Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlet (Printable)

Golden, crusted chicken cutlets with a savory Parmesan-panko coating, pan-fried until irresistibly crispy outside and tender inside.

# Ingredient list:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each)

→ Breading

02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 2 tablespoons milk
04 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3.5 ounces)
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 3.5 ounces)
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2 ounces)
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Frying

11 - 1/3 cup olive oil or vegetable oil (about 2.7 fluid ounces)

→ To Serve

12 - Lemon wedges
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
02 - Sprinkle both sides of each pounded breast evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls. Place flour in the first. Whisk eggs with milk in the second. Combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in the third.
04 - Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then press firmly into Parmesan-panko mixture to coat completely and adhere.
05 - Pour olive oil into a large skillet. Heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking.
06 - Cook cutlets in batches without overcrowding. Fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy throughout. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
07 - Transfer cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
08 - Arrange cutlets on a platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crust stays impossibly crispy even after a quick reheat, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunch sandwiches
  • Something magical happens when that salty Parmesan meets the panko, creating this golden armor that locks in every drop of chicken juice
02 -
  • Crowding the pan drops the oil temperature and turns your beautiful crispy crust into a soggy mess, so cook in batches if needed
  • Letting the cutlets rest on paper towels isn't just about draining excess oil, it helps the crust set and become even crunchier
03 -
  • Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly and stays juicier, so take it out of the fridge about twenty minutes before cooking
  • Pat your chicken completely dry before starting the breading process, any moisture will make your coating slide right off
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