Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy italian breaded chicken cutlets offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tender meat gets coated in a golden, crunchy layer of seasoned breadcrumbs.

Kitchens come alive with the sizzling sound of perfectly prepared poultry.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that signals culinary success.

Gather your ingredients and let’s create something deliciously memorable.

Why Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets Are So Crispy And Satisfying

• Crunch into Flavor: These chicken cutlets deliver an irresistible crispy exterior that provides a satisfying texture with every bite, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for all ages.
• Customize with Ease: The versatile breading technique allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting home cooks personalize the recipe with different herbs, spices, or cheese variations.
• Master Cooking Techniques: This recipe teaches fundamental culinary skills like breading, pan-searing, and oven-finishing, helping home cooks build confidence in their kitchen abilities.
• Balanced Meal Solution: Packed with protein and featuring a light, crispy coating, these chicken cutlets serve as a nutritious main course that pairs perfectly with various sides like salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

Everything You Need For Breaded Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that forms the base of this classic Italian-style dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy and flavorful exterior coating for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and seasoning to the breading mixture.

• Eggs: Act as a sticky binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Provides a golden brown color and helps crisp up the chicken during initial skillet cooking.

How To Make Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for the final cooking stage.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• Crunchy breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Smoky paprika
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

Mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and look like a delicious, seasoned blend.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken for Breading

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them until smooth and well-blended. Dunk each chicken breast into the egg wash, making sure every inch gets a golden egg coating.

Step 4: Create Crispy Exterior

Roll the egg-covered chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick firmly to the meat. Ensure the entire surface is evenly covered with the crunchy mixture.

Step 5: Sizzle in the Skillet

Pour olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium flame. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until a gorgeous golden-brown color develops.

Step 6: Finish in the Oven

Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a baking dish. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Chicken is perfectly done when the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Plate your crispy, golden chicken cutlets and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal.

Tips For Crispy And Tender Chicken Cutlets

• Opt for panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating that provides a delightful crunch.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before breading to help the coating adhere better and create a more even layer.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F without overcooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken sandwich or slice and add to salads for a protein-packed meal.

Tasty Ways To Change Up Chicken Cutlets

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with a mixture of crushed herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Chicken: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne to the breadcrumb mix, then top with pepper jack cheese before baking for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Almond Chicken: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with ground almond meal and add nutritional yeast for a crispy, nutty coating that's gluten-free and protein-rich.
• Panko Japanese-Style Chicken: Use Japanese panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy and light exterior that provides a delicate crunch.

What Goes Well With Chicken Cutlets

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Serve a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the golden, crispy chicken with its light, refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the breaded coating.
• Match with Zesty Mediterranean Salad: Create a bright side of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's savory breading and add fresh, tangy notes.
• Serve with Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Prepare rosemary and garlic roasted baby potatoes that provide a complementary earthy flavor and crispy texture, enhancing the chicken's golden-brown exterior.

How To Store Breaded Chicken Cutlets After Cooking

• Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cutlets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place cutlets on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, using 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

FAQs About Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). When the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, it’s fully cooked.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use panko, Italian-style, or homemade breadcrumbs. Each type will give a slightly different texture to the chicken cutlets.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with another hard cheese like Romano, or use additional breadcrumbs. The cheese adds flavor and helps create a crispy coating.

• How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Pat the chicken dry before coating, use fresh breadcrumbs, and ensure the oil is hot enough when pan-frying. This helps create a crisp, golden exterior.

Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Italian breaded chicken cutlets bring Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables, offering a perfect golden crunch. Delicate, tender chicken wrapped in seasoned breadcrumbs promises comfort and flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Breading:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Liquid:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow container, mixing thoroughly to create an even seasoned coating.
2. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
3. Gently dredge each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Carefully roll the egg-coated chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and even coverage.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
6. Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into the hot skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust forms.
7. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) while chicken is browning.
8. Transfer lightly browned chicken cutlets to a prepared baking dish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispier, more flavorful coating that creates an incredible texture on the chicken.
• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy exterior.
• Add extra herbs like dried basil or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for a more intense Italian-style flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 423 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg