Go Back

Cheese Stuffed Chicken Cutlets

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese and drizzled with lemon butter sauce, perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Chicken Cutlets
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese or 1 cup shredded
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
Lemon Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Shallow dishes for breading
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally into the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season inside with salt and pepper.
  2. Place 2 slices of mozzarella inside each pocket and close firmly, securing with toothpicks if needed.
  3. Set up three shallow dishes: seasoned flour in the first, beaten eggs with water in the second, and breadcrumb mixture (panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper) in the third.
  4. Coat each stuffed breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
  5. Heat olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  6. Add chicken cutlets and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest.
  7. Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to pan. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Add lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove toothpicks from cutlets. Slice or serve whole, drizzled generously with lemon butter sauce.

Notes

For extra crispy coating, let breaded cutlets rest in the refrigerator before cooking. The cutlets can be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes as a lighter alternative. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.