Cheesy Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Golden, breaded chicken cutlets topped with melted cheese and herbs, served hot with lemon wedges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The crunchy breading and rich melted cheese create a delicious contrast in texture. The lemon adds brightness that elevates the dish without complexity.
ingredients
chicken cutlets
all‑purpose flour
eggs
breadcrumbs
grated cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan)
olive oil or butter
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley
lemon wedges
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
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Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness.
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Season flour with salt and pepper and dredge the cutlets.
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Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
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Heat oil or butter in a skillet and cook cutlets until golden on both sides.
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Top each cutlet with grated cheese and allow it to melt.
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Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 15–20 minutes
Total: 35–40 minutes
Variations
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispness.
• Add herbs like oregano or basil to the breading.
• Serve with marinara sauce for an Italian‑inspired version.
storage/reheating
Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a low oven to preserve crispness and melt the cheese.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of pan‑frying?
Yes, bake at 400 °F until golden and cooked through.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan works well.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Ensure the cutlets are dry before breading and press the crumbs firmly.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used but may require longer cooking.
Is this dish kid‑friendly?
Yes, it is generally well‑accepted by children.
Can I freeze leftover cutlets?
Freeze cooked cutlets in an airtight container for up to two months.
How do I prevent soggy breading?
Serve immediately or reheat in the oven.
What side dishes pair well?
Salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables complement this dish.
How thick should the cutlets be?
About 1/4–1/2 inch thick ensures even cooking.
Can I prepare the breading station ahead?
Yes, prepare the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs in advance.
Conclusion
Cheesy breaded chicken cutlets are a satisfying classic, combining crisp exterior and melty cheese in every bite.
PrintCheesy Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Cheesy Breaded Chicken Cutlets are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor thanks to a golden breadcrumb coating mixed with Parmesan cheese—perfect for weeknight dinners or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or cutlets, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
- Optional: lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip into egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry cutlets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot, optionally with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Great for sandwiches, salads, or served with pasta or vegetables.
- Cutlets can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes as a healthier alternative.
- Make ahead by freezing breaded (uncooked) cutlets in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: breaded chicken, chicken cutlets, parmesan chicken, crispy chicken, cheesy chicken, fried chicken cutlets
