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There is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and golden goodness of Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe to bring a burst of vibrant flavors and textures to your dinner table. This dish pairs perfectly crispy, tender chicken with a fresh, tangy apple slaw that adds that lovely balance of sweetness and zest. Whether you’re craving a comforting fall meal or a fun twist to brighten up any season, this recipe is an absolute winner that’s sure to become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different cooking ingredients. Two large raw chicken pieces with a light pink color are on a white plate spotted with small black dots, placed at the top right. Below them, a small bowl with three white eggs sits next to a small dish with a light beige powder. On the bottom row, there is a bowl of white shredded cabbage with some purple and green bits mixed in, and a bowl of green shredded vegetables, possibly zucchini. Near the center, there's a bowl with finely chopped green herbs, a small scalloped bowl with cut green onions, and a small dish with a light brown liquid, likely honey. To the right, a white cup holds a yellow liquid, probably olive oil, while near the center top, a bowl filled with small beige crumbs sits next to a small dish with a light yellow mustard paste. Other small dishes hold white yogurt, pumpkin seeds, salt, and ground pepper, all neatly placed creating an organized layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients for this Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, crunch, and freshness. From the creamy yogurt in the slaw to the crunchy panko coating on the chicken, everything comes together beautifully with minimal fuss.

Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang to the apple slaw without weighing it down.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and acidity that lift the freshness of the slaw.
Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle kick and complexity to the slaw dressing.
Honey: Balances the tanginess with a touch of natural sweetness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in both the slaw and chicken.
Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth.
Shredded Brussels sprouts: Adds crunch and earthy flavor to the slaw.
Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: Creates the classic texture and crunch in the slaw.
Honeycrisp apple: Supplies a crisp, sweet contrast that’s essential in the slaw.
Green onion: Offers a mild oniony note for freshness.
Pepitas: Introduces an extra nutty crunch and color to the slaw.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, perfect for pounding thin and crisping up.
All-purpose flour: Creates that vital light coating for the chicken before breading.
Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory flavor in the flour coating.
Large eggs: Acts as a glue to hold the breading on the chicken.
Panko bread crumbs: Responsible for the irresistible crunch and golden color of the cutlets.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami boost to the breading.
Finely chopped parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note in the crust.
Olive oil: Essential for pan-frying the chicken to that perfect golden crisp.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Make the Apple Slaw

Start by combining the tangy dressing ingredients — Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper — in a large bowl. Whisk them together until smooth; this creamy dressing will coat the slaw with brightness and subtle sweetness. Next, add the shredded Brussels sprouts, cabbage, crisp matchstick-cut honeycrisp apple, chopped green onions, and pepitas. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Pop the slaw into the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Grab your boneless skinless chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, butterfly each breast open horizontally, then cut each half in two, resulting in four equally sized pieces. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound each piece with a mallet or rolling pin until they reach about 1/4-inch thickness—this ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Remove the plastic wrap and season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper for flavor.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Get three shallow dishes ready: one with a flavorful flour mixture of all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; another with whisked eggs; and the last with a crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped parsley. This triple-step breading process creates that signature crispy crust.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

First, dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, coating both sides well but shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off before pressing it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture. Make sure both sides get a generous, even coating. Place the breaded cutlets on a plate and repeat until all pieces are perfectly breaded.

Step 5: Fry the Cutlets

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place in one or two chicken cutlets (don’t overcrowd the pan). Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the cutlets turn irresistibly golden brown and are cooked through. Remove them and drain on a paper towel-lined plate, adding more oil as needed for the remaining chicken.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once all your chicken cutlets are cooked, transfer them to plates and generously pile on the crisp apple slaw. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfectly contrasting textures and flavors at their best.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe

There are four pieces of breaded and fried food laid out on two white plates, each with two pieces on paper towels. The fried pieces have a rough, golden brown texture with small green specks, showing a crispy and crunchy surface. The pieces have irregular oval and elongated shapes with some darker browned edges. The plates are set on a surface with a white marbled texture. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a little extra finely chopped parsley or some toasted pepitas over the slaw for a fresh pop of color and crunch. A lemon wedge on the side adds a lovely citrus zing if anyone wants an extra brightness burst.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe pairs beautifully with warm roasted potatoes, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, or even a simple buttery corn on the cob. A side of crusty bread can also be perfect to soak up any leftover dressing and juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the cutlets as sliders with the apple slaw piled high on small buns for a casual party option. Alternatively, slice the cutlets and arrange them over a bed of mixed greens with the slaw for a lighter, salad-inspired meal that remains satisfying and full of crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the chicken cutlets and apple slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cutlets maintain their crispiness best when reheated properly, while the slaw stays fresh and tangy for up to 2 days.

Freezing

The chicken cutlets freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the apple slaw fresh instead of freezing it, as the texture changes upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy texture. Serve with fresh apple slaw for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great for this recipe, offering a bit more juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

What kind of apple is best for the slaw?

Honeycrisp is ideal because it’s crisp and sweet with a nice balance of tartness, making it a perfect complement to the tangy slaw and savory chicken.

Can I make the slaw vegan?

Definitely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use a maple syrup or agave instead of honey to keep it vegan while maintaining that creamy, sweet tang.

Is panko necessary for the breading?

Panko breadcrumbs create the extra crunchy texture that sets this recipe apart, but if you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work fine—just expect a slightly different crunch.

How can I ensure the chicken is juicy inside while crispy outside?

Pounding the chicken thin ensures quick, even cooking so it stays juicy inside while frying in hot oil crisps up the crust beautifully. Avoid overcrowding the pan for consistent heat and don’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

There’s a wonderful comfort and excitement wrapped up in the Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Apple Slaw Recipe that makes it so special to prepare and enjoy. The marriage of crunchy, golden chicken with the fresh, tangy apple slaw is truly unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to dish for any occasion—it’s that satisfying kind of delicious you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

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