Chicken Cutlet Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Chicken cutlets are incredibly versatile, making them an excellent base for a variety of side dishes. Here are some of the best options that pair wonderfully with chicken cutlets, enhancing their flavor and creating a balanced meal:

Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Such as carrots, asparagus, or bell peppers, which can be seasoned and roasted to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed to preserve their crunch and vibrant color.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Quickly sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a simple yet flavorful side.

Starches

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they make a comforting side that complements the crispy texture of the cutlets.
• Rice Pilaf: Flavored with onion, garlic, and herbs, offering a fragrant and light accompaniment.
• Pasta: Serve with a light sauce such as aglio e olio or a creamy Alfredo to echo the richness of the breaded cutlets.

Salads

• Caesar Salad: With crunchy croutons and creamy dressing, it’s a classic that pairs well with the simplicity of chicken cutlets.
• Arugula Salad: With lemon dressing and shaved Parmesan, adding a peppery and fresh touch to the meal.
• Caprese Salad: Combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a touch of Italian flair.

Breads

• Garlic Bread: Crispy and aromatic, it works well with virtually any Italian-inspired cutlet dish.
• Dinner Rolls or Baguette: Perfect for soaking up any sauce or dressing served alongside the chicken.

Additional Accompaniments

• Apple Sauce or Chutney: These can add a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory chicken.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, acidic component that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Gravy: Especially if the cutlets are served more traditionally, such as in a schnitzel-style.

Each of these side dishes can help create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, making your chicken cutlets the star of the dinner table. Whether you choose a light salad, a hearty starch, or vibrant vegetables, there’s a perfect side to match every style of chicken cutlet preparation.

The terms “chicken breast” and “chicken cutlet” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different preparations of chicken. Understanding the distinction can help you choose the right cut for your cooking needs.

Chicken Breast

• Definition: A chicken breast is the whole breast of the chicken, either bone-in or boneless. It is one of the leanest parts of the chicken, consisting of white meat without the skin (unless specified otherwise).
• Size and Shape: It is typically quite thick, especially in the middle, which can make it challenging to cook evenly without drying out the thinner ends.
• Uses: Chicken breasts are extremely versatile and can be cooked in numerous ways including grilling, baking, sautéing, and more. They are often used whole in recipes that call for stuffed or whole roasted chicken breasts.

Chicken Cutlet

• Definition: A chicken cutlet is a thin slice of chicken breast. It is made by slicing a boneless, skinless chicken breast horizontally into thinner slices, which are then often pounded to make them even thinner and more uniform in thickness.
• Size and Shape: Because they are thinner, cutlets cook more quickly than whole breasts, which makes them particularly suitable for fast cooking methods such as frying or broiling.
• Uses: Chicken cutlets are ideal for recipes that require short cooking times or even breading and frying, such as in chicken Parmesan, schnitzel, or breaded fried chicken cutlets.

Key Differences

• Thickness and Cooking Time: The primary difference is thickness, where cutlets are thinner and cook faster than the thicker whole breast.
• Preparation Method: Cutlets, being thinner, are often used in recipes requiring even, quick cooking. They are also more commonly breaded and fried.
• Flavor and Texture: With their reduced thickness, cutlets might have less inherent moisture than whole breasts, especially if overcooked, but their uniform shape allows for more consistent cooking.

In summary, while both chicken breast and chicken cutlet come from the same part of the chicken, the cutlet is essentially a thinner version of the breast. This makes it suitable for different cooking methods and recipes, depending on the desired outcome.

Yes, flouring your chicken cutlets is a recommended step in many recipes, especially if you’re planning to fry or sauté them. Flouring chicken cutlets before cooking provides several benefits:

Creates a Barrier

• Moisture Retention: Flour acts as a barrier that helps seal in the juices of the chicken, keeping the cutlets moist and tender during cooking.
• Even Cooking: The thin layer of flour aids in even heat distribution across the surface of the chicken, promoting uniform cooking.

Improves Texture

• Crispiness: Flouring the chicken cutlets before dipping them into beaten eggs and breadcrumbs (if making breaded cutlets) helps to create a crisper exterior once cooked.
• Browning: Flour can help achieve a more appealing golden-brown color when the cutlets are fried, adding to the visual appeal and flavor.

Enhances Flavor

• Seasoning Base: Flour can be seasoned with spices, herbs, salt, and pepper, which helps to build layers of flavor right from the base of your coating.

Helps with Sauce Adhesion

• Thickening Agent for Sauces: If you’re making a dish that includes a sauce, like chicken Marsala or a lemon butter sauce, the flour on the fried cutlets can help thicken the sauce, allowing it to cling better to the chicken for richer flavor in every bite.

How to Flour chicken cutlet recipes

1. Preparation: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures that the flour sticks better.
2. Dredging: Place flour in a shallow dish. Season the flour with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (like paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning). Lightly coat each cutlet in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Proceed with Cooking: After flouring, you can either proceed to dip the cutlets into beaten eggs and then breadcrumbs (for breaded cutlets) or directly into your frying pan if you’re sautéing them.

How do you keep chicken cutlets from getting tough?

Keeping chicken cutlets from getting tough is crucial for achieving a juicy, tender result. Here are some effective techniques to ensure your chicken cutlets remain tender and delicious:

1. Pound the Chicken

• Even Thickness: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness. This not only helps them cook more quickly but also prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts are still cooking.

2. Proper Seasoning

• Marinate: Consider marinating the chicken cutlets in a mixture that includes acids like lemon juice or vinegar, which can help to break down tough muscle fibers and add flavor.

3. Avoid Overcooking

• Cooking Time: Since cutlets are thin, they cook quickly. Keep a close eye on them—once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), they are done. Overcooking will make them tough and dry.
• Use a Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure you’re cooking the chicken thoroughly without overdoing it.

4. Use the Right Cooking Method

• Cooking Methods: Gentle cooking methods such as baking, pan-frying, or grilling over medium heat are ideal. High heat can cause the proteins in the chicken to contract sharply, squeezing out moisture and making the meat tough.

5. Let the Meat Rest

• Rest Before Cooking: If you’ve refrigerated the cutlets, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. This helps in cooking them more evenly.
• Rest After Cooking: Allow the cooked chicken cutlets to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, maintaining moisture and tenderness.

6. Correctly Slice the Chicken

• Slice Against the Grain: If you need to slice the chicken cutlets before serving, always slice against the grain. This cuts through the muscle fibers and makes the chicken easier to chew, hence giving a more tender texture.

7. Use Moisture-Adding Ingredients

• Add Sauces: Cooking chicken cutlets with a sauce can help add moisture. Ingredients like broth, wine, or cream can create a moist cooking environment and add flavor.
• Basting: If grilling or baking, baste the chicken occasionally with oil or a marinade to add moisture.

8. Choose the Right Cutlets

• Quality of Chicken: Opt for higher-quality chicken if possible. Organic and free-range chickens often have a better texture and flavor, which can also impact the tenderness of your cutlets.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your chicken cutlets remain moist, tender, and delicious every time you prepare them. These methods not only enhance the taste but also improve the overall dining experience by providing perfectly cooked chicken.