Explore these different methods of cooking chicken cutlets and find recipe inspiration that will satisfy the whole family!
I have tons of experience with chicken — my kids love it, I love it, it goes on sale all the time, it freezes well for future use, and you can do SO MUCH with it. I knew I had to step away from the chicken recipes for a while when my 7-year-old daughter asked me if they made any meat other than chicken (oops). But because we are all still diehard fans in my family, I’m still going to walk you through how to cook chicken cutlets.
What Are Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are boneless, skinless chicken breast meat that’s been cut down several times smaller than its original size.
To give you an idea of what we’re talking about, there are approximately 4-5 cutlets per average chicken breast.
I buy these often — for recipes that cover everything from fajitas to chicken chow mein. Why do I love chicken cutlets? There are so many benefits to buying and preparing chicken cutlets for dinner, and I am more than happy to talk about them.
Why Are Chicken Cutlets Best?
Chicken breast is my go-to because it’s healthy and delicious, and cutlets are often what I grab for most recipes calling for chicken that needs to be cut before preparation.
Why?
First, chicken cutlets are already cut and prepped. You don’t need to do much more to get a chicken cutlet recipe ready — the fat is already trimmed, the skin is removed, and the meat is sliced to a reasonable size. This reduces the prep time significantly, making it so much easier for busy families like mine.
It also reduces the risk of contamination, as you’re not using your prep areas to cut and trim chicken. It’s easy to spread bacteria while cutting meat, so anything that can help reduce that risk is a win in my book. (Related: let me help you pick the best cutting board for raw meat.)
If you’re looking for an even thinner portion of chicken breast, chicken cutlets can be pounded flatter with a meat mallet. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, making chicken cutlets an excellent choice for quick, easy, homemade, and guilt-free dinners.
How to Prepare Chicken Cutlets
Chicken cutlets can be prepared in any of the numerous ways you might prepare a full-sized chicken breast.
Chicken cutlets often lend themselves to being pan-fried because they are the perfect size and shape. They make wonderful homemade chicken tenders, which can be easily breaded and cooked thoroughly without much time or effort.
Our best fried chicken recipe, complete with tips on how to make your chicken taste and feel the best, is a great way to prepare and enjoy chicken cutlets. Make sure to use any leftovers for lunch the next day by making a delicious Chicken Club Wrap!
You can also bake chicken cutlets. Our Best Temperature to Bake Chicken Guide addresses food safety issues, such as cook times and temps. Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F, regardless of the cut or type of meat. We recommend using a food thermometer for accuracy.
How to Fry Chicken Cutlets Without Breadcrumbs
Some people prefer to fry chicken without breadcrumbs. Whether this is a dietary necessity or preference, we’re here to help!
If you’re looking to fry chicken without flour or breadcrumbs, we’ve got recipes, tips, and directions for how to do so without missing out on any flavor or texture in our Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Recipe. Here, you can find ways to prepare chicken cutlets without breadcrumbs in various ways, from pan frying to baking to air frying.
How to Reheat Chicken Cutlets
My favorite method for reheating chicken cutlets is undoubtedly the air fryer.
I used to prefer the oven, but then I was introduced to the super-fast world of air frying, and I haven’t looked back.
Air Fryer Method
To reheat chicken cutlets in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Let the chicken reach room temperature.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the fry basket or on a silicone air fryer liner. For best results, leave space for air to circulate.
- Cook for 3-6 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Flip halfway through cooking.
- For food safety purposes, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
You can still reheat chicken cutlets in the oven if you prefer. This method is best for reheating a large amount of chicken cutlets to serve several people at once or if you don’t have an air fryer.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Leave space between the cutlets and cook in a single layer only.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. (If cooking from frozen, add 5 minutes to cooking time.) Flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking time for crispier chicken that’s cooked evenly on both sides.
Microwave Method
You can also use the microwave, though this method is my least favorite as it sometimes leads to soggy cutlets. Still, sometimes it’s your only option, either due to time or equipment constraints.
If you’re using the microwave, place the chicken cutlets on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds at a time, rotating and flipping the chicken as you continue to reheat it.
Cook until heated through.
