Chefs revealed the secret to perfect cutlets: why meat is chopped rather than minced.

According to ТСН: Many believe that delicious chicken cutlets can only be made from minced meat. But in reality, chopped cutlets from breast meat turn out to be much tenderer, juicier, and more aromatic. And their preparation takes less time. All you need is fresh chicken breast, a few simple ingredients, and 15 minutes.

How to prepare perfect chopped chicken breast cutlets

1. Cut the meat correctly. The secret to juiciness lies in very finely chopped breast. The cubes should not be larger than 0.5 cm. Such size helps the cutlets hold their shape well and stay tender inside. This texture of minced meat cannot be purchased—it can only be obtained by hand.

2. Add binding ingredients. To prevent the mixture from falling apart during frying, add 1 egg, 1 tbsp of starch or flour, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. If desired, you can add minced garlic, herbs, or a spoonful of sour cream for even more tenderness. Starch softens the texture and adds a light crunch on the outside.

3. Let the meat mixture rest. Leave the mixture for 7-10 minutes. During this time, the breast will release a bit of juice, and the starch will make it creamy and sticky. This is the main secret to even and neat cutlets.

4. Fry over medium heat. Place the cutlets with a spoon on a heated pan with a minimal amount of oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, cover with a lid to keep them juicy. The cutlets brown quickly but do not dry out—this is exactly why professional chefs love them.

5. Serving. The finished cutlets come out tender, aromatic, with a beautiful crispy crust, making them perfect for dinner or lunch. They pair wonderfully with vegetable salads, buckwheat, mashed potatoes, or fresh yogurt-based sauces.

Chopped chicken breast cutlets are a simple and quick way to prepare a delicious dish that is very popular. This recipe will be useful for both experienced chefs and beginners, as it is foolproof. By experimenting with spices and sauces, you can create various dishes based on this recipe.