Pickle-Brined Chicken Cutlets (Print Version)

Juicy chicken cutlets soaked in tangy brine and coated in a crisp breadcrumb crust.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness.
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.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with water in the second, and panko breadcrumbs blended with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in the third.
05 - Dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off excess, dip into egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko.
06 - Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken cutlets in batches 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges and fresh dill if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Juicy flavorful chicken
  • Irresistible crisp breadcrumb crust
02 -
  • Use neutral oil for frying to avoid imparting flavors.
  • Marinate at least 1 hour for best flavor absorption.
03 -
  • Pat chicken dry before dredging to ensure coating sticks well.
  • Cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
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