Zippy Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Cutlets Recipe for Family Meals

Sizzling chicken cutlets with a golden, crispy exterior have been a staple in countless kitchens, and this Barefoot Contessa chicken cutlets recipe brings restaurant-quality magic right to your dinner table.

Ina Garten’s technique ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned and delightfully tender.

The simple yet elegant approach makes these cutlets a weeknight winner that comes together in minutes.

Boneless chicken breasts get a luxurious makeover with a light coating of breadcrumbs and a quick pan-fry that seals in all the juicy goodness.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this straightforward method that guarantees maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The golden-brown exterior promises a crisp crunch that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Grab your skillet and get ready to master a classic dish that will become a permanent fixture in your culinary repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient Breakdown for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cutlets

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a crucial first layer for breading, helping egg wash and breadcrumbs stick perfectly to chicken.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps break down protein for more tender cutlets.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Contributes subtle, sweet undertones to the breading.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and complexity to the seasoning blend.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice booster for those craving extra kick.

• Eggs: Acts as a sticky glue between flour and breadcrumb layers, ensuring crispy coating.
• Water: Helps thin eggs for smoother, more even coating.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates incredibly light, extra-crunchy exterior with superior texture.
• Pecorino Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty dimension to the crispy layer.

• Butter: Provides rich, golden color and deep flavor when sautéing.
• Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and adds subtle fruity note.
• Lemon: Optional bright, zesty garnish to cut through richness.

Kitchen Gear for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cutlets

• Large skillet: Essential for perfectly browning chicken cutlets with even heat distribution.
• Wire rack: Crucial for draining excess oil and keeping chicken crispy while resting in the oven.
• Baking sheet: Supports the wire rack for holding chicken during warming.
• Plastic wrap: Needed for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin: Helps flatten chicken pieces uniformly.
• Shallow dishes (3): Required for creating breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixtures.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning for each coating layer.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs and mixing dry ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Ideal for handling and flipping chicken in the skillet without piercing the breading.

Making Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cutlets Step-by-Step

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts into tender-sized pieces. Gently pound each piece between plastic wrap until thin and even, creating a uniform texture that promises delectable crunch.

• Seasoning Layers

Create three magical stations with flour, egg wash, and crispy breadcrumb coating. Each station adds a flavor dimension that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.

• Coating Technique

Delicately dredge each chicken piece through flour, then bathe in silky egg wash, and finally roll in seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Ensure complete coverage for maximum golden crispiness.

• Cooking Magic

Warm a skillet with butter and olive oil over gentle heat. Fry chicken pieces in small batches, allowing each cutlet to develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. Work in stages to maintain perfect temperature.

• Final Touch

Transfer golden cutlets to a warm plate. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish that elevates the entire dish. Serve immediately while crispy and warm.

Flavorful Twists on Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cutlets

• Gently pound chicken between plastic wrap using a meat mallet or rolling pin, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking and crispy breading.
• Swap Pecorino with Parmesan, add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to breadcrumb mixture for extra depth, or incorporate smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
• Skip pan-frying and bake breaded cutlets at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to reduce oil content while maintaining crispy texture.
• Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, using cornstarch as a binding agent for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on crunch.
• Elevate the dish with homemade marinara, garlic aioli, or tangy tzatziki for dipping, adding complementary flavors that transform simple chicken cutlets into a gourmet experience.

Best Ways to Serve Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cutlets

• Pair with Vibrant Sides: Create a colorful plate by serving the crispy chicken cutlets alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or rainbow carrots for a nutritious and eye-catching meal.
• Zesty Sauce Companion: Whip up a quick lemon-herb aioli or tangy marinara sauce to drizzle over the cutlets, adding an extra layer of flavor that complements the golden-brown breading.
• Salad Plate Partner: Transform the chicken into a light dinner by topping a fresh mixed green salad with the cutlets, sprinkled with extra Pecorino cheese and a bright vinaigrette dressing.
• Perfect Sandwich Transformation: Slice the cutlets and nestle them between soft ciabatta bread with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a smear of garlic aioli for a gourmet lunch option.

Keeping Leftovers of Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cutlets Fresh

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooked chicken cutlets in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Keep breaded chicken cutlets in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cutlets in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed cutlets in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy coating and prevent sogginess.

Crispy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken cutlets offer a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with herbal notes and crispy textures. Cooks can easily prepare this simple yet elegant recipe with fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a memorable meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, about 32 oz / 900g)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (250g) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50g) Pecorino-Romano cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp (6g) granulated garlic
• 1 tbsp (6g) onion powder
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 stick (8 tbsps / 115g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120ml) olive oil
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Workstation: Position wire rack on baking sheet inside oven warmed to 90°C (200°F) for holding finished cutlets. Slice chicken breasts into elongated tender-like pieces.
2. Tenderize Chicken: Place each piece between plastic wrap, gently pound until uniformly thin, creating consistent texture and ensuring even cooking.
3. Create Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes – first with seasoned flour mixture, second with egg wash, third with herbed panko breadcrumb blend. Each station will provide layered flavor and crispy exterior.
4. Coat Chicken: Methodically dredge each chicken piece through flour, submerge completely in egg wash, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage and maximum adhesion.
5. Fry Chicken: Heat skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-low temperature. Cook chicken in small batches, approximately 2 pieces simultaneously, frying 3-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and crispy.
6. Maintain Temperature: Transfer each batch to wire rack in warm oven, preserving heat and crispiness. Wipe skillet clean between batches to prevent burning and maintain consistent flavor profile.
7. Serve and Garnish: Plate golden cutlets and accompany with fresh lemon wedges for vibrant citrus accent, enhancing overall dining experience.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout each piece.
• Pound Precisely: Use gentle, even pressure when tenderizing to avoid tearing meat and achieve the perfect 1/4-inch thickness.
• Breading Basics: Create a tight, even coating by following the flour-egg-breadcrumb sequence, pressing firmly to help breading adhere completely.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat to prevent burning while achieving a golden, crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 180mg