Tuscan chicken brings crispy, golden chicken cutlets packed with bold Italian flavor straight to your table. With simple pantry spices and crunchy Panko, this Tuscan chicken turns into a juicy, family friendly dinner in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This
Tuscan chicken delivers big flavor with very little effort. First, you get tender chicken inside and a crisp, golden crust outside. Then, the Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic create a savory bite that feels comforting and satisfying.
Even better, this Tuscan chicken takes only 15 minutes to prep and about 12 minutes to cook. So, you can serve a hot, homemade meal in under 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, which makes it perfect for busy families.
Because this recipe uses simple ingredients, you likely already have most of them in your pantry. Meanwhile, the crispy texture makes it kid approved, while the bold flavor keeps adults happy too.
Since it fits into American cuisine favorites, you can pair it with pasta, veggies, or salads. As a result, Tuscan chicken works beautifully for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep.
Ingredients
To make flavorful Tuscan chicken, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. However, each one plays an important role in building that crispy, seasoned crust.
Chicken and Breading Components
Start with 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken cutlets. Thin cutlets cook quickly and evenly, so they stay juicy inside.
Next, prepare the seasoned flour. You will need ½ cup all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Together, these spices give Tuscan chicken its signature savory flavor.
In another bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water. This egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick firmly.
Finally, place 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. Panko creates a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs, so your Tuscan chicken turns extra crispy.
Oil for Frying
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a heavy skillet.
Proper oil temperature matters. If the oil stays too cool, the coating absorbs excess oil. However, when you heat it correctly, the crust turns golden and crisp without feeling greasy.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Step by Step
Making Tuscan chicken feels simple once you set up your stations. So, take a few minutes to prepare everything before you start frying.
Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture
First, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Stir well so the spices distribute evenly.
This step builds flavor right from the start. As a result, every bite of Tuscan chicken tastes balanced and savory.
Set Up the Egg Wash and Breadcrumb Station
Next, whisk the egg and water together in a separate bowl until smooth. Meanwhile, place the Panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
By arranging the bowls in order, you create an easy dredging system. Therefore, you move quickly and keep your coating neat.
Dredge and Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Now, coat each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture.
After that, press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumbs. Make sure you cover all sides completely. This triple coating gives Tuscan chicken its crisp texture.
Place the breaded cutlets on a plate while you finish the rest.
Heat the Oil Properly
Meanwhile, heat about 1 inch of oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium high heat. Bring the oil to around 360 °F before adding the chicken.
Do not rush this step. When the oil reaches the right temperature, the coating seals quickly and stays crisp.
Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through
Carefully add the breaded cutlets to the hot oil. Fry the first side for about 6 minutes until golden brown.
Then flip and cook the second side for another 6 minutes. The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature and look deeply golden.
Finally, remove the Tuscan chicken and let it rest briefly. This short rest keeps the juices inside.
Expert Tips for Extra Crispy Tuscan Chicken
Small details make a big difference when you want ultra crispy Tuscan chicken.
Use a Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet
A cast iron or heavy skillet holds heat evenly. As a result, the chicken browns consistently and develops a beautiful crust.
Pat the Chicken Dry Before Breading
Before dredging, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step helps the flour stick better. Consequently, the coating stays in place during frying.
Let Breaded Cutlets Rest Before Frying
For even better adhesion, place the breaded cutlets in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the coating sets and firms up.
When you fry them, the crust sticks beautifully.
Drain Properly After Frying
After frying, place the Tuscan chicken on paper towels or a wire rack. Then lightly season with a touch of salt and pepper while hot.
This keeps the exterior crisp instead of soggy.
What Temperature Should Oil Be for Frying Chicken?
For perfect Tuscan chicken, heat the oil to around 360 °F before adding the meat. If you add chicken when the oil sits at 155 to 160 °F, the coating absorbs too much oil.
As a result, the crust turns greasy instead of crisp.
Meanwhile, maintaining steady heat keeps the breadcrumbs golden and light. So, always check the temperature before frying each batch. If needed, let the oil return to 360 °F between batches.
Can You Make Tuscan Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make Tuscan chicken in the air fryer for a lighter option.
Air Fryer Temperature and Timing
First, preheat your air fryer to 400 °F. Then lightly spray the breaded cutlets with oil.
Cook until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway. Usually, this takes about 10 to 14 minutes depending on thickness.
Although the crust feels slightly different than deep frying, you still get a crispy and satisfying result with less oil.
Breadcrumb Substitutes and Variations
If you need a substitute, try gluten free breadcrumbs. You can also crush crackers, cornflakes, or even finely chopped nuts.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or extra paprika to the flour mixture. Meanwhile, you can mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for a richer flavor.
So, feel free to adjust Tuscan chicken to match your taste.
Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Chicken
Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with pasta and a light cream sauce. However, it also tastes amazing with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
For a quick dinner idea, slice Tuscan chicken over mashed potatoes or tuck it into a sandwich roll. Meanwhile, you can serve it alongside a bright salad for balance.
If you love chicken dinners, you might also enjoy this oven baked version of Tuscan Chicken. Or try a zesty Juicy Lemon Chicken Dinner for something fresh.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp. Meanwhile, avoid the microwave if possible because it softens the coating.
Heat until warmed through, and enjoy that crispy texture again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to the best Tuscan chicken?
The secret to great Tuscan chicken starts with proper seasoning and hot oil. Also, chilling the breaded cutlets before frying helps the coating stick better and turn extra crisp.
What is Tuscan chicken made of?
Tuscan chicken uses chicken cutlets, seasoned flour, egg wash, and Panko breadcrumbs. Then you fry the coated cutlets in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
What is the meaning of Tuscan chicken?
Tuscan chicken usually refers to chicken seasoned with Italian inspired herbs and spices. In this recipe, those flavors come from Italian seasoning, garlic, and paprika.
What makes a dish tuscan style?
A tuscan style dish often includes simple ingredients, herbs, and rustic flavors. It focuses on bold seasoning and comforting textures.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Conclusion
This recipe gives you crispy texture, bold seasoning, and juicy chicken in every bite. Because it takes just 15 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook, it fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
Meanwhile, you can customize the seasoning, cooking method, or sides to match your family’s taste. So, gather your ingredients, heat your skillet, and enjoy this easy Tuscan chicken recipe tonight.
For more simple dinner ideas, follow along on Pinterest at pinterest.
Tuscan Chicken
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet Helps maintain steady heat for even browning
- Shallow Bowls For dredging and breading station
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs chicken cutlets
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine flour, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish and mix well.
- Whisk egg and water together in a separate shallow bowl until smooth. Place Panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then press into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy skillet to 360 °F. Carefully add breaded cutlets and fry for about 6 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and cook another 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest briefly before serving.
