Parmesan Lemon Chicken Cutlets with Angel Hair Pasta

parmesan chicken and pasta
This is an easy go-to recipe that can be the center piece of many dishes. A healthier version of fried chicken. It is very economical and flexible enough to be totally casual or part of an elegant meal. Toss the cutlet on a bun for a tasty sandwich, serve with waffles and a lemon syrup, top with mozzarella and serve with spaghetti for chicken Parmesan, or serve as I did with a side of garlic and parmesan angel hair pasta and steamed asparagus.

parsley-001 This recipe uses the herb, parsley. I have had many people comment about parsley not really having any flavor, and how it’s only supposed to be a plate garnish. So untrue! Parsley, especially fresh, is very flavorful. There are two types of parsley that you commonly see in cooking: flat leaf and curly. Flat leaf has a good flavor and is used in many traditional flavor blends. Curly parsley is often used as a garnish. Fresh parsley is typically added toward the end of cooking to maintain the flavor. You can use either dry or fresh parsley for this recipe. Just remember when using dry spices, use about 1 teaspoon of dry in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs because the dry spices will have a stronger flavor. Also, when using dry spices, give them a quick grind with your hand or even a mortar and pestle to release the flavor.

 

Okay, back to the chicken. This dish uses boneless, skinless breasts that are pounded thin, so a little goes a long way, making it an economical meal. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs could also be used.

Parmesan Lemon Chicken Cutlets

1/2 C all-purpose flour
4 chicken breasts
3 eggs
1/3 C Parmesan cheese, grated
1 T Dried Parsley, plus extra for garnish
2-3 T Olive Oil
1-2 T butter
Juice of 1 lemon, reserve lemon for garnish
Salt and Pepper to taste

raw chicken

Pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Place flour in a bowl and coat chicken pieces in flour. Shake off excess. Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet.

 

 

egg mixture

Beat the eggs, cheese, parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture. Gently shake off the excess.

 

 

parmesan chicken 2

Place in the skillet. Cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken while it is cooking.

 

 

parmesan chicken 3

Remove from the skillet. Squeeze on more lemon juice. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and some lemon slices. Serve immediately.

 

I served these cutlets angel hair pastawith angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley, and steamed asparagus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

parmesan chicken and pasta

Once you have made these easy cutlets, you will find many dishes to use them with! Feel free to change the herb used (try cilantro or basil) and leave out the lemon, use lime or even orange instead. The combinations are endless. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.7 from 3 reviews
Parmesan Lemon Chicken Cutlets with Angel Hair Pasta
Author: 
Recipe type: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, French
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4 servings
 
Ingredients
  • ½ C all-purpose flour
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 eggs (use just whites if desired)
  • ⅓ C grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 T dried parsley (fresh works fine too, have a bit extra for garnish)
  • ½ t kosher or sea salt
  • ¼ t ground pepper
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 2 T butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon (zest & slice the remaining lemon for additional garnish)
Instructions
  1. Depending upon the size of the breasts, slice and pound to ¼-in thick.
  2. Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season with salt & pepper.
  3. Coat the chicken pieces with the seasoned flour.
  4. Beat the eggs in a small bowl, add the Parmesan, parsley and half the lemon juice.
  5. Heat the olive oil and butter over medium high heat in a large skillet.
  6. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  7. Place in the skillet and cooked until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  8. Squeeze additional lemon over cooking pieces.
  9. Remove to a warm platter and serve immediately to avoid pieces getting soggy.
  10. Garnish with lemon slices and additional parsley.