Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total, 8 oz each)
- 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs + 1 tablespoon water
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or Italian breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Extra light olive oil (or neutral oil like canola or avocado) for frying
- Lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and coarse salt, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 8 thin cutlets. Place between plastic wrap or parchment and pound to ¼-inch thickness. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In three shallow bowls: place flour in the first; whisk eggs and water in the second; combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt in the third.
- Bread the Cutlets: Dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg wash, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press to adhere. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to help the coating set.
- Pan-Fry: In a large skillet, heat oil to 350–375°F. Add cutlets in batches, frying for about 2 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over before serving.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350–375°F for the crispiest cutlets.
- Cutlets can be kept warm in a 200°F oven while frying in batches.
- Great for meal prep — store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
