Crispy Ranch Chicken

(5)

These easy crispy ranch chicken cutlets will please the whole family. We suggest serving them over hot buttered pasta, but you can also use them in sandwiches or salads.

Southern Living Crispy Ranch Chicken on a plate to serve with spaghetti
Credit:

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Active Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4 to 6

The ingenious ingredient that makes these cutlets is ranch seasoning mix, which adds zingy notes of buttermilk, savory garlic, and brightness from dried herbs. You can serve the chicken solo (with a little ketchup on the side to entice picky eaters), top a pile of salad with it (see our recipe below), tuck it into a sandwich—and the list goes on.

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Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 6 (6-oz.) chicken breast cutlets

  • 6 Tbsp. ranch seasoning mix, divided (from 2 [1-oz.] envelopes)

  • 3 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste

  • 1 tsp. black pepper, divided

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 cup canola oil, divided

Hot Buttered Pasta:

  • 16 oz. uncooked spaghetti

  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter

  • 4 tsp. finely chopped garlic

  • 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese

  • Lemon wedges, crushed red pepper, and chopped dill, for topping (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Place each cutlet between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using flat side of a meat mallet, pound each cutlet to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle cutlets with 2 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning mix, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper.

  2. Crack eggs into a large shallow bowl; beat until combined. Place flour in a second large shallow bowl. Place panko and remaining 4 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a third large shallow bowl.

  3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg to coat; place in panko mixture, pressing to coat both sides. Transfer cutlets to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

  4. Heat 1/2 cup of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add 2 cutlets; cook until golden brown on each side and a thermometer inserted in center registers 165°F, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack; place in preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat procedure twice with remaining 4 cutlets, adding remaining 1/2 cup oil to skillet as needed. Sprinkle chicken with additional salt to taste.

  5. Meanwhile, make Hot Buttered Pasta. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1 cup cooking water; set aside.  Melt butter in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is light golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in cooked spaghetti, reserved cooking water, and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring vigorously, until evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Divide pasta between 4 bowls. Slice 1 Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlet, and divide evenly between bowls; garnish with chopped fresh dill, crushed red pepper, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon wedges.

Five-Minute Fried Chicken Salads

Southern Living Five-Minute Fried Chicken Salads on a plate to serve
Credit:

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Toss together 4 cups torn red leaf lettuce, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives in a large bowl, and divide mixture between 2 plates. Slice 2 Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets, and place 1 on top of each salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette.

ACTIVE 5 MIN. - TOTAL 5 MIN. - SERVES 2

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