Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets are a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. With a crunchy breadcrumb coating infused with Parmesan and herbs, these chicken cutlets deliver a delicious Italian-inspired meal that’s simple to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
- Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 4: Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Step 5: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove the cutlets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
- Try swapping oregano for fresh basil or thyme for a different herb profile.
- Serve the cutlets with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
Storage
Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this may soften the coating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken?
Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness, which helps the cutlets cook evenly and stay tender. It’s highly recommended for best results.
PrintCrispy Italian Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets are golden, crunchy, and packed with Italian herbs and Parmesan flavor. This easy skillet-fried recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture for a delicious dinner the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying and Garnish
- Olive oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them evenly to about ½ inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: put flour in the first, whisk the eggs in the second, and combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place the breaded cutlets into the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any leftover oil for a crispier finish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cutlets before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to prevent uneven cooking.
- Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for the best authentic flavor or add Italian seasoning to plain breadcrumbs if unavailable.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Olive oil is preferred for frying to add a rich flavor, but canola or vegetable oil can also be used.
- Serve with a side salad or pasta for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Keywords: crispy chicken cutlets, Italian chicken recipe, fried chicken breasts, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner recipes

