If you love easy and tasty meals, this Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets Recipe is perfect. The chicken is golden, juicy and full of flavor.
This recipe is simple and quick, yet feels special. You can make it for dinner any day. I love how the breading is crispy and the chicken stays tender.
It’s a classic recipe that everyone enjoys. Today, I’ll share how to make this dish step by step, with easy tips and tricks.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets Recipe last week and it was amazing. The chicken cooked quickly and the flavors were rich. Even beginners can make it without trouble.
I loved that the breading stayed crispy and the meat inside was soft and juicy. My family enjoyed it and I felt proud serving a restaurant-like meal at home. The recipe is very forgiving and works well with simple pantry ingredients.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the Chicken
Place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to 1/2-inch thickness. - Season the Flour
Mix flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. - Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate shallow bowl. - Mix Breadcrumbs and Cheese
Combine panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl. - Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken piece in flour first, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs. - Heat the Pan
Add olive oil or butter to a skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. - Cook the Chicken
Place chicken in pan. Cook 3–4 minutes each side until golden brown. - Drain Excess Oil
Transfer chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to remove extra oil. - Serve Immediately
Serve hot with your favorite sides, like salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets
- Use panko for extra crunch.
- Pound chicken evenly to cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Use a mix of butter and oil for flavor.
- Let chicken rest 2 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the flour step can make breading fall off.
- Cooking on too high heat may burn breadcrumbs.
- Using thick chicken breasts can cook unevenly.
- Not seasoning the flour and breadcrumbs reduces flavor.
- Flipping chicken too often prevents a golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets with a simple arugula salad, lemon wedges or mashed potatoes. You can also drizzle a light garlic butter sauce on top for extra flavor.
This dish pairs well with white wine or a sparkling water with lemon. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small dinner party with friends and family.
Variations You Can Try
- Add paprika or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Use Italian breadcrumbs for a different flavor.
- Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella for chicken Parmesan.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to breadcrumbs.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy breading.
- Freeze cooked cutlets for up to 2 months.
- Reheat frozen chicken in the oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Health Benefits
Chicken is a lean protein, which helps build muscles and keep you full. Using olive oil instead of butter improves heart health. Adding Parmesan cheese gives calcium and flavor.
Pairing with vegetables adds fiber, vitamins and minerals. This dish is balanced, tasty and fits well in a healthy diet when served with greens or salad.
Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to 1/2-inch thickness.
Season the Flour
- Mix flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
Prepare the Egg Wash
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate shallow bowl.
Mix Breadcrumbs and Cheese
- Combine panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl.
Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour first, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
Heat the Pan
- Add olive oil or butter to a skillet. Heat over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken
- Place chicken in pan. Cook 3–4 minutes each side until golden brown.
Drain Excess Oil
- Transfer chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to remove extra oil.
Serve Immediately
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, like salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use panko for extra crunch.
- Pound chicken evenly to cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Use a mix of butter and oil for flavor.
- Let chicken rest 2 minutes before serving.
FAQs about Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets
Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Q2: Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?
Yes, almond flour works. The texture is slightly different but tasty.
Q3: How do I keep the cutlets crispy after cooking?
Place on a wire rack instead of a plate to maintain crispiness.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, coat the chicken and store in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Chicken Cutlets Recipe is simple, delicious and perfect for any meal. It’s quick enough for weekdays and fancy enough for dinner guests.
Follow the steps carefully and enjoy juicy, crispy chicken every time. The recipe is flexible and allows fun variations.
With easy ingredients and simple steps, you can make this classic dish anytime. Your family and friends will love it.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!