Russian-Style Chicken Cutlets

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So simple and so good—these cutlets are a case where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Ground chicken is often disappointingly dry, but here a bit of butter and cream keep the meat moist.Plus: More Chicken Recipes and Tips

By

Food & Wine Editors

Updated on December 3, 2015

Russian-Style Chicken Cutlets — Photo: © Melanie Acevedo

Total Time:

25 mins

Yield:

4

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Ingredients

2 slices good-quality white bread, crusts removed
1/4 cup half-and-half
1 pound ground chicken
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
5 tablespoons butter, 3 of them at room temperature
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons cooking oil

Directions

Break the bread into pieces. In a large bowl, soak the bread in the half-and-half until the liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Mix in the chicken, egg, salt, pepper, dill, and the 3 tablespoons room-temperature butter. Put in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up.
Remove the chicken mixture from the freezer; it will still be very soft. Form the mixture into four oval cutlets and coat them with the bread crumbs.
In a large, nonstick frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the oil over moderate heat. Cook the cutlets until golden brown and just done, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Notes

Variation: Italian-Style Chicken Cutlets Omit the dill. Use half bread crumbs, half grated Parmesan cheese to coat the cutlets.

Serve With

Saut��ed mushrooms are the traditional Russian accompaniment to chicken cutlets. Beets, glazed carrots, and mashed potatoes are other excellent possibilities.

Suggested Pairing

The butteriness of the juicy cutlets contrasts beautifully with the racy freshness of an uncomplicated red wine. A Beaujolais from France or a Merlot from Trentino in Northern Italy or will be perfect.

Originally appeared: October 2013