# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 ½ cups dill pickle brine
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Coating
06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons water
09 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ For Frying
13 - ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
→ Serving (optional)
14 - Lemon wedges
15 - Fresh dill, chopped
# Steps:
01 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to approximately ½-inch thickness.
02 - Combine chicken with pickle brine, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (up to 4 hours for intensified flavor).
03 - Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry using paper towels to ensure proper coating adherence.
04 - Set up three shallow bowls: bowl one with flour, bowl two with beaten eggs mixed with water, bowl three with panko breadcrumbs combined with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt.
05 - Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess; dip into egg wash; then press into seasoned panko crumbs ensuring complete coverage.
06 - Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken cutlets in batches if necessary for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges and fresh dill.
