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Golden crispy breaded chicken cutlets garnished with parsley and lemon wedges on a white plate.
Linda

Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Crispy, golden chicken cutlets with a shattering breadcrumb crust and juicy interior - the weeknight dinner that beats takeout every time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3 large, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Breading
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
For Frying
  • 0.5 cup neutral oil vegetable or canola, plus more as needed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for flavor and browning
  • 1 lemon wedges for serving, optional

Equipment

  • Large heavy skillet or cast iron pan
  • Three shallow bowls or pie plates
  • Instant-Read Thermometer
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Tongs or thin spatula

Method
 

Prep the Chicken
  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan. This ensures even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, then season both sides with 3/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Let sit at room temperature while you set up the breading station.
  2. In a shallow bowl, spread the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. In a third bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well with your fingers so the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed.
  3. Working with one piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess. Dip in beaten egg, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Press firmly into the panko mixture, turning and pressing until evenly coated. Place breaded cutlets on a wire rack or large plate. Do not stack.
Fry the cutlets
  1. Heat oil and butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and a breadcrumb sizzles immediately when dropped in, about 350 degrees F. The butter adds flavor and helps browning, but the oil prevents burning.
  2. Add 2 cutlets to the pan without crowding. Cook until deep golden brown on the first side, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip carefully with tongs or a thin spatula and cook until the second side is equally golden and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Repeat with remaining cutlets, adding more oil if the pan looks dry.
  3. Let cutlets rest for 2 minutes before serving - this keeps the crust crisp and the juices inside. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

For extra-crispy cutlets, toast the panko in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden before mixing with the cheese. This step prevents soggy breading. If making ahead, keep finished cutlets warm on a wire rack in a 250 degree F oven for up to 30 minutes - never cover or stack them or the crust will steam and soften. These are perfect over a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or tucked into a crusty roll with marinara and melted mozzarella for a chicken parm sandwich.