Are you staring at those chicken cutlets in your fridge wondering what the heck to make for dinner tonight? Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count! Chicken cutlets are my secret weapon for those hectic weeknights when I need to get something delicious on the table FAST.
These thinly sliced pieces of chicken breast are basically kitchen magic – they cook super quick and can transform into literally dozens of amazing meals Whether you’re craving something crispy, creamy, cheesy, or light and fresh, chicken cutlets have got you covered!
I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite chicken cutlet recipes that’ll rescue your dinner plans and make your family think you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, most of these take 30 minutes or less!). Let’s dive into these delicious chicken cutlet ideas that’ll make your weeknight dinners a whole lot tastier!
What Exactly Are Chicken Cutlets?
Before we jump into all the yummy recipes, let’s get clear on what we’re working with. Chicken cutlets are basically just chicken breasts that have been:
- Cut in half horizontally (making them thinner)
- Sometimes pounded to an even thickness
- Ready to cook in half the time of regular chicken breasts
If you can’t find pre-cut cutlets at your grocery store, no worries! Just buy regular boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them horizontally yourself. You can also pound them a bit thinner for even quicker cooking.
Quick and Crispy Chicken Cutlet Favorites
Let’s start with the classics – those golden, crispy breaded chicken cutlets that everyone loves
1. Classic Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets
This is your starting point for so many amazing meals! The key here is getting that perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. These use a combo of Panko and seasoned breadcrumbs with a bit of Parmesan mixed in for extra flavor.
I like to season my flour with salt, pepper, and sometimes a bit of garlic powder before dredging. The crispy coating creates the perfect base for so many meals or is delicious just on its own!
2. Chicken Parmesan
Arguably the most popular thing to make with chicken cutlets! Take those crispy cutlets, top with marinara sauce and plenty of melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can serve it the traditional way over spaghetti, or go the Aussie route by adding a slice of ham and serving with thick-cut steak fries.
My kids literally cheer when they see this coming to the table. It’s that good!
3. Chicken Katsu
For an Asian twist on breaded cutlets, chicken katsu is a must-try! The panko breadcrumb coating gets super crunchy, and when paired with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and Japanese dressing – wow! It’s like a trip to your favorite Japanese restaurant without leaving home.
Creamy and Indulgent Chicken Cutlet Recipes
When you’re in the mood for something rich and comforting, these creamy chicken cutlet recipes will hit the spot:
4. Marry Me Chicken
There’s a reason this viral recipe got its name! The combination of chicken cutlets in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce is THAT good. I made this for my husband last Valentine’s Day, and he’s been requesting it regularly ever since. The sauce has this perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory that’s completely irresistible.
5. Creamy Bacon Chicken
Bacon makes everything better, and this recipe proves it! The chicken cutlets get pan-fried until golden, then they’re smothered in a creamy sauce with crispy bacon bits. It’s decadent, it’s delicious, and it’s definitely not diet food – but some meals just aren’t meant to be healthy!
6. Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce
There’s something magical about the combo of chicken cutlets and a rich mustard cream sauce. The Dijon adds this perfect tanginess that cuts through the richness. I like to serve this over egg noodles or with some crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.
7. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
This one’s a family favorite in my house! The chicken gets coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, creating this amazing crispy, cheesy crust. You can eat it as-is or sandwich it between buns with some marinara for a chicken parm sandwich.
Lemony and Light Chicken Cutlet Dishes
When you want something a bit lighter but still packed with flavor, these citrusy options are perfect:
8. Chicken Piccata
This classic Italian-American dish combines chicken cutlets with a bright, tangy sauce made from lemon juice, capers, white wine, and butter. It’s sophisticated enough for company but easy enough for weeknights. The lemony sauce is so good you’ll want to lick your plate (I won’t tell if you do!).
9. Chicken Francese
Similar to piccata but with a slightly different approach, chicken Francese features cutlets dipped in egg before being fried and then topped with a lemony butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s actually super simple to make at home.
10. Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets
When you need dinner in a hurry, these lemon butter chicken cutlets are your best friend. The sauce is simple – just butter, garlic, lemon, and a bit of chicken stock – but the flavor is anything but basic. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took way longer.
Stuffed and Rolled Chicken Cutlet Ideas
Take your chicken cutlets to the next level by stuffing them with delicious fillings:
11. Havarti-Stuffed Chicken
OMG, these are so good! Thin chicken cutlets stuffed with creamy Havarti cheese, breaded, fried, and then topped with a mustard cream sauce. It’s like chicken cordon bleu’s sophisticated cousin, and it’s to die for.
12. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Speaking of which, traditional chicken cordon bleu is another amazing way to use chicken cutlets. Roll them up with ham and Swiss cheese inside, bread them, and either bake or fry until golden. It’s retro in the best possible way!
13. Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken
For a veggie twist on stuffed cutlets, try filling them with a mixture of broccoli and spreadable cheese (like garlic and herb). It’s a sneaky way to get some greens into dinner, and the filling gets all melty and delicious as it cooks.
One-Pan and Quick Chicken Cutlet Meals
These recipes are perfect for those nights when you really don’t want to deal with a lot of cleanup:
14. Pesto Chicken with Vegetables
This 20-minute wonder combines chicken cutlets with pesto and veggies all in one pan. The flavor is amazing, and it’s actually pretty healthy too! I like to top it with some toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
15. Southwest Chicken Cutlet Rice Bowl
These hearty bowls feature seasoned chicken cutlets on top of microwaveable rice with all your favorite southwest toppings. It’s customizable, quick, and satisfying – perfect for busy weeknights.
16. Creamy Spinach Chicken
Another one-pot wonder! The chicken cutlets get cooked first, then you make a creamy garlic sauce right in the same pan and wilt some spinach into it. It’s rich and comforting but still has some greens, so I can pretend it’s healthy-ish!
International Flavors with Chicken Cutlets
Take your taste buds on a global tour with these internationally-inspired chicken cutlet recipes:
17. Cajun Chicken
Spicy and flavorful, this one is a winner if you like a bit of heat! The spice blend includes paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and more. It creates this amazing crust on the outside of the chicken as it cooks.
18. Chicken Marsala
This Italian-American classic combines chicken cutlets with mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce. It’s earthy, savory, and perfect for serving over pasta or mashed potatoes. Definetly one of my go-to dishes when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
19. Chicken Bruschetta
This fresh take on chicken cutlets tops crispy breaded cutlets with a bright tomato bruschetta mixture. It’s like the Italian appetizer and main course had a delicious baby! The contrast between the warm, crispy chicken and cool, zesty bruschetta is absolutely perfect.
Quick and Simple Chicken Cutlet Ideas
Sometimes, you just need the absolute simplest dinner possible:
20. Balsamic Marinated Chicken Cutlets
This is barely even a recipe, but it’s so good! Just marinate your cutlets in a simple balsamic mixture, then grill or pan-fry. The marinade adds tons of flavor with minimal effort.
21. Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Top grilled chicken cutlets with pimento cheese for a Southern twist on a chicken sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and SO much better than fast food!
22. Chicken Cutlets with Grape-Shallot Sauce
This might sound fancy, but it’s actually super simple. The sauce combines shallots, white wine, chicken broth, and halved grapes for a light, slightly sweet sauce that’s different from your usual chicken dinner.
23. French Fried Onion Chicken
This is a fun twist on regular breaded cutlets – the coating includes crushed fried onions! It adds amazing flavor and crunch with minimal effort. My kids go crazy for this one!
Finishing Touches: What to Serve with Chicken Cutlets
No matter which chicken cutlet recipe you choose, you’ll need some sides to round out the meal. Here are some quick ideas:
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables (whatever’s in season)
- Mashed potatoes or rice for soaking up sauces
- Crusty bread for the same reason
- Pasta (especially with Italian-style cutlets)
Why I’m Obsessed with Chicken Cutlets (And You Should Be Too!)
I honestly don’t know what I’d do without chicken cutlets in my cooking arsenal. They’re:
- Budget-friendly (one breast makes two cutlets!)
- Super quick-cooking (most are done in under 10 minutes)
- Versatile enough for countless meals
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Perfect for meal prep
So next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a pack of chicken cutlets (or chicken breasts to slice yourself) and try one of these amazing recipes. Your future hungry self will thank you!
Why anyone can cook chicken cutlets at home:
- You can buy thinly sliced chicken breasts at the store, so that you don’t have to pound out your own chicken breasts.
- Use store bought Panko bread crumbs.
- There are minimal ingredients to this recipe.
- The cutlets cook very quickly thanks to the thinness of the chicken.
- The method is simple and straight forward with just a few easy steps.
- Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts
- Panko Bread Crumbs (can use gluten free here as well)
- Flour (can also use gluten free all purpose flour)
- Eggs
- Salt and Pepper
- High quality oil: I like to use avocado oil, or a mix of avocado oil and olive oil. The avocado oil can cook at a higher temp so it keeps the olive oil from burning.
There is truly nothing better than a fresh cutlet straight from the pan. I simply shallow fry the cutlets on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and chicken has been cooked through. From there, I remove the crispy cutlets to a paper towel lined baking sheet to let excess oil drain and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve as you wish from there!
You can of course also cook these cutlets in the air fryer as well, but nothing compares to the real deal pan fried cutlet. BUT if you want to air fry the cutlets, follow all instructions up until the frying point and spray with oil on both sides. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden, flipping once.
Nonna Pia’s Delicious Chicken Cutlets!
FAQ
What to serve with chicken cutlets?
Serve them with her simple 5-ingredient side salad. Chicken cutlets are an easy, high-protein main dish that you can keep simple or dress up with a sauce, like in our popular Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe.
What are chicken cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are thinly sliced, boneless cuts of chicken breast that are faster to cook through than a whole breast. You can use them in dishes like chicken marsala, schnitzel, or chicken parmesan. Next time you decide to cook chicken cutlets for dinner, consider making your own from scratch instead of using the pre-made, frozen variety.
How do you make chicken cutlets taste good?
The secret to incredibly flavorful chicken cutlets is a quick marinade in feta brine in advance of grilling. Food & Wine’s Justin Chapple then whips the feta cheese with lemon juice and olive oil to use as a spread for the excellent sandwiches here.
What is good with chicken cutlets?
Good sides for chicken cutlets include various potatoes (mashed, roasted, wedges), pasta dishes (spaghetti, mac and cheese), and fresh vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. You can also elevate your meal with unique pairings like chickpea curry, a fresh tomato salad, or a kale Caesar salad, or make a dish more substantial by adding them to sandwiches or a pasta sauce.
What to serve with breaded chicken?
Serve breaded chicken with classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and biscuits, or opt for lighter options like coleslaw, green beans, and fresh salads for a balanced meal. Other popular choices include baked beans, cornbread, fried okra, and various roasted or sauteed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, and sweet potatoes.