There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of Italian cuisine wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s the scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil or the savory notes of Parmesan cheese, Italian cooking has a way of bringing people together around the dinner table. One classic dish that embodies this culinary tradition is Chicken Italian Cutlets. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these cutlets are a beloved favorite in many households. And the best part? You can easily recreate this Italian delight in your own kitchen. You would think a chicken cutlet is self-explanatory, but you would be shocked that people still mess it up on a daily basis. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your dinner tonight. How to make a chicken cutlet the right way!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. You can do this by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set Up Your Breading Station:
- In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station. Place the flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil in the third bowl. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken breast evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Cutlets:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to fry them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Cook the cutlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cutlets are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Chicken Italian Cutlets hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
If you want to take it up a notch and get fancy, why not turn these cutlets into a classic Chicken Parmesan? Simply top each cooked cutlet with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, then bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve over spaghetti for a hearty and indulgent meal that’s sure to impress.
Homemade Chicken Italian Cutlets are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family or all your roommates will love. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate the flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen. So why not gather your loved ones, put on some Italian music, and enjoy a taste of La Dolce Vita tonight? Buon appetito! Join us on our Twitch stream this Tuesday, 4/16 at 6:30 and do chicken cutlets the right way!
