Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets
These Italian breaded chicken cutlets are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. They are coated with seasoned homemade breadcrumbs and pan-fried to perfection.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 3 cups homemade breadcrumbs or panko
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian flat leaf parsley, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 ¼ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, divided
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- extra virgin olive oil for frying
Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Tools and Equipment
- Meat Mallet
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 cups | homemade breadcrumbs or panko | if homemade, unseasoned panko is preferred | |
| 3 cloves | garlic | finely minced | |
| 2 tablespoons | fresh Italian flat leaf parsley | finely minced | |
| ½ teaspoon | dried Italian seasoning | optional | |
| 1 ¼ cup, divided | finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese | use good quality cheese | |
| 3 | large eggs | ||
| 1 cup | all-purpose flour | ||
| 2 lbs | boneless skinless chicken breasts | thinly sliced | |
| for frying | extra virgin olive oil | ||
| to taste | kosher salt | ||
| to taste | freshly ground black pepper |
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and ¾ cup cheese to a medium shallow bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix together. (Tips: Use your fingers to evenly distribute the garlic into the breadcrumbs.)
- Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with ½ cup cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1 tablespoon water until combined.
- Step 3: Pour the flour into another shallow bowl or plate, season with salt and pepper, and mix to combine.
- Step 4: Thinly slice and pound out chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick under plastic wrap.
- Step 5: Season each side of chicken with salt and pepper. (Tips: Stacking seasoned pieces helps transfer seasoning to both sides efficiently.)
- Step 6: Set up a breading station: chicken on the left, then flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and a landing plate or pan.
- Step 7: Dip chicken in flour, tapping off excess, then egg, letting excess drip off, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing to coat evenly.
- Step 8: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown on each side, then drain on a rack or paper towels. (Tips: Do not overcrowd the pan.)
- Step 9: Serve immediately or keep warm in a 250°F oven for up to 1 hour before serving.
Additional Information
Notes: Use a fork for breading and flipping to make it easier. Leftover breadcrumbs can be frozen for future use.