Extra Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets Recipe Delight

Cooking Extra Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets is like inviting a burst of sunshine into your kitchen. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy chicken, all wrapped in the bright zest of lemon and a peppery kick. It’s comfort food at its finest, with flavors that dance on your tongue and aromas that make your neighbors suspiciously envious.

I remember the first time I made these cutlets; my family swarmed the kitchen like seagulls at a beach picnic. Each bite brought forth joyful exclamations and happy sighs, turning an ordinary weeknight dinner into a festive occasion worth celebrating. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a cozy Sunday dinner, these cutlets are bound to steal the show and leave everyone begging for seconds.

Sharing these chicken cutlets has always led to delighted reactions from my friends and family.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for optimal crunchiness; adjust based on your hungry crowd.

• All-Purpose Flour: This creates the perfect base for that crispy coating; sift it if you want extra fluffiness.

• Eggs: About two eggs will help bind the flour to your chicken; whip them up well for better adhesion.

• Breadcrumbs: Choose Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch; they create that delightful texture we crave in fried foods.

• Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest brightens the dish; it’s like adding sunshine directly into your recipe.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh juice adds tangy brightness; don’t reach for bottled juice if you can help it!

• Black Pepper: Use freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor; it’s not just for show.

• Salt: Balance everything out with salt; season generously but taste as you go!

• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Essential for frying; choose olive oil for flavor or cooking spray for ease.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Extra Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by placing your chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound them gently until they are even thickness—this ensures even cooking and helps them stay juicy.

Dredge in Flour: Set up three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with whisked eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with lemon zest. Dip each chicken breast first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess before moving to the egg wash.

Coat with Breadcrumbs: After dipping in egg wash, press each cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. This step is crucial for achieving that extra crispy texture we all adore.

Fry Them Up: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F), carefully add the coated chicken cutlets. Fry until golden brown on both sides—around 4-5 minutes per side should do it!

Add Flavor With Lemon Juice: As soon as they’re done frying, squeeze fresh lemon juice over each cutlet while they rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil—this enhances flavor and keeps them crispy longer.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate those glorious cutlets alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Watch as everyone gathers around your kitchen table like moths drawn to a flame!

Now sit back and bask in the compliments while you dig into those crispy delights!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the cutlets, then coat them in flour and breadcrumbs before frying. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and crispiness while keeping your workspace organized.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap lemon with lime for a different citrus kick, or add garlic powder for an aromatic twist. Personal touches make every meal uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven to retain that crispy texture, avoiding sogginess.

My friend once told me these cutlets changed her life! She made them for a dinner party, and they disappeared faster than I could say “extra crispy.”

FAQ

What is the best way to ensure my chicken cutlets are crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and fry in hot oil at 350°F for ultimate crunchiness.

Can I bake the Extra Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F until golden brown, but they may not be as crispy.

How can I enhance the lemon flavor in this recipe?

Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra burst of citrus goodness.

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Extra Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Extra Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets, a dish that fuses zesty lemon and peppery goodness with a satisfying crunch. This easy-to-make recipe transforms weeknight dinners into memorable occasions, inviting everyone to the table for a delightful culinary experience. Each bite is a perfect harmony of juicy chicken enveloped in a golden crust, sure to impress family and friends alike.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for frying

Instructions

1. Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until even thickness.
2. Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with lemon zest.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg wash, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F). Fry cutlets for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over hot cutlets while resting on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6. Serve warm alongside salads or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cutlet (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For variations, swap lemon with lime or add garlic powder for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.