Welcome back to Homely Recipes! Today, we’re sharing one of the most versatile and loved chicken recipes: chicken cutlets. Whether you’re looking for breaded chicken recipes, ideas for using thin sliced chicken breast recipes, or tips on how to bread chicken cutlets, this article has you covered.
Chicken cutlets are perfect for quick weeknight meals, sandwiches, or even as a snack. This guide will show you how to create crispy, flavorful chicken cutlets that will become a staple in your kitchen.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to prepare and cook classic chicken cutlets
- How to bread chicken cutlets for a perfect crispy coating
- Various recipes using thin sliced chicken breasts
- Creative ways to serve breaded chicken cutlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Cutlets
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing thin sliced chicken breasts. You can either buy pre-sliced chicken cutlets or make them yourself by slicing a whole chicken breast horizontally. Each piece should be about 1/4 inch thick, making them ideal for fast cooking and even breading.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season your chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. For added flavor, you can also sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
Step 3: How to Bread Chicken Cutlets
Breading chicken is a three-step process, which will give you the perfect crispy crust:
- Flour: Coat each chicken cutlet in a thin layer of all-purpose flour. This helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better to the chicken.
- Egg Wash: Dip each floured cutlet into the beaten eggs. Ensure both sides are evenly coated.
- Breadcrumbs: Finally, dredge the cutlets in breadcrumbs. You can use Panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs for a smoother texture. For an extra flavor boost, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs.
Cooking the Chicken Cutlets
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to give your cutlets a nice golden-brown crust without burning.
Step 5: Cook the Cutlets
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken cutlets to the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Thin sliced chicken breast cooks quickly, so make sure you don’t overcook them to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve
After cooking, place the cutlets on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve your chicken cutlets with lemon wedges, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Breaded Chicken Recipes
- Make sure to season each layer: add seasoning to the flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs. This ensures that each layer adds flavor to your chicken cutlets.
- Panko for extra crunch: For extra crispy chicken cutlets, use Panko breadcrumbs. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and result in a crispier texture.
- Use thin sliced chicken breasts: Thinly slicing the chicken allows it to cook evenly and quickly, ensuring tender, juicy cutlets.
Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Recipes
The versatility of thin sliced chicken breast recipes means you can create a variety of dishes beyond the classic cutlet. Here are a few creative ways to use breaded chicken cutlets:
- Chicken Parmesan: Layer your breaded chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
- Chicken Milanese: Serve your crispy chicken cutlets on a bed of fresh arugula with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette for a light and flavorful meal.
- Chicken Sandwiches: Use your breaded chicken cutlets as the base for a sandwich. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal.
How to Bread Chicken Cutlets Like a Pro
Breading chicken cutlets is easy, but there are a few tips that can make your cutlets restaurant-quality every time:
- Use a dry hand/wet hand method: When breading, use one hand for the dry ingredients (flour and breadcrumbs) and the other hand for the wet ingredients (egg wash). This keeps your hands from becoming a sticky mess.
- Press the breadcrumbs: After coating the chicken in breadcrumbs, gently press them into the cutlet. This ensures a thicker, more even crust that sticks during cooking.
- Chill before frying: If you have time, refrigerate your breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying. This helps the breading set, which can prevent it from falling off during cooking.
Variations on Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Breaded chicken cutlets can be customized with different seasoning and breadcrumb mixtures to match any flavor profile:
- Italian-style: Add Italian seasoning and Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Herb-crusted: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your flour for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Cutlet Recipes
Whether you’re making classic chicken cutlets for a weeknight dinner, experimenting with different breaded chicken recipes, or looking for ideas on how to use thin sliced chicken breast recipes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By mastering the art of how to bread chicken cutlets, you’ll have a versatile recipe that can be adapted to any flavor or occasion.