Breaded chicken cutlets are a classic comfort food favorite-crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. If you’ve ever wondered how to bread chicken cutlets perfectly every time, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through the easy steps to achieve that golden, crunchy coating, with tips and tricks to make your chicken cutlets stand out.
What Are Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are thin slices of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Usually, a thicker chicken breast is sliced horizontally and then pounded to an even thickness, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, avoiding dry or undercooked spots.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or whole to be cut)
– All-purpose flour
– Eggs
– Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain; panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
– Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
– Salt and pepper
– Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)
– Optional: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh parsley, lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Guide to Bread Chicken Cutlets
1. Prep Your Chicken Cutlets
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally if they aren’t pre-cut. Then, place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them evenly to about ¼ inch thick using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick better and prevents sogginess.
2. Season the Chicken
Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station
Create three shallow dishes or bowls for the breading process:
– Flour: All-purpose flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper.
– Egg wash: Beat 2-3 eggs until smooth.
– Breadcrumb mixture: Combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and any additional seasonings like Italian herbs or garlic powder.
Seasoning each layer is key to flavorful cutlets.
4. Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Work one piece at a time:
– Dredge the cutlet in the flour, coating both sides and shaking off excess.
– Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
– Press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Pressing helps the crumbs stick well.
Place the breaded cutlets on a plate or tray and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the breading adhere better during frying.
5. Fry the Cutlets
Heat about ½ inch to 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a few breadcrumbs in-it should sizzle immediately.
Add the cutlets in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove the cutlets and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Using a wire rack helps keep the crust crispy by allowing air circulation.
Tips for the Best Breaded Chicken Cutlets
– Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
– Pat chicken dry before breading to avoid soggy coating.
– Season every layer-flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs-for maximum flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; this keeps the oil temperature steady and prevents sogginess.
– Let cutlets rest after breading for better adhesion.
– Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even thickness.
– Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels for crispier results.
What to Serve with Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Breaded chicken cutlets are versatile and pair well with many dishes:
– Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.
– Top with marinara sauce and melted cheese for chicken Parmesan.
– Slice and add to salads or sandwiches.
– Pair with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Summary
Breaded chicken cutlets are easy to make and a delicious addition to any meal. With simple ingredients and a few key steps-pounding the chicken, seasoning well, setting up a proper breading station, and frying at the right temperature-you’ll get crispy, juicy cutlets every time. Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken cutlets as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Perfectly breaded chicken cutlets are just a few steps away-happy cooking!