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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Tenderize Chicken: Place each piece between plastic wrap, gently pound until uniformly thin, creating consistent texture and ensuring even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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