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Crispy Italian chicken cutlets served on a white plate with fresh parsley garnish

Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets

Golden, crunchy, and juicy pan-fried chicken cutlets coated in Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for a quick family weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch even thickness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs whisked
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs Progresso recommended
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • olive oil enough to fully coat the bottom of the skillet
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • 3 shallow dishes
  • Wire rack or plate for resting
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Even thickness ensures even cooking throughout.
  2. Set up three shallow dishes side by side: flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and a combined mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third. Stir the breadcrumb mixture together well before using.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour and shake off the excess. Dip into the whisked egg and let the extra drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides until fully coated. Let coated cutlets rest on a plate or wire rack for 5 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere.
  4. Pour enough olive oil into a large skillet to fully coat the bottom of the pan. Heat over medium heat until the oil is shimmering. Do not add the chicken before the oil is hot or the crust will absorb excess oil and turn soft.
  5. Carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets to the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side without moving them, until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  6. Remove the cutlets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Let breaded cutlets rest 5 minutes before frying to help the coating stick. Always wait until the oil is shimmering before adding chicken to avoid a greasy crust. Reheat leftovers on a wire rack in a 375 degree F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Leftover cutlets make great Italian chicken sandwiches the next day.