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Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

This recipe features crispy chicken cutlets paired with a refreshing apple slaw. The cutlets are breaded with panko and Parmesan for a golden, crunchy exterior, fried to perfection in olive oil. The apple slaw, made with Greek yogurt dressing, shredded brussels sprouts, cabbage, honeycrisp apple, and pepitas, offers a crisp, tangy complement that perfectly balances the savory chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a delightful and quick meal option for four servings.

Ingredients

Apple Slaw

  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded brussels sprouts
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
  • 1 honeycrisp apple, cut into matchsticks and halved
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pepitas

Chicken Cutlets

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, for seasoning
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slaw Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Mix the Slaw: Add the shredded brussels sprouts, cabbage, honeycrisp apple matchsticks, chopped green onion, and pepitas to the dressing. Toss everything until the slaw is evenly coated. Refrigerate this mixture to let the flavors meld while preparing the chicken.
  3. Butterfly and Slice the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each breast horizontally, butterflying them open to create even thickness. Then cut each breast in half to yield four equal-sized pieces total.
  4. Pound the Chicken Thin: Cover the chicken pieces with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each piece until it is about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring even cooking and tenderness.
  5. Season the Chicken: Remove the plastic wrap and season both sides of the chicken pieces with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Prepare Breading Stations: In a medium shallow bowl or baking dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
  7. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, coating both sides well and shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the panko-Parmesan mixture until both sides are thoroughly coated. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
  8. Heat the Oil: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  9. Cook the Chicken Cutlets: Carefully place 1 or 2 breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the cutlets are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove cooked chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Add more oil to the skillet if needed and repeat with remaining pieces.
  10. Serve: Transfer the crispy chicken cutlets to plates and top each with a generous serving of the chilled apple slaw. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • For best results, use a sharp knife when butterflying the chicken to ensure even thickness.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet while frying; cook in batches for an even, crispy crust.
  • Make sure the oil is hot before frying to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.
  • The apple slaw can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated to enhance flavor.
  • Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture.
  • Adjust seasoning in the slaw dressing to taste, especially the salt and honey balance.