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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Olive oil or cooking spray for frying The main ingredients for Parmesan crusted chicken cutlets start with fresh chicken. I use boneless, skinless chicken cutlets for a tender bite. Next, I choose finely grated Parmesan cheese. It gives a rich, nutty flavor. Whole-wheat breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture that I love. For the binding, I use eggs mixed with Dijon mustard. This mix helps the coating stick. The egg wash also adds flavor. Now let’s talk about seasoning. I add garlic powder and Italian seasoning to boost the taste. Salt and pepper are key for balance. Fresh parsley makes a pretty garnish and adds a pop of color. I often use olive oil for frying, but cooking spray works well too. This choice can help keep the dish lighter while still achieving that crispy delight we all crave! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, ensure your chicken cutlets are even. If they are thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound them to about ½ inch thick. This makes them tender and helps them cook evenly. Next, set up your workspace. You will need a clean area to work. Gather your tools, such as bowls for mixing and a skillet for frying. This will help you stay organized and make cooking easier. Now, let’s create our breading stations. In a shallow bowl, whisk together two large eggs and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix them well until smooth. This mixture helps the breading stick to the chicken. In a second shallow bowl, combine one cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, one cup of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, two teaspoons of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients well for an even flavor. Now it’s time to coat the chicken cutlets. Start by dipping each cutlet into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, transfer the cutlet to the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Before frying, preheat a large skillet. Add a splash of olive oil over medium heat. If you prefer a lighter option, use cooking spray. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the cutlets. Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the skillet. Be sure not to crowd them. Fry each cutlet for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check this. Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the skillet. Lay them flat on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. This keeps them nice and crisp. To get that perfect crunch on your Parmesan crusted chicken cutlets, oil temperature is key. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers. This shows it’s ready for frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up excess oil. This makes the cutlets soggy instead of crispy. Also, avoid overcrowding your pan. This is vital for even cooking. If you place too many cutlets in at once, they’ll steam rather than fry. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets enough heat to crisp up perfectly. You can boost flavor by adding more seasonings. Consider mixing in paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs. These can make your dish pop. You can also try different cheeses, like Romano or Asiago. Each cheese offers a unique taste. For the best results, use a heavy skillet. A cast iron or stainless steel pan heats evenly. This helps get golden, crunchy cutlets every time. If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These work well and still give a nice crunch. For dairy-free options, swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. These adjustments make this dish more inclusive, so everyone can enjoy it. Pro Tips Ensure Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness not only helps with uniform cooking but also ensures a tender bite. Let the Coating Set: After breading, let the cutlets rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking. Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized flavor twist. {{image_4}} You can add extra flavor to your Parmesan crusted chicken cutlets by mixing in spices or herbs. Try adding paprika for a smoky taste or dried thyme for a hint of earthiness. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These additions will make each bite exciting and fresh. Another fun option is to mix in different types of cheese. If you want a creamier taste, try adding mozzarella or cheddar to the breading. You could even use a bit of blue cheese for a bold twist. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor and texture, making your cutlets even more delightful. You can choose different cooking methods for your chicken cutlets. Frying gives you a crispy outside, while baking can be healthier. If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. If you want a quick and healthy option, you can use an air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the cutlets for about 12-15 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway for that perfect crunch. The air fryer makes them crispy without using much oil. When it comes to sides, think fresh and bright. A simple green salad pairs nicely with these cutlets. You can also serve them over a bed of arugula, which adds a peppery bite. Roasted veggies or mashed potatoes are great options too. For plating, arrange the cutlets neatly on a white plate. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze around the edges for a fancy touch. This way, your Parmesan crusted chicken cutlets will not only taste amazing but look beautiful, too! To keep your chicken cutlets fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place the cutlets in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. To reheat without losing that yummy crunch, use an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cutlets on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, cover the cutlets with a damp paper towel. Heat them for 1-2 minutes, checking often. The microwave may not keep the crunch as well as the oven. You can freeze these tasty cutlets too! First, let them cool completely. Wrap each cutlet in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them safe for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For cooking, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This will give you a nice, crispy finish. For cutlets, boneless chicken breast works best. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. Chicken thighs are another option; they offer more flavor and moisture. Both cuts are easy to pound into thin pieces for even cooking. You can make these cutlets lighter by using whole-wheat breadcrumbs. This adds fiber. You can also skip frying and bake them instead. Spray with cooking oil for a crispy texture without added fat. Use lean chicken and cut down on cheese if needed. These cutlets pair well with fresh salads or steamed veggies. A side of pasta with marinara sauce adds heartiness. You can also serve them on top of a bed of arugula or with a light lemon sauce. Parmesan crusted chicken cutlets are a tasty meal option. We discussed the key ingredients, like chicken, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. I also outlined step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the cutlets. To achieve that perfect crunch, temperature and space matter. Remember to explore variations and storage tips for leftovers. Keep these ideas in mind to create a dish that shines at any meal. Enjoy making your Parmesan cutlets and impressing your family and friends!

Crunchy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets

Deliciously crispy chicken cutlets coated in Parmesan and breadcrumbs, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • as needed Olive oil or cooking spray for frying

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken cutlets are thick, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of approximately ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  • Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined and smooth. In another shallow dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, whole-wheat breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
  • Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken cutlet and first immerse it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, transfer the cutlet to the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture and coat thoroughly.
  • Preheat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat a generous splash of olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering before adding your cutlets.
  • Cook the Cutlets: Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the skillet in batches, frying for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Drain and Serve: Remove the cutlets from the skillet and lay them flat on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
  • Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For a lighter version, use cooking spray instead of olive oil.
Keyword chicken, crispy, cutlets, Parmesan