Crispy Garlic Chicken Cutlets with Pasta

Golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside these garlic chicken cutlets are the kind of dinner you’ll come back to week after week. Lightly breaded and pan-seared until perfectly crunchy, they’re finished with a fragrant mix of garlic, parsley, and parmesan that adds a burst of flavour with every bite.

Served over a bed of buttery pasta, this easy dish is both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Cutlets:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
• ½ cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsp butter

For Garlic-Parsley Finish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

• 200g rotini or pasta of choice
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt to taste

🔪 Method

1. Prepare chicken: Flatten chicken pieces to even thickness. Season flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set up a breading station: one plate with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
2. Bread the chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Press gently to help crumbs adhere.
3. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken cutlets 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make garlic-parsley topping: In a small pan, sauté minced garlic in a touch of olive oil until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and parmesan.
5. Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt.
6. Assemble: Slice chicken and serve over pasta. Spoon garlic-parsley topping generously over the chicken. Garnish with extra parmesan if desired.

🍽️ Chef’s Tips

• Use thin-sliced chicken breast or chicken tenders for even faster cooking.
• Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for a bright lift.
• This dish also works beautifully with spaghetti or orzo.
• Leftover chicken stays crispy if reheated in a pan or air fryer.

🧮 Nutritional Info

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 530 per serving
• Servings: 4