Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Parmesan
Indulge in these delectable Italian-style chicken cutlets, perfect for a light lunch or snack. These cutlets are not only easy to prepare but also burst with flavor. The secret lies in the combination of ground chicken, soaked bread, and the richness of half-and-half, ensuring that each bite is juicy and tender. The golden, crispy exterior comes from a delightful mixture of fresh breadcrumbs and fragrant Parmesan cheese, creating a perfect contrast with the buttery inside. Pair these cutlets with a light pasta dish tossed in olive oil and herbs, along with a fresh garden salad. For an ideal dining experience, serve with a glass of Beaujolais or a Northern Italian merlot, which will complement the buttery, savory notes beautifully. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, these cutlets are sure to impress!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Good-quality white bread
2 (slices, crusts removed)
Half-and-half
1/4 (cup)
Ground chicken
1 (lb)
Egg
1 (large, beaten)
Salt
to taste ((optional))
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Butter
5 (tablespoons, 3 at room temperature)
Dry breadcrumbs
1/2 (cup)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup)
Cooking oil
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by tearing the sliced bread into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
2
Pour the half-and-half over the bread, allowing it to soak for about 2 minutes until fully absorbed.
3
Add the ground chicken, egg, salt (if desired), and black pepper to the soaked bread. Incorporate the room-temperature butter and mix gently until combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up the mixture.
4
Once the chicken mixture has set, remove it from the freezer and form the mixture into four oval cutlets, taking care not to compress them too tightly.
5
In a separate small bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each cutlet in this breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
6
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the cooking oil over medium heat until melted and sizzling.
7
Carefully place the coated cutlets in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
8
Once done, remove cutlets from the pan and let them rest for a moment before serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy and moist Italian chicken cutlets!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is ground chicken.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the secret to making these chicken cutlets juicy and tender?
The secret lies in combining the ground chicken with bread soaked in half-and-half and adding room-temperature butter.
How long should I soak the white bread?
The white bread should be soaked in half-and-half for about 2 minutes until it is fully absorbed.
Should I remove the crusts from the bread?
Yes, the recipe specifies using slices of good-quality white bread with the crusts removed.
Why does the chicken mixture need to go into the freezer?
The mixture is placed in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape into cutlets.
How many cutlets should I form from the mixture?
The mixture should be formed into four oval cutlets.
What ingredients are used for the breading?
The breading is a mixture of dry breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I ensure the cutlets are evenly coated?
Dredge each cutlet in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture to ensure an even coating on all sides.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the pan?
The cutlets should be cooked over medium heat.
What type of pan is best for frying these cutlets?
A large nonstick frying pan is recommended.
What fats are used to fry the chicken?
A combination of 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil is used for frying.
How long should each side of the cutlet cook?
Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
What is the safe internal temperature for these chicken cutlets?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
Should I let the cutlets rest after cooking?
Yes, let the cutlets rest for a moment after removing them from the pan before serving.
What side dishes are suggested for this meal?
It is suggested to pair them with a light pasta dish tossed in olive oil and herbs, along with a fresh garden salad.
Which wines pair well with this dish?
A glass of Beaujolais or a Northern Italian merlot would complement the buttery and savory notes.
How much butter is needed in total for the recipe?
A total of 5 tablespoons of butter is needed: 3 tablespoons at room temperature for the mixture and 2 tablespoons for frying.
What kind of cheese is used in the breading?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used in the breading mixture.
Is salt required for this recipe?
Salt is listed as optional and can be added to taste.
What texture should the exterior of the cutlets have?
The exterior should be golden and crispy.
What size egg is used?
One large, beaten egg is used in the mixture.
How much half-and-half is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of half-and-half.
How should the bread be prepared before soaking?
The bread should be torn into small pieces with the crusts removed.
What shape should the cutlets be formed into?
The mixture should be formed into oval-shaped cutlets.
Can these be served for lunch?
Yes, they are described as perfect for a light lunch, snack, or dinner.
What type of black pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How much dry breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs for the coating.
Should the cutlets be compressed tightly when forming them?
No, you should take care not to compress the mixture too tightly when forming the cutlets.
Are these cutlets easy to prepare?
Yes, they are described as easy to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner.