How To Make Chicken Cutlets

Cut thick breasts into chicken cutlets with our easy instructions.

What Is a Chicken Cutlet?

Chicken cutlets are prized because they cook faster and typically more evenly than thicker breasts.

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This keeps the lean meat of the chicken breasts from drying out.

With the right equipment, making chicken cutlets takes just minutes.

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Here are the highlights of the process:

Now, your chicken is ready to use!

Try one of our recipes below, or read on for how to make a basic breaded chicken cutlet.

Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap.

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets cutting the chicken breasts in half

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.

Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt and pepper.

Dredge in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets pounding to an even thickness

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Repeat process with remaining chicken.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate while cooking the rest of the chicken.

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets sprinkling with salt and pepper

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets setting up the breading station

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets after breading the chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living How to Make Chicken Cutlets draining on paper towels

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox