Introduction
Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlet are a staple in Italian cuisine, combining the delightful crunch of breaded chicken with juicy, tender meat. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in various ways, from a simple dinner to a hearty cutlet sandwich, or even as a topping for salads. Follow this detailed guide to learn how to make the perfect Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets at home. We’ll cover everything from the basics to advanced tips for this recipe.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Homemade Breadcrumbs or Panko: Use fresh breadcrumbs for superior texture.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely minced or grated.
- Fresh Italian Flat Leaf Parsley: ¼ cup, finely chopped.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon.
- Cheese: ¾ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs.
- Flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour.
- Chicken Cutlets: 4 large chicken breasts, sliced and pounded to ½ inch thickness.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
- Olive Oil: For frying the cutlets.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Breading Station
a. Breadcrumb Mixture
In a medium shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the garlic and seasonings are evenly distributed.
b. Egg Mixture
In another medium shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs with ½ cup of the grated cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
c. Flour Mixture
Pour the flour into a shallow bowl or plate. Season with salt and pepper, and mix to combine.
2. Preparation
a. Slice and Pound
Take each chicken breast and slice it into thirds, starting at the thickest side. Pound each piece to a ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.
b. Season the Chicken
Generously season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. For quicker seasoning, stack the chicken pieces on top of each other, seasoning one side at a time.
3. Bread the Chicken
Set up your breading station with the chicken on the far left, followed by the flour mixture, the egg mixture, the breadcrumb mixture, and finally a plate or pan to hold the breaded chicken.
a. Dip in Flour
Dip each chicken piece into the flour, coating all sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour before moving to the next step.
b. Dip in Egg
Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
c. Coat in Breadcrumbs
Finally, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken down and move it around to ensure a thorough and even coating of breadcrumbs.
4. Pan Fry the Cutlets
a. Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb dropped into it sizzles immediately.
b. Cook the Chicken
Carefully place 1-3 chicken cutlets in the pan, depending on the size of your skillet. Cook each cutlet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
c. Drain the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken cutlets from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve the Chicken Cutlets
Serve the crispy chicken cutlets immediately for the best texture and flavor. If needed, keep them warm in a 250°F oven for up to an hour before serving.
Tips for Success
Let it Sit
After breading the chicken, let it sit for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better to the chicken.
Avoid Overcrowding
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This ensures the oil temperature stays consistent and the cutlets cook evenly. Fry 1-2 cutlets at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
Use a Fork
Use a fork to handle the chicken during breading and frying. It’s easier than using tongs and helps prevent the breading from falling off.
Proper Draining
Drain the fried chicken cutlets on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps them crispier by allowing air to circulate around them.
Serving Suggestions
Hot and Crispy
Serve the cutlets hot and crispy with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zest.
Delicious Sandwiches
For a hearty sandwich, layer the cutlets on an Italian roll with sharp provolone cheese, roasted Italian long hots, and sautéed broccoli rabe.
Salad Topping
Add sliced cutlets to salads like warm spinach or kale Caesar for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Enjoy Leftovers
Enjoy leftover cutlets cold, straight out of the refrigerator. They make a great quick snack or addition to a cold pasta salad.
How to Make Chicken Cutlets in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the chicken cutlets as described above, up to the point of frying.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the basket, making sure they do not overlap.
- Spray the top of the cutlets with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
How to Bake Chicken Cutlets
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the chicken cutlets as described above, up to the point of frying.
- Place the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the cutlets with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chicken Cutlet?
A chicken cutlet is a thinly sliced piece of chicken breast, pounded to an even thickness for quick and even cooking. It’s commonly breaded and fried for a crispy exterior.
How to Cook Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets can be cooked in various ways, including frying, baking, and air frying. Each method produces delicious results with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
How Long to Bake Chicken Cutlets?
Baked chicken cutlets typically take 15-20 minutes to cook at 400°F, depending on their thickness. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
How Long to Fry Chicken Cutlets?
When pan-frying, chicken cutlets usually take about 3-4 minutes per side to cook through and achieve a golden brown color.
What Are Chicken Cutlets Bra?
In some contexts, “chicken cutlets bra” refers to silicone or fabric inserts worn in bras to enhance breast shape. However, in culinary terms, it always refers to breaded and cooked chicken breast pieces.
Tips and Techniques for Perfect Results Every Time
Making Crispy Italian Breaded Cutlets at home is easy and rewarding. With simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can enjoy this classic dish any night of the week. Whether served hot and crispy, in a sandwich, or atop a salad, these cutlets are sure to be a hit. Remember to let the breading set, avoid overcrowding the pan, and use a fork for the best results. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets!
By following this recipe and incorporating the provided tips, you’ll master the art of making chicken cutlets in no time. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air fry your cutlets, they will turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.
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