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Easy Italian Chicken Cutlets - Cotoletta di Pollo recipe photo

Italian Chicken Cutlets - Cotoletta di Pollo

This Italian Chicken Cutlet recipe is a must-try! Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Comfort Food, Easy, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Cutlets:

  • 4 slices chicken breast each slice about 1-inch thick
  • 2 large eggs
  • 85 g panko breadcrumbs for crunch
  • 2 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano cheese finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
  • 1 clove garlic finely grated
  • sea salt to taste
  • freshly-cracked black pepper to taste
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for frying
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges

Instructions

Preparation Steps:

  • Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it's about ½ inch thick.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sea salt, and freshly-cracked black pepper. In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, minced parsley, and grated garlic.
  • Dip each piece of flattened chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
  • In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  • Once cooked, transfer the cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Shallow Dish
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with eggplant or tofu.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.