Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlet Bowl (Printable)

Golden Parmesan-breaded chicken cutlets served over rice with fresh arugula and bright lemon. A lighter fusion interpretation.

# What you'll need:

→ Chicken Cutlets

01 - 4 thin chicken breast cutlets, approximately 1.1 lbs total
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying

→ Bowl Components

10 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, warm
11 - 2 cups fresh arugula
12 - 1 large lemon cut into wedges

→ Optional Garnish

13 - Extra grated Parmesan
14 - Freshly ground black pepper
15 - Chopped fresh parsley

# Method:

01 - Cook rice according to package directions and maintain at serving temperature in a covered pot.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls in sequence: first with flour combined with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; second with beaten eggs; third with panko and Parmesan cheese mixture thoroughly combined.
03 - Coat each chicken cutlet completely in seasoned flour, shake off excess, dip thoroughly in beaten egg, then press firmly into panko-Parmesan mixture ensuring full coverage on both sides.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry each breaded cutlet 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to paper towels for drainage.
05 - Once cooled slightly, slice cooked chicken cutlets into uniform strips using a sharp knife on a clean cutting board.
06 - Divide warm rice evenly among serving bowls, layer fresh arugula over rice, and arrange sliced chicken strips on top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice generously over each bowl.
07 - Top each bowl with additional grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy, cheesy coating without the mess or guilt of deep frying
  • Comes together in under 40 minutes on a busy weeknight
  • Fresh, bright, and satisfying all at once
  • Feels fancy but uses ingredients you probably already have
02 -
  • Don't skip the flour layer, it's the glue that makes everything stick and stay crispy
  • Medium heat is key, too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks, too low and it gets greasy
  • Let the cutlets rest after frying so the crust sets and doesn't fall apart when you slice
03 -
  • Press the panko mixture firmly onto the chicken so it really sticks and doesn't fall off in the pan
  • Use a meat thermometer if you are unsure, chicken is done at 165°F and stays juicy
  • Double the batch and freeze uncooked breaded cutlets on a tray, then bag them for quick weeknight wins
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