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Crispy Parmesan-Panko Crusted Chicken Cutlets

These crispy chicken cutlets feature a golden, crunchy Parmesan-panko crust over tender, juicy meat. Perfect for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner, they pair wonderfully with pasta, salad, or even on sandwiches.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Cutlets
  • 2 pounds chicken cutlets or boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded flat
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dry mustard adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Wash & Crust
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Cooking & Dipping Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey for serving (dipping sauce)

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Three shallow dishes
  • Paper towel-lined plate

Method
 

  1. Prepare your dredging station by setting up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the 1/2 cup flour, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. In the second dish, beat the 2 eggs until smooth. In the third dish, mix together 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Let the butter melt and become slightly bubbly.
  3. Working one cutlet at a time, first coat the chicken in the seasoned flour (shake off any excess), then dip into the beaten eggs (letting any extra drip off), and finally press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture ensuring both sides are well coated.
  4. Place 3-4 cutlets in the skillet without overcrowding. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then rotate the cutlets to encourage even browning.
  5. Continue cooking the first side for a total of about 4 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cutlets are cooked through and both sides are beautifully golden brown. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding the remaining butter and oil as needed.
  6. For the dipping sauce, mix together 1/2 cup Dijon mustard with 2 tablespoons honey until well combined.
  7. Serve the cutlets hot with your dipping sauce and your choice of sides such as pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

For best results, use chicken cutlets of uniform thickness and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to achieve an authentic flavor. You can swap panko with regular breadcrumbs or try gluten-free alternatives like almond flour if desired. The three-step breading process ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside, and the Dijon-honey dipping sauce adds a perfect tangy-sweet contrast. Leftovers are amazingly versatile and taste great cold or reheated.