Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlet (Printable Version)

Tender chicken coated in crispy Parmesan and breadcrumbs, pan-fried to golden perfection.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 5.3 oz each)

→ Breading

02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 2 tablespoons milk
04 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3.5 oz)
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 3.5 oz)
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2.1 oz)
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 (80 ml), or vegetable oil

→ To Serve

12 - Lemon wedges
13 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
02 - Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: place all-purpose flour in the first, whisk eggs with milk in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in the third.
04 - Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg mixture, and finally press thoroughly into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even crust.
05 - Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
06 - Fry chicken cutlets in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Transfer cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
08 - Serve the cutlets immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in 30 minutes flat, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore.
  • The Parmesan crust stays crispy even after it cools, perfect for sandwiches the next day.
  • You can dress it up or keep it casual, and it pairs beautifully with almost anything.
02 -
  • Don't skip pounding the chicken evenly—thick spots will stay raw while thin edges burn.
  • The oil must be hot enough that the cutlet sizzles immediately when it hits the pan, otherwise the coating absorbs oil instead of crisping.
  • Don't flip more than once; let each side develop that golden crust without moving the chicken around.
03 -
  • If your crust keeps sliding off, your oil might not be hot enough or you might not be pressing the breadcrumb mixture firmly enough during breading.
  • Room-temperature chicken breasts bread and cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the fridge, so pull them out 15 minutes before you start prepping.
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