Pic Credit: marcellinaincucina
Chicken cutlets, or “cotolette di pollo,” are one of the most favored staples in Italian American cuisine. Crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor-these cutlets are just perfect for any meal, whether it be with pasta, a sandwich, or simply on their own. This recipe surely will be your family’s favorite. Okay, now let’s see how this delicious cutlet is made, step by step.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
To make this delightful italian chicken cutlets recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Lemon wedges
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Pound the chicken breasts to almost equal thickness, about 1/2-inch. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and juicily.
- Set your ingredients up in three shallow dishes separately: one for the flour, one for the egg mixture, and one for the breadcrumbs and cheese mixture. The above setup is going to streamline the process of breading.
- To make sure that your chicken is cooked through, you should use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Italian Chicken Cutlets Recipe: Crispy & Delicious
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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One other shortcut is to use chicken cutlets that have been pre-sliced. If you have whole chicken breasts, cut them in half horizontally and pound them to the desired thickness.
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Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs will give you the best flavor. Alternatively, you can make your own by combining plain breadcrumbs with dried Italian herbs, along with some garlic powder and onion powder.
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Freshly grated Parmesan ensures more flavor. It melts easier, too, and provides a rich taste to the cutlets.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Prepare Chicken: Slice into halves horizontally two whole chicken breasts into two thinner pieces. Place the chicken between the two sheets of plastic wrap, and with the meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick.
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Set Up Dredging Station: Set up your dredging station in this order. First shallow dish: flour mixed with salt and pepper, the second dish with beaten eggs and added milk, and the third dish mixed breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Dredge Chicken: Take a single piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, excess shaking. Dip it in the egg mixture, then coat, and dredge it in breadcrumbs and cheese mixture. Press down in order for the coating to stick. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
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Heat the Oil: Place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. To make sure it is hot, you could drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil-if it sizzles, then the oil is ready to go.
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Cook Chicken: Place the breaded chicken cutlets carefully in the skillet, not overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown. Flip the cutlets and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until cooked and golden.
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Drain and Rest: Remove the chicken from the oil onto a plate lined with paper towel to drain the excess oil. Let the cutlets rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Baked Variation: For a healthier alternative, bake the chicken cutlets. Heat the oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes-flip halfway.
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Chicken Parmesan: Turn these cutlets into a classic chicken parmesan by topping them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until melted and bubbly for a comforting dish.
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Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta: Serve chicken cutlets atop a bed of pasta, tossed with marinara sauce or even a light garlic and olive oil sauce.
EQUIPMENT
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Large skillet
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Meat mallet or rolling pin
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Three shallow bowls or plates
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Tongs
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Paper towels
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Baking sheet (if baking)
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
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Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cutlets before serving for color and flavor.
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Serve cutlets with pasta, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Serve lemon wedges with the dish so they can squeeze its juice onto the cutlets. The acidity balances the flavors and gives them a refreshing taste.
Are you looking for another chicken dish? Parmesan Chicken Cutlets Recipe: Easy & Delicious is a flavorful twist!
