Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for juicy chicken cutlets with a vibrant, zesty sauce is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that even the busiest individual can master. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and easy recipes.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Zesty Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the egg, ensuring it's fully coated, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking the Chicken Cutlets:
- Carefully place the chicken cutlets in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken cutlets from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Zesty Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, honey, and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving:
- Serve the delicious chicken cutlets immediately, topped with the zesty sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before breading.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or herb-infused breadcrumbs.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Serve with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad are all excellent choices. This makes it a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This recipe offers a tasty and simple solution for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. Enjoy!