Weeknight Cooking

Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Lemon-Avocado Relish & Garlicky Greens

May 28, 2020
5
7 Ratings
Photo by Rocky Luten. Prop & Food Styling by Alexis Anthony.
  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 25 minutes
  • Serves 4
Test Kitchen Notes

Crispy and salty on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—there’s nothing not to love about these chicken cutlets from cookbook author, recipe developer, and food stylist, Samantha Seneviratne. The secret? Well, actually, there are a couple. For starters, you’ll want to slice the chicken neatly in half on the horizontal with a super-sharp knife. Another trick: Instead of the classic three-step breading procedure, make a wet batter with flour and egg (this helps the panko bread crumbs stick better and creates an extra-crunchy crust). A lemony avocado relish and some garlicky greens make the perfect bright-and-tangy topping.

This recipe is shared in partnership with Shun Cutlery. —The Editors

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Ingredients
  • 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup tender herbs, finely chopped (think: parsley, cilantro, and chives)
  • 2 teaspoons capers, chopped
  • 1 avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for frying
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, divided
  • 4 cups baby arugula
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
Directions
  1. Prepare the relish: Using a sharp paring knife, cut the top and bottom off of the lemon and discard. Set the lemon upright on a work surface. Use the knife to cut the skin and pith off of the lemon from top to bottom. Then cut each segment out of the remaining pith. Chop the lemon flesh into small pieces and transfer to a small bowl. Squeeze the remaining pith to release the juice into a separate, large bowl. You should have about 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
  2. Add the herbs, capers, avocado, and red pepper flakes to the lemon flesh and gently toss to combine. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season to taste with salt.
  3. Prepare the greens: Sprinkle some salt over the garlic on a cutting board. Run a chef’s knife at a 45° angle over the garlic mixture, working it back and forth to create a paste. Add the garlic paste to the lemon juice and whisk in 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add the arugula and toss to combine. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the chicken: Use a chef’s knife to slice the chicken breasts horizontally to make 4 even pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Dijon, eggs, flour, and water, and season with salt and pepper. Set the panko on a plate. Dip a piece of chicken into the egg mixture to coat completely, then coat it completely in panko. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  5. Heat about 1/2-inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, cook the chicken until golden brown all over and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You may have to cook the chicken in batches. Serve the chicken over the arugula topped with the relish.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

10 Reviews

Makenna December 12, 2022
Good recipe 🥹🥹🥹
MidloMimi January 9, 2022
Haven’t made the salad but love the breading. Turns out awesome every time.
Cindy F. February 19, 2021
i was out of avocado and garlic--still good! I added a little anchovy paste to the relish. And I used Meyer lemons (it's the season in CA), so I didn't need to worry about the relish or dressing being too sour. Definitely a winner!
Terry February 18, 2021
Could this be baked instead of fried?
elyze January 8, 2022
Sure you could
FrugalCat October 1, 2020
I made it with chicken thighs. A real fresh- tasting meal.
Jaxmccaff August 30, 2020
This dish is delicious! The chicken turned out so crispy and juicy. The relish was a lovely accompaniment and added a nice amount of freshness. The salad was a great side. My only note is that I found it to be a bit too much lemon juice/too sour in the salad dressing so I would put 1 tbsp instead of 2 next time... and there will definitely be a next time!
HCW1298 July 22, 2020
This was delicious and quick. I only used 1 1/2 cup of panko because I was running low and being cautious — it was enough. Also added some grated Parmesan. Will make again!
Kya June 28, 2020
We had this for dinner tonight and it was INCREDIBLE. The flavor and texture balance between the greens, crispy chicken, and lemon avocado topping is incredible. Will be adding this to our routine. Such a refreshing but delicious summer meal!
KR June 13, 2020
This looks great. I'll try it this weekend as I just bought the herbs today! Will try Antonia James suggestions of herbs & romano/parm added to the panko...