Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Cutlets with Zucchini Ribbon Salad

Crispy cornmeal-crusted chicken cutlets served alongside a fresh and vibrant zucchini ribbon salad with mint, cashews, and ricotta salata. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with garlic and paprika, while the salad offers a light and refreshing accompaniment.

4 servings
30 min

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • cups cornmeal
  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1⅝ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 pieces chicken cutlets
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup mint leaves
  • ½ cup roasted, salted cashews
  • 5 ounces ricotta salata

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Trim tops off zucchini. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, thinly slice lengthwise into wide ribbons; set aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk cornmeal, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and 1 tsp. salt in a wide shallow bowl. Whisk eggs, 1 Tbsp. mustard, and 2 Tbsp. water in another wide shallow bowl.

    3 min

  3. 3.

    Season cutlets on both sides with 1/2 tsp. salt. Dip each in egg mixture, letting excess drip back into bowl, then in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Working in 2 batches and adding more oil if needed, cook cutlets, shaking pan occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper, and remaining 1 tsp. mustard and 1/8 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Add reserved zucchini ribbons and toss gently with your hands until ribbons are evenly coated with dressing. Add mint, cashews, and ricotta salata and toss just to combine.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Transfer cutlets to a platter. Serve with zucchini salad alongside.

    2 min