Healthy Food Recipes: Italian Chicken Cutlet

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes (resting time)

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps to Cook:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

3. Dip each pounded chicken breast into the beaten egg, coating both sides. Then, place the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the breaded chicken cutlets to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

5. Transfer the seared chicken cutlets to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Remove the chicken cutlets from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Cook’s Note:

• For a crispier crust, you can also broil the chicken cutlets for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• Serve the Italian chicken cutlets with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a whole grain such as quinoa or brown rice for a complete and balanced meal.
• If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• The chicken can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later use. When ready to serve, simply bake the cutlets as directed.

This Italian Chicken Cutlet recipe is a delicious and healthy option for a weeknight dinner. The combination of whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a flavorful and crispy coating, while the baked chicken remains juicy and tender.

The preparation process is straightforward and takes only about 45 minutes from start to finish. The key steps are pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, dipping them in egg, and then coating them with the breadcrumb mixture. This helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

After the initial searing in the skillet, the chicken cutlets are baked in the oven to finish cooking and reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the Italian chicken cutlets with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice would all pair beautifully with the chicken.

For a lower-carb option, you can swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This modification would make the dish suitable for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

Additionally, the chicken cutlets can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later use. When ready to serve, simply bake the cutlets as directed, making this a great option for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

Overall, this Italian Chicken Cutlet recipe is a delicious and healthy choice that combines lean protein, whole grains, and flavorful seasonings. It’s sure to become a family favorite and a go-to option in your recipe repertoire.