Overview

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets are crispy, flavorful chicken pieces coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with various sides!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano or basil)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or more for frying)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. Season: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Prepare Breading Ingredients: In three shallow dishes, set up the following:

• Dish 1: All-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Dish 2: In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
• Dish 3: Combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge: Dip each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
2. Coat: Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on both sides. Repeat for all cutlets.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Fry Cutlets: Add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
3. Drain: Once cooked, transfer the cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken cutlets with your choice of sides, such as pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	36g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Variations: Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.
• Oven Method: For a healthier option, bake the cutlets at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets are a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests!