Description
Italian Chicken Cutlets are thinly sliced chicken breasts breaded with a flavorful mixture of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, then pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. This quick and easy recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken cutlets with a crunchy crust, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a comforting meal paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Frying
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets by butterflying or pounding them evenly with a meat mallet. This ensures the cutlets cook quickly and uniformly.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (flour mixed with salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the Cutlets: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess flour. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the breaded cutlets in the skillet in batches, careful not to overcrowd. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the cutlets and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cutlets immediately while they are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or basil and pair with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and achieve crispiness.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the breading.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
