Pickle-Brined Chicken Cutlets (Printer-friendly)

Tender chicken marinated in pickle brine with a crunchy golden coating, cooked to juicy perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 ½ cups dill pickle brine
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Coating

06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons water
09 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ For Frying

13 - ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)

→ Serving (optional)

14 - Lemon wedges
15 - Fresh dill, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until ½ inch thick.
02 - Combine chicken, pickle brine, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours to enhance flavor.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, second with beaten eggs and water, third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt.
05 - Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then coat evenly with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
06 - Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if necessary.
07 - Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
08 - Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh dill if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Juicy flavorful chicken
  • Irresistible crisp breadcrumb crust
02 -
  • Marinating for at least 1 hour enhances flavor
  • Use neutral oil to achieve optimal frying results
03 -
  • Pat chicken dry after marinating to ensure crisp coating
  • Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan
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