Is there anything better than crispy pan fried chicken? What about crispy fried chicken that only takes thirty minutes? These easy Italian chicken cutlets are my weeknight version of the classic Italian dish. I cheat and skip dredging the chicken in a flour and egg wash simply because during the week who has time for that kind of clean up and extra steps? I find packing in the Panko breadcrumbs is sufficient enough to create a crispy crust.
What is the best oil to fry Italian chicken cutlets in? I use a combination of olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet. I like the flavor the butter has but the high smoke point the olive oil brings. I only cook my cutlets over medium high heat so the butter doesn't burn. If you were planning on cooking the chicken at a higher heat or deep frying it, I would recommend using a vegetable oil.
How do you make chicken cutlets?
Start by pounding out some chicken cutlets (which are just chicken breasts cut in half length wise) until they are 1/4" thin. Then mix together some Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Pack each chicken cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture until a nice coating covers the entire breast. This might take several flips.
Once the chicken is covered, heat up some olive oil and butter in a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium high. Fry each cutlet on each side for 3-4 minutes. Be sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
What sides go good with chicken cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are so versatile. You could accompany them with some easy macaroni and cheese, fettuccini alfredo, roasted vegetables, broccoli casserole and more!
If you love this recipe I would love to know! You can rate this recipe and leave a comment, and tag a photo on Instagram @hungrywaitress! Here?s the recipe:
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Easy Italian Chicken Cutlets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Is there anything better than crispy pan fried chicken? What about crispy fried chicken that only takes thirty minutes? These easy Italian chicken cutlets are my weeknight version of the classic Italian dish.
Ingredients
- 1 package chicken cutlets (roughly 1 - 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Pound each chicken cutlet to 1/4" thin.
- Mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Pack each chicken cutlet into the breadcrumbs until a nice coating covers each breast.
- Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium high until the butter melts.
- Pan fry each side of the chicken for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and place on a wire rack to cool (You may have to work in batches depending on how big your pan is. Don't over crowd it!).
Notes
If you can't find cutlets just cut two chicken breasts in half length wise. When you are packing on the breadcrumbs, it may take several flips to get the mixture to stick. I highly recommend using a cast iron skillet for even browning. Too ensure maximum crispiness before serving place the chicken on the wire rack to cool so the bottom doesn't get soggy.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: chicken, pan-fried
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