Chicken Costoletta is a golden, crispy, and utterly irresistible dish that combines the crunch of a perfectly breaded cutlet with the bright zestiness of a lemon-infused sauce. If you’ve ever dined at The Cheesecake Factory, you might already be familiar with this masterpiece. But why wait for a night out when you can create this five-star restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen?
What is Chicken Costoletta?
Chicken Costoletta is an Italian-American dish featuring thinly pounded chicken cutlets coated in a flavorful, crispy breading and served with a lemon butter sauce. It’s similar to Chicken Milanese but has a richer, tangier profile, making it stand out as a crowd-pleaser. The balance of textures—crunchy crust, juicy chicken, and velvety sauce—makes it a must-try dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Chicken Costoletta
1. Prep the Chicken
Begin by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about ¼-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- Place the flour in one shallow dish.
- In a second dish, whisk the eggs with milk.
- In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it generously in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
4. Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Place the crispy chicken cutlets on a plate and drizzle with the luscious lemon butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Chicken Costoletta
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture balances the crispiness.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans – Adds freshness and color.
- Butter Noodles or Risotto – A rich, comforting side.
Tips for the Best Chicken Costoletta
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures consistent cooking.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create the crispiest texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches for the best results.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Resting helps retain juices and keeps it crispy.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Chicken Costoletta and Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata uses a lighter flour coating and features capers in the sauce, whereas Chicken Costoletta has a crispier breadcrumb coating and a creamier lemon butter sauce.
Can I Make Chicken Costoletta in the Oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for an evenly crisp texture.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
This Chicken Costoletta recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home. Crispy, juicy, and coated in a velvety lemon butter sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over again. Try it today and impress your family with this irresistible classic!
