Description
This Crispy Chicken Cutlets recipe yields golden, crunchy, and flavorful chicken breasts coated in a seasoned panko crust. Perfectly pan-fried to achieve a tender, juicy interior contrasted with a crisp exterior, these cutlets are ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds thinly sliced chicken breasts
Flour Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Panko Coating
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Frying
- 1 cup light oil (such as light olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the breading adheres well during coating.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: the first bowl with flour mixed with seasoned salt; the second with eggs, water, and hot sauce whisked together; the third with panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour mixture, coating completely. Then dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat generously with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded cutlets on a plate, ready for frying.
- Fry Cutlets: Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C). To test, dip a wooden spoon into the oil—if bubbles form immediately, it’s ready. Fry the cutlets in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy chicken cutlets.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are thin and even for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check chicken reaches internal temp of 165°F for food safety.
- Parmesan cheese in the coating adds extra flavor and helps create a crisp crust.
- If you prefer, substitute the hot sauce with a pinch of cayenne pepper for spice.
