SPICY FRIED CHICKEN CUTLETS

Spicy Fried Chicken Cutlets image

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (1 1/2 lb)
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 teaspoon bottled hot sauce plus additional for serving
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups fresh bread crumbs (from 6 slices firm white sandwich bread)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

Gently pound chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap with a flat meat pounder or a rolling pin until 1/3 inch thick.
Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish, then add chicken, turning to coat, and let stand 15 minutes.
Stir together bread crumbs, cayenne, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in another shallow dish. Remove chicken from buttermilk 1 piece at a time, letting excess drip off, then dredge in bread crumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere. Transfer chicken as coated to a sheet of wax paper.
Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry chicken 2 pieces at a time until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken with tongs to paper towels to drain and serve with hot sauce on the side.