Southern-Style Fried Chicken Cutlets with a Crunchy Coating

Southern cooking is renowned for its bold, comforting flavors, and one dish that truly captures this culinary tradition is Southern fried chicken cutlets. Known for its crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior, Southern fried chicken has become a beloved favorite across the South. The key to perfecting this dish is in the marinade, the seasoning, and, of course, achieving that signature crunch.

Perfectly Crispy Coated Chicken Cutlets

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, these crispy coated chicken cutlets are just what you need. Marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, then dredged in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, these cutlets are fried to golden perfection.

Every bite offers the perfect balance of crunch and juicy chicken, making these some of the best Southern-style chicken cutlets you’ll ever taste. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a side of coleslaw, these cutlets will bring a taste of the South to your table.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce.
2. Add the chicken cutlets, ensuring they are fully coated, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade.
2. Dip each cutlet into the whisked egg, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
3. Press the coating onto the chicken to help it stick.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Fry each cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serving Tips

• Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic Southern meal.
• Crispy cutlet on a brioche bun with coleslaw.
• Pair with mac and cheese or collard greens.
• Slice over a garden salad with ranch dressing.
• Serve with buttery biscuits and honey on the side.
• Add to a waffle for a chicken and waffles twist.
• Serve with pickles and hot sauce for extra zing.
• Enjoy cornbread and baked beans for a hearty meal.

Southern-style fried chicken cutlets are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bold, seasoned flavor. Whether served with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and biscuits or tucked into a hearty sandwich, these cutlets are sure to satisfy any craving and bring a taste of the South to your table. They’re a staple at family dinners, weekend gatherings, and even casual lunches thanks to their mouthwatering crunch and homestyle appeal.

If you’re looking to explore a lighter yet equally flavorful version, check out our recipe for Italian Baked Chicken Cutlets with Herbs and Cheese for a wholesome alternative. Baked chicken cutlets offer a healthier option without compromising taste or texture. No matter which style you choose—fried or baked—chicken cutlets are a timeless, versatile dish you’ll return to again and again.

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