Chicken Cutlets are celebrated in many households as a versatile dish. This delicious recipe requires little preparation. This friend and branded patty comes with a unique textural contrast. It has a golden-crispy exterior and a juicy-tender chicken interior. This food can be an excellent option for every occasion, whether a party or weekend dinner. Hence, you must know the recipe of this dish along with its various variations. Keep reading to know more on this.
Chicken Cutlets: What is It?
Chicken cutlets are made from skinless, boneless chicken breasts. The horizontally sliced breasts are turned into thinner pieces. Combined with different spices, vegetables, and aromatics, these are made into patties coated in some crispy exterior like breadcrumbs and then deep-fried. It gets different textures and flavors depending on the ingredients and frying methods.
The Origin and History
The idea of cutlets first originated in Europe around the 17th century. In the beginning, people used to make cutlets from leftover meat. It was a trick to use every part of an animal. Cutlets spread into different countries and nations as time progressed, adapting to different preferences and ingredients. Eventually, they birthed chicken cutlets.
Europe
Cutlets became extremely popular in countries like Germany and Australia. Schnitzel, made from veal, was considered a classic cutlet in olden times. The veal was pounded thin before being breaded and fried.
Latin America
Milenesa is a popular South American form of cutlet. It is a delicious staple food there. Different meats and chimichurri sauce can be used to make this dish.
Japan
Chicken katsu is a popular Japanese variation of chicken cutlets. To introduce a distinctive crunch, a unique panko breadcrumb is used.
India
Indian chicken cutlets are unique. If you want to taste the spiciest cutlets, try the Indian variation. This recipe features chilies and curries, along with an effective combination of different spices. Apart from chicken, lamb can be an alternative meat.
Classic Breaded Chicken Cutlets: The Recipe
This recipe is one of the most popular food items made with chicken. The pounded chicken slice needs breading and deep-frying. It makes the exterior golden and crispy, while the interior becomes tender and juicy.
Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumb
- Pepper and salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil or olive oil for frying
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Prepare Your Chicken
After slicing the chicken breast horizontally, make two thinner pieces. Now, put each slice between plastic wrap and pound it with a meat mallet until it is ¼ inch thick.
Set Up Breading Station
In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and paprika. In two other shallow dishes, put eggs in one and flour in the other.
Bread the Cutlets
Dread chicken cutlets in flour and shake them off. Then, dip the cutlets into beaten eggs to coat them completely. Now press them into the breadcrumb mixture to cover them completely.
Cook It
Oil a large skillet on medium heat. Add your breaded cutlets to the hot oil. Add the chicken cutlets in batches, not overcrowding the pan. Fry each side of the cutlets for 3-4 minutes to make them golden brown. After frying both sides in this way, transfer the cutlets to some tissues on a plate to help soak up the excess oil.
Serve It
Garnishing the cutlets with fresh herbs or lemon wedges is a good option to consider. It is better to serve the chicken cutlets hot. They go well with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a side salad.
Other Variations of Chicken Cutlets
There are various variations of chicken cutlets that you should know about. A few of such other variations are described below.
Lemon Herb Chicken Cutlets
If you wish to try a lighter and fresher cutlet variation, then you must try this dish. The ingredients and cooking methods are almost the same. You just marinate the chicken cutlets in a mixture of fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before baking or grilling.
Spicy Chicken Cutlets
Do you want the spiciest cutlets? Then you have the option of this dish. All you need to do is add hot sauce, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the breading mixture. After frying, you can serve this dish with ranch dressing or a cooling yogurt dip.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets
You can increase the flavour of breaded cutlets by using more Parmesan cheese. This variation effectively creates a rich, savory crust that pairs perfectly with pasta and marinara sauce.
What are Some Healthier Alternatives to Consider?
The friend chicken cutlets, despite being the most delicious and tastiest dish, are not healthy. So, if you wish to go for healthier options with great flavor, you must consider these alternatives.
Baked Cutlets
Baking is always healthier than frying. You can bake chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Coat the cutlets with cooking spray and then bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for around 25 minutes. You can also simply cook them until they are golden brown.
Grilled Cutlets
Grilled cutlets are the best low-calorie option. Marinate the cutlets in herbs and then grill them over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side. This will add grill marks and create a smoky flavour.
Air Fryer Cutlets
You can also opt for air-frying cutlets as a healthier option. This method produces a crispy texture with less oil. To do this, you are supposed to preheat the air fryer to 400°F and then cook the cutlets in it for 10-12 minutes.
Tips to Make Amazing Breaded Cutlets
If you are looking forward to making amazing chicken cutlets, consider these essential tips and tricks.
Utilize Panko Breadcrumbs
If you wish for a crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs. These crumbs are flakier and larger than regular breadcrumbs.
Season the Breadcrumbs and Flour
Including herbs and spices in breadcrumb and flour mixtures makes the chicken cutlets even more flavourful.
Use the Right Temperature to Heat the Oil
Heat is essential to making the cutlet of the right texture and tenderness. If the oil is too cool, it will absorb too much oil to become greasy. And if it is too hot, the breading is likely to burn before the chicken is properly cooked. This is why it is essential to use the right temperature. For the best results, you should use a temperature of around 350°F.
Use Paper Towels to Absorb the Excess Oil
Once the cutlets are cooked, you should place them on some paper towels to get rid of the excess oil from the chicken cutlet. This will make the cutlets healthier.
Serving Options to Consider
Cutlets are a versatile dish. They can be paired and served with different kinds of sauces and side dishes, according to your preference.
Pasta
Pasta is always a good option for chicken cutlets. It perfectly complements this dish. Using marinara sauce with spaghetti will be a great option in this regard.
Sandwiches
You also have the option to put a breaded cutlet in a sandwich roll with mayo, tomato, and lettuce. This will make a tasty chicken sandwich.
Salad
Using garden salad with sliced cutlets will be a healthy and hearty meal for you and your guests.
Vegetables
Using vegetables like carrots will also be a great addition to chicken cutlets. You can also use steamed or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Chicken cutlets are the most delicious and versatile dish you could ever make. Whether you like them baked, grilled, air-fried, or deep-fried, you can make them as you wish. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step method to prepare the dish efficiently. There are so many other variations of cutlets that you can explore and make according to your preference. So, what are you waiting for? Get set, go.
FAQs
What is a Chicken Cutlet?
It is a popular, delicious dish made of chicken. Depending on your preference, other ingredients like bread crumbs, cooking oil, and spices are also used in this process.
How Thick the Slices Should Be While Making Chicken Cutlets Recipe?
There is no specific thickness that you must follow, but it would be better for you to opt for a thickness of around ½ inch. You can also use your discretion while slicing the chicken cutlet.
How Long Do You Need to Fry the Breaded Chicken Cutlets?
It will be more than enough to fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes. The heat should be at medium for the best results. Alternatively, you can keep cooking the chicken cutlet until golden brown.
Are There Any Healthier Alternatives to Chicken Cutlet Recipe?
Yes, there are various healthier alternatives: baked, grilled, and air-fried cutlets. Each of these cutlet options is also delicious. You can choose any of these dishes according to your unique tastes and preferences.
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