Chicken cutlets, with their versatility and quick cooking time, have become a staple in many kitchens around the world. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a culinary enthusiast seeking new flavors, chicken cutlet recipes offer a world of possibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 delicious ways to prepare chicken cutlets, ranging from classic comfort food to innovative international dishes.
From the crispy exterior of a perfectly breaded cutlet to the juicy, tender meat inside, chicken cutlets provide a perfect canvas for a variety of flavors and cooking techniques. We’ll delve into the basics of preparing chicken cutlets, explore various cooking methods, and discover how to pair them with different sauces, sides, and accompaniments.
So, preheat your oven, heat up that skillet, and let’s dive into the delicious world of chicken cutlet recipes!
The Basics: Preparing Chicken Cutlets
Before we explore specific chicken cutlet recipes, it’s essential to understand the basics of preparing chicken cutlets:
Selecting the Chicken
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Look for uniform size for even cooking
- Fresh chicken is ideal, but frozen can work if properly thawed
Creating the Cutlet
- Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/4 inch)
- Season with salt and pepper on both sides
Basic Breading Technique
- Prepare a breading station using three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: All-purpose flour
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Breadcrumbs (seasoned if desired)
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shake off excess
- Dip in beaten eggs
- Coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some delicious chicken cutlet recipes!
Classic Chicken Cutlet Recipes
1. Italian Chicken Parmesan
A beloved classic that tops many lists of favorite chicken cutlet recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 breaded chicken cutlets
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Pan-fry breaded cutlets until golden brown
- Place cutlets in a baking dish, top with marinara and cheeses
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and begins to bubble.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving
This dish combines the crispy texture of breaded cutlets with the rich flavors of Italian cuisine.
2. Classic Chicken Schnitzel
A German-inspired dish that’s become popular worldwide.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Season cutlets with salt and pepper
- Coat the chicken in flour, dip it into the egg, and then cover it with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Fry cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Serve hot with lemon wedges
This simple yet delicious recipe showcases the beauty of a perfectly cooked chicken cutlet.
International Chicken Cutlet Recipes
3. Japanese Chicken Katsu
A popular chicken cutlet recipe from Japanese cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Tonkatsu sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Season cutlets with salt and pepper
- Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Fry cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Slice and serve with tonkatsu sauce
The use of panko breadcrumbs gives this dish its signature ultra-crispy texture.
4. Indian-Spiced Chicken Cutlets
A fusion dish that brings Indian flavors to classic chicken cutlets.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt with spices to create a marinade
- Marinate chicken cutlets for at least 1 hour
- Coat marinated cutlets in breadcrumbs
- Cook in hot oil until crispy and golden brown, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
- Serve with mint chutney or raita
This recipe infuses chicken cutlets with the warm, complex flavors of Indian spices.
Healthy Chicken Cutlet Recipes
5. Baked Herb-Crusted Chicken Cutlets
A lighter version of traditional fried cutlets.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper
- Dip cutlets in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture
- Place on a baking sheet and spray with olive oil
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through
This healthier version reduces fat while maintaining flavor and crunch.
6. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Cutlets
A light and fresh take on chicken cutlets.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix lemon zest, juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Marinate chicken cutlets for 30 minutes
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat
- Grill the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Serve with a side salad
This recipe offers a lighter alternative that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
Quick and Easy Chicken Cutlet Recipes
7. 15-Minute Chicken Piccata
A fast and flavorful chicken cutlet recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Dust the cutlets with flour mixed with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook cutlets for 3 minutes per side
- Remove cutlets and add lemon juice and broth to the pan
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then add capers and butter
- Return cutlets to the pan to coat with sauce
- Garnish with parsley and serve
This tangy, savory dish comes together in minutes but tastes like it took much longer.
8. Crispy Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches
A satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 breaded chicken cutlets
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Mayonnaise or sauce of choice
Instructions:
- Cook breaded chicken cutlets until crispy
- Toast burger buns lightly
- Assemble sandwiches with chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomato
- Spread mayonnaise or preferred sauce on buns
- Serve immediately while chicken is still crispy
This versatile sandwich can be customized with different cheeses and toppings.
Creative Chicken Cutlet Recipes
9. Chicken Cutlet Caprese
A fresh twist on chicken cutlet recipes inspired by the classic Caprese salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 breaded chicken cutlets
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook breaded chicken cutlets until golden brown
- Top each cutlet with a slice of mozzarella
- Put under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Top with tomato slices and fresh basil
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving
This recipe combines the crispy texture of chicken cutlets with the fresh flavors of Caprese salad.
10. Buffalo Chicken Cutlets
A spicy twist on traditional chicken cutlet recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- Blue cheese dressing for serving
- Celery sticks on the side
Instructions:
- Bread and fry chicken cutlets as usual
- In a small saucepan, heat buffalo sauce with butter
- Dip fried cutlets in the buffalo sauce mixture
- Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks
This recipe brings the flavors of buffalo wings to chicken cutlets for a fun twist.
Chicken Cutlet Recipes from Around the World
11. Greek Chicken Souvlaki Cutlets
A Mediterranean-inspired chicken cutlet recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tzatziki sauce for serving
- Pita bread and sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-fry cutlets until cooked through
- Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and sliced red onion
This recipe brings the flavors of Greek souvlaki to chicken cutlets.
12. Mexican-Style Chicken Milanesa
A Latin American twist on chicken cutlet recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Mix breadcrumbs with chili powder and cumin
- Bread chicken cutlets using the standard method
- Cook in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with lime wedges and salsa or guacamole
This recipe adds Mexican spices to create a flavorful variation on chicken cutlets.
Sauces and Accompaniments for Chicken Cutlets
13. Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
A rich and savory accompaniment to chicken cutlets.
Ingredients:
- 4 cooked chicken cutlets
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly
- Add cream and simmer until sauce thickens
- Season with salt and pepper
- Pour over chicken cutlets and garnish with parsley
This creamy sauce elevates simple chicken cutlets to a restaurant-quality dish.
14. Honey Mustard Chicken Cutlets
A sweet and tangy twist on chicken cutlet recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 breaded chicken cutlets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook breaded chicken cutlets until golden
- In a small bowl, mix honey, both mustards, and vinegar
- Drizzle sauce over cooked cutlets
- Serve immediately
This honey mustard sauce adds a delicious flavor contrast to crispy chicken cutlets.
Chicken Cutlet Recipes for Special Diets
15. Gluten-Free Almond-Crusted Chicken Cutlets
A chicken cutlet recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Mix almond flour with garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper
- Dip cutlets in egg, then coat with almond flour mixture
- In a skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat until it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
This recipe provides a crispy coating without using traditional breadcrumbs.
16. Keto-Friendly Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Cutlets
A low-carb version of breaded chicken cutlets.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Mix Parmesan cheese with garlic powder and herbs
- Dip cutlets in egg, then coat with Parmesan mixture
- In a skillet, gently heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and fully cooked through.
This recipe is perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Chicken Cutlet Recipes for Meal Prep
17. Baked Chicken Cutlet Meal Prep Bowls
A convenient and healthy meal prep option.
Ingredients:
- 4 baked herb-crusted chicken cutlets (see recipe #5)
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups roasted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 1/4 cup hummus
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare baked herb-crusted chicken cutlets
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions
- Roast vegetables seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Divide all components among 4 meal prep containers
- Add a dollop of hummus to each container
- Store in the refrige rator for up to 4 days
- Reheat when ready to eat and serve with a lemon wedge
This meal prep recipe provides a balanced, nutritious lunch or dinner option for busy weeks.
18. Freezer-Friendly Chicken Cutlet Parmesan
A make-ahead version of the classic chicken cutlet recipe.
Ingredients:
- 8 breaded chicken cutlets
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook breaded chicken cutlets until golden brown
- Allow cutlets to cool completely
- Layer cutlets in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper
- To reheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Place frozen cutlets in a baking dish, top with marinara and cheeses
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until thoroughly heated and the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving
This recipe allows you to enjoy homemade Chicken Parmesan even on busy nights.
Innovative Chicken Cutlet Recipes
19. Chicken Cutlet “Pizza”
A creative, low-carb twist on pizza using chicken cutlets as the base.
Ingredients:
- 4 large chicken cutlets
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Desired pizza toppings (e.g., sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives)
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Cook chicken cutlets until golden brown
- Place cutlets on a baking sheet
- Top each cutlet with marinara sauce, cheeses, and desired toppings
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
This innovative recipe satisfies pizza cravings while keeping carbs low.
20. Chicken Cutlet Roulade
An elegant twist on traditional chicken cutlet recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 large chicken cutlets
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, and garlic powder
- Spread mixture over each chicken cutlet
- Roll up cutlets tightly and secure with toothpicks
- Dip rolled cutlets in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs
- In a skillet, warm a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering, ready for cooking.
- Cook roulades for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
- Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices before slicing and serving for the best flavor and texture.
This recipe elevates the humble chicken cutlet to an impressive dinner party dish.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets
To ensure success with all these chicken cutlet recipes, keep these tips in mind:
- Even thickness: Pound chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: Season the chicken itself, not just the coating.
- Dry the chicken: Pat cutlets dry before breading to help coating adhere better.
- Rest the breaded cutlets: Let them sit for a few minutes before cooking to help the coating stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Let them rest: Allow cooked cutlets to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
Nutritional Considerations
While delicious, it’s important to consider the nutritional aspects of chicken cutlets:
- Protein: Chicken cutlets are an excellent source of lean protein.
- Fat content: Breaded and fried cutlets are higher in fat; consider baked or grilled options for lower fat content.
- Sodium: Be mindful of sodium content, especially in breaded or heavily seasoned recipes.
- Calories: Portion control is key, as some preparations can be calorie-dense.
For more detailed nutritional information, consult the USDA FoodData Central.
Conclusion
From classic Italian Chicken Parmesan to innovative Chicken Cutlet “Pizza,” these 20 chicken cutlet recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or an impressive dish for entertaining, there’s a chicken cutlet recipe here for every occasion and dietary need.
Key takeaways:
- Chicken cutlets are versatile and can be adapted to various cuisines and dietary requirements.
- Proper preparation techniques are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
- Experimenting with different coatings, sauces, and cooking methods can keep chicken cutlets exciting and fresh in your meal rotation.
- Many of these recipes can be customized to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Remember, the best chicken cutlet recipe is the one that you and your family enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques to find your perfect version.
Whether you’re a culinary novice or an experienced home chef, these chicken cutlet recipes offer something for everyone. So, grab your meat mallet, heat up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy the delicious world of chicken cutlets!
For more culinary inspiration and cooking techniques, visit the Food Network’s chicken recipes page.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your chicken cutlet culinary adventures!