What is a chicken cutlet?

A chicken cutlet is a thin slice of boneless, skinless chicken breast that has been pounded flat for even cooking. It’s typically breaded and either fried or baked until golden brown.

How long to cook chicken thigh cutlets in the oven at 180 degrees?

At 180°C (about 350°F), chicken thigh cutlets usually take 30–35 minutes in the oven, depending on thickness. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

How do you prepare chicken cutlets?

To prepare cutlets, slice chicken breasts thin, pound them evenly, season, and coat with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Then, cook in a skillet with oil until golden and crisp or bake for a lighter version.

Do you dip cutlets in egg or flour first?

Always start with flour first , then dip in beaten eggs, and finish with breadcrumbs. This layering ensures the coating sticks firmly and crisps up beautifully during cooking.

Why are they called cutlets?

The term “cutlet” comes from the French word côtelette , meaning a small cut of meat. Over time, it became associated with thin, breaded slices of chicken, veal, or pork prepared in this style.

Are cutlets baked or fried?

They can be either! Traditionally, chicken cutlets are pan-fried for maximum crispiness, but baking or air frying is a lighter, healthier option that still gives great results.

Chicken Cutlets – The Best Crispy & Juicy Recipe (2025)

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
1 cup of Panko Italian breadcrumbs
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
1 cup of flour
Vegetable Oil for frying

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Instructions

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise in half to make them thinner. Place chicken cutlets on top of a piece of Saran Plastic Wrap. Place another piece of Saran Wrap on top of the chicken. Use a rolling pin or something heavy to pound the chicken breasts to make them even thinner.
Cut into chicken cutlet size pieces. Season the chicken with a little bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in one container. Whisk together eggs in another container. Mix together flour and season with some salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a third container.
Coat chicken in flour mixture, eggs, then breadcrumb mixture.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook chicken for a few minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temp of 165 and are golden brown.
Work in small batches so the pan doesn’t get too crowded. Let chicken cutlets cool on paper towels to absorb any extra grease. Enjoy!

Notes

Serve over your favorite noodles or throw them in a bun for a killer chicken Parmesan sub!

Prep Time: 20minutes
Cook Time: 20minutes
Cuisine: American