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Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe

4.7 from 149 reviews

Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw is a delightful and flavorful meal featuring tender, breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection and topped with a refreshing apple and brussels sprout slaw. This recipe combines a crispy, cheesy crust on the chicken with a tangy, sweet, and crunchy slaw for a balanced and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Slaw

  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded brussels sprouts
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
  • 1 honeycrisp apple, cut into matchsticks and halved
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pepitas

Chicken Cutlets

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, for seasoning
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined. Add the shredded brussels sprouts, shredded cabbage, apple matchsticks, chopped green onion, and pepitas. Toss everything until the slaw is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate the slaw while you prepare the chicken cutlets to let flavors meld.
  2. Slice the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each breast horizontally in half (butterflying) and then cut each half into two equal portions, resulting in 4 pieces total.
  3. Pound the Chicken: Cover the chicken pieces with plastic wrap and gently pound them with a mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
  4. Season Chicken: Remove the plastic wrap and season both sides of the chicken pieces with kosher salt and black pepper.
  5. Prepare Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls or baking dishes, set up the breading stations: first bowl with flour, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; second bowl with whisked eggs; third bowl with panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
  6. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the whisked eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the panko mixture to fully coat both sides. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
  7. Heat Oil: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking.
  8. Cook Chicken Cutlets: Carefully place 1 or 2 chicken pieces in the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Avoid moving them excessively to ensure a crispy crust.
  9. Drain Excess Oil: Remove cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Add more olive oil to the skillet as needed, and repeat cooking the remaining cutlets.
  10. Serve: Plate the crispy chicken cutlets and top each with a generous portion of the prepared apple slaw. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • For extra tang, add more apple cider vinegar to the slaw to taste.
  • You can substitute brussels sprouts with kale or extra cabbage if preferred.
  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy crust and prevent sogginess.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
  • Leftover apple slaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: crispy chicken cutlets, apple slaw, breaded chicken, fried chicken cutlets, easy chicken recipe, healthy slaw, brussels sprouts slaw