Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Chicken cutlets are a popular snack or appetizer enjoyed across the world for their crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. They are perfect for tea-time, as a starter, or even as a light meal when served with a fresh salad or chutney. This recipe for chicken cutlets is simple yet delicious, combining tender chicken with aromatic spices, herbs, and a golden breadcrumb coating that adds irresistible crunch.

Ingredients:

• For the chicken mixture:
  • 500 grams boneless chicken (boiled and shredded)
  • 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• For coating and frying:
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or as required)
  • Oil for shallow frying

Preparation Steps:

1. Boiling and Shredding the Chicken:

Start by boiling the boneless chicken pieces in water with a pinch of salt and pepper until fully cooked. This should take around 10–12 minutes. Once done, drain the chicken and allow it to cool. Shred the chicken finely using your hands or a fork. Make sure there are no large pieces, as a smooth texture is key for good cutlets.

2. Preparing the Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, finely chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves. Add ginger-garlic paste along with all the dry spices—black pepper, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin powder, and salt. Mix everything well to form a smooth mixture. If you like a bit of tanginess, add lemon juice.

The mashed potatoes act as a binding agent and also help in giving a soft texture to the cutlets. Make sure the mixture is not too wet or too dry. If it feels sticky, you can add a little breadcrumb to absorb the moisture.

3. Shaping the Cutlets:

Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into flat, oval or round cutlets with your hands. You can make them thin or thick depending on your preference. Arrange them on a plate. You should be able to make around 10–12 cutlets from this mixture.

4. Coating:

Beat the eggs in a bowl and place the breadcrumbs in another plate. Dip each cutlet into the beaten egg first, making sure it’s well coated. Then roll it gently in the breadcrumbs. This double-layer gives the cutlets their classic crispy crust when fried.

If you prefer an extra crispy texture, you can double coat the cutlets by repeating the egg and breadcrumb process once more.

5. Frying:

Heat oil in a non-stick pan for shallow frying. The oil should be moderately hot, not smoking. Place the coated cutlets carefully into the pan and fry them on medium heat until golden brown and crisp on both sides. This usually takes 3–4 minutes per side.

Do not overcrowd the pan as that can reduce the oil temperature and make the cutlets soggy. Once they’re done, remove the cutlets and place them on absorbent paper to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the hot chicken cutlets with green chutney, ketchup, or mayonnaise. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets:

1. Consistency of the mixture: It should be firm enough to hold shape but moist and soft inside.
2. Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
3. Flavor variation: You can add cheese, herbs like mint or parsley, or even a dash of mustard for a different twist.
4. Baking or Air Frying: For a healthier version, you can bake the cutlets at 200°C for 15–20 minutes or air fry them with a light spray of oil.

Nutritional Benefits:

Chicken cutlets provide a good source of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the potatoes, making them a filling snack. By using minimal oil or opting for baking, they can be made into a healthier option as well.

Conclusion:

Chicken cutlets are an easy-to-make, delicious snack loved by both kids and adults. They are perfect for special occasions, lunch boxes, or just as an evening treat. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of homemade chicken cutlets that are crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside. Enjoy them hot and fresh for the best taste.

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