How to Make Chicken Cutlets: A Step-by-Step Guide with Recipe Variations, Equipment Guide, Time-Saving Tips, and Healthier Alternatives

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for crispy, juicy chicken that’s perfect for dinner, sandwiches, on top of a salad or any other meal, chicken cutlets may be just what you’re looking for. Although they seem like a simple dish to make, inexperienced cooks may struggle to get the cutlets just right. Perfecting the breading, cooking time and temperature, and texture of the chicken requires patience and attention to detail. Don’t worry, though – we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating chicken cutlets from start to finish.

Step-by-step guide

To make classic chicken cutlets, you’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4-1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil (enough to coat the bottom of the skillet)

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the chicken cutlets:

1. Place your chicken breasts onto a cutting board and use a meat tenderizer (or the side of a rolling pin) to pound them flat until they are an even thickness. This step is important to ensure that they cook evenly.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until light yellow. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
3. Taking one chicken breast at a time, coat it in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in each step.
4. Repeat the above step for all the chicken breasts.
5. Heat the oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
6. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet, and let cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
7. Remove from the skillet and place onto a wire rack or paper towels to let any excess oil drain off.

Recipe variation

Now that you know how to make classic chicken cutlets, it’s time to experiment with recipe variations. Here are two creative options:

Chicken Parmesan:

To make chicken Parmesan, you’ll need:

• Classic chicken cutlets
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken cutlets according to the classic recipe.
2. While the chicken is cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. When the chicken cutlets are done, top each cutlet with a spoonful of the marinara sauce and sprinkle with the grated mozzarella cheese.
4. Place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Alternatively, cover with aluminum foil and let sit in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Herb and Cheese:

To make herb and cheese chicken cutlets, you’ll need:

• Classic chicken cutlets
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, oregano, or a combination)

Instructions:

1. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture in the classic recipe.
2. Cook the chicken cutlets according to the classic recipe.
3. When the chicken is done, top each cutlet with additional fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment guide

Having the right equipment is important for making perfect chicken cutlets. Here are a few recommendations:

• A good kitchen knife to cut chicken evenly
• A meat tenderizer to pound chicken thin and evenly
• A large, non-stick skillet or cast iron pan to cook the chicken evenly and keep it from sticking

Regularly clean, sharpen, and store these tools properly to maintain their quality and longevity. These tools will not only improve your chicken cutlet-making experience, but they will make cooking easier and more enjoyable in general.

Time-saving tips

Even if you’re an experienced cook, chicken cutlets can be a time-consuming dish to prepare. Here are a few tips to make the process faster and more efficient:

• Use pre-seasoned coatings that require only water or milk instead of creating a seasoning mixture for the flour.
• If you’re short on time, skip the breading and season the chicken directly before cooking.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. For example, you could pre-portion the flour, breadcrumbs, and eggs into separate bowls in advance.

Healthier alternatives

If you’re looking for a healthier version of chicken cutlets, here are a few ingredient substitutions and recipe ideas:

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the cutlets gluten-free.
• Try baking the chicken cutlets instead of frying them to reduce oil usage. You can do this by preheating the oven to 400°F and placing the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Use spices and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to flavor the chicken instead of cheese or other high-fat toppings.

Conclusion

Chicken cutlets can seem like a daunting dish to make, but with these tips and tricks, you can master them with ease. Remember to always pound the chicken flat and create an even coating to ensure a crispy, delicious cutlet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor combinations or recipe variations for a unique twist on a classic dish. Whether you’re making classic chicken cutlets or a creative variation, having the right tools and shortcuts can help save time and make the process more efficient.