Follow these simple steps to create perfectly cooked, flavorful Garlic Herb Chicken Cutlets every time. We’ll guide you through each stage to ensure success, even for beginner cooks.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by taking your chicken cutlets out of the packaging. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it helps the chicken brown beautifully when cooked and prevents it from steaming in the pan. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; this is your base layer of flavor!
2. Mince the Garlic and Chop the Herbs: While the chicken rests briefly, prepare your aromatics. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. The finer you mince the garlic, the more flavor it will release into the dish. Next, wash and chop the fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Ensure the herbs are finely chopped so their flavors can infuse evenly into the chicken. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go is key to efficient cooking.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Herbs: Place a large skillet, preferably non-stick or cast iron, over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and let it heat up for a few seconds until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Sauté the herbs along with the garlic for another minute, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This process, known as “blooming” the herbs, releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken Cutlets: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets in the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook the chicken cutlets for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken cutlets. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which is the safe temperature for cooked chicken.
5. Finish with Lemon Juice: Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken cutlets. The lemon juice will deglaze the pan, lifting up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom and creating a light and tangy sauce. The acidity of the lemon juice also brightens the overall flavor of the dish and cuts through the richness of the olive oil and herbs.
6. Rest and Serve: Allow the Garlic Herb Chicken Cutlets to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful cutlets. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of your freshly cooked Garlic Herb Chicken Cutlets!