Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets

When it comes to a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with bright, fresh flavor, Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets are an absolute winner. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken cutlets coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb crust, then bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce that’s tangy, rich, and utterly irresistible. This recipe takes weeknight dinners to a whole new level of deliciousness without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, these cutlets deliver every time.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

There’s something truly special about the combination of crispy, crunchy chicken and a silky lemon butter drizzle. The balance of textures and flavors in these Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets is what makes this recipe a repeat favorite. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, yet elegant enough for special occasions. Plus, the fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it feel light and refreshing rather than heavy. If you love dishes that are simple to prepare but packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan – for frying the cutlets and making the sauce
• Three shallow bowls or plates – for the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture
• Meat mallet or rolling pin – to pound chicken to even thickness
• Tongs – for flipping the cutlets
• Zester or microplane – to zest the lemon
• Juicer (optional) – to extract lemon juice easily

Mastering Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets: How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, thorough coating. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Fry the Cutlets

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1/4 cup of the butter. Once hot and foaming, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Transfer cooked cutlets to a warm plate.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 1/4 cup butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and zest. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Return the cutlets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

• Use firm tofu or seitan cutlets instead of chicken breasts.
• Replace eggs with a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• Use plant-based milk in place of eggs for dipping.
• Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil.
• Use panko or seasoned vegan breadcrumbs for the coating.

Cook’s Commentary

• Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key – it prevents uneven cooking and keeps the meat juicy.
• Don’t skip seasoning the flour and breadcrumbs; it layers flavor into every bite.
• For an extra lemony punch, add a splash of lemon juice to the breadcrumb mix before coating the chicken.
• Serve alongside light pasta dishes like Lemon Pepper Chicken Alfredo Skillet or Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine for a complete, citrus-infused meal.

Storage Pro Tips

Leftover Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispy coating and avoid drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy. You can also freeze cooked cutlets for up to 2 months; just be sure to thaw them fully before reheating.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Pounding them to an even thickness is still recommended.

What type of breadcrumbs are best for the coating?

Panko breadcrumbs provide the crispiest texture thanks to their light, airy structure. However, regular breadcrumbs will also work fine if that’s what you have on hand.

How can I make the sauce less buttery?

To lighten the sauce, reduce the butter to 1/3 cup and add a splash of chicken broth or white wine for extra depth and acidity without added richness.

Is it okay to bake these instead of frying?

You can bake the cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While baking is a healthier option, you might lose some of the crispiness you get from frying.

Don’t Miss These

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Alfredo Skillet – a creamy pasta dish that complements lemony chicken perfectly.
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine – another citrus-infused chicken pasta option to try soon.

In Closing

With its golden crust and vibrant lemon butter sauce, this Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets recipe is destined to be a dinner table favorite. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it versatile for any meal occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight fix or a dish to impress, this recipe is sure to deliver. So grab your skillet and lemons, and get ready to enjoy a plate full of crispy, buttery goodness.

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