baked chicken cutlet recipes
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Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor—this is one of the best baked chicken cutlet recipes for a healthy, no-fry meal ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course dinner
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 320 kcal
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin for even cooking)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs adds extra crispiness
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory crust
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon paprika adds color and a subtle smoky depth
- ½ teaspoon salt balances the seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper for a mild kick
- For the Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs helps the coating stick
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon milk helps create a smooth egg wash
Optional for Extra Flavor:
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning for a herbaceous touch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder adds extra savory depth
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat boost
For Baking:
- Olive oil spray helps the cutlets achieve a golden brown crust
- Cooking spray or parchment paper prevents sticking
- Wire rack optional but recommended (keeps the bottom crispy)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- No panko? Regular breadcrumbs work but panko gives the best crunch.
- Dairy-free option? Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a similar umami boost.
- Gluten-free alternative? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Want extra crispiness? Toast the breadcrumbs for a few minutes before coating the chicken.
Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (this helps air circulate for even crisping).
Slice each boneless, skinless chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. If needed, place the cutlets between plastic wrap and pound them lightly with a meat mallet for uniform thickness.
Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls:
Flour (Optional) – If you want extra crispiness, lightly coat the cutlets in flour before dipping in the egg wash.
Egg Wash – In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Dijon mustard, and milk until smooth. This helps the coating stick.
Breadcrumb Mixture – In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess.
Place the breaded cutlets onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for better crisping.
Bake to Perfection
Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help create a golden crust.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cutlets should be golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the cutlets tender.
Enjoy as a main dish, slice over salads, or serve in sandwiches and wraps.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Sugar: 2g
Keyword baked chicken cutlets, crispy chicken cutlets, healthy baked chicken