20 Best Chicken Cutlet Recipes (+ Quick Dinner Ideas)

With these easy chicken cutlet recipes, you can have a family dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. They’re crispy, golden, and more versatile than you think.

Cutting chicken breasts in half means they cook twice as fast. So, you can make something as scrumptious as lemony chicken Francese, even on a busy weeknight.

And it doesn’t stop there! Once they’re breaded and fried, you can pair them with tangy tomato sauce, earthy mushrooms, or something decadently creamy.

They might be quick, but these incredible chicken cutlet recipes are the epitome of indulgence.

1. Havarti-Stuffed Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce

These delicious chicken cutlets are a new take on the traditional fried chicken we all know and love.

You will fry them, but you’ll also stuff them with Havarti cheese and cover them in parmesan.

The rich and creamy Dijon mustard sauce also adds a light tanginess that completely alters the flavor of the chicken (in a good way!).

It’s Southern cooking with an Italian flair. 

2. Lemon Butter Chicken Cutlets

If you want something with more of a citrus kick, these succulent chicken cutlets should do the trick.

The buttery sauce has a faint herby flavor from the garlic and parsley. 

They’re also insanely easy to make, requiring only the most fundamental ingredients: chicken, salt, flour, olive oil, butter, garlic, parsley, lemons, and chicken stock. 

You can have it on the table and ready to eat in just half an hour.

3. Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata has become a fast favorite over the last several years, so if you haven’t tried it yet, get ready to have your mind blown.

It’s so juicy and flavorful, and it has a bright, zesty flavor that incorporates lemon juice, capers, white wine, and more.

Pair it with roasted veggies and a light rosé for a restaurant-quality meal. Or try one of these yummy chicken piccata side dishes.

4. Creamy Spinach Chicken

If you’re looking for something quick and convenient, it’s hard to beat this ten-ingredient, 30-minute, one-pot chicken dinner. 

The chicken is perfectly seasoned, and the spinach and garlic sauce is creamy and delightfully herby.

It smells just as good as it tastes, too. 

5. Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets

If you’ve never made simple breaded chicken cutlets, here’s a recipe for you. 

It uses only seven ingredients: Panko and seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan, eggs, milk, chicken, and vegetable oil for frying. 

Follow the cooking instructions to get the crispiest, crunchiest crust possible. 

6. Cajun Chicken

We like spice in my house, so this cajun chicken recipe is always a huge hit. And the best part is, all you need for the chicken are the cutlets, a spice blend, and olive oil.

Speaking of the spice blend, it’s pretty complex. You’ll need paprika, garlic and onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne and black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.

That makes it spicy, herby, earthy, and garlicky. Basically, it’ll WOW your taste buds with every bite. 

7. Chicken Francese

To make chicken Francese, you’ll start by frying the cutlets to perfection; then, you’ll top it with the eight-ingredient lemon butter sauce.

Whether you serve it with a leafy side salad, roasted veggies, or on a bed of rice, you’re not likely to get any complaints.

8. Chicken Marsala

Chicken marsala has a rich, earthy flavor that incorporates mushrooms, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and more. The chicken is juicy, but the taste is somewhat dry and woodsy. 

I know that seems contradictory, but that’s the only way I know how to explain it. If you like dishes with mushrooms and a savory root vegetable flavor, you’ll enjoy it. 

Serve it with one of these yummy chicken marsala sides for a complete and filling family dinner.

9. Creamy Bacon Chicken

Warm, succulent chicken cutlets, a smooth, creamy, buttery sauce, and crispy bits of salty bacon – what could be better than that? 

Not a lot.

That’s why this creamy bacon and chicken dish is so popular in my house. Everything about it, from the taste and smell to the texture and appearance, is too good not to love.

10. Chicken Parmesan

What if you’re in the mood for chicken but also want pasta? Chicken parmesan is the perfect solution.

You’ll bake the chicken, so it’s healthy, but it also has a wonderfully crispy crust.

Plop it on top of some spaghetti noodles, top it with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, and you’re all set. 

Or, if you’d prefer an Aussie approach, add a slice of ham and melt some cheese on top. Then, serve it with thick-cut steak fries.

No matter what side dish you choose, you’ll love this tangy and crunchy chicken cutlet recipe.

11. Chicken Katsu

If you prefer Asian chicken to Italian, you’ll appreciate this recipe for chicken katsu. 

It’s tender with a crunchy, deep-fried exterior, and it tastes enough like fried chicken that everyone will reach for more. 

In fact, if you don’t add the Tonkatsu sauce, cabbage, and Japanese dressing, it’s just fried chicken. With or without the Asian extras, it’s phenomenal. 

12. Balsamic Marinated Chicken Breasts

Similar to the Cajun chicken above, this one is all about the marinade.

The meat is pretty simple and grilled to keep things light. But the trick is to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least an hour (preferably longer). 

Doing so gives it the most terrific flavor, and you’ll get it in every bite. 

13. Pesto Chicken Recipe with Vegetables

Pesto chicken is insanely flavorful, and this dish comes with toasted pine nuts and plenty of veggies, as well.

It’s a complete meal that you can make in one pan in just 20 minutes. 

Talk about an easy dinner! 

14. Chicken Bruschetta

If you love bruschetta on toasted baguettes or crackers, just wait until you try it on top of some seriously scrumptious fried chicken. 

Adding bruschetta is a quick, simple, and healthy way to jazz up your standard chicken dinner.

The bruschetta includes tomatoes, basil, onions, and balsamic vinegar and its zesty, garden-fresh flavor lightens and livens up any meal. It tastes great on pork chops, too!

15. Honey Mustard Chicken Cutlets with Arugula Salad

Here’s another excellent option if you need an all-in-one meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make. 

The arugula is fresh and crisp, and the chicken has a sweet and tangy taste with a bit of heat underneath. Of course, you can always add extra veggies to the salad if you want.

16. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce

I like just about any meat that’s parmesan-crusted, and this chicken cutlet recipe is no exception.

It perfectly retains its delectable chicken flavor and adds a splash of cheese for something salty and savory. 

You’ll make it even tastier by adding a thick, creamy mustard sauce that’s herby, rich, and unbelievably good. 

Because it’s so thick – almost like a white gravy – it also makes the meal even more filling than it usually would be. 

17. Chicken Cutlets with Grape-Shallot Sauce

It’s a quick 35-minute chicken meal. You’ll need flour, chicken, salt, pepper, canola oil, shallots, white wine, chicken broth (or a chicken broth substitute), fresh parsley, and grapes. 

Yes, grapes. They add a lovely light sweetness that helps to cut through the savory taste,

It has a light, mild flavor that pairs well with roasted veggies, crusty bread, fresh greens, or a warm cup of soup.

If you’re looking for a dinner that won’t weigh you down, give it a try.

18. French Fried Onion Chicken

This one is really just another recipe for fried chicken. But I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many recipes for one of the world’s favorite foods. 

It’s also one of the most straightforward fried chicken recipes I’ve found, requiring only six ingredients: chicken, Lawry’s seasoned salt, fried onions, flour, garlic, and eggs. 

The fried onions and Lawry’s give it a bit more flavor, too, so if you find yourself often making bland chicken, this recipe could help you spice it up.

19. Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those seriously decadent, outrageously cheesy meals that you couldn’t possibly eat every night (unless you want to pack on the pounds).

However, if you’re looking for a way to treat yourself, it’s a great dish for that. It takes a bit of time to make, and you’ll need several ingredients, but it’s worth it in the end.

After all, anything that combines chicken, ham, and three different types of cheese has to be pretty amazing.

And since it’s something you’ll likely make for a special occasion, you’ll want to have the perfect side dish to go with it. Luckily, there’s plenty to choose from.

20. Easy Chicken Mozzarella

Chicken mozzarella is almost as indulgent and over-the-top as chicken Cordon Bleu, but it’s a lot easier (and quicker) to make.

Call it the chicken Cordon Bleu for when you’re in a bit of a rush. 

All you’ll need is chicken, mozzarella, marinara, Italian seasoning, and avocado oil. Add salt and pepper to suit your tastes.

It’s tomatoey, cheesy, and downright delicious. The kids will love it, and so will you.