Breaded Chicken Cutlets with Melted Cheese and Parsley

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

• Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
• Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.

Bread the Chicken:

• Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.

Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C.)
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Melt the Cheese:

• Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
• Place the fried chicken cutlets on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each cutlet.
• Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve the cutlets hot, with a side of lemon wedges if desired. They pair well with a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Enjoy your Breaded Chicken Cutlets with Melted Cheese and Parsley!