Crisp, Juicy, Delicious: The Chicken Cutlet Sandwich Recipe

A chicken cutlet sandwich is exactly what it sounds like: a sandwich built around a breaded and fried chicken cutlet. The cutlet, thin and tenderized for even cooking, serves as the centerpiece. What sets this sandwich apart is its versatility; you can adapt it to suit a variety of cuisines, from classic American to Italian and beyond.

The Anatomy of a Great Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

A stellar chicken cutlet sandwich relies on balance. Here’s a breakdown of its essential components:

The Bread

Choose bread that can hold up to the juicy cutlet and toppings. Options include:

• Soft rolls (brioche, Kaiser rolls)
• Baguettes
• Ciabatta
• Classic sandwich bread

The Chicken Cutlet

The star of the show! It should be golden, crispy, and flavorful. Achieve this with:

• Then, evenly pounded chicken breasts
• A coating of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

Toppings and Sauces

Here’s where you can get creative:

1. Cheese: Provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or sharp blue cheese.
2. Greens: Lettuce, arugula, or coleslaw for crunch and freshness.
3. Vegetables: Tomato slices, pickles, or roasted peppers.
4. Sauces: Mayo, mustard, sriracha, or aioli.

The chicken cutlet is the heart of the sandwich. Follow these steps for perfection:

Tenderize the chicken

Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.

Season Generously

Season the chicken before breading with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Bread the Chicken

Set up a breading station with:

1. Flour: Lightly coat the chicken to help the egg stick.
2. Egg Wash: Dip the chicken to adhere to the breadcrumbs.
3. Breadcrumbs: Panko mixed with Parmesan for maximum crispiness.

Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Heat neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet. Fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Popular Variations

Classic Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

1. Bread: Italian hoagie roll
2. Toppings: Fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, arugula, and balsamic glaze
3. Sauce: Garlic aioli

Spicy Southern Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

1. Bread: Buttermilk biscuit or brioche bun
2. Toppings: Pickles, coleslaw
3. Sauce: Spicy mayo (mix mayo with hot sauce and a pinch of cayenne)

Asian-Inspired Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

1. Bread: Steamed bao buns or soft sandwich rolls
2. Toppings: Pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, cilantro
3. Sauce: Sriracha mayo or hoisin sauce

Healthy Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

1. Bread: Whole grain sandwich bread or lettuce wrap
2. Toppings: Avocado slices, spinach, and tomato
3. Sauce: Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and herbs

Here’s a simple yet delicious chicken cutlet sandwich recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying
• 4 sandwich rolls
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, and cheese (optional)
• Sauce: mayo, mustard, or your favorite condiment

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan in separate shallow dishes. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
4. Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the rolls and spread sauce on both halves. Add lettuce, tomato, and other desired toppings. Place the chicken cutlet on the roll and close the sandwich.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with fries, chips, or a side salad.

Tips for Success

Crafting the perfect chicken cutlet sandwich requires attention to detail and a few insider tricks to elevate your creation. Here are some essential tips to ensure your sandwich is a crowd-pleaser:

1. Perfect the Bread: Opt for bread that complements your filling. Toast it lightly for extra structure and flavor. For softer rolls, a quick steam can enhance their texture.
2. Prep Your Chicken: Consistency is key. Pound the chicken evenly to avoid undercooked centers or overcooked edges. Season the chicken generously before breading to ensure every bite is flavorful.
3. Master the Breading Process: A three-step breading process (flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs) creates a crispy and cohesive coating. Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying; this helps the coating adhere better.
4. Control Your Oil Temperature: A thermometer keeps the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the coating burns before the chicken cooks; too cool, and the cutlet becomes greasy.
5. Maintain Crispiness: Drain the fried cutlets on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep the coating crunchy. Assemble chicken cutlet sandwiches just before serving to prevent sogginess.
6. Experiment with Flavors: Add herbs or grated cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Swap traditional condiments for spicy mayo, honey mustard, or herb-infused sauces.
7. Make It Ahead: Prepare the cutlets in advance and freeze them. To retain crispiness, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C).
8. Healthy Alternatives: Bake or air-fry the cutlets for a lighter option without compromising on crunch. Swap mayonnaise-based sauces for yogurt-based ones for a tangy twist. By following these tips, you’ll streamline your cooking process and ensure that your chicken cutlet sandwich is a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
9. Keep It Crispy: Assemble the sandwich before serving to maintain the crispness of the cutlet.
10. Custom Bread Crumbs: Experiment with seasoned breadcrumbs or add herbs like parsley and oregano.
11. Batch Cooking: Make extra cutlets and freeze them. Reheat in the oven for a quick meal.
12. Healthier Option: Bake the cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Pairing Suggestions

Complete your chicken cutlet sandwich meal with these pairings:

1. Side Dishes: French fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp coleslaw.
2. Beverages: Lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with citrus.
3. Dessert: A light fruit salad or a cookie to end on a sweet note.

Your Butcher Shop

Welcome to your favorite butcher shop. We carry custom cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, goat, grass-fed beef, wagyu, deli, and more. We ship across the United States in 1-2 business days.