What Is a Cutlet of Chicken?

Chicken cutlets are a versatile staple in many cuisines worldwide. Whether you’re frying them, baking them, or pan-searing them, chicken cutlets can be used in various dishes and are known for their quick cooking time. But what exactly is a chicken cutlet, and how can you incorporate it into your kitchen routine?

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about chicken cutlets, from what they are to how to prepare them and even dive into cultural variations of this popular ingredient.

Introduction to Chicken Cutlets

A chicken cutlet is essentially a thin slice of boneless, skinless chicken breast that has been cut horizontally. This creates two thinner pieces of chicken from one breast, allowing the meat to cook more evenly and quickly than a full chicken breast.

Chicken cutlets are often used in recipes that require quick cooking and even texture, like Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Milanese, or Chicken Katsu. Their ability to cook fast makes them a perfect option for weeknight meals when you need to prepare something in a short amount of time.

Cutting and preparing chicken cutlets is quite simple, but if you’d rather save time, many grocery stores sell pre-cut chicken cutlets in their meat section. To dive deeper into the difference between chicken breasts, cutlets, and tenderloins.

The Anatomy of a Chicken Cutlet

A chicken cutlet comes from a chicken breast. When you cut a chicken breast horizontally in half, you create two thinner, flat pieces of chicken. The goal is to create uniform thickness across the piece of chicken, which ensures even cooking.

Chicken breasts have a thicker and thinner end, so when cooked whole, one side often dries out before the other is fully cooked. By slicing the breast into cutlets, you avoid this problem, creating evenly cooked meat that’s tender and juicy. Many chefs recommend pounding the cutlets after slicing to make them even thinner, which allows for even faster cooking.

A key difference between a chicken cutlet and a chicken tenderloin (often confused for each other) is that chicken tenderloins are separate muscles located under the breast. These muscles are more delicate but have a slightly different texture than cutlets.

How to Prepare Chicken Cutlets at Home

Preparing your own chicken cutlets at home is incredibly easy, and it can often save you money compared to buying pre-cut ones. Plus, making your cutlets ensures a fresher, higher-quality result.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Cutlets:

1. Start with a chicken breast: Use a boneless, skinless chicken breast. Ensure it’s thawed completely if previously frozen.
2. Slice the chicken: Lay the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. With a sharp, non-serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast to create two thinner halves. This will give you two cutlets.
3. Pound the cutlets (optional): If you want to ensure even thickness, place each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
4. Season or marinate: After cutting and pounding your cutlets, season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. You can also marinate them for additional flavor.

Why Make Chicken Cutlets at Home?

• Cost-effective: Buying chicken breasts and cutting them into cutlets yourself is often cheaper than purchasing pre-sliced cutlets.
• Control over quality: By preparing your cutlets at home, you ensure the meat’s freshness and quality.
• Customizable thickness: Depending on the dish, you can control the thickness of the cutlets by slicing or pounding them thinner or thicker.

By taking a few extra steps, you can transform a standard chicken breast into perfect cutlets for your recipe.

Popular Recipes Using Chicken Cutlets

Chicken cutlets are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. From Italian classics to Japanese comfort foods, cutlets provide a quick and easy solution to meal preparation.

1. Chicken Parmesan

One of the most well-known dishes that uses chicken cutlets is Chicken Parmesan. This Italian-American dish features breaded and fried cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Basic Recipe:

• Bread chicken cutlets with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Fry the cutlets until golden brown.
• Layer the fried cutlets in a baking dish with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
• Bake until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

2. Chicken Milanese

This Italian dish features thin cutlets breaded with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then fried until golden and crispy. It is often served with a simple side salad for a light meal.

Basic Recipe:

• Bread cutlets in flour, egg, and a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
• Fry in a pan with olive oil until crispy.
• Serve with a lemon wedge and arugula salad.

3. Chicken Katsu

Chicken Katsu is a Japanese-style breaded chicken cutlet that is served with a tangy, savory katsu sauce. This dish is similar to Chicken Milanese but uses panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Basic Recipe:

• Bread cutlets with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
• Fry the cutlets until golden and crispy.
• Serve with rice, shredded cabbage, and katsu sauce.

Other great dishes that use chicken cutlets include Chicken Schnitzel and Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Breaded vs. Unbreaded Chicken Cutlets

One of the key decisions when cooking chicken cutlets is whether to bread them or not. Both options have their own unique advantages.

Breaded Cutlets:

• Crispy texture on the outside.
• Often used in dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Milanese.
• Breading helps seal in moisture, resulting in juicy chicken.

Unbreaded Cutlets:

• Lighter and quicker to prepare.
• Ideal for grilling or pan-searing.
• Great for healthier dishes where you want to highlight the chicken’s flavor without the extra texture of breading.

Whether you decide to bread your cutlets or leave them plain depends on the dish you’re making. For example, dishes like Chicken Katsu require breading, while grilled dishes or lighter recipes often use unbreaded cutlets.

Cultural Variations: Chicken Cutlets Around the World

Chicken cutlets aren’t just an American or Italian favorite; they’re a common dish across various cuisines. Each culture has its own unique twist on how to prepare and serve cutlets.

Italian Chicken Milanese:

In Italy, Chicken Milanese is a staple. This dish consists of thinly breaded and fried chicken cutlets, often served with a lemon wedge and arugula salad. The breading typically includes Parmesan cheese, which adds a savory flavor to the crispy cutlet.

Japanese Chicken Katsu:

In Japan, Chicken Katsu is a beloved comfort food. Unlike Italian variations, katsu is breaded with panko, a Japanese breadcrumb that creates a light, airy crunch. It’s often served with rice, cabbage, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce.

German Chicken Schnitzel:

Germany has its own version of breaded and fried cutlets called schnitzel. While traditionally made with pork, chicken schnitzel is also popular. The cutlets are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden, then served with lemon and potatoes.

Other Cultural Variations:

• Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma: Chicken cutlets are marinated in spices and grilled to make shawarma.
• Mediterranean Chicken Souvlaki: Grilled cutlets are often skewered and served with pita and tzatziki.

Cooking Methods for Chicken Cutlets

When it comes to cooking chicken cutlets, you have several options, each offering its own advantages.

1. Pan-frying:

• Ideal for breaded cutlets.
• Provides a golden, crispy exterior.
• Best for dishes like Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Milanese.

2. Grilling:

• A healthier option that uses little to no oil.
• Perfect for unbreaded cutlets.
• Adds a smoky flavor to the chicken.

3. Baking:

• Great for large batches of cutlets.
• Baked cutlets can be breaded or unbreaded.
• Often used for dishes like Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

The cooking method you choose depends on the dish you’re making and your preferences. For example, if you’re preparing a light meal, grilling might be the best option. If you’re looking for something comforting, pan-frying cutlets can create a deliciously crispy result.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Chicken Cutlets?

Chicken cutlets are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some popular serving ideas:

1. Pasta:

• Serve with a simple marinara sauce or a rich Alfredo sauce.
• Combine with vegetables like spinach or broccoli for a balanced meal.

2. Salads:

• Slice grilled or baked cutlets and add them to a Caesar or mixed green salad.
• Pair Chicken Milanese with an arugula salad for a fresh, light dish.

3. Rice and Grain Dishes:

• Serve cutlets over a bed of rice pilaf or couscous.
• Pair with quinoa or farro for a more hearty, nutrient-rich meal.

4. Sandwiches:

• Use chicken cutlets in sandwiches or wraps for a quick and easy lunch.
• Try a Chicken Parmesan sandwich with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or a hearty dinner, chicken cutlets are an excellent choice that can be paired with a variety of side dishes and sauces.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cutlets

If you have leftover chicken cutlets, proper storage and reheating are essential to preserving their texture and flavor. Here’s how to keep your cutlets fresh:

Storing Chicken Cutlets:

• Store cooked chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze cooked cutlets for up to 3 months. Be sure to layer parchment paper between each cutlet to prevent them from sticking.

Reheating Chicken Cutlets:

• To maintain the crispiness of breaded cutlets, reheat them in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• For unbreaded cutlets, a quick reheat in the microwave works, but be careful not to overcook, as they can dry out.

Properly reheating will ensure your cutlets retain their flavor and texture, whether they’re breaded or not.

FAQs 

What is a chicken cutlet?

A chicken cutlet is a thin, boneless, skinless slice of chicken breast that has been cut in half horizontally for faster and more even cooking.

How is a chicken cutlet different from a chicken breast?

Chicken cutlets are thinner and cook more evenly than whole chicken breasts. A full breast may cook unevenly, with one side drying out before the thicker side is done.

Can you make chicken cutlets from chicken thighs?

Yes, though thighs are fattier and have a different texture. Cutlets are typically made from breast meat for a leaner, more tender result.

What is the best cooking method for chicken cutlets?

It depends on the dish. Chicken cutlets can be grilled, pan-fried, or baked, each offering different flavors and textures.

Can I freeze chicken cutlets?

Yes, you can freeze both cooked and raw cutlets. Just be sure to store them properly to avoid freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chicken cutlets are a fantastic option for any home cook looking for versatility and convenience. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight meal or an elaborate dish for a special occasion, cutlets offer endless possibilities. Their quick cooking time and ability to adapt to a wide variety of flavors make them a go-to ingredient in kitchens worldwide.

With this guide, you’re now equipped with everything you need to know about preparing, cooking, and serving chicken cutlets. Experiment with different recipes, cooking methods, and cultural variations to find your perfect cutlet dish!