If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances crunchiness and cheesy gooeyness, look no further than this Golden & Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Gooey Cheese recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a crunchy golden breadcrumb coating and a luscious melted cheese filling that oozes out with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a casual dinner, or just treating yourself, these chicken cutlets deliver on taste and texture.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to master this recipe—from the ingredients and cooking tips to frequently asked questions that will make you a pro in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Golden & Crispy Texture: The breadcrumb coating fries up beautifully to a perfect crunch, sealing in the juicy chicken and cheese inside.
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Gooey Cheese Center: Melty mozzarella cheese oozes out when you cut into the cutlets, creating a delicious contrast with the crispy exterior.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
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Simple Ingredients: Made with chicken breast, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices you likely have in your pantry.
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Versatile: Serve with a side salad, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce to customize your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 large chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded thin)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally to create thin cutlets or pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking.
2. Stuff with Cheese
Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on one half of each chicken cutlet, then fold the other half over to cover the cheese completely. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station
In three separate shallow dishes, place:
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Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
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Beaten eggs
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Breadcrumbs
4. Coat the Chicken
First, dredge each stuffed cutlet in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly so they stick well.
5. Fry Until Golden
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the cutlets for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
6. Drain and Serve
Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets Every Time
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Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain the oil temperature.
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Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to let the cheese settle.
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Experiment with cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.
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Serve with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake these chicken cutlets instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
2. What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella is best for gooey meltiness, but cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack also work well.
3. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the edges tightly when folding and use toothpicks if needed. Don’t overstuff with cheese.
4. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
5. Are these chicken cutlets gluten-free?
Not as is, but you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
6. What sides go well with chicken cutlets?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, side salad, or rice.
7. How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
About 30 minutes.
8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but make sure to flatten them for even cooking.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love crispy chicken and melted cheese.
11. Can I air fry these cutlets?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
12. What if I don’t have a meat mallet?
Use the bottom of a heavy pan or rolling pin to flatten the chicken.
13. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free cheese alternatives.
14. Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
Dried herbs in the breadcrumb mix work well; fresh herbs can be sprinkled as garnish.
15. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
Golden & Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Gooey Cheese is a versatile and mouthwatering recipe that combines simple ingredients with irresistible textures and flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Golden & Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Gooey Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts butterflied or pounded thin
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or your preferred melting cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally or pound them thin with a meat mallet for even cooking.
- Stuff with cheese: Place shredded mozzarella on one half of each cutlet, fold the other half over, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Set up breading stations: In three separate bowls, place flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each stuffed cutlet first in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently to adhere well.
- Fry the cutlets: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each cutlet for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, with cheese melted inside.
- Drain and serve: Transfer cutlets to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
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