Tired of the same old breaded chicken cutlets? Craving a lighter, healthier option that's still incredibly crispy and flavorful? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for chicken cutlets without breadcrumbs delivers on all fronts – it's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a crispy, juicy chicken cutlet that's surprisingly simple to achieve, even without breadcrumbs!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds extra flavor and crispiness)
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and a nice, crispy exterior. You can use a meat mallet or even the bottom of a heavy pan to gently flatten them.
Step 2: Create the Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and Parmesan cheese (if using). This is your flavorful dry coating.
Step 3: The Egg Wash
In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs. This acts as a binder, helping the dry coating adhere to the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the milk or buttermilk, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 5: Cook the Cutlets
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated chicken cutlets in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If using cooking spray, you may need to cook in batches to ensure even browning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the cooked chicken cutlets from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve these delicious cutlets with your favorite sides – a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes are all excellent choices.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures even browning and prevents the chicken from steaming.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker chicken breasts may require a longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Season generously: Don't be shy with the spices! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite combination.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Cutlets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Cutlets: Add some lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Italian-Style Chicken Cutlets: Use Italian seasoning instead of the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: Approximately 30g Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional breaded chicken cutlets. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!