Simple Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets
These Simple Italian Chicken Cutlets are crispy, golden, and packed with classic Italian flavor. Thin chicken cutlets are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then pan-fried until perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect served with pasta, salad, or fresh lemon wedges for an easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 15 MINUTES
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: ITALIAN | AMERICAN
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets.
- Place chicken between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about ¼-inch thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and water.
- In a second shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crispy cutlets, let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispness.