How to Make Delicious Chicken Cutlets at Home

Chicken cutlets are a versatile and easy to make dinner staple that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you are cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or having guests over on the weekend, chicken cutlets are sure to be a hit.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make tender, juicy, and crispy chicken cutlets right in your own kitchen.

What are Chicken Cutlets?

Chicken cutlets refer to thin, flattened slices of chicken breast meat. They are thinner than a regular chicken breast, so they cook faster and more evenly.

Cutlets can be made from scratch by slicing and pounding a whole chicken breast. However, you can save time by purchasing chicken cutlets already prepared from your grocery store or butcher.

Chicken cutlets are featured in many classic Italian and French dishes like chicken Parmesan, chicken piccata, and chicken Marsala. Their thin profile also makes them perfect for frying up super crispy.

Benefits of Making Your Own Cutlets

While pre-made cutlets from the store offer convenience there are some benefits to slicing and pounding your own

• Cost savings: You can buy whole chicken breasts at a lower price per pound than pre-cut cutlets.

• Control thickness You can pound the cutlets as thin as needed for the recipe.

• Use quality chicken: Starting with whole breasts allows you to select high-quality fresh chicken.

• Avoid preservatives: Store-bought cutlets may contain preservatives to extend shelf life.

• Customize size: Cut to the exact size you need for each recipe or meal.

How to Make Chicken Cutlets from Breasts

With just a sharp knife, a mallet, and 5 easy steps, you can turn chicken breasts into perfect cutlets.

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Plastic wrap
• Meat mallet or rolling pin

Steps

1. Trim the chicken. Remove any excess fat or sinew. Separate the tenderloin (small oblong piece) from the breast if needed.

2. Slice horizontally. Place chicken smooth-side down. Carefully slice in half horizontally to create 2 thin cutlets.

3. Cover with plastic. Place cutlets between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or in a plastic bag.

4. Pound to flatten. Using a mallet or rolling pin, gently pound to about 1⁄4-inch thickness.

5. Use right away or refrigerate. Cutlets are now ready to be breaded, fried, baked or grilled.

Tips for Perfectly Thin Cutlets

• Chill chicken slightly before slicing to firm it up.

• Use a very sharp knife for clean cuts.

• Cut against the grain to prevent ragged edges.

• Open up the chicken like a book to make the final slice.

• Pound from center outward to maintain even thickness.

• Don’t over-pound or cutlets will fall apart. About 1⁄4-inch is ideal.

How to Bread Chicken Cutlets

Breading helps form a delicious crispy crust on chicken cutlets when pan-fried. Follow this easy 3-step breading method:

1. Season flour: Place 1⁄2 cup flour in a shallow dish. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Beat eggs: Whisk 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon water in another shallow dish.

3. Coat with breadcrumbs: Place 1-1⁄2 cups breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Panko breadcrumbs work best.

4. Bread the cutlet: Dredge cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs to coat both sides.

5. Let sit 5-10 minutes before frying so coating adheres. Bread remaining cutlets.

How to Pan Fry Chicken Cutlets

Pan-frying yields an ultra-crisp crust and tender, juicy interior. Use a heavy skillet and follow these steps:

• Heat 1⁄4 inch oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Olive, vegetable, or avocado oil all work well.

• Add cutlets and fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid crowding.

• Flip carefully using tongs or a fork to keep coating intact.

• Cook to 165°F internal temperature. The breading should be crispy when fully cooked.

• Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while hot.

How to Bake Chicken Cutlets

For a lighter version, bake breaded cutlets in the oven:

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

• Brush cutlets with oil and arrange on baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.

• Bake 12-14 minutes until coating is browned and chicken reaches 165°F.

• Flip halfway through for even browning.

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

How to Grill Chicken Cutlets

Grilling lends delicious charred flavor to chicken cutlets:

• Oil the grill grates and preheat to medium-high. Use tongs to oil grates.

• Grill cutlets 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and grill marks appear.

• Flip carefully to prevent sticking. Move to cooler area of grill if flare-ups occur.

• Brush with bbq sauce during last few minutes if desired.

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Top Ways to Use Chicken Cutlets

The possibilities are endless when cooking with chicken cutlets! Here are some of my favorite recipes:

• Chicken Parmesan – Breaded cutlet topped with tomato sauce and cheese

• Chicken Piccata – Pan-fried cutlets in lemon caper butter sauce

• Chicken Francese – Egg-battered cutlets in white wine lemon sauce

• Chicken Saltimbocca – Cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage

• Chicken Caesar Salad – Grilled or fried cutlets sliced over romaine lettuce

• Chicken Sandwiches – Fried cutlets with pickles, slaw and sauce on buns

• Chicken Stir Fry – Thinly sliced cutlets cooked up with veggies and rice

• Chicken Tacos – Spice-rubbed grilled cutlets served in warm tortillas

So simple, yet so versatile! Chicken cutlets are sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation after making them from scratch. With the steps I outlined here, you can be enjoying tender and crispy homemade chicken cutlets in no time.