Cottage Cheese Crusted Chicken Cutlets

Meta Description: Tender chicken cutlets are coated in a savory, protein-rich cottage cheese crust, baked to golden perfection. A healthier, high-protein twist on classic fried chicken that’s irresistibly juicy inside and satisfyingly crisp outside.

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A Note From the Chef

This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping main course. By blending cottage cheese with Parmesan and herbs, we create a flavorful paste that locks moisture into the chicken while forming a deliciously crisp, golden crust in the oven—no deep frying required. It’s the perfect answer to the question: “How do I make chicken exciting and healthy?”

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Crust:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each), pounded to ½-inch thickness

• 1 cup (225g) full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese

• ½ cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Coating:

• ¾ cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For Serving (Optional):

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh parsley or dill

• Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a light salad

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)

• Food processor or blender

• Two shallow bowls

• Rimmed baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if using (this promotes air circulation for a crispier bottom).
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Using the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures quick, even cooking and a perfect cutlet texture. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cottage Cheese Mixture

In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, dill, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and resembles a thick, creamy paste. This should take about 30-60 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl.

Step 3: Create the Crispy Panko Coating

In a second shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, olive oil (or melted butter), and Italian seasoning. Use your fingers or a fork to mix thoroughly until the oil is evenly distributed and the crumbs are slightly darkened. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crisp crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Cutlets

Set up your assembly line: dried chicken cutlets, bowl of cottage cheese mixture, bowl of panko mixture, and prepared baking sheet.
First Coat: Using one hand, take a chicken cutlet and dip it fully into the cottage cheese mixture, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Let any excess drip off.
Second Coat: With your other hand, transfer the cutlet to the panko mixture. Press and pat the crumbs firmly onto all sides to form an even, generous coating.
Place the coated cutlet on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken, leaving a little space between each cutlet on the sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when the crust is deep golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
For extra browning on top, you can switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken cutlets rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, acidic punch. Perfect alongside your favorite vegetables or a simple arugula salad.

Tips for Success

• Dry Chicken is Key: Moisture is the enemy of a crisp crust. Taking the time to pat the chicken thoroughly dry is a non-negotiable step.

• Pound Evenly: Uniform thickness means no dry, overcooked edges or undercooked centers.

• Press the Crumbs: Don’t just sprinkle; really press the panko mixture onto the creamy layer to help it adhere and form a solid crust.

• Use a Rack: Baking on a wire rack ensures heat circulates all around the cutlet, preventing a soggy bottom.

• Don’t Skip the Rest: Cutting in too soon will release all those precious juices.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 1 cutlet)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 4.5g

• Cholesterol: 145mg

• Sodium: 780mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 10g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 2g

• Protein: 42g

Note: Nutrition facts are estimated based on using low-fat cottage cheese and include all coating ingredients. Values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient choices.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Allow leftover cutlets to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To preserve the crisp texture, reheat in an air fryer or a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating is not recommended, as it will make the crust soggy.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked chili powder to the cottage cheese mixture.

• Herb Garden: Swap dill and parsley for fresh chives, tarragon, or thyme.

• Cheese Swap: Try using Romano or Asiago cheese in place of the Parmesan.

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Enjoy this delicious, high-protein meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction!