Cutting chicken breast into cutlets is a great way to get thinly sliced chicken that can be used in a variety of recipes. Chicken cutlets can be grilled, broiled, baked, or sautéed, and it makes a great addition to salads, pasta dishes, rice bowls, and many more.
There are many ways to cut chicken breast for your desired recipe. Today, you will be learning how to cut chicken breast into cutlets perfectly for your next dinner.
Related articles: how to cut chicken wings and how to debone chicken thighs.
What is chicken cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are simply thin pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been sliced in half horizontally, creating a thinner piece of meat. It is very easy and quick to do at home yourself as well. Cheaper than buying it from the store.
Tools needed
Cutting board
Knife
Cling film or Ziploc bag (optional) this is required if you need to make the chicken thinner.
Meat mallet (optional) this is great if you want to make the chicken thinner for recipes such as schnitzel chicken or katsu where you are required to pound the chicken.
How to make chicken cutlet
Start with a whole boneless, skinless chicken breast. Pat, it dry so it doesn't slide whilst cutting. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and place your palm firmly on it. Using a sharp knife, cut all the way through the middle of the chicken horizontally from the thickest part to achieve two thinner pieces.
However, if you find it finicky to work with you can butterfly the chicken first to open like a book and make one final cut to separate the two halves.
If the chicken breast still appears too thick, put a cling film over the cut piece of chicken on the chopping board, and using the meat mallet, pound the chicken until it's thinner. This way you'll achieve an even thickness for cooking.
Sometimes, instead of cutting the chicken all the way through, you can also butterfly the chicken breast: this involves cutting it horizontally leaving a pocket in the chicken breast for your filling or 'butterfly' shape.
Once you have your chicken cutlets, they're ready to be cooked in your desired recipe!
Thinly sliced chicken breast recipes you can make for dinner
If you are wondering what to do with chicken cutlets, here are some recipes you can make for dinner or what you can serve it with.
Air fryer chicken cutlets via The dinner bite
Lemon butter chicken cutlets via Vikalinka
Parmesan chicken cutlets via Delish
5 ingredient chicken cutlets via Momsdish
How to store
Raw chicken can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
If you have any leftover cooked chicken cutlets, they can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
How To Cut Chicken Breast Into Cutlets
Ingredients
- 1 Whole boneless skinless chicken breast
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry so it doesn't slide whilst cutting.
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and place your palm firmly on it. Using a sharp knife, cut all the way through the middle of the chicken horizontally from the thickest part to achieve two thinner pieces.
- If the chicken breast still appears too thick, put a cling film over the cut piece of chicken on the chopping board, and using a meat mallet, pound the chicken until it's thinner to your desired thickness.
FAQs
Can I cut chicken breasts into cutlets from frozen
Simply put, No. I do not recommend cutting chicken breast while it is frozen as the chicken can slip and give you an uneven cut. More importantly, can cause accidents and you don't want that.
That said, you can use partially thawed chicken breast for a cleaner cut.
Chicken cutlets vs breasts, what is the difference
The main difference between chicken cutlets vs chicken breast is that chicken cutlets are thinner slices of a whole boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cutlets are usually pounded thin or sliced in half horizontally to create thinner pieces of meat.
How do you keep chicken cutlets from drying out?
The best way to prevent chicken cutlets from drying out is not to overcook them. They cook very quickly depending on the recipe you are using them for, sometimes 5 minutes is enough to cook them through. Chicken cutlets should only be cooked until they are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Another way to keep chicken cutlets from drying out is to marinate them before cooking. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Ensure not to marinate the chicken for too long or the meat can become mushy.
How many cutlets in a chicken breast
Depending on how large or small your chicken breast is, you can usually get 2-3 cutlets out of one chicken breast.
Is chicken cutlet healthy
Yes, chicken cutlets are a very lean and healthy protein option. They are low in calories and fat and high in protein. Chicken cutlets can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet if cooked as it is, baked, and not fried.
More articles on how to cut
I hope you found this article helpful, Do you have any tips on how to cut chicken breast into cutlets? Share them in the comments below! Don't forget to leave feedback and save it to your Pinterest.
Leave a Reply