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Crispy Italian chicken cutlets on a serving platter with fresh parsley and lemon wedges ready to serve

Italian Chicken Cutlets

These Italian Chicken Cutlets are the ultimate family favorite recipe in our house. We love to meal prep a big batch of these on the weekends to eat throughout the week on salads, sandwiches, or for an easy chicken parm. With just 6 ingredients, they're quick and simple to make and are always a crowd pleaser.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 790 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Shallow bowls for breading
  • Wire rack and baking sheet
  • Meat mallet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds thin chicken cutlets pounded to about 1/4-inch thick
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • fresh parsley chopped, optional
  • lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • If needed, pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness for even cooking.
  • Set up three shallow bowls or dishes for breading.
  • In the first bowl, combine the flour with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
  • Beat the eggs in the second bowl.
  • In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Pecorino Romano cheese.
  • Season the chicken cutlets lightly on both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated on both sides.
  • Place the breaded cutlets on a wire rack or baking sheet and let rest for 10–15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick and creates a crispier cutlet.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, cook the cutlets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, adjusting heat as needed, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Add more olive oil between batches if needed.
  • If using thicker chicken breasts instead of thin cutlets, transfer to a baking sheet and finish in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Let the cutlets rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Storage: 
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven (or even better the air fryer) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Italian chicken cutlets are truly the best make-ahead meal. They're my kids favorite, so we make a lot of them! I like to set up a big station on a Sunday for weekly meal prepping. After all of the cutlets are cooked, we store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Notes: 
  • Buy pre-cut chicken cutlets for ease — they save time and effort, and if needed, lightly pound them to about ¼-inch thick for even cooking.
  • Rest the breaded cutlets before frying — this helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier crust.
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature — cold cutlets can cook unevenly and make the breading soggy.
  • Cheese options: You can substitute Parmigiano Reggiano for Pecorino Romano if preferred.
  • Resting after frying: Place cooked cutlets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to rest. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and allows air circulation. You can place the rack in a 200°F oven to keep them warm for serving.
  • Serving ideas: Delicious with a simple arugula salad, over pasta, or tucked into a sandwich with mozzarella and marinara.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 790kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 66gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 313mgSodium: 1113mgPotassium: 1041mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 585IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 254mgIron: 5mg
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