Baked Chicken Cutlets: A Delicious and Tender Recipe
If you’re craving a mouthwatering and tender chicken cutlet, look no further than this Cotolette di Pollo al Forno recipe! The secret behind these crispy, golden cutlets lies in the preparation method that ensures a perfectly moist and flavorful result. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress.
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 800g |
| Whole Milk | 250g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose Flour | 120g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Stale Bread | 5 slices |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Lettuce | To taste |
| Lemons | 1 |
Preparation
Step 1: Soaking the Chicken
To begin, take the chicken breasts and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the whole milk over the chicken slices, ensuring they are well-covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken soak for approximately 30 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy. You can leave the chicken at room temperature for this time, or, if it’s particularly hot outside, you may opt to refrigerate the chicken for better preservation.
Step 2: Preparing the Breadcrumbs
While the chicken is soaking, take the stale bread and cut it into small cubes. Place these cubes into a food processor or mixer to turn them into breadcrumbs. If you prefer, you can also use store-bought breadcrumbs, but freshly made ones add an extra touch of flavor.
Step 3: Dredging the Chicken
Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the milk and allow any excess liquid to drain off. Take one slice of chicken at a time and coat it lightly in all-purpose flour, making sure to cover it evenly on both sides. Repeat this step for all the chicken slices, placing each flour-dusted piece on a plate.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Breadcrumb Coating
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them gently with a pinch of salt. Once the eggs are well-beaten, take a piece of floured chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well-coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well on both sides. Repeat this process with all the chicken slices.
Step 5: Baking the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the cutlets, which will help them achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Bake the cutlets for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 6: Serving
Once the chicken cutlets are ready, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh lettuce leaves and thin slices of lemon. Serve the cutlets immediately, ensuring your guests get to enjoy them while they are hot and crispy!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~40g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
Tips for Success
- Soaking the chicken: This step makes all the difference. It helps lock in moisture and makes the cutlets irresistibly tender.
- Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs are always the best choice, but if you’re in a rush, store-bought ones work fine.
- Baking vs. Frying: Baking the cutlets instead of frying them offers a healthier option, while still achieving that crispy texture everyone loves.
- Serving suggestions: These cutlets pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Enjoy these Baked Chicken Cutlets as a delicious and healthy alternative to the classic fried version. With its tender interior, crispy coating, and light lemon garnish, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
