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Easy Chicken Cutlets Recipe

4.3 from 89 reviews

These easy chicken cutlets are a quick and delicious meal featuring tender, breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection. Coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, they offer a crispy exterior and juicy interior—perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Oil for frying

  • ½ cup vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. If needed, gently pound them to about ¼ inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
  2. Set up dredging stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—one with the all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until it is well coated on all sides.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot enough for frying.
  5. Fry the cutlets: Cook the breaded cutlets in batches for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through internally.
  6. Drain and garnish: Remove the fried cutlets from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, consider double-dipping the cutlets by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coats.
  • Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Leftover cutlets can be reheated in a toaster oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: chicken cutlets, fried chicken, breaded chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner