Description
These Fried Chicken Breast Cutlets are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. With a simple breading process and Cajun seasoning, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality fried chicken at home. Pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, Texas Pete, or Tabasco)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (preferably salt-free)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon if using seasoned Cajun blend)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil), for frying
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise (or 4 small chicken breasts), lightly flattened
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Prepare all ingredients and tools before starting.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Prepare Dry Mixture: In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (180°C). Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) if keeping the chicken warm.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Drain: Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels or brown paper bags. Repeat with remaining cutlets, ensuring the oil returns to temperature between batches.
- Serve: Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.
Notes
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Fried Chicken Cutlets:
- Flattening Chicken: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to lightly flatten the chicken for even cooking.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain oil at 350°F (180°C) for optimal crispiness. Use a thermometer to monitor.
- Coating Adhesion: Let floured chicken rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature for better sticking.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the flour mixture before coating to ensure proper seasoning levels.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: fried chicken breast cutlets, cajun fried chicken, boneless chicken recipe