Description
Crispy Caesar Chicken Cutlets are tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in creamy Caesar dressing, then coated with a savory Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Pan-fried to a golden perfection, these cutlets offer a delightful crunch paired with rich, tangy flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, they can also be served in wraps, salads, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (plus more for serving)
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in a shallow dish and coat them evenly with Caesar dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute all the seasonings evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken cutlet from the marinade, letting the excess dressing drip off without rinsing. Press each cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a thorough coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes until the crust turns a golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked cutlets to a plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with additional Caesar dressing for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- These cutlets work wonderfully in wraps, on top of salads, or inside sandwiches for versatile meals.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the coated chicken cutlets at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.
- Ensure not to rinse the chicken after marinating to maintain the flavor and coating adherence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American