Chicken Cutlets with Tomato & Nectarine Salad
Chicken Cutlets with Tomato & Nectarine Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish combining crispy, golden chicken cutlets with a bright, juicy salad of ripe tomatoes and sweet nectarines. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, crunchy and tender, making it an ideal light yet elegant meal for both busy weeknights and impressing guests.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Chicken Cutlets
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tomato & Nectarine Salad
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ripe nectarines, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dip each piece into a beaten egg wash before coating thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Cutlets: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Tomato & Nectarine Salad: While the cutlets cook, chop tomatoes and nectarines into bite-sized pieces. Toss them gently in a bowl with torn fresh basil leaves, a splash of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple dressing lets the natural sweetness and acidity shine.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the crispy chicken cutlets alongside a generous mound of the colorful tomato and nectarine salad. Garnish with additional basil if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the warm cutlets with the fresh, cool salad.
Notes
- Thin and even cuts: Pounding the chicken to consistent thickness helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a light, crispy crust that’s superior to regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook cutlets in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Pick ripe nectarines that yield gently to the touch for best flavor balance.
- Keep salad dressing simple — a light drizzle of olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper preserves the salad’s fresh flavor contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken cutlets, tomato salad, nectarine salad, quick dinner, gluten-free, healthy chicken recipe, summer salad