innys Mom Chicken Cutlet Recipe – Delicious Homemade Chicken Cutlets!

Craving a homestyle Italian favourite? Dive into Vinny’s Mom’s Chicken Cutlets, a golden, crispy, and juicy dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. Lightly breaded, perfectly fried, and finished with a squeeze of lemon, these cutlets are a family staple that never fails to impress. Whether you serve them as the main dish, in a sandwich, or alongside pasta, this authentic recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Chicken Preparation

Preparing the chicken properly is the secret to Vinny’s Mom’s famously tender and flavorful cutlets. Follow these simple steps:

Trimming and Seasoning

Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and that perfect golden crust. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Breading the Chicken

Vinny’s Mom always said the breading station is the heart of the recipe. To set it up, prepare three shallow bowls:

1. Bowl 1 – Flour: Place the all-purpose flour, lightly seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   
2. Bowl 2 – Eggs: Beat the eggs until smooth.
   
3. Bowl 3 – Breadcrumb-Parmesan Mix: Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This gives the chicken that signature crunchy, cheesy crust.
   

Coating Steps

1. Dredge the chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
   
2. Dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
   
3. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even layer sticks to the chicken.
   

Repeat with all chicken breasts. For extra crunch, Vinny’s Mom always pressed the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.

Frying the Chicken Cutlets

Cooking the cutlets just right is the key to achieving that golden, crispy perfection:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in, but not so hot that it smokes.
  
• Place the chicken cutlets in the pan, frying only two at a time to avoid overcrowding.
  
• Cook each cutlet for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  
• Remove the cutlets and let them drain on a paper towel–lined cooling rack.
  

The result? Perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, just like Vinny’s Mom made them.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the chicken cutlets are golden and crispy, it’s time to bring them to the table. Vinny’s Mom always finished them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This adds brightness that balances the richness of the fried chicken.

Suggested Ways to Serve

• Classic Style: Serve hot with lemon wedges and parsley for a simple, authentic presentation.
  
• With Pasta: Pair the cutlets with spaghetti tossed in marinara or garlic and olive oil.
  
• In a Sandwich: Layer the cutlets on fresh Italian bread with provolone cheese, arugula, and roasted peppers for the ultimate chicken cutlet hero.
  
• With a Salad: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a lighter option.

Flavour Tips from Vinny’s Mom

1. Press the Breading Firmly: The more firmly you press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken, the better they’ll stick and crisp up during frying.
   
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches ensures even browning and keeps the cutlets from steaming instead of crisping.
   
3. Use Parmesan Generously: That nutty, salty flavour in the crust is what makes this recipe stand out.
   
4. Serve Immediately: These cutlets taste best hot and fresh, right out of the skillet.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Chicken Cutlets Fresh

If you have leftovers (though they usually disappear fast!), place the cooled cutlets in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The paper towel helps absorb extra moisture and keeps the crust from getting soggy.

Reheating the Cutlets

To bring back that crispy magic:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  
• Place the cutlets on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  
• Reheat for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
  Avoid microwaving; this makes the breading soft instead of crunchy.
  

Freezing the Cutlets

If you want to freeze them, let the cutlets cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vinny’s Mom Chicken Cutlet Recipe

1. What makes Vinny’s Mom’s chicken cutlets so crispy?

The secret is in the three-step breading process (flour → egg → breadcrumb-Parmesan mix) and frying in hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Pressing the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken also ensures a crunchy crust.

2. Can I bake these chicken cutlets instead of frying?

Yes! To make a lighter version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded cutlets on a greased baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as golden as fried cutlets, but they’ll still be delicious.

3. What kind of breadcrumbs work best?

You can use either plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs. Vinny’s Mom loved mixing in grated Parmesan, which adds a nutty, savoury flavour and helps the cutlets brown beautifully.

4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken cutlets are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Typically, frying them for 3–4 minutes per side at the right oil temperature ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.

5. What can I serve with chicken cutlets?

They pair wonderfully with:

• Pasta with marinara sauce
  
• A fresh garden salad
  
• Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
  
• Or in a classic Italian chicken cutlet sandwich with melted cheese and fresh bread

ConclusVinny’s

Vinny’s Mom Chicken Cutlet Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of home, love, and tradition. With a crispy Parmesan crust, juicy chicken, and a squeeze of lemon to finish, this recipe proves that the simplest ingredients often make the most unforgettable meals.

Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, layering them into a sandwich, or serving them up at a family gathering, these cutlets always hit the spot. Once you try them, you’ll understand why Vinny’s Mom’s chicken cutlets have become a legendary favourite.

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve up a plate of golden, crispy perfection. Buon appetito!