Description
Crispy chicken cutlets marinated in a tangy cilantro lime mixture, served on soft buns with optional toppings for a crunchy, juicy, and bright sandwich experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes (about 4 tablespoons)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (2 tablespoons for marinade, 1 tablespoon for egg wash)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g), seasoned with salt and pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or potato preferred)
- Mayonnaise (optional, for spreading)
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly pounded chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
- Prep the breading station: Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each marinated chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, letting extra drip off, and coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently to adhere. Set aside.
- Fry the cutlets: Heat about ¼ inch of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add breaded chicken carefully. Fry about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Adjust heat if oil smokes.
- Drain and rest: Transfer cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest a few minutes to stay juicy.
- Assemble sandwiches: Toast buns lightly if desired. Spread mayonnaise on bottom bun, add crispy cilantro lime chicken cutlet, and top with preferred toppings. Crown with top bun and serve.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly for best results. Press panko breadcrumbs gently to adhere but avoid thick crust. Use medium heat to avoid burning breadcrumbs. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Marinate chicken while prepping breading station to save time. Leftovers reheat well in toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken sandwich, crispy chicken cutlet, easy chicken recipe, sandwich recipe, quick dinner