Description
Crispy chicken caesar cutlets bring Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with golden-breaded chicken coated in rich parmesan and zesty caesar dressing. Seasoned home cooks can elevate weeknight meals with this simple yet sophisticated dish that delivers classic flavor in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Breading and Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp caesar salad dressing
Cooking and Finishing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- Additional parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Flatten chicken breasts to uniform 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking.
- Create a breading station with three separate dishes: seasoned flour, whisked eggs mixed with caesar dressing, and breadcrumbs combined with parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 375°F.
- Carefully place breaded cutlets into hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Mince garlic and finely chop parsley while cutlets are cooking.
- Remove cutlets from skillet and drain on paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Garnish hot cutlets with fresh parsley, additional grated parmesan, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
- Let cutlets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and maintain crispy exterior.
Notes
- Choose thin, evenly sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking and crispy texture.
- Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help coating adhere better and create crunchier exterior.
- Use seasoned flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for extra flavor depth in the breading.
- Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crispiness.
- Add fresh lemon zest to breadcrumb mixture for bright, zesty undertones that complement caesar flavors.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature around 375°F to prevent soggy or greasy cutlets.
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to ensure safe, juicy chicken every time.
- Store leftover cutlets in airtight container and reheat in oven to preserve crispy coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg