Description
A classic dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust infused with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, sandwiches, or appetizers, this dish delivers bold flavors and versatility with minimal effort.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (or substitute with panko or almond flour for a healthier option)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil (for frying, or use cooking spray for baking)
– Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound 4 chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Bread Chicken: Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure full coverage. Shake off excess flour before breading.
- Cook Chicken:
– Frying Method: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Fry the cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through.
– Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or serve with lemon wedges for added brightness.
Notes
– Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for maximum adherence and a crispier coating.
– Add fresh lemon juice or chopped parsley over the finished dish for extra flavor.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
– For meal prep, bread the cutlets ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes (frying), 20–25 minutes (baking)
- Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
- Method: Frying / Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~32g
- Cholesterol: ~150mg