Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets (The Key to Even Cooking!)
Slice: Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to create two or three thinner pieces (cutlets). Aim for a thickness of about $1/2$ inch. This ensures quick and even cooking.
Pound (Optional but Recommended): Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet (the flat side) or a rolling pin to gently pound them until they are uniformly thin—around $1/4$ inch thick.
Season: Season both sides of the cutlets generously with the salt and black pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
Organize three shallow dishes in an assembly line—this is your “Dredging Station”:
Dish 1 (Flour): Place the $1/4$ cup of All-Purpose Flour. This helps the egg stick better.
Dish 2 (Egg Wash): Whisk together the eggs, milk, $1/4$ cup Parmesan, fresh parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Dish 3 (Breadcrumbs): In the final dish, mix the Panko, Italian breadcrumbs, $1/2$ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Use your fingers to thoroughly combine everything. 🖐️
Page 2: Breading, Baking, and the Cheese Melt! 🔥
👩🍳 The Breading Technique (For Maximum Crispiness)
The proper breading technique is vital for a golden, crisp crust that stays on the chicken!
The Flour Step: Take one seasoned cutlet, and dredge it entirely in the flour (Dish 1). Shake off all the excess flour—you only want a very light coating.
The Egg Step: Dip the floured cutlet into the egg wash (Dish 2), ensuring it is coated on all sides. Let any excess drip off.
The Crumb Step: Finally, place the cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture (Dish 3). Use your hands to gently but firmly press the crumbs onto both sides of the chicken. Make sure it is completely coated. This pressure is what makes the crust stick!Rest: Transfer the fully breaded cutlets to a plate and repeat the process for the remaining chicken. If time allows, refrigerate the breaded cutlets for 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the coating adhere even better during baking! 🧊
♨️ Baking Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to $400^\circ\text{F}$ ($200^\circ\text{C}$).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet—this elevates the chicken, allowing air to circulate and creating an even crispier bottom crust!
Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared pan in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
Lightly Spray: Spritz the tops of the cutlets liberally with Olive Oil Cooking Spray. This “faux-frying” step is essential for achieving that deep golden color and satisfying crunch without deep frying! 🌟
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