Fried chicken cutlets with flour and breadcrumbs is delicious. Crispy ways of how to fry cutlets in pan on stove, in air fryer, deep fried and breaded, or a healthy way to Cook Thin Chicken Breast in Oven with no bread crumbs is here.
Fried cutlets make for an easy meal with a crispy breading we love. You don’t need a deep fryer either, a cast iron pan works great with some vegetable oil to have dinner done in about 15 minutes. Use Italian or Panko breadcrumbs to coat and enjoy. (affiliate links present)
Table of contents
How to Fry Chicken Cutlets
If you have a large skillet at home you’re in luck to make these and/or Fried Chicken Legs. I honestly think that is better than deep frying for several reasons. One is you don’t have to use very much oil at a time and if you like these breaded that will stay on much better. Just fry to a golden brown on each side, set on paper towels to rest for a few minutes and serve!
Pan Fried Chicken Cutlets
You don’t need a cast iron pan, any large pan will work but I do recommend getting one. Why is a cast iron pan best for frying? It retains heat exceptionally well, which is important for maintaining a consistent temperature. This helps achieve an even, golden-brown crust on fried foods. When properly seasoned, it develops a natural non-stick surface which improves over time making it easier to fry without sticking.
Fried Chicken Cutlets with Flour
Why do you coat chicken with flour when frying it? If you like that thick KFC fried chicken style coating on the outside, this is how you get it. Without this layer yes the bread crumbs will stick with the help of a dip in eggs but there will be small spaces in between where it will be “naked”.
How do you make breading stick to chicken cutlets?
If you didn’t buy these already thin at the store you can easily do this at home. You can buy boneless skinless chicken breasts, lay on a cutting board and slice into 2-3 thinner pieces to start off.
- Pound these pieces, placed in between plastic wrap or parchment paper, to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and better adherence of the breading.
- Dry the Chicken with paper towels to removing excess moisture which is the most important step for success.
- Coat in the flour, shaking off any excess. The flour helps the egg wash stick.
- This is How to Make Egg Wash in a bowl whisked. Set in this after you dip into flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs ensuring an even and thorough coating. Pat the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere better.
If you really want to prevent anything from sloughing off you can let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. That is an added step but some swear by it. If you do this take out and allow to sit on the counter for a good 5 minutes before adding to your hot oil. This is How to Fry Chicken Tenders or larger pieces like this properly.
This is How Long to Bake Chicken Cutlets in the oven if you’d prefer.
What temperature should oil be to fry chicken cutlets?
I wrote a whole article about How Hot Should Oil be for Fried Chicken. 360 degrees F over medium high heat is ideal which you can maintain best in a cast iron pan. It doesn’t matter what cut you are cooking, the same applies. You do NOT want to add meat until it reaches this temp. or you won’t get that super crispy exterior.
Cooking chicken cutlets in air fryer
Thin Chicken Cutlets in Air Fryer will give you the same crispy texture without the added fat or calories. You will need a bit of oil but it is best to just spray it which means you will use maybe 1 teaspoon or so, that is all. I will say it is a bit of a mess as they will stick a bit even if you use non-stick spray first.
What temperature to air fry chicken cutlets
Without oil you want to preheat your machine to 400. Once again, do NOT add food into the basket until it reaches this or the timing and texture will not be ideal. Timing is everything when it comes to fried foods.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for chicken?
There are alternatives that will work just as well. If you need a gluten-free option I would use your favorite GF crackers or cereal to smash into crumbs. Nuts crushed very fine is another option, or smash rice cakes in a bag. If you need to know How to Bread Chicken Without Eggs we have options for that too.
Can you deep fry without breading?
Of course but it will take on more of the oil flavors if you don’t add any flavor at all. You can prep in a sauce or just season and deep fry thin chicken breasts using the same cook time below. Length of time on each side will depend on how thick each piece is to timing will vary slightly.
You would want to season both sides to your liking and bake in the oven for a healthy recipe using thin chicken breasts. They only take 12-15 minutes this way. Another option is to pressure cook them but the downside to this is they won’t get crispy.
If you want a thick extra crispy coating you will want to dip it in flour, seasoned in a shallow bowl, as well for that. Without that step you can achieve a lighter breading with less calories though.
You will want boneless skinless pieces. Set on a cutting board and hold one hand flat on top. Use a sharp knife and cut in the middle to slice it half as thick, 1/2 inch thick is ideal, into what is called a cutlet!
How to keep chicken crispy after frying?
When done you will want to remove breaded chicken cutlets from oil, allow oil excess to drip off and set on a wire rack. It is best enjoyed after it has sit for 5 minutes and still warm. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper before serving.
If you are looking for more easy Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Recipes you are in luck, we make these all the times in a number of different ways, breaded and naked that taste amazing.
Fried Chicken Cutlets
Equipment
- 1 pan cast iron is great
- 3 shallow bowls
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs. chicken cutlets
- 1/2 c all purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 c Panko breadcrumbs
- oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or plate, add flour, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside.
- In a separate shallow bowl, add egg and water and whisk well. Set aside. In a third shallow bowl or plate, add panko crumbs and set aside. Heat about 1" of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat until hot.
- Carefully dredge chicken breast into flour mixture, coating both sides, and shaking off excess. Dredge into egg, coating both sides and finally panko bread crumbs, coating both sides and covering the chicken completely.
- Carefully place the cutlets into the hot oil (once it reaches 155-160 F.) and heat on one side for about 6 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully flip over the chicken and continue to heat for an additional 6 minutes or until golden brown.
- Set on paper towel or on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
