If you’re looking for a new favorite way to eat chicken, these oven baked chicken cutlets will become a staple in your kitchen. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them perfectly delicious and easy to make. Your whole family will enjoy these tender and crunchy cutlets, which are a healthier alternative to classic fried chicken.

Simple and Delicious Recipe

These oven-baked chicken cutlets are packed with flavor, thanks to a garlic parmesan coating that tastes just like Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken. This recipe is an easy weeknight meal that is ready in just 45 minutes. Start by preparing your chicken breasts and coating them in a mixture of breaded, crunchy, golden breadcrumbs, and parmesan. Bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden-brown and tender on the inside.

Serve these delicious cutlets with roasted veggies, potatoes, salad, or pasta. They are also great in sandwiches or as add-ons to your favorite dishes. This quick and healthy meal is a classic that’s not only easy to make but also easier to clean up since there is no hot oil involved, leaving your kitchen clean from top to bottom without any greasy splashes.

Why l Love This Recipe

These oven-baked chicken cutlets are incredibly simple to make with just 11 ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. In just 20-25 minutes of active kitchen time, you’ll have the best and darn crispiest cutlets that taste like they’re fried but are actually healthy because they’re baked. The secret is in the 3-part breading, finished with light and crisp Japanese panko, giving you all the flavor with much less fat and oil.

These cutlets are so versatile; you can use them in Milanese sandwiches, on top of your favorite Lemon & Boursin Pasta, or chop them up for entree salads. They’re perfect to eat with a side of steamed veggies or mashed potatoes, making them delicious in dozens of dishes so you never get bored.

Why Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlet

This baked chicken recipe is a delightful dish that is both crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Unlike the fried chicken cutlets you find at Italian restaurants, this healthier and tastier homemade version will pleasantly surprise any fan of classic cutlets. It’s also incredibly kid-friendly; both adults and kids will love these cutlets made with simple ingredients.

You can even serve this crispy chicken with your kiddos’ favorite pasta for an even more delicious meal. The easy prep process involves popping the cutlets into the oven, with no frying needed, which means no oil popping all over the stove. With most of the ingredients likely on hand, this dish is a real win for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method:

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Set Up the Breading Station:

• In one shallow bowl, add the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
• In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Bread the Chicken:

• Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
• Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.

Bake the Chicken:

• Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet.
• Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Serve:

• Remove the chicken cutlets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with a side of vegetables, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Additional Info About Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets.

Health Benefits:

• Chicken Breasts: Each serving of chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall growth.
• Baking Method: Baking the chicken cutlets instead of frying them reduces the overall fat content, making the dish healthier and lower in calories.
• Olive Oil: If using olive oil, it provides healthy monounsaturated fats that are good for heart health.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds calcium for bone health and phosphorus, which is crucial for the formation of bones and teeth.
• Seasonings: Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. These spices can also aid in digestion and boost immune function.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Typically lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, they add texture while still being relatively low in fat and calories.

Notes:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk or a simple brine for a few hours before breading.
• To make the cutlets even crispier, you can toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little olive oil before breading the chicken.

Equipment:

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Shallow bowls for breading station
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Oven thermometer (optional, to ensure accurate baking temperature)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated: Fat 3g
• Sodium :550mg
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions

• Healthy Plate: Pair your crispy chicken with roasted veggies and roasted potatoes for a healthy meal that tastes great. Add a salad on the side or serve it over creamy or tomato-based pasta.
• Side Dishes: Serve with Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad, Fresh Garden Salsa, Garlic Butter Potatoes, or Lemon & Boursin Pasta. Each of these sides enhances the flavor of the chicken cutlets.
• Freshness Bomb: Add fresh lemon zest, juice, and parsley to your cutlets for a burst of freshness that will brighten the dish. Serve with your favorite carb, like fluffy rice or vodka sauce, and some vibrant veggies like raw carrot salad.
• Wraps and Sandwiches: Create a wrap or sandwich by stuffing slices of crispy chicken with lettuce and tomatoes, then drizzle with your favorite sauce. Try a Buffalo chicken wrap with a tangy kick or a grilled chicken wrap for a quick meal.
• Dips and Sauces: These crunchy cutlets are like giant chicken fingers, perfect for dipping. Pair with classic Homemade Sunday Tomato Sauce, nutty pesto, smoky barbecue, spicy buffalo, or tangy balsamic glaze. Mix and match to find your cutlet’s soulmate and enjoy the perfect pairing.

Storage

To keep your crispy chicken fresh, let it cool completely on a cooling rack before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. If the chicken is fried, drain any excess oil before cooling. For longer storage, freeze the chicken cutlets. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or use a vacuum sealer to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sogginess. Refrigerate in a zip-lock bag or a clean container after letting them reach room temperature. They should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat?

To keep your chicken cutlets crispy, reheat them in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet with a wire rack and set the oven to 350°F. Reheat for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid using the microwave as it will make the cutlets soggy.

What is the difference between chicken breasts and chicken cutlets?

Chicken cutlets are boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced thin or pounded. Thin cutlets cook quickly and evenly, ideal for oven-baked recipes. They stay juicy and tender and absorb flavors well, ensuring delicious dishes every time.

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?

When making oven-baked chicken cutlets, choose the right temperature for perfect cooking. Drumsticks and thighs are dark meat and less likely to dry out than breasts. Bake breasts at 350 to 375 degrees, while drumsticks and thighs can be baked up to 450 degrees. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness and ensure your chicken is cooked. This method simplifies your baking process.

What is the difference between chicken breast and cutlets?

Cutlets are a thin piece of chicken breast, perfect for easy weeknight cooking. They cook fast and save time. You can buy cutlets at the grocery store or make them by evenly slicing a full chicken breast. They’re versatile for baking, grilling, or sautéing, making quick, healthy meals easy.

What is the safe temperature for chicken cutlets?

When making oven baked chicken cutlets, ensure poultry reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). Use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the cutlet. This step guarantees juicy and properly cooked chicken. If it reads 165°F (73.9°C), your poultry is ready to enjoy.

How long to cook chicken breast at 200 degrees C?

To make oven baked chicken cutlets, heat your oven to 200C or fan 180C/gas 6. Drizzle a couple of tbsp of olive oil into a small roasting tin. Roast the chicken for 20-25 mins until fully cooked, with clear juices when poked. Let it rest for 5 mins before serving for juicy, flavorful cutlets.