Healthy Food Recipes: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Additional Time

10 minutes (for pounding the chicken)

Total Time

45 minutes

Servings

4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps to Cook

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the chicken cutlets: a. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4-inch thick. b. Set the pounded chicken cutlets aside.
3. Set up a breading station: a. Place the flour in a shallow dish. b. Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish. c. In a third shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bread the chicken cutlets: a. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. b. Dip the floured chicken cutlet in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. c. Coat the chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
6. 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.
7. Transfer the seared chicken cutlets to a baking sheet.
8. Top each chicken cutlet with a few tablespoons of the marinara sauce, followed by a sprinkle of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake the chicken cutlets in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve the Italian chicken cutlets hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cook’s Note

• To make this recipe even healthier, you can use whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs and opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce.
• For a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of ricotta cheese to the top of the chicken cutlets before baking.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, you can broil the chicken cutlets for a minute or two after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• Serve the Italian chicken cutlets with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced and nutritious meal.

---