Chicken cutlets are a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious meals. From classic dishes like chicken parmesan to creative recipes like buffalo chicken sliders, the possibilities are endless when cooking with chicken cutlets.
Chicken cutlets are thin, flattened pieces of chicken breast that cook quickly and absorb flavors easily. Their convenience makes them a perfect choice for easy weeknight dinners. Whether you buy them pre-cut at the grocery store or pound them yourself from chicken breasts, chicken cutlets should be a staple in your kitchen.
Here are 15 amazing recipes to give you ideas for what to make with chicken cutlets
1. Chicken Parmesan
The classic Italian-American dish, chicken parmesan is a quick and easy meal option. Chicken cutlets are breaded and fried, then topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese Served alongside pasta, this recipe makes for a satisfying family dinner To add extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs.
2. Chicken Marsala
Chicken marsala is another Italian favorite made using chicken cutlets. The cutlets are sautéed with mushrooms and garlic, then cooked in a Marsala wine sauce. The wine adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the chicken. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
3. Chicken Piccata
For a bright, lemony dish, chicken piccata is a great choice. The chicken cutlets are dredged in flour, sautéed, and served in a pan sauce of lemon, butter, capers, and white wine. Chicken piccata comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Try serving it with rice or roasted vegetables.
4. Chicken Fajitas
Transform chicken cutlets into easy chicken fajitas for Taco Tuesday. Season the cutlets with a fajita seasoning blend then sauté with peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas and top with desired fajita fixings like guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, and sour cream.
5. Chicken Francese
Originating from Italy, chicken Francese features chicken dipped in egg and flour then sautéed in lemon butter. The tangy lemon sauce brightens up the tender chicken cutlets. This quick 30-minute meal goes well with pasta or a fresh salad.
6. Chicken Milanese
For an easy version of the Italian classic, bread chicken cutlets with seasoned panko breadcrumbs and pan-fry until crispy. Top with arugula and Parmesan for a complete chicken Milanese meal. The crunchy breaded cutlets pair nicely with tomato sauce for dipping.
7. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Game day finger foods get an upgrade with these spicy buffalo chicken sliders. Coat the chicken cutlets in hot sauce and blue cheese then pile them onto mini buns. Serve with celery sticks and more blue cheese dressing for cooling contrast.
8. Chicken Tenders
For a kid-friendly dinner, turn to homemade chicken tenders. Simply coat chicken cutlets with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices and bake until golden. Kids will love customizing their tenders with fun dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue.
9. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Take your dinner up a notch with chicken cordon bleu. Stuff chicken cutlets with ham and Swiss cheese, coat in breadcrumbs and bake. The melted cheese and smoky ham fill the chicken with flavor. Serve with a side of potatoes or rice to complete the meal.
10. Chicken Fried Steak
While typically made with beef, chicken fried steak swaps in chicken cutlets for a lighter version. After pounding the cutlets to an even thickness, coat them in seasoned flour and pan fry until crispy. Drizzle with gravy for authentic chicken fried steak.
11. Chicken Saltimbocca
Chicken saltimbocca features chicken cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage then cooked in a white wine sauce. The Italian ham adds a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the sage’s woodsy notes. Serve over angel hair pasta for an easy yet elegant dinner.
12. Chicken Kabobs
Make dinnertime more fun by skewering chicken cutlets for kabobs. Marinate the chicken in Greek yogurt and spices overnight before sliding it onto skewers with vegetables. Grill the kabobs until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
13. Chicken Pot Pie
Comfort food at its finest, chicken pot pie is a great way to use up leftover chicken cutlets. Make an easy filling by sautéing chicken with frozen vegetables in a cream sauce. Spoon into a pie crust and top with more pastry. Chicken pot pie makes a satisfying cold weather meal.
14. Thai Peanut Chicken
Add an Asian flair to your chicken cutlets with a Thai peanut sauce. Pound chicken cutlets to an even thickness then sauté and coat in a creamy, nutty sauce of peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger and red pepper flakes. Serve over rice noodles for a quick weekday stir fry.
15. Chicken Caprese Sandwiches
Bring the flavors of a caprese salad between bread with these easy chicken caprese sandwiches. Top grilled or pan-fried chicken cutlets with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction on crusty rolls. The tomato juices combine with the balsamic for amazing flavor.
Chicken cutlets are endlessly versatile. Fry, bake, grill or sauté them then pair with vegetables, cheeses, sauces and grains for a quick, easy dinner option any night of the week. With a variety of prep methods and global flavor combinations, you’ll never get bored cooking with chicken cutlets.
Why anyone can cook chicken cutlets at home:
- You can buy thinly sliced chicken breasts at the store, so that you don’t have to pound out your own chicken breasts.
- Use store bought Panko bread crumbs.
- There are minimal ingredients to this recipe.
- The cutlets cook very quickly thanks to the thinness of the chicken.
- The method is simple and straight forward with just a few easy steps.
- Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts
- Panko Bread Crumbs (can use gluten free here as well)
- Flour (can also use gluten free all purpose flour)
- Eggs
- Salt and Pepper
- High quality oil: I like to use avocado oil, or a mix of avocado oil and olive oil. The avocado oil can cook at a higher temp so it keeps the olive oil from burning.
There is truly nothing better than a fresh cutlet straight from the pan. I simply shallow fry the cutlets on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and chicken has been cooked through. From there, I remove the crispy cutlets to a paper towel lined baking sheet to let excess oil drain and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve as you wish from there!
You can of course also cook these cutlets in the air fryer as well, but nothing compares to the real deal pan fried cutlet. BUT if you want to air fry the cutlets, follow all instructions up until the frying point and spray with oil on both sides. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden, flipping once.
How to Make Perfect Crispy Chicken Cutlets | From the Test Kitchen | Bon Appetit
FAQ
What else can you do with chicken cutlets?
Often fried until golden brown and crispy, cutlets can be used in so many more ways. They’re great wrapped in prosciutto or bacon, which adds fat and flavor to the lean cut. They’re also tasty simmered in a cream sauce, or topped with a zesty salsa.
What are chicken cutlets good for?
Chicken cutlets are a godsend when it comes to quick and easy meals. The thin slices are perfect for searing and frying, but they also make great options if you’re just looking for a piece of meat you know will quickly cook evenly.
What are good sides to have with chicken cutlets?
I have curated a list of the 20 best side dishes for chicken cutlets! From classics like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese to yummy veggies like sautéed broccolini and crispy Brussels sprouts, this list has something for everyone at your table!
Is it better to fry or bake breaded chicken?
Oven Baked Breaded Chicken vs Fried Chicken
I admit, fried chicken IS delicious – grease and all. However, cooking them in the oven tastes just as good. Baking them retains the juices and flavors which makes it a healthier and more delicious option. You can even do this with other fried food such as fries.