How Many Cutlets Are in a Chicken Breast?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a whole chicken breast, wondering how many cutlets you can get out of it, you’re not alone! Chicken breasts are versatile, delicious, and super easy to work with. But when it comes to cutting them into smaller pieces, it’s not always clear how to break them down. Let’s face it: you’re probably not a butcher, and figuring out how to turn that single chicken breast into perfect, juicy cutlets can feel a little tricky.

But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about chicken breasts, how to turn them into cutlets, and how to cook them to perfection. So grab a chicken breast (or two) and let’s get started!

What Exactly Is a Chicken Cutlet?

Before we dive into the specifics of how many cutlets you can get from a chicken breast, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what a chicken cutlet actually is.

A chicken cutlet is simply a thin slice of chicken that’s typically pounded out to be even thinner. It’s usually boneless and skinless, and it’s the star ingredient in some of your favorite dishes like chicken parmesan, chicken piccata, or just a classic fried chicken cutlet.

The key here is that the chicken cutlet is made from a chicken breast—but it’s transformed into something much thinner and easier to cook quickly. So, if you’re thinking “chicken cutlet = a small, thin piece of chicken,” you’re absolutely right.

Breaking Down a Chicken Breast

Now, let’s talk about chicken breasts. These are the large, meaty parts of the chicken, often sold boneless and skinless, though you can find them with bones and skin on as well. When you buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they’re typically about 6–8 ounces each, but they can be larger or smaller depending on the brand or the chicken itself.

Here’s the thing: when you’re looking at a single chicken breast, it’s pretty big! And the idea of cutting it into smaller pieces can seem a little daunting at first. But honestly, it’s not that hard once you know what you’re doing.

How Many Cutlets Can You Get From One Chicken Breast?

So, let’s get down to the question you’ve probably been wondering: how many cutlets are in a chicken breast?

The answer depends on a few things: the size of the chicken breast and how thin you want your cutlets to be.

Small chicken breasts (about 6 ounces): From one small chicken breast, you can generally get about 2 cutlets. If you want to make them extra thin, you might be able to get 3, but you’d have to pound them out pretty well.
Medium chicken breasts (around 8 ounces): With a medium-sized chicken breast, you’ll typically get about 2-3 cutlets. If you slice them in half and pound them, you could get 3 cutlets from a single breast.
Large chicken breasts (10 ounces or more): Larger chicken breasts, say, 10 ounces or more, will give you 3-4 cutlets easily. Of course, if you slice them very thin, you might be able to get even more—4 cutlets from one chicken breast isn’t unheard of!

Now, if you’re cooking for a crowd or making something like chicken parm, where you need more cutlets, it’s easy to see how this can add up quickly. Buying 3 or 4 chicken breasts could give you enough cutlets for a big meal, and it’s a pretty cost-effective way to serve up tasty chicken.

How to Make Chicken Cutlets From a Chicken Breast

Okay, now that we’ve got the “how many” part out of the way, let’s talk about how to turn a chicken breast into a perfect chicken cutlet. I’m sure you’ve seen recipes that call for “pounded thin” chicken, but honestly, it’s not as scary as it sounds. In fact, making chicken cutlets at home can be fun, and the result is way tastier than anything you can buy pre-made at the store.

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken Breast

Start by trimming the chicken breast to remove any excess fat or leftover bits of the tenderloin (that little strip of meat on the underside of the breast). Then, lay the chicken breast flat on a cutting board.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken Breast

For a classic cutlet, you want to slice the chicken breast horizontally. Hold your knife horizontally to the chicken breast and carefully cut through the middle, making sure you don’t cut all the way through. The idea is to open the breast like a book. You’ll now have two thinner halves of the chicken breast.

Step 3: Pound the Chicken

This part can be a bit messy but trust me, it’s worth it! Lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the chicken, and then gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps to thin out the chicken and make it cook faster and more evenly. Pound the chicken to about 1/4 inch thick or however thin you like your cutlets.

Step 4: Season or Bread (If Desired)

At this point, you can season the chicken cutlets however you like. You can keep them simple with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder, or bread them for extra crunch. If you want to bread them, dip each cutlet in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness!).

How to Cook Chicken Cutlets

Cooking chicken cutlets is quick and easy! Whether you’re frying, baking, or pan-searing, these cutlets will cook fast because they’re so thin.

Pan-Frying Chicken Cutlets

Pan-frying is one of the most common ways to cook chicken cutlets. Here’s how you do it:

Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add your chicken cutlets, cooking in batches if necessary.
Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can test this by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink.

Baking Chicken Cutlets

If you prefer a healthier approach, baking is a great option:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Place your breaded or unbreaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

Grilling Chicken Cutlets

Grilling chicken cutlets is another great way to cook them, especially during the warmer months. Just heat your grill to medium-high, and cook the cutlets for about 4 minutes per side until they are cooked through.

What to Serve With Chicken Cutlets

Okay, so you’ve got your perfectly cooked chicken cutlets. But what’s the best way to serve them? There are endless possibilities, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Classic Chicken Parmesan: Top your cutlets with marinara sauce, a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan, and bake until bubbly. Serve over spaghetti for a classic Italian dish.
Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches: Layer your cutlet on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce (mayo, mustard, ranch—you name it!).
Chicken Cutlet Salad: Serve a crispy chicken cutlet over a bed of greens with some veggies for a light but filling meal.
Chicken Cutlets With Rice and Veggies: Pair with a side of rice and sautéed veggies for a well-rounded, healthy meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets

Don’t overcook them! Since they’re thin, chicken cutlets cook quickly. You want them golden brown on the outside, but still juicy on the inside. The best way to test if they’re done is to use a meat thermometer—your chicken should reach 165°F internally.
Pounding is key. Don’t skip the step of pounding out the chicken. It helps the cutlets cook evenly and ensures they’re tender.
Use the right oil. If you’re frying, go for an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil. Olive oil can burn at high temperatures, so save that for drizzling over the finished dish.

Final Thoughts

So, to answer your original question: how many cutlets are in a chicken breast? It depends on the size of the breast and how thin you want your cutlets, but generally, from one average-sized chicken breast, you can expect to get 2-3 cutlets. And with the right cooking method, you can make some of the tastiest, juiciest, and crispiest chicken cutlets you’ve ever had!

Now, the next time you find yourself with a chicken breast, you’ll know exactly how to break it down, cook it up, and serve it with something delicious. Whether you’re making chicken parm, sandwiches, or just a quick weeknight dinner, chicken cutlets are always a good idea.