Cheesy Chicken Cutlets with Vegetables

This recipe combines juicy chicken breast with a crispy, flavorful coating, topped with melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and served with a side of vibrant vegetables. It’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 3 Chicken breasts
• Plain flour (for coating)
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper powder
• 1 tsp Oregano
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 Eggs
• Milk (optional, for egg wash)
• Breadcrumbs (for coating)
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper powder
• 1 tsp Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Cooking oil (for frying)
• Mozzarella cheese (grated)
• Cheddar cheese (grated)
• Optional vegetables of your choice:
  • 1 Green pepper, sliced
  • 1 Tomato, sliced
  • 2 Red shallots, sliced

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the Chicken: Begin by cutting each chicken breast into thin cutlets. You can do this by slicing horizontally through the middle of the breast. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of each chicken cutlet with salt, black pepper powder, and a bit of cayenne pepper powder. This will ensure the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix plain flour with a pinch of salt, cayenne pepper powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the eggs. If desired, add a splash of milk to make the egg wash lighter and creamier.
3. Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with oregano, more smoked paprika, and crushed kasuri methi.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Coat in Flour: Dredge each seasoned chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured cutlets into the egg wash, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, press each cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are completely covered. The breadcrumb coating should stick well due to the egg wash.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough cooking oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
3. Drain the Chicken: Remove the cooked cutlets from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, you can sauté the optional vegetables (green pepper, tomato, and red shallots) for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. Season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

1. Cheese Topping: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the fried chicken cutlets on a baking sheet. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese over each cutlet.
2. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the cheese from burning.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Chicken: Arrange the cheesy chicken cutlets on a serving platter.
2. Add the Vegetables: Garnish the platter with the sautéed vegetables, adding a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
3. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or additional kasuri methi over the top for an extra touch of flavor and color.
4. Serve: Serve the Cheesy Chicken Cutlets with Vegetables hot, along with your favorite sides like a crisp salad, mashed potatoes, or a slice of garlic bread.

Tips for Success

• Even Slicing: To ensure even cooking, try to slice the chicken breasts into uniform thickness.
• Proper Breading: Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy crust.
• Cooking Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent it from becoming greasy.
• Cheese Melting: Keep an eye on the cheese while broiling; it melts quickly and can burn easily.

This Cheesy Chicken Cutlets with Vegetables recipe is a delightful and satisfying meal that brings together the comforting flavors of fried chicken, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you crave a delicious, home-cooked meal. Enjoy this easy-to-make and flavor-packed recipe, and watch it become a favorite in your household!