Crispy Chicken Costoletta from The Cheesecake Factory features tender, breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection, topped with tangy lemon butter sauce and fresh parsley, offering a delightful blend of crunchy texture and zesty flavor.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Meat mallet (tenderizer)
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dishes (for breading station)
- Tongs
- Frying pan or skillet
- Wire rack (optional, for draining)
- Paper towels
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Microplane or zester (for lemon)
- Plate (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast cutlets
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
When preparing the Crispy Chicken Costoletta, use thin, evenly pounded chicken breast cutlets to ensure tender, quick cooking and a crispy crust. Combining Italian-style breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan delivers an extra crunchy, flavorful coating. Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest are essential for the tangy lemon butter sauce, so use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for best flavor. Vegetable oil should be heated to the proper temperature (around 350degF) to achieve golden, non-greasy breading. Your Crispy Chicken Costoletta from The Cheesecake Factory copycat menu will shine with these carefully selected ingredients and attention to detail.
Instructions
- Pound chicken cutlets to even thickness using meat mallet.
- Season chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, one with combined Italian breadcrumbs, panko, and Parmesan.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured cutlets in egg mixture, coating completely.
- Press chicken into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry breaded chicken cutlets in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer fried cutlets to wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers (optional) to butter and whisk to combine.
- Simmer lemon butter sauce for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Plate crispy chicken cutlets.
- Spoon lemon butter sauce over cutlets.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Crispy Chicken Costoletta from The Cheesecake Factory copycat menu combines tender chicken cutlets with a crispy breading, topped with a zesty lemon butter sauce and fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality dish at home. You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or crackers to achieve a similarly crunchy texture if panko is unavailable. Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs instead of breast cutlets for a juicier, more flavorful result. When frying, maintain medium heat to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the breading. If fresh lemon is not accessible, bottled lemon juice can be used, but zesting a lemon or adding a small amount of vinegar can help preserve the bright flavor.
Tips
Ensure the chicken cutlets are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and crispiness. Use a meat mallet gently to avoid tearing the meat, and coat the cutlets thoroughly in each breading stage to achieve a golden, crunchy crust. Maintain the oil temperature around medium-high to prevent the chicken from absorbing excess oil, which can make it greasy instead of crispy. You can use a wire rack to drain the fried cutlets, helping keep them crisp before serving with your tangy lemon butter sauce.
Nutritions
Crispy Chicken Costoletta from The Cheesecake Factory contains a substantial amount of protein from the 1 lb of chicken breast cutlets, supporting muscle repair and growth. The dish also provides a moderate fat content, mainly from the vegetable oil used in frying and the butter in the lemon sauce. Carbohydrates come from the combination of all-purpose flour, Italian-style, and panko breadcrumbs, which contribute to the crispy texture. Your meal delivers essential nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants from fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.
Storage
Store any leftover Crispy Chicken Costoletta in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain its texture and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy breading and warm the lemon butter sauce evenly. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy and diminish the dish's signature crunch.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute chicken thighs for breast cutlets to enhance juiciness and flavor. You can swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch, or add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a smoky twist. Try baking the breaded cutlets at 400degF (200degC) for 20 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil content while maintaining crispiness. Your lemon butter sauce can be enriched by stirring in a tablespoon of heavy cream for a smoother, richer texture.
Allergies
Crispy Chicken Costoletta contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (Parmesan cheese and butter), and wheat (all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs), which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of capers and lemon juice might also affect those with certain citrus allergies. You should carefully check these ingredients if you have food allergies or sensitivities before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Crispy Chicken Costoletta at Cheesecake Factory is loved for its perfectly breaded, golden crust and tender, juicy chicken that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The dish is complemented by a flavorful lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs, adding depth and richness that elevate the overall taste experience. Many enthusiasts find recreating this recipe at home rewarding as it allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with control over ingredients and freshness. Making the copycat version gives your kitchen that sought-after balance of crispy texture and vibrant flavors, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.