2largeboneless, skinless chicken breastsabout 1 1/2 pounds total
1cupall-purpose flour
1tspkosher salt
1/2tspblack pepperfreshly ground
2largeeggswell beaten
1 1/2cupsfine Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheese
1/2cupvegetable oilfor frying
2tbspunsalted butter
lemon wedgesfor serving
fresh parsleyfinely chopped for garnish
Equipment
cutting board
meat mallet
mixing bowls
Large skillet
wire rack
Method
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully slice each one in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Place each cutlet between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or heavy skillet until they are an even 1/4-inch thick.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Place the beaten eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together thoroughly.
Dredge one chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it completely into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, complete coating on both sides. Place the breaded cutlet on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining cutlets.
Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the oil shimmers. To test if the oil is hot enough, a breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately.
Carefully place two cutlets in the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the coating is a deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Transfer the cooked cutlets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain, which will keep the bottom from getting soggy. Repeat the frying process with the remaining two cutlets.
Let the chicken cutlets rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.