Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBerkeley'sChef's Choice Chicken Cutlet Recipe

Chef's Choice Chicken Cutlet Recipe

Inspired by Berkeley's
Time1h 20m
Serves4

something different everyday... Housemade SAMMIES

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Ingredients

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Buttermilk-Marinated Chicken

Method

Buttermilk-Marinated Chicken

  1. 1

    Butterfly and pound

    Trim any excess fat from chicken breasts. Slice each breast horizontally to make 2 thinner cutlets (or butterfly and press). Place between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to about 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking.

  2. 2

    Marinate

    In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken cutlets in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. This tenderizes and seasons the meat.

Breading

  1. 3

    Prep dredging stations

    Set up three shallow trays: 1) flour mixed with cornstarch, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2) beaten eggs; 3) panko combined with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Ensure even seasoning in each.

  2. 4

    Dredge the cutlets

    Remove one cutlet at a time from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Shake in the flour mixture to coat, dip into beaten eggs, then press firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture to form an even coating. Place on a wire rack and repeat with remaining cutlets. Let rest 10 minutes for coating to adhere.

Frying

  1. 5

    Heat oil

    Pour neutral oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1/2 to 3/4-inch (roughly 2–3 cups depending on pan). Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or small breadcrumbs sizzle immediately on contact.

  2. 6

    Fry the cutlets

    Working in batches without crowding, gently lower cutlets into hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat to maintain 325–350°F. Transfer cooked cutlets to a paper towel–lined rack to drain and keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while finishing remaining cutlets.

Sandwich Build & Finish

  1. 7

    Prepare sauce

    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and honey. Taste and adjust salt or mustard to preference.

  2. 8

    Toast buns

    Spread softened unsalted butter on cut sides of buns. Toast in a skillet over medium heat or under a broiler until golden and fragrant, about 1–2 minutes per side.

  3. 9

    Assemble sandwiches

    Spread a generous layer of the mayo-mustard sauce on both bun halves. Place lettuce leaf on bottom bun, add a fried chicken cutlet, top with 2–3 tomato slices and a few pickle slices. Cap with top bun and press lightly. Repeat to make remaining sandwiches. Serve immediately so crust stays crisp.

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