Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Cutlets

5 from 1 vote

These Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Cutlets are golden & flavorful with a light, crunchy coating and juicy center. Made with garlic-infused oil, panko breadcrumbs, and thin-sliced chicken breasts, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner in about 30 minutes.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken breast, pan fried chicken

Servings:

Author: Sandy Clifton

Equipment

Small Microwave Safe Bowl
Small Pastry or BBQ Brush
Shallow Dish (for breading)
Skillet

Ingredients

For the Chicken

½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 large Clove Garlic (peeled, smashed, minced)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2-4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 lb Chicken Breast Cutlets, ½-inch thick (about 5–6 cutlets)

Instructions

Prepare the Breading

On a plate, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Infuse the Olive Oil

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic clove. Microwave for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Leave the garlic bits in the oil.

Bread the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of each chicken cutlet with the garlic-infused olive oil, including bits of garlic if desired.
Press each cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture firmly to coat both sides.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tablespoons of the butter (and a little of the leftover garlic oil, if desired). Pan-fry the breaded chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (165°F). Add the remaining butter, if needed, to fry all of the cutlets.

Serve

Serve the crispy chicken cutlets alongside a salad or other favorite side dish.

Notes

Pan temperature matters: Medium heat helps crisp the breadcrumbs without burning.

To Bake:

They won’t be quite as crispy as pan-fried, but they’re still delicious and a bit lighter.

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lightly spray or brush with oil.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal