Rustic Crispy Chicken Cutlets

These cutlets are a simplified version of chicken Milanese, using a flavorful schmear of Dijon mustard instead of an egg and dredging the chicken in one coating of bread crumbs. 

Use dry breadcrumbs (gluten free is fine) vs. panko, which has a coarser texture. If you have panko on hand and want to use those, blitz them in food processor or blender for a few pulses so they're a finer texture that will adhere better to the chicken.

These days, even organic chicken breasts are Dolly Parton size, so we’re suggesting you purchase 2 breast halves to serve 4. If your market sells chicken cutlets, by all means, use those (you’ll need to buy 4 cutlets), and skip the step of butterflying/pounding the chicken.

3/4 cup bread crumbs (regular or gluten free)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
flake sea salt (such as Maldon, optional)
1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges (optional)

Place the bread crumbs and thyme in a shallow bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.

Lay 1 breast half on a cutting board. Holding it steady with one hand, hold a sharp knife parallel to the cutting board, and cut through the breast to butterfly it. Open it up like a book, and cut it into 2 pieces. Repeat with remaining chicken breast. You want each piece to be ½ to ¾ inch thick and an even thickness. If needed, you can cover the chicken with a piece of waxed or parchment paper, and lightly pound it with a meat mallet, heavy skillet or a rolling pin to even out the thickness.

Pat chicken very dry with paper towels. Spread mustard evenly on both sides of chicken. Dredge chicken in bread crumb mixture, pressing well to adhere.

Heat a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, swirling to coat the pan. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, add chicken to the pan. Cook 3-5 minutes per side, undisturbed, or until chicken is done, golden and crispy. If desired, sprinkle with flake sea salt and serve with lemon wedges.

Serves 4

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How to Plan, Prep, and Cook Easy Weeknight Meals (without spending hours in the kitchen)

3 steps to making simple, nourishing meals possible night after night so you spend less, enjoy more, and have time and energy to live a richer, more delicious life.

Picture of Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

My mission is to inspire and equip you to live a richer life through real food by becoming a more competent, confident home cook.


I’m the author of Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith, and Enduring Love, founder and CEO of Nourish Evolution, and the creator of Cook the Seasons, Home Cooking School, and the Real Food Reset, and I empower intentional women to cook in a way that brings them (and their families) joy, health, and ease.

Making the shift from processed food to real food doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an evolution that occurs over time, with effort, intention, and belief. And it will change the course of your life. Are you ready to take the first step? I’m so glad you’re here … and I’m honored to be with you on the journey to becoming nourished!

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