Tender chicken cutlets soaked in tangy brine, coated with crispy panko, and pan-fried to golden perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 ½ cups dill pickle brine
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Coating
06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons water
09 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ For Frying
13 - ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
→ Serving (optional)
14 - Lemon wedges
15 - Fresh dill, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness.
02 - Combine chicken, dill pickle brine, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
04 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs and water, and a third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt.
05 - Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, then press into seasoned panko until fully coated.
06 - Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry cutlets 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
07 - Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain oil.
08 - Serve immediately, optionally garnished with lemon wedges and chopped fresh dill.
