Crispy Chicken Cutlets | Golden, Crunchy & Family Favorite

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Crispy Chicken Cutlets

An all-time family favorite—crispy, golden cutlets that work for dinner, meal prep, or a quick sandwich. A little prep, a quick fry, and they disappear fast.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts, sliced thin & pounded to ¼-inch thickness

For the Breading Station

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (in a shallow dish)
  • 6 eggs + ¼ cup water (whisked in a shallow dish)
  • 4 cups plain bread crumbs (bakery fresh if you can; adjust as needed)
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1½ tbsp paprika
  • ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

For Frying

  • ½ cup avocado oil (or enough to coat skillet ~½ inch deep)

Instructions

  1. Prep the station: Set up three shallow dishes—(1) flour, (2) egg + water, (3) bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, parsley, paprika, and Romano.
  2. Bread the chicken: Dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg wash, then press firmly into the seasoned bread crumbs to coat both sides.
  3. Fry: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet to ~375°F (use an instant-read thermometer). Fry cutlets 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the thickest part reaches 165°F.
  4. Drain & season: Transfer to a wire rack or paper-towel-lined tray. Lightly salt while hot. Keep finished cutlets warm in a low oven while you finish batches.
  5. Serve: Great with rice pilaf and a fresh garden salad. Also perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or kid snacks.

Storage & Reheat

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp.
  • Freeze (layered with parchment) up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 400°F until warmed through and crispy.

Nutrition

Approximate per cutlet (about 8 servings):

  • Calories: ~290
  • Protein: ~27 g
  • Carbs: ~18 g
  • Fat: ~12 g

Full Meal Example (per plate)

Cutlet + rice pilaf + garden salad:

  • Calories: ~475
  • Protein: ~32 g
  • Carbs: ~38 g
  • Fat: ~16 g

Pro Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness every time — here’s the one I use.