Crispy chicken cutlets are a classic comfort food that's sure to please anyone. This dish gives you tender chicken encased in a crispy, crunchy coating. The secret to this recipe's success is in the panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, both of which create a golden, crispy layer on the outside of the chicken. With a simple set of ingredients and minimal prep time, this is a perfect recipe for a quick and delicious meal.
All the ingredients for this recipe are quite common and are likely already in your pantry. The one ingredient to look out for is panko breadcrumbs. These are Japanese style bread crumbs that are larger and crispier than regular bread crumbs. They can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. If you can't find them, regular bread crumbs can be used, but the coating might not be as crispy.
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Cutlets
Chicken breasts: Used as the primary protein in this recipe. They are pounded thin to ensure even cooking.
Panko bread crumbs: These Japanese-style bread crumbs give the chicken its signature crispy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
Garlic Powder: Provides a hint of flavor that complements the chicken.
Egg: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Don't skimp on these - they bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken cutlets to golden perfection.
One reader, Friederike Santamaria says:
This crispy chicken cutlets recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out perfectly golden and crunchy, and the flavors are just amazing. It's so easy to make and always impresses my family. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Techniques Required for Crispy Chicken Cutlets
How to pound chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a tender result.
How to preheat oil in a skillet: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and easily coats the bottom of the pan. This ensures that the chicken cutlets will cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
How To Make Crispy Chicken Cutlets
You will never go wrong with chicken. Try these crispy chicken cutlets to enjoy a tasty way to eat chicken breast drizzled with any sauce of your choice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2chicken breasts,large
- 1¼cupspanko bread crumbs
- ¼cupparmesan cheese,grated
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1egg
- salt & pepper,to taste
- ⅓cupvegetable oil
Instructions
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Freeze chicken breasts for about 20 minutes or so.
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Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally and pound to ¼ thickness.
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Combine panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in a small shallow dish.
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Whisk egg in a separate bowl. Dip chicken in egg and then in the crumb mixture pressing to adhere.
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Preheat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently add chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
- Calories: 434.65kcal
- Fat: 30.74g
- Saturated Fat: 5.39g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.16g
- Carbohydrates: 14.07g
- Fiber: 0.67g
- Sugar: 0.73g
- Protein: 24.72g
- Cholesterol: 101.99mg
- Sodium: 337.74mg
- Calcium: 162.15mg
- Potassium: 224.05mg
- Iron: 1.16mg
- Vitamin A: 57.32µg
- Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Technique Tip for Achieving Crispy Perfection
To ensure your chicken cutlets are extra crispy, make sure to press the panko bread crumbs firmly onto the chicken. This helps the crumbs adhere better and creates a thicker, crunchier crust. Additionally, don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature too much, which can lead to soggy, rather than crispy, chicken.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Crispy Chicken Cutlets
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the chicken is cooking, use the time to prepare a side dish or salad to complete the meal efficiently.
Organized workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Quick cleanup: Wash and put away dishes as you cook to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen tools like a sharp knife and a meat mallet to make the prep work quicker and easier.
Opt for shortcuts: Utilize pre-cut vegetables or pre-made sauces to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Use leftovers: Repurpose leftover chicken or ingredients from previous meals to create new dishes and save time on cooking from scratch.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with Turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, providing a similar texture and taste when cooked.
Panko bread crumbs - Substitute with Crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can be used as a substitute for panko bread crumbs to create a crispy coating with a slightly sweet flavor.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with Asiago cheese: Asiago cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan cheese, providing a similar nutty and savory flavor to the dish.
Vegetable oil - Substitute with Canola oil: Canola oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil, providing a neutral flavor and high smoke point for frying the chicken cutlets.
Best Way to Present Crispy Chicken Cutlets
Elevate the plating: Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on a pristine white plate, ensuring each piece is positioned with precision and care. The presentation should exude elegance and sophistication, reflecting the high standards of a Michelin-starred establishment.
Incorporate vibrant garnishes: Introduce pops of color and freshness with delicate microgreens, edible flowers, or finely chopped herbs. These elements will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a touch of complexity to the dish.
Focus on symmetry and balance: Create a visually striking composition by arranging the cutlets and accompanying elements in a balanced and symmetrical manner. This meticulous attention to detail will showcase the chef's expertise and dedication to culinary artistry.
Utilize complementary sauces: Drizzle a lemon-infused olive oil or a balsamic reduction in an artful manner around the plate, adding both flavor and visual interest. The sauces should be applied with precision, enhancing the overall presentation without overwhelming the dish.
Emphasize texture contrast: Pair the crispy chicken cutlets with a complementary side dish, such as a quinoa and roasted vegetable salad or a truffle-infused mashed potato. The contrast in textures will elevate the dining experience and demonstrate a thoughtful approach to flavor and mouthfeel.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
Meat mallet: A kitchen tool used to pound and flatten meat, such as chicken breasts, to an even thickness.
Shallow dish: A flat, shallow container used for coating chicken with bread crumbs and seasonings.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients, such as whisking eggs for coating the chicken.
Skillet: A frying pan with low sides and a long handle, used for frying, searing, and browning the chicken cutlets.
Instant-read thermometer: A tool used to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
How To Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken Cutlets
- To store leftover crispy chicken cutlets, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For optimal crispiness, reheat the cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- To freeze the chicken cutlets, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the cutlets to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each cutlet with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen cutlets, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen cutlets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Note: There's no need to thaw the cutlets before reheating.
- For best results, consume the reheated crispy chicken cutlets immediately to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover crispy chicken cutlets:
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the leftover chicken cutlets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the cutlets, helping them crisp up evenly. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the cutlets during the last few minutes of reheating.
Air fryer method: If you have an air fryer, this is a quick and effective way to reheat your crispy chicken cutlets. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. The hot air circulation in the air fryer will help restore the crispiness of the panko bread crumb coating.
Stovetop method: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover chicken cutlets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the cutlets to steam rather than crisp up. If needed, work in batches to ensure the best results.
Microwave method (for softened cutlets): If you don't mind a softer texture, you can reheat the chicken cutlets in the microwave. Place the cutlets on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent the cutlets from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. While this method won't restore the crispiness, it's a quick and convenient option when you're short on time.
Random Fact About Crispy Chicken Cutlets
Chicken cutlets are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in sandwiches, salads, or as a main course.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This crispy chicken cutlets recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, chicken breasts and panko bread crumbs, are affordable and readily available. The addition of parmesan cheese and garlic powder enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its simplicity, affordability, and delicious outcome.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The crispy chicken cutlets recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:
- The use of vegetable oil for frying adds unnecessary saturated and trans fats to the dish
- Panko bread crumbs are typically made from refined wheat flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients
- The recipe does not include any vegetables or whole grains, making it an unbalanced meal
However, there are some positive aspects as well:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source, which can help with muscle growth and repair
- Parmesan cheese provides some calcium and protein, though in small amounts
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Instead of frying the chicken, try baking it in the oven at a high temperature (425°F) until crispy and cooked through
- Replace half of the panko bread crumbs with whole wheat bread crumbs or finely chopped nuts for added fiber and healthy fats
- Incorporate some vegetables into the dish, such as serving the chicken over a bed of mixed greens or alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or sweet potatoes
- Use a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, in place of vegetable oil
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive salt or cheese
By making these adjustments, you can transform this crispy chicken cutlet recipe into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your cravings for a crispy, flavorful dish.
Editor's Thoughts on This Crispy Chicken Recipe
The recipe for crispy chicken cutlets is a classic and delicious dish that is sure to please. The use of panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the chicken. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. However, I would suggest adding a touch of seasoning to the egg wash for an extra flavor boost. Overall, this recipe is a winner and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why trust this Crispy Chicken Cutlets Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a satisfying crunch with panko bread crumbs and a burst of flavor with parmesan cheese and garlic powder. The method of freezing the chicken before preparation ensures a juicy and tender result. The use of vegetable oil for frying promises a crispy finish. The step-by-step instructions ensure that the chicken cutlets are cooked to perfection, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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