• Decide if you want to BAKE or AIR FRY the chicken cutlets. If baking, preheat oven to 400° F (204°C) now. For air frying, you will preheat the air fryer to 400° F (204°C) approximately 5 minutes before air frying.

Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs

• Place panko breadcrumbs and olive oil into medium skillet and toast for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Then transfer to a large plate or sheet pan to cool.

Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

• Cut the chicken breasts carefully in half lengthwise or butterfly them open. Then, cut in half lengthwise. Now you should have 6 chicken cutlets (If you have purchased chicken cutlets, you can skip this step)
• Pound chicken cutlets with a meat mallet or a heavy flat bottomed skillet to flatten to about ¼ inch thickness.
• Season both sides of the chicken cutlets well. Set it aside.

Set Up Breading Station

• Prepare Panko Breadcrumb Mixture: Mix ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, and salt and pepper into the cooled toasted panko breadcrumbs.
• Prepare Egg Mixture: Beat eggs and add the rest of the parmesan cheese (¼ cup) and salt and pepper.
• Place ½ cup all purpose flour on a large flat plate.
• Set up your breading station like the Ford Assembly line. First, place your prepared chicken cutlets Next, place your plate of flour. In third place, set your egg mixture. Finally, place your seasoned panko bread crumbs.

Assemble Chicken Cutlets

• Dip the seasoned chicken cutlets into the flour and shake lightly to remove excess flour.
• Next, dip the floured chicken piece into the egg mixture to coat both sides.
• Transfer the coated chicken onto the plate of seasoned toasted breadcrumbs. Coat both sides and press lightly to ensure the breading sticks to the chicken.

Baking Instructions: Preheat 400° F (204°C)

• Place prepared cutlets on a lined and lightly greased baking sheet and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Then, turn over and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the chicken has reached the internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). Cooking time will vary depending on how thin your cutlets are.

Air Frying Instructions: Preheat 400° F (204°C)

• Place chicken cutlets in the lightly greased air fryer basket and spray with oil. Air fry for 5 minutes. Then flip the chicken over and spray the other side with oil. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes (total of 10 - 12 minutes) or until the chicken has reached the internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). Cooking time will vary depending on how thin your cutlets are.

Serving

• Enjoy while hot! We like to sprinkle the cutlets with a extra fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice.

Storage and Reheating

• Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Methods:

  Oven - 350° F (176° C) and place on a wire rack in your oven uncovered for about 15 minutes or until crispy.

  Air Fryer - 350° F (176° C) for about 3 to 5 minutes.

  Pan Fry - not one of our favorite methods but add a little oil in a skillet and over medium heat until crisp and warm.

  Microwave - not the best option as this will make the panko bread crumbs soggy. But if you must, them cover lightly and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.