Grocery Guides

Chicken Cutlets: How to Find, Store, Cook & More

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Last Updated: Aug 8, 2022

What is a chicken cutlet?

While it may have a fancy name, a chicken cutlet is just a thin chicken breast piece. You can buy pre-sliced chicken cutlets in the store or make your own by slicing a chicken breast in half to make thinner pieces. 

Where did chicken cutlet originate from?

The word “cutlet” is assumed to have originated back in 1682. It comes from the French word côtelette. Historically, it refers to a thin-sliced piece of meat or vegetable that’s dipped in egg and breadcrumb and deep-fried. The history of chicken cutlets also goes back to Italy, where it’s assumed to have originated as an alternative to veal cutlets. 

What is the nutritional value of chicken cutlet?

Chicken cutlets are a great option if you’re looking for meat to serve with your fresh produce! They’re high in protein, have no carbs, and are low in fat. In fact, approximately 80% of the calories in a chicken cutlet come from protein, and 20% come from fat. 

While breading and frying chicken cutlets will add calories, fat, and carbs– that’s not the only way to prepare them! You can pan-fry chicken cutlets, simmer them in sauce, or bake them. 

Chicken or pork schnitzel with lemon wedges, selective focus

How is a chicken cutlet made?

chicken cutlet is made by slicing chicken breasts to the appropriate thickness before packaging them for sale. Chicken cutlets are priced by the pound, and you’ll typically find several packaged together. 

What is the shelf life of chicken cutlets?

You can safely keep raw chicken cutlets in the refrigerator for one to two days. Once it’s cooked, it will stay safe for another three to four days. Just make sure it’s refrigerated and in an airtight container. When storing raw chicken, you’ll also want to place it in a leak-proof container to avoid contaminating other items in your refrigerator. 

If you’re not going to cook chicken in the first day or two, it’s best to put it in the freezer. Raw chicken cutlets can stay in the freezer for up to nine months, while you can store cooked chicken in the freezer for two to six months. 

What to look for when buying chicken cutlet at the grocery store

You’ll find chicken cutlets in the grocery store’s meat section near the rest of the poultry items. When choosing your packages, you’ll want to check the “best by” date and try to choose one that’s as far away as possible. This will help ensure the chicken you choose is fresh. Depending on your preferences, you may also want to look for labels like organic, free-range, pastured, hormone-free, and/or antibiotic-free. 

If you’re planning to have your groceries delivered, you’ll be glad to know it’s easy to shop for chicken cutlets via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or provide specific instructions on how to choose the best products.

Wooden table with chicken cutlet (detailed close-up shot)

How to store chicken cutlet

When storing your chicken cutlets in the refrigerator, make sure to put them on a low shelf so they don’t drip onto other items. If you want to be extra safe, keep your cutlets in the original packaging and wrap the whole thing in plastic wrap. You can also put it in a plastic grocery bag for another layer of protection. Also, make sure it’s not on top of any other food or drinks. Once you’ve cooked your cutlets, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before putting them in the refrigerator. 

To freeze raw chicken cutlets, put them in a freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible before putting them in the freezer. You can also freeze cutlets after you’ve breaded and cooked them. To do this, place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze them for three to four hours until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to freezer bags, squeeze out the air, and return them to the freezer. 

How to tell if chicken cutlet is bad

If you’re wondering whether your chicken cutlet has gone bad, start by checking the “best by” date. If the date is well in the past, you’re probably best off tossing it away. If the chicken has already been taken from the package/the date is very close, look at the chicken to see any color or texture changes. Fresh chicken should be pink in color. If the chicken has a gray or greenish tint or is slimy, you’ll need to throw it away. Chicken that has a sour or foul smell has also gone bad.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to rinse off chicken that feels slimy. Not only will this not kill the bacteria, but it will spread it, causing cross-contamination. If you think your chicken cutlets may have gone bad, it’s better not to take a chance.

What can you substitute for chicken cutlet?

When fresh chicken cutlets aren’t an option, frozen chicken cutlets are an excellent alternative. They’re easy to make and almost as good as the fresh version. 

If you’re looking for fresh meat, you can make your chicken cutlets from chicken breasts. Slice them in half horizontally, so you have two thinner pieces of chicken breast. Then, place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a freezer bag and pound the pieces with a flat meat tenderizer or a frying pan. This will ensure they’re the right thickness and make them perfectly tender. Veal or pork cutlets can also make suitable substitutes. 

Shop for chicken cutlet today

Are you craving chicken cutlets now? If so, you’re in luck! When you use Instacart, it’s easy to get all the ingredients you need for a delicious chicken cutlet dinner, all without ever getting off the couch. Instacart offers grocery and fresh produce delivery, and you can get same-day delivery or pick-up from almost all of your favorite area grocery stores. 

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