Crispy Italian Cutlets

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

This classic Italian dish features thinly sliced chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. Ready in 30 minutes with basic ingredients.

Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:34 GMT
A golden-brown breaded fish fillet topped with a slice of lemon and parsley, served on a bed of thick French fries. Save
A golden-brown breaded fish fillet topped with a slice of lemon and parsley, served on a bed of thick French fries. | kitchenscroll.com

In my cozy kitchen, Chicken Milanese is one of those recipes that brings back sweet memories of Sunday family dinners. The sound of that crispy coating as you slice into juicy chicken is simply pure magic. I've perfected this recipe over countless dinner parties and quiet family meals and trust me it never disappoints.

The Magic Behind My Recipe

Through my years of cooking and sharing recipes on my blog, this Chicken Milanese has won hearts at every table. The secret lies in that perfect golden crust hugging tender chicken inside. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up making this dish sing. It's my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet impressive enough for guests.

What's in My Shopping Cart

  • Chicken: I always pick boneless chicken breasts and slice them thin myself. Your butcher can do this too just ask for scallopini style cuts.
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs from my local farmers market make the best coating mixture. Two large ones whisked with sea salt and fresh pepper do the trick.
  • Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly. About ¾ cup creates that essential first layer.
  • Bread Crumbs: Italian seasoned ones are my favorite but sometimes I make my own with day-old bread. You'll need about a cup.
  • Oil: A good quality vegetable oil about ¼ cup lets that coating turn beautifully golden.
  • Lemon: Always keep fresh lemons on hand that final squeeze makes all the difference.

Kitchen Steps

Getting Started
First thing I do is turn my oven to 200°F. This keeps everything warm while I finish cooking each batch.
Setting Up My Station
I line up three shallow dishes one with beaten eggs seasoned just right next comes flour and finally those bread crumbs.
The Breading Process
Each piece of chicken gets a flour coating then an egg bath and finally a generous coating of bread crumbs. Pat them firmly they should stick nicely.
Time to Cook
Get your oil nice and hot in a big skillet. Cook each piece until golden about 3 minutes per side. I always check with my thermometer to make sure we hit 165°F inside.
Keeping Everything Perfect
As each batch finishes pop them in that warm oven on a baking sheet. This way everyone gets hot crispy chicken at dinner.
A plate of golden, crispy fried fish is served on a bed of potato wedges, garnished with a lemon slice and parsley. Save
A plate of golden, crispy fried fish is served on a bed of potato wedges, garnished with a lemon slice and parsley. | kitchenscroll.com

My Kitchen Secrets

Here's something I learned after countless tries press those bread crumbs on really well before they hit the pan. Don't crowd your skillet give each piece plenty of space to get crispy. Thin chicken is the key to perfect results every time it cooks quickly and evenly.

Common Questions from My Readers

What about using panko? Go for it! Panko makes everything extra crunchy. Mix in some grated parmesan and it's absolutely divine.

Which oil works best? Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works beautifully. I switch between vegetable canola and light olive oil.

Need it gluten free? Simply swap in your favorite gluten free flour and bread crumbs. My celiac friends swear it tastes just as good.

Storing leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container they'll keep for 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that crunch.

Perfect Pairings

In my house this chicken loves to snuggle up next to creamy mashed potatoes or a bright arugula salad. Sometimes I whip up a quick lemon butter sauce or warm some marinara. Pour a glass of crisp white wine or my homemade lemon iced tea and dinner is served.

Making It Look Beautiful

I love arranging these golden cutlets on my grandmother's old serving platter. A scatter of lemon wedges and fresh parsley makes everything pop. When I'm feeling fancy a shower of fresh parmesan or truffle shavings turns this comfort food into something really special.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Why slice the chicken breast thinly?

Thin slices ensure quick, even cooking and help achieve the perfect crispy exterior without burning.

→ Why keep cooked pieces in the oven?

Keeping the cooked pieces warm in a low-temperature oven helps maintain crispiness while cooking remaining batches.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can bread the chicken several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

→ Why use three separate dishes for coating?

The three-step breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) ensures a crispy coating that adheres well to the chicken.

→ What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil is ideal for its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You can also use canola or peanut oil.

Chicken Milanese

Golden, crispy Italian-style breaded chicken cutlets, perfectly seasoned and served with fresh lemon wedges.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Italian

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: No Dairy

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced.
Contains 02 items 2 large eggs.
Contains 03 items 3/4 cup all-purpose flour.
Contains 04 items 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs.
Contains 05 items Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Contains 06 items 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying.
Contains 07 items 1 lemon, cut into wedges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 200°F. Set up three dishes: flour, beaten eggs with seasonings, and breadcrumbs.

Step 02

Coat chicken in flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs, shaking off excess each time.

Step 03

Cook in oil over medium heat 2-4 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internal temperature.

Step 04

Place cooked pieces in warm oven while finishing remaining batches.

Step 05

Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Important Tips

  1. Don't stack breaded pieces.
  2. Work in batches when frying.
  3. Best served immediately.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet.
  • Shallow dishes for breading.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Instant-read thermometer.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 350
  • Fat Amount: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Protein Amount: 30 g