlets or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a twist that suits your dietary needs.
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you’ll prepare your Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets:
- Season the chicken. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides generously.
- Dredge in flour. Coat each side of the chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Prepare the egg wash. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until fully combined.
- Coat with egg. Dip the floured chicken cutlets into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated.
- Breadcrumb mixture. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Final dredge. Press the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until each cutlet is well-covered.
- Pan-fry. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and fry until crispy and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes each side.
- Drain and serve. Allow the cutlets to drain briefly on paper towels before serving with lemon wedges or on top of a bed of pasta.
{image_2}
Best ways to enjoy it
Now that your Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets are ready, it’s time to think about how to serve them up! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevates the flavors, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan. Pair them with pasta tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs for a classic Italian dinner, or serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a lighter touch. For a heartier option, consider plating with creamy mashed potatoes or a vibrant salad.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with leftover cutlets, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispy texture, try to reheat them in an oven at 350°F until heated through, rather than in the microwave, which can make them soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure your chicken cutlets come out perfectly every time, here are some chef-approved tips:
- Pound uniformly: Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure they cook through at the same rate.
- Maintain oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Let them rest: Allow the cutlets to rest for a minute or two after frying. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite.
Flavor swaps
Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative twists you can try:
- Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor kick.
- Spicy kick: Combine some red pepper flakes with the breadcrumbs for a spicy version of the classic dish.
- Cheese variety: Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino or add a mix of cheeses for a unique taste.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets?
You should plan for about 15-20 minutes of preparation, with an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking.Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield a juicier and more flavorful result. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.What are the best side dishes to serve with this meal?
Consider classic Italian sides like garlic bread, Caesar salad, or even a simple arugula salad to balance the richness of the cutlets.
With Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets, you’ll not only have a delicious meal on the table, but you’ll also create a memorable dining experience at home. Happy cooking!
Print
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
Delightfully crunchy chicken cutlets coated in a Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, perfect for family dinners or casual meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and water for the egg wash.
- Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture to coat.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Press the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until well-covered.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken cutlets until crispy and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges or over pasta.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: chicken cutlets, crispy chicken, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner, Italian cuisine
