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Chicken Cutlets with Tomato & Nectarine Salad

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Keywords: chicken cutlets, tomato salad, nectarine salad, quick dinner, gluten-free, healthy chicken recipe, summer salad