Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Chicken Cutlets are a classic comfort food with a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating and juicy, flavorful meat inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, these cutlets can be served with pasta, salad, or on a sandwich. Their simplicity and bold Italian seasoning make them a go-to favorite that never disappoints.

ingredients

Easy & Delicious Italian Chicken Cutlets Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breastseggsItalian-style breadcrumbsgrated Parmesan cheesegarlic powdersalt and pepperolive oil or vegetable oil for fryingall-purpose flourfresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving (optional)

directions

Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking.

Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure a firm coating.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Fry the cutlets in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Try using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.

Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a quick chicken parm.

Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato for a cutlet sandwich.

Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or air-fry for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.For longer storage, freeze breaded (but uncooked) cutlets with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway.

What kind of chicken is best?

Thin-sliced or pounded chicken breasts work best for even cooking.

Can I use plain breadcrumbs?

Yes, but consider adding Italian herbs and spices to season them.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is dry before breading and press the coating firmly onto each piece.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes.

Can I prep these in advance?

Yes, bread the cutlets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Do I need to use cheese in the breadcrumbs?

No, but Parmesan adds extra flavor and helps with crisping.

Can I air fry these?

Absolutely, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.

Are they good cold?

Yes, they make great additions to sandwiches or salads the next day.

Conclusion

Italian Chicken Cutlets are a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly versatile. Whether served fresh from the pan or packed into lunchboxes, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try for your next quick dinner or casual gathering!