When you’re short on time but craving a home-cooked meal with bold flavor, Garlic Chicken Cutlets are a top-notch option. With their golden, crunchy coating and moist, flavorful interior, these cutlets are incredibly satisfying. Topped with a savory garlic-herb-parmesan mixture and served on a buttery bed of pasta, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual guests.

Golden breaded chicken slices served over a bed of spaghetti pasta garnished with parsley

What Makes Garlic Chicken Cutlets So Good

Crunchy Outside, Tender Inside

What sets these cutlets apart is their delightful contrast in texture. Thin slices of chicken breast are coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and flour, then quickly pan-fried until crisp. The result is a juicy bite inside a crunchy shell that’s simply irresistible.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

Garlic Chicken Cutlets are incredibly adaptable. They come together quickly, look elegant on the plate, and can pair with a variety of sides. The finishing touch of garlicky parmesan and fresh herbs adds just the right kick of flavor without making things complicated.

Ingredients and Instructions

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, butterflied
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, whisked
1 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter

For the Topping:

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

For Serving:

200g pasta of your choice
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Pound the butterflied chicken until even in thickness. Combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Set up two more bowls: one with whisked eggs and another with breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat well in breadcrumbs, pressing gently.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter on medium heat. Fry the cutlets 3 to 4 minutes on each side until crisp and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Garlic Topping In a small pan, sauté garlic until fragrant in a teaspoon of olive oil. Take off the heat and stir in parsley and parmesan.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, then toss with butter or oil and a little salt.

Step 6: Plate and Serve Slice the cutlets and place them on top of the pasta. Spoon the garlic-parsley topping generously over each serving. Sprinkle with extra cheese if you like.

Crispy garlic breaded chicken over spaghetti topped with parsley and a dollop of creamy sauce

Helpful Tips and Variations

Customize the Flavors

Feel free to experiment! Swap parsley for basil or thyme. Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for brightness, or spice things up with a pinch of chili flakes. You can also ditch the pasta in favor of mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or grilled veggies.

Storing and Reheating

Keep leftovers in separate containers to maintain texture. Reheat cutlets in a pan or air fryer to keep the crispiness. Pasta can be warmed up with a bit of butter or water to restore its softness.

Garlic Chicken Cutlets: Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible