Russian-Style Chicken Cutlets: A Taste of Comfort and Tradition

There’s something inherently comforting about a dish that feels both simple and deeply satisfying, a meal that evokes warmth and memories with every bite. For me, Russian-style chicken cutlets, or kurinye kotlety, hold a special place in my culinary heart. I remember them appearing on our family table during brisk autumn evenings, the aroma of butter-fried chicken mingling with a hint of dill filling the kitchen. They weren’t fancy, but they were always prepared with love, a testament to the home cooking that nourishes both body and soul. Each tender bite, encased in a golden-brown crust, felt like a warm embrace, a reminder of simpler times and cherished traditions.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 cutlets
• Dietary Type: Poultry

Ingredients

• 2 slices good-quality white bread, crusts removed
• 1⁄4 cup half-and-half
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried dill
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided (3 of them at room temperature)
• 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Frying pan (nonstick recommended)
• Spatula
• Plate or baking sheet for breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the bread base for your chicken mixture. Break the white bread slices into smaller pieces.
2. In a large bowl, soak these bread pieces in the half-and-half. Allow them to sit for about 2 minutes, or until the liquid is thoroughly absorbed by the bread. This step is crucial for creating a tender and moist cutlet.
3. Next, add the remaining ingredients for the cutlet mixture to the bowl. Mix in the ground chicken, egg, salt, pepper, dried dill, and 3 tablespoons of room-temperature butter. Gently combine all the ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cutlets.
4. To make the mixture easier to handle and form, place the bowl containing the chicken mixture into the freezer for approximately 10 minutes. This will help it firm up slightly.
5. After its brief chilling, remove the chicken mixture from the freezer. It will still be quite soft, but this is expected and desirable for a tender result.
6. Now, it’s time to shape your cutlets. Form the chicken mixture into four oval cutlets. Aim for a consistent thickness for even cooking.
7. Prepare your coating by placing the dry breadcrumbs on a plate or shallow baking sheet. Coat each of the formed cutlets thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly covered on all sides.
8. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the cooking oil over moderate heat. The combination of butter and oil will create a beautifully golden and flavorful crust.
9. Carefully add the breadcrumb-coated cutlets to the hot pan. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep golden brown color and to ensure they are just done through.
10. Once cooked to perfection, remove the cutlets from the pan and let them rest for a moment before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For exceptionally tender cutlets, the key lies in the bread and dairy soak. Don’t skip this step, and ensure the bread is fully saturated before mixing. When forming the cutlets, a slightly wet hand can prevent the mixture from sticking. If the mixture seems too soft to handle, an extra 5 minutes in the freezer should do the trick. Overcrowding the pan will steam rather than fry the cutlets, so cook them in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Russian-style chicken cutlets are wonderfully versatile. They are traditionally served hot, straight from the pan, perhaps alongside a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of mushroom gravy. A simple side of mashed potatoes, boiled or roasted vegetables like dill potatoes, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad complements them beautifully.

For leftovers, allow the cutlets to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, a gentle warming in a skillet over low heat or in a moderate oven (around 300°F / 150°C) will help maintain their texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	527.6 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	35.2 g	54%
Saturated Fat	14.5 g	72%
Cholesterol	187.8 mg	62%
Sodium	771.2 mg	32%
Total Carbohydrate	26.7 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	2.3 g	9%
Protein	26.5 g	53%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

For an Italian-Inspired Twist: Omit the dried dill entirely. Instead, when coating the cutlets in breadcrumbs, use a mixture of half breadcrumbs and half grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, nutty depth that pairs wonderfully with chicken.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can try coating the cutlets in gluten-free breadcrumbs or a mixture of almond flour and your preferred herbs.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before forming and cooking the cutlets.

Q: Why is the mixture so soft?
A: The softness is intentional. The combination of bread, half-and-half, and butter helps create a tender and moist cutlet, preventing it from becoming dry.

Q: How do I know when the cutlets are cooked through?
A: The cutlets should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A: While frying is traditional for this recipe and yields the best texture, you could bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter option. They may not achieve the same level of crispness.

Q: What kind of white bread is best?
A: A good quality, soft white bread, like a standard sandwich bread, works best as it will readily absorb the liquid and create a tender texture.

Final Thoughts

These Russian-style chicken cutlets are more than just a recipe; they are a warm invitation to a table filled with comfort and tradition. They represent the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly satisfying. I encourage you to try them, perhaps on a chilly evening, and savor the delicious results. Share them with loved ones, and I’m sure they’ll become a beloved staple in your home too. Enjoy!