Few things are as satisfying as biting into a crispy fried chicken cutlet. With a perfectly seasoned crust and tender, juicy meat inside, it’s a dish that could easily win the heart of anyone at your table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing for a fun weekend treat, this recipe for crispy fried chicken cutlets will guide you to culinary triumph.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Frying pan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to pound the chicken to about a half-inch thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy and tender when fried. Keep the pounded chicken aside while you prepare the coating.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Arrange three shallow dishes for the breading process. In the first dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika. Each layer adds flavor and aids in creating a supremely crispy coating.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well covered. Shake off the excess flour and then dip the chicken into the egg mixture. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even and thick coating. The panko breadcrumbs should adhere well to the chicken, forming the base of the crispy crust.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and halfway up the chicken pieces. This amount of oil will help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F, which is the prime temperature for deep-frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully lay the breaded chicken into the hot oil, allowing each piece enough room to cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan as this lowers the oil temperature, affecting the crispiness. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the chicken and ensure it cooks through.
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it onto a plate lined with paper towels. This step is crucial to drain any excess oil and maintain the chicken’s crispness. Let the cutlets rest for a few minutes; this will allow the juices to settle back into the meat, making for an even juicier bite.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets
Serve the crispy fried chicken cutlets with a side of lemon wedges for a fresh, tangy contrast. They pair beautifully with a crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad, adding texture and a refreshing touch to complement the chicken’s rich flavors.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For ultimate crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs as they fry up lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs. Also, ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature before frying is essential to achieve and preserve the cutlet’s crust without making it greasy.
Elevate Your Fried Chicken with High Protein Version
Maximize your protein intake with a few tweaks to the traditional recipe. Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and add protein-rich ingredients like ground flaxseed to the breadcrumb mixture. Not only will this boost the nutritional value, but it will also add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Consider marinating the chicken in a seasoned Greek yogurt mixture beforehand. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with extra proteins, enhancing both taste and nutrition.
Low-Carb Twist on Classic Fried Cutlets
For those following a low-carb diet, a simple swap of traditional flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and crushed pork rinds can lower the carbohydrate content significantly. This version maintains the crispy exterior everyone loves, without the carbs.
Furthermore, experimenting with spices in your breading can keep flavors vibrant and interesting. Try adding herbs like oregano or rosemary for a fresh, aromatic twist that enhances the fried chicken experience.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover crispy fried chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe? Yes, chicken thighs can make a juicier cutlet due to their higher fat content.
- What oil is best for frying chicken cutlets? Vegetable or canola oil works well as they have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
- How do I get extra crispy chicken cutlets? Double coating in the flour and breadcrumb mixture can enhance crispiness.
- Is it possible to bake these cutlets? Yes, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Can I freeze the fried chicken cutlets? Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Recipe Wrap-Up: Let’s Get Cooking!
With crispy fried chicken cutlets, you have a recipe that is as versatile as it is delicious. Easy enough for weeknight meals, yet impressive for weekend trying. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your cooking experiences. We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless chicken breasts
- all-purpose flour
- panko breadcrumbs
- garlic powder
- eggs
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare the chicken by pounding to 0.5-inch thickness.
- Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then bread with panko.
- Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve fresh.