Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets Recipe for Dinner Magic

Sizzling and golden, these irresistible easy Italian chicken cutlets dance with rich, aromatic flavors that transport you straight to a charming trattoria.

Tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, herb-infused breading promise an authentic Italian dining experience right in your kitchen.

Each cutlet emerges from the skillet with a perfectly browned exterior that crackles under your fork, revealing juicy meat inside.

The blend of parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasonings creates a mouthwatering symphony of taste that elevates a simple protein into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious, with this quick and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

You’ll love how these cutlets offer restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Easy Italian Chicken Cutlets Ingredient Breakdown

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy crumbs that create an irresistibly crispy exterior with superior crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps breading adhere beautifully to chicken surface.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic garlic essence without overwhelming other seasonings.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings authentic Mediterranean warmth and depth to the coating.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle, earthy heat and complexity to the breading mixture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those craving a delightful spicy kick.

• Olive Oil: Creates golden, crisp exterior while preventing butter from burning.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, luxurious flavor and helps achieve beautiful brown coloration.

• Chicken Cutlets: Lean, tender meat that cooks quickly and absorbs seasonings wonderfully; choose fresh, evenly cut cutlets for consistent cooking.

What Tools You’ll Need for Italian Chicken Cutlets

• Large Skillet: Essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• Shallow Dish: Perfect for mixing breadcrumbs and coating the chicken evenly.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Crucial for pounding chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
• Wire Rack: Helps keep the chicken cutlets crispy after cooking by allowing air circulation.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for accurately measuring seasonings and spices.
• Tongs: Great for carefully flipping and moving chicken cutlets in the hot skillet.

Make Italian Chicken Cutlets with Ease

• Chicken Preparation

Gently flatten each chicken piece using a meat mallet, creating an even surface that ensures consistent cooking and maximum tenderness.

• Flavor Coating

Craft a zesty blend of crunchy breadcrumbs, aged cheese, aromatic spices, and seasonings that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering delight.

• Breading Technique

Lovingly press each chicken piece into the seasoned mixture, ensuring a generous and even coverage that will create a perfectly crispy exterior.

• Cooking Surface

Warm a skillet with a luxurious combination of golden butter and smooth olive oil, building a foundation for a rich and appetizing golden crust.

• Sizzling Perfection

Carefully place the dressed chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to transform into a beautiful golden brown while cooking completely through.

• Resting and Serving

Allow the cooked cutlets to rest briefly on a cooling rack, preserving their irresistible crunchiness before presenting alongside your favorite accompaniments.

Flavor Additions for Chicken Cutlets

• Mix Italian breadcrumbs with crushed pecorino cheese for an extra sharp flavor boost.
• Swap traditional Panko for almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to create a lower-carb version that's equally crispy.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken evenly, preventing thick and thin spots that cause uneven cooking.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, herb de Provence, or smoked paprika to transform the classic Italian profile into exciting new flavor experiences.
• Prepare multiple batches of these cutlets and freeze them between parchment paper layers for quick weeknight dinners – they'll reheat beautifully in a hot oven and maintain their delicious crunch.

Presenting Italian Chicken Cutlets Beautifully

• Pasta Party Pairing: Serve these golden cutlets atop a bed of al dente spaghetti or fettuccine tossed with marinara sauce for a classic Italian-inspired dinner.
• Mediterranean Salad Companion: Create a fresh side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to complement the crispy chicken.
• Elegant Plating Presentation: Arrange the cutlets on a large white plate, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality look that impresses guests.
• Quick Sandwich Transformation: Slice the cutlets and nestle them between crusty ciabatta bread with provolone cheese and a spread of garlic aioli for a delicious lunch option.

How to Store Chicken Cutlets

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Wrap individual chicken cutlets in aluminum foil or parchment paper before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispy breading texture.
• Flavor Revival Technique: Reheat cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, placing them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore original crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Freezer Longevity Approach: Freeze uncooked breaded cutlets between layers of wax paper inside a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, allowing quick meal preparation on busy days.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prep multiple batches during weekends, storing cooked cutlets in portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners that save time and reduce cooking stress.

Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Classic recipe for easy Italian chicken cutlets delivers a crispy, golden-brown delight straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Seasoned breadcrumbs and quick pan-frying create a simple yet delectable meal that welcomes you to savor authentic Italian flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package chicken cutlets (roughly 1 – 1.5 lbs / 450 – 680 g)
• 4 tbsps (60 ml / 2 fl oz) olive oil
• 4 tbsps (56 g / 2 oz) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Tenderize chicken cutlets with a meat mallet, creating an even, delicate surface that ensures uniform cooking and enhanced texture.
2. Breading Creation: Blend Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a shallow dish to form a vibrant, aromatic coating.
3. Coating Process: Thoroughly dredge each cutlet in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to secure a complete, crisp exterior that will transform during cooking.
4. Culinary Searing: Melt olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden, shimmering cooking surface that promises a perfect crisp.
5. Cooking Technique: Carefully place breaded cutlets into the hot pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown crust and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Finishing Touch: Rest cooked cutlets on a wire rack to drain excess oil, preserving the breading’s irresistible crunchiness and preventing sogginess.
7. Serving and Storage: Plate alongside preferred accompaniments like pasta or salad, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, reheating gently to maintain optimal texture.

Notes

• Tenderize with Precision: Flatten chicken cutlets evenly to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness, preventing dry or tough meat.
• Boost Breading Flavor: Mix Panko, Parmesan, and seasonings for a crunchy, zesty coating that elevates the chicken’s taste profile beyond basic breading.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Heat skillet to medium-high, watching for butter and oil shimmer to achieve perfect golden-brown crust without burning the breading.
• Maintain Crispiness: Use a wire rack after cooking to prevent soggy bottoms, allowing excess oil to drain and keeping the breading delightfully crunchy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg