The Best Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crispy italian breaded chicken cutlets deliver a mouthwatering crunch that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen in naples.

Tender meat nestles beneath a golden, perfectly seasoned coating that promises incredible flavor.

Generations of italian families have perfected this simple yet delectable dish through careful technique and love.

Pounding chicken thin ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness that makes every bite irresistible.

Salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese create a classic seasoning blend that elevates this comfort food.

Authentic ingredients and a few smart tricks separate good cutlets from truly spectacular ones.

Storage Advice for Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

• Store cooled chicken cutlets in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual cutlets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Restore crispiness by placing cutlets on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Warm in a preheated 350˚F oven for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken crispy?

The combination of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the careful frying technique creates a golden, crispy exterior that locks in the chicken’s moisture and provides a delightful crunch.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko creates the best crispy texture. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, they’ll still produce a tasty result, just with a slightly different coating.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74˚C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and have clear juices when cut.

Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets to Impress

• Craft Crispy Perfection: Create restaurant-quality chicken cutlets with a golden, crunchy exterior that guarantees a delightful texture in every single bite.
• Master Quick Meal Magic: Prepare a delicious dinner in minimal steps, transforming simple chicken breasts into a crowd-pleasing main course that requires basic kitchen skills.
• Versatile Culinary Canvas: Enjoy incredible flexibility by serving these cutlets alongside pasta, salads, roasted vegetables, or transforming them into sandwiches and wraps for endless meal possibilities.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Develop a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Breasts: High-quality, boneless cuts that serve as the primary protein for this classic Italian-style dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumb coating adhere to the chicken.
• Eggs: Serve as a sticky binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture cling to the chicken surface.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy exterior with exceptional crunch and golden-brown texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps enhance the breadcrumb coating's overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional Mediterranean herbs and aromatic complexity to the chicken coating.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Create a perfect medium for achieving a golden, crispy exterior while preventing the chicken from sticking to the pan.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright visual and herbal accent to the finished dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Optional accompaniment that provides a tangy, citrusy complement to the crispy chicken cutlets.

How to Prepare Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 200˚F. This will help keep your chicken crispy and warm once it’s done cooking.

Step 2: Create a Chicken Throne

Place an oven-safe rack on a baking sheet. This will be where your golden cutlets rest after cooking.

Step 3: Set Up Dredging Zones

• First bowl: All-purpose flour
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs
• Third bowl: Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning

Step 4: Tenderize the Chicken

Slip each chicken breast into a plastic bag or between plastic wrap. Pound it until it’s about 1/2 inch thick.

Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

• First, roll in flour and shake off excess
• Next, bathe in beaten eggs
• Finally, roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently

Step 6: Sizzle and Cook

Heat butter and vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Fry each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown
• Transfer cooked cutlets to the baking sheet in the oven to stay warm

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Transfer cutlets to plates. Sprinkle with extra salt and chopped parsley.

Add lemon wedges if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your crispy, delicious chicken!

Tips for Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

• Perfectly crisp breaded chicken cutlets depend on a few key techniques. Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness. Use fresh breadcrumbs and press them firmly onto the chicken to create an even, crunchy coating. Maintain medium heat while cooking to prevent burning and ensure golden-brown exterior with juicy interior. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and keep the breading intact.
• For gluten-free variation, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions. Consider using chicken tenders for quicker cooking time and more uniform pieces. Store leftover cutlets in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy breading.

Flavor Variations on Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

• Gluten-Free Crispy Cutlets: Replace all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add chopped fresh mint to breadcrumb mixture for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Crunchy Version: Use crushed pork rinds or ground almonds instead of breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto diet followers.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Cutlets: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into breadcrumb coating and add cayenne pepper for those seeking an extra kick of heat.

Pairing Ideas for Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

• Crisp White Wine Complement: Opt for a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the breaded chicken, offering a refreshing counterpoint with its light, zesty profile.
• Serve alongside roasted garlic parmesan asparagus or a bright Mediterranean orzo salad to add color, texture, and complementary flavors that enhance the chicken's crispy exterior.
• Prepare a quick lemon-herb aioli or classic marinara for dipping, which will provide tangy brightness and moisture to the golden-brown chicken cutlets, creating a delightful flavor explosion.

Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Authentic Italian breaded chicken cutlets bring classic Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Crispy golden coating and tender meat create a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll want to savor repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, 5–6 oz each)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 6 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tsps dried Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh Italian parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
• 1 lemon (cut into wedges, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare three shallow containers for dredging: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
2. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform consistency.
3. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
4. Carefully coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, allowing surplus to drip away.
5. Thoroughly cover the chicken in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create an even, adherent coating.
6. Heat butter and vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until the mixture shimmers.
7. Carefully place two chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
8. Transfer first batch to an oven-safe rack set on a baking sheet, keeping warm at 200˚F.
9. Repeat cooking process with remaining chicken breasts, adding additional butter and oil as needed.
10. Plate the crispy cutlets immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley and serving with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Make extra breadcrumb mixture to ensure full coverage and prevent running out during coating.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breading stick better and create crispier texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for more even coating and better adhesion of breadcrumbs.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain consistent oil temperature and achieve crispy golden-brown exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg