Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets

Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets

by | Feb 7, 2020 | CHICKEN | 0 comments

Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets

follow

If any of you have been following me, you know I’m a huge fan of chicken cutlets. They’re tender, juicy and cook quickly, making them perfect for your weeknight dinner. I also like that the options for them are endless too, like Chicken Piccata Sandwich or Tarragon Chicken Cutlets.

Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets fried golden in a stainless steel skillet resting on a gray granite trivet.

Today’s chicken cutlet gets coated with pecan breading that panfries beautifully, as long as you keep the heat under control. The pecans are mild enough not to overwhelm the chicken and provide a bit of crunch and nutty flavour. You can eat these delicious cutlets on their own but my personal favourite is dolloped with my Cherry Salsa You can also top them with your favourite red pepper jelly or spicy apple jelly. You may also want to try a crispy cutlet on a bun with cool crunchy lettuce and a slathering of mayo and Cherry Salsa. It’s darn good!!

Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets cut and served on a gray granite serving platter with Cherry Salsa and green onions.
Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets served in a shallow bowl on top of rice with Cherry Salsa and green onions.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets served in a shallow bowl on top of rice with Cherry Salsa and green onions.
Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    3-4 people 25-30 minutes
    Cook Time
    12-18 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    3-4 people 25-30 minutes
    Cook Time
    12-18 minutes
    Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets served in a shallow bowl on top of rice with Cherry Salsa and green onions.
    Pecan Crusted Chicken Cutlets
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      3-4 people 25-30 minutes
      Cook Time
      12-18 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      3-4 people 25-30 minutes
      Cook Time
      12-18 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: people
      Instructions
      1. Cut chicken breasts in half and then cut each half horizontally, giving you 8 pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and pound to an approximate 1/4" thickness with the flat side of a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides of each cutlet with salt and pepper.
      2. Using a food processor, grind pecans until fine. Add breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and pulse several times to combine. Pour crumbs into a shallow bowl.
      3. In a separate shallow bowl whisk together eggs, sour cream and milk.
      4. Add 1/3 cup flour to a separate shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. Arrange bowls for breading starting with the flour, then the egg wash and pecan crumbs last.
      5. Heat one tablespoon of oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Toss 3-4 cutlets into the flour and turn to coat, shaking off the excess flour. Place one cutlet at a time into the egg wash and coat completely. Lay cutlet into pecan crumbs and turn to coat, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs. Place 3-4 breaded cutlets into the hot pan (don't overcrowd the pan) and cook 3 minutes per side, adjusting your heat if needed. Nuts burn easily, so medium-low heat is recommended.
      6. Remove cooked cutlets to a plate and keep warm in a low oven while cooking remaining cutlets. Wipe out the loose crumbs from the pan with a paper towel after each batch.
      7. Serve cutlets immediately with Cherry Salsa, red pepper jelly or apple fig spread.

      Product Favourites!

      Affiliate Disclosure

      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets

      Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets

      by | Mar 7, 2019 | CHICKEN | 0 comments

       

      Why are chicken cutlets so good?

      Simply put, they are pounded thin.  This not only makes them tender but makes them cook quickly leaving them little chance of drying out. The trick is to pound them out as evenly as possible which results in even cooking.  Breading the cutlets isn’t always necessary but it does help to keep in all the moisture as does a good sear if opting not to bread them. Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets is a good example of both pounding thin and breading.

       

       

      I love versatile food!

      Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets are a great example of how one dish can become 3 different kinds of meals.  These crispy cutlets slathered with pesto are fantastic served with buttered noodles for a quick and easy weeknight meal.  They’re also great cut into wedges and served atop a crisp salad. I’m thinking my favourite though is nestling said cutlet between chewy bread and tomato slices for an upgraded sandwich that ‘s good for lunch or dinner.

       

      Want more chicken cutlet recipes?

      Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw

      Tarragon Chicken Cutlets

      Chicken Piccata Sandwich

       

      Author: Compelled to Cook

      Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets are cut into strips in the foreground, while whole cutlets remain on a parchment lined tray in the background. A black kitchen towel, knife, fresh basil and pesto adorn the scene.
      Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        8 cutlets 35 minutes
        Cook Time
        12-15 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        8 cutlets 35 minutes
        Cook Time
        12-15 minutes
        Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets are cut into strips in the foreground, while whole cutlets remain on a parchment lined tray in the background. A black kitchen towel, knife, fresh basil and pesto adorn the scene.
        Breaded Pesto Chicken Cutlets
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          8 cutlets 35 minutes
          Cook Time
          12-15 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          8 cutlets 35 minutes
          Cook Time
          12-15 minutes
          Ingredients
          Servings: cutlets
          Instructions
          1. Using a blender or mini processor combine the first 7 ingredients and blend until combined but still has some texture. Set aside.
          2. Using three shallow bowls, combine flour and 1/2 tsp salt in one, breadcrumbs and 1/2 tsp salt in the second and the eggs whisked with the milk in the third.
          3. Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Cut each breast in half horizontally and then cut each half into half vertically, giving you 4 pieces per breast.
          4. Place chicken pieces between 2 pieces of parchment. Pound to about a 1/4" thick (no thinner).
          5. Dredge chicken cutlets with flour, shaking off excess.
          6. Dunk floured cutlets into egg wash and then into bread crumbs, turning to coat evenly. Arrange prepared cutlets onto a clean plate or tray.
          7. Add enough oil to a large skillet to come up about an 1/8" of an inch. Heat over medium until hot. Add 4 cutlets and cook approximately 2 1/2 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
          8. Turn oven to broil, with rack 8-10" from heat.
          9. Arrange cutlets on a foil lined tray. Spread 1 tbsp of pesto onto each cutlet and sprinkle lightly with grated parmesan cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
          Recipe Notes

          -You can use any pesto you'd like here, however, the one included with this recipe contains less oil than regular pesto.  I found regular pesto makes the cutlets too oily.  This slightly drier version gives the same great flavour but less oil and better results. If you'd like to use a classic pesto, here's the recipe Classic Pesto

          -These cutlets are also great on top of pasta drizzled with extra pesto or in a sandwich.

          Recommended Items

          Affiliate Disclosure

          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw

          Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw

          by | Jul 8, 2018 | APPETIZERS, CHICKEN | 0 comments

          I love, love, love crunchy food! For me, the crunchier and saltier the better.  I’m the gal who’ll choose a bag of Doritos over a piece of cake. This may be why I love these amazing Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw.  The traditional three stage breading using Panko or coarse homemade bread crumbs, makes the crispiest little chicken cutlets that are so perfect with creamy crunchy slaw.  And this slaw has a nice, but not too hot, nasal clearing heat from the wasabi.  It’s a fantastic combination.

          Yes, you heard me right, there’s wasabi in the slaw, and it’s my new favourite coleslaw.  Creamy, crisp and cool with just enough wasabi to create a warming bite and provide a definite sense that you’re not in coleslaw Kansas anymore.  It’s not “reach for water hot” by any means, but if serving this coleslaw on the side, I’d warn the kids and grandparents…just saying!  With its creamy and tangy dressing, the coleslaw is absolutely perfect with the crispy chicken cutlets.  I like to really pile it on for the ultimate little slider.  Don’t forget this amazing slaw is also great with pulled pork or as a side to BBQ’d meats. But don’t take my word for it, go on and give it a try.  You’ll love these wonderful, easy to put together Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw.  Enjoy!

          Recipe source for Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw:  Compelled To Cook

          Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            8 sliders 55-60 minutes
            Cook Time
            10-12 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            8 sliders 55-60 minutes
            Cook Time
            10-12 minutes
            Crispy Chicken Sliders with Wasabi Slaw
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              8 sliders 55-60 minutes
              Cook Time
              10-12 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              8 sliders 55-60 minutes
              Cook Time
              10-12 minutes
              Ingredients
              Wasabi Slaw
              Chicken Cutlets
              Servings: sliders
              Instructions
              Wasabi Slaw
              1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, wasabi, salt and pepper. Cover and keep chilled until ready to use.
              2. When ready to assemble sliders, toss cabbage, green onion and grated carrot with dressing.
              Chicken Cutlets
              1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally and then cut each half into half again, getting 4 pieces (each being about 1.5 ounces) out of each breast. Place the chicken pieces between two pieces of parchment or wax paper and pound with a rolling pin or flat side of a mallet to 1/4" thick.
              2. Using 3 shallow bowls, to the first, add the flour, salt and pepper and whisk to combine. To the second, add eggs and water and whisk to combine. To the third, add the bread crumbs.
              3. Add several chicken pieces to the flour bowl and flip around to coat. Shake off excess and add pieces to egg bowl. Using a fork, flip to coat with egg and place in bread crumbs, turning each piece and patting gently to adhere crumbs. Place breaded portions onto a clean plate or wire rack and repeat breading procedure until all pieces are done.
              4. Add enough canola oil to a large skillet to just start to cover the bottom. Heat over medium high until hot. Add breaded chicken to pan, being careful not to overcrowd pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove from pan to a paper towel lined tray to dab off any excess grease and then to a clean plate. Keep warm in a low 225℉ oven while remaining cutlets are fried. Wipe out pan with a paper towel to remove excess crumbs that may start to burn prior to frying more cutlets.
              5. Slice slider buns in half and brush lightly with butter. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel and place slider buns buttered side down in pan and heat over medium until starting to brown and become warm. About 2 minutes.
              6. To each slider bun, add a chicken cutlet and top with a generous amount of wasabi slaw. Secure each slider with a long toothpick if desired and serve immediately.

              Tarragon Chicken Cutlets

              Tarragon Chicken Cutlets

              by | Jan 15, 2018 | CHICKEN | 0 comments

              So let’s talk chicken, chicken breasts to be exact. Unless they’re bone in, skin on, it’s hard not to overcook them. Everyone’s been there if they’re honest with themselves. Myself included, more than I care to admit. This is why I am a huge fan of making chicken breasts into cutlets. Because by splitting them and pounding thin, a tender cutlet is formed that takes mere minutes to cook, leaving little chance of them turning into sawdust. Tarragon Chicken Cutlets are a fantastic use of such cutlets with a tangy buttery tarragon sauce that just happens to be splendid with mashed potatoes.

              Naturally not all chicken dishes can be made using cutlets, but when given the opportunity, it’s the path I will take. Not only because because they’re tender but because they cook quickly, making them great for busy weeknights. Additionally, they can be paired with almost anything. For example, marsala sauce, piccata, creamy mushroom and the list goes on. Tarragon Chicken Cutlets are a classic pairing of tarragon and chicken, adding a splash of Dijon and butter makes for a simple yet drool worthy sauce. So versatile and delicious!

              Recipe source for Tarragon Chicken Cutlets:  Compelled To Cook

               

              Tarragon Chicken Cutlets
              Print Recipe
                Servings Prep Time
                3-4 people 20 minutes
                Cook Time
                20 minutes
                Servings Prep Time
                3-4 people 20 minutes
                Cook Time
                20 minutes
                Tarragon Chicken Cutlets
                Print Recipe
                  Servings Prep Time
                  3-4 people 20 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  20 minutes
                  Servings Prep Time
                  3-4 people 20 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  20 minutes
                  Ingredients
                  Servings: people
                  Instructions
                  1. In a shallow bowl stir together flour, salt and pepper. Set aside. Cut off fillet from chicken breast if attached. Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two pieces. Cut each piece in half, giving 4 pieces of similar size per chicken breast, plus the fillet if included. Place each piece, including fillet between two pieces of parchment paper. Pound with a flat mallet until 1/4" thick.
                  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Toss chicken pieces in flour and shake off excess. Fry half of the chicken pieces 2 minutes per side and remove to plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and chicken.
                  3. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp of butter to the pan, add chopped shallot and sauté for 1 minute until softening but not browning. Add wine, stirring and scraping the pan to remove all the cooked bits. Stir in broth and reduce for 3-4 minutes until about 1/2. Whisk in mustard and remaining butter, small chunks at a time, allowing each to incorporate before adding more. Stir in lemon juice and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken cutlets back to pan and spoon with sauce. Serve immediately.

                  Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets

                  Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets

                  by | Feb 10, 2017 | PORK | 0 comments

                  Although I am pretty new to the world of dukkah, the thought of a crunchy roasted nut mixture blended with spice and herbs is certainly worth my attention. Dukkah is an Egyptian blend of crushed roasted nuts, spice and sometimes herbs and is most often eaten with bread dunked in olive oil. It didn’t take long for my mind to wander over to the meat section though, and imagine crunchy Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets. Quite addictive with their crunchy nutty coating and particularly delicious with a curried mayonnaise.

                  Easy to put together for a weeknight meal, especially if the dukkah is made up in advance.  I chose to do a cutlet rather than a thicker cut of meat as the nuts tend to burn easily.  The cutlets cook quickly so the nuts are less likely to burn, plus there’s a great ratio of crunchy coating to meat.  I used a handful of panko breadcrumbs in the coating even though they are not normally found in traditional dukkah.  The addition of a small amount of breadcrumbs to the nut mixture really helps the coating adhere to the cutlet.  Resist the urge to crank the heat when pan frying these, the nuts will burn before you know it.  Medium low heat is what you’re after.  They’ll appear not to be cooking at all, but after a few minutes the nuts will start to turn a lovely burnished gold and the pork will just be starting to cook around the edges.  Flip, and a few minutes later they’re ready for the table.

                  Feel free to experiment with your dukkah, using different nuts and/or spices.  The ones used in Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets are commonly used but my own variation of sorts.  I really enjoyed the mint in the dukkah coating and the fresh mint in the curried mayonnaise as it was fresh, bright and a great match for the cutlets.  Enjoy!

                  Recipe Source:  Compelled To Cook

                   

                  Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets
                  Print Recipe
                  Tender pork with a crunchy exterior and loads of flavour.
                    Servings
                    4-5 people
                    Servings
                    4-5 people
                    Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets
                    Print Recipe
                    Tender pork with a crunchy exterior and loads of flavour.
                      Servings
                      4-5 people
                      Servings
                      4-5 people
                      Ingredients
                      Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets
                      Yogurt Mint Sauce
                      Servings: people
                      Instructions
                      Yogurt Mint Sauce
                      1. In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients and allow to rest in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to blend flavours.
                      Dukkah Crusted Pork Cutlets
                      1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Roast pine nuts and cashews in a single layer on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, turning half way through. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
                      2. Once nuts are cool pulse in a food processor until broken down to small bits. Be careful not to over process or nuts will turn to a paste. Add sesame seeds, panko and remaining spices. Pulse 2-3 times to combine. Set aside.
                      3. Cut pork tenderloin into 1/2" thick slices. Using a meat mallet, pound each slice between pieces of plastic wrap into a cutlet no more than 1/4" thick. Season both sides of cutlets with salt and pepper.
                      4. Whisk eggs together in a shallow bowl and place dukkah in a separate shallow bowl. Dunk one cutlet into egg bath and then into dukkah mixture, pressing slightly to coat both sides. Arrange pre coated cutlets on a parchment lined baking sheet. When all cutlets are coated, heat 1 tbsp canola oil in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add 4-5 cutlets to the pan cooking approximately 4 minutes per side, adjusting heat lower if necessary as the nuts burn easily. Remove cooked cutlets from pan and wipe out any stray bits with a paper towel. Repeat with more oil and cutlets. Keep cooked cutlets warm in a low oven. Serve immediately with Yogurt Mint Sauce.
                      Recipe Notes

                      Resist the urge to turn up the heat when cooking the cutlets.  The nuts will burn very easily!  A low-medium temperature is best even though the cutlets will not sizzle when you put them in the pan.  After a few minutes the nuts will turn golden and they are ready to flip.