BEST EVER CHICKEN CUTLETS

Best Ever Chicken Cutlets image

The BEST Italian breaded chicken cutlets ever! Moist, tender chicken with an ultra crispy, flavorful breading that will have everyone raving about them!

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

3 cups panko or homemade breadcrumbs
2 large cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
3 tablespoons finely minced fresh Italian flat leaf parsely
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus more for seasoning
3/4 cup plus 1/2 cup finely grated pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese
3 eggs
1 cup AP flour
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
olive oil for frying

Steps:

In a medium, shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, 3/4 cup cheese, and set aside. In another medium, shallow bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with 1/2 cup cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon water until fully combined. Pour the flour into another shallow bowl or plate, season with salt and pepper and mix to combine.
Cut the chicken into thin, even slices. Take one piece of thinly sliced chicken and place it on a cutting board. Place a piece of plastic wrap over top, and use a meat mallet to pound it out to be about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining chicken, then generously season each piece with salt and pepper.
Set up the breading station so that the chicken is on the far left, then next to it the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs, and then a landing plate or pan to hold the breaded chicken.
Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the flour to coat on all sides, then tap off the excess (*See note). Next, coat it in the egg mixture, and let the excess drip off. Then, into the breadcrumbs. Be sure to press it down and move it around so that it's thoroughly coated. Place the chicken on the reserved plate, and repeat with the remaining pieces.
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed saute pan over medium-high heat. Place 1-3 chicken breasts in at a time, depending on how many your pan can hold. Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown on each side, and then remove to paper towels or a rack to drain.
Serve as is with a squeeze of lemon, with a tomato arugula salad, or smother with marinara and mozzarella to make chicken parm. This procedure also works equally as well with veal and pork.
Leftovers can be stored, wrapped tightly, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.