Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe: Golden & Juicy Every Time

These crispy baked chicken cutlets bring restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen table.

Tender meat with a perfectly golden exterior becomes the star of tonight’s dinner.

Weeknight cooking doesn’t have to feel complicated or boring.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary protein into something special that everyone will love.

Coating techniques make all the difference between bland and brilliant results.

Lean proteins meet crunchy textures in this foolproof method that guarantees delicious outcomes.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for countless future meals.

Why Baked Chicken Cutlets Are Crisp And Easy

• Breeze Through Preparation: This recipe offers a simple, straightforward process with minimal steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. You'll create crispy, delicious chicken cutlets without the mess of deep-frying.
• Healthier Cooking Technique: Baking instead of frying cuts down on excess oil and calories while still delivering a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. The light spray of cooking oil ensures a golden finish without heavy grease.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families seeking a fast, delicious meal. The minimal ingredient list and easy breading station mean you can have dinner on the table quickly.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These chicken cutlets work perfectly for multiple occasions – from casual family dinners to weekend gatherings. They pair wonderfully with various sides like salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta, ensuring everyone at the table will be happy.

Everything Needed For Baked Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Cutlets: Lean, tender meat that is the star of the dish, best when even in thickness for consistent cooking.

• All-Purpose Flour, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, nutty flavor to the breading mixture.

• Eggs, Water: Help breadcrumbs adhere to chicken and create a smooth coating.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Herbs): Enhance overall flavor profile of the chicken cutlets.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.

How To Bake Chicken Cutlets With A Crunch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Breading Playground

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Whisked eggs with a splash of water
• Third dish: A mix of
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Your favorite dried herbs and spices

Step 3: Dress Up the Chicken

• First, dust it with flour
• Next, dive it into the egg wash
• Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Press the breadcrumbs gently to create a perfect, crispy armor.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Give the tops a light mist of cooking spray to help them turn golden and crisp.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, giving the cutlets a flip midway through. They’re ready when they’re a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, juicy chicken cutlets!

Tips For Better Baked Chicken Cutlets

• Prep Breading Station Smartly: Arrange your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixtures in order to create a smooth, efficient coating process for your chicken cutlets.
• Maximize Crispiness Technique: Press breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even layer that ensures a crunchy exterior when baked.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches exactly 165F, guaranteeing both safety and perfect moisture.
• Oil Spray Trick: Lightly spraying the cutlets before baking helps achieve a golden-brown color and extra crispy texture without deep-frying.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.

How To Store Baked Chicken Cutlets Smartly

• Refrigerate leftover baked chicken cutlets in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the cutlets completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection against drying out.
• Reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the breading soggy.
• Freeze uncooked breaded cutlets by placing parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container.
• Frozen cutlets can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
• For best quality, consume within the recommended storage timeframe to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Great Sides For Baked Chicken Cutlets

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the light, crispy texture of the baked chicken cutlets, cutting through the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Herb-infused roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus create a colorful and nutritious side that enhances the golden-brown chicken with complementary flavors.
• Create a Fresh Citrus Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy breaded chicken, balancing the dish with tangy, fresh elements.
• Match with Creamy Herb Sauce: A quick dipping sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs like basil and chives, and a touch of lemon zest provides a cool, creamy accompaniment that elevates the chicken's crispy coating.

Ways To Mix Up Baked Chicken Cutlets

• Mediterranean Herb Crusted: Blend dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into breadcrumbs for a fragrant Greek-inspired coating. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before baking for extra flavor complexity.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder into breadcrumbs for a zesty New Orleans-inspired version. Add a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash for additional heat.
• Gluten-Free Almond Coating: Replace breadcrumbs with ground almonds and gluten-free flour. Season with dried herbs and nutritional yeast for a crunchy, nutty alternative that's perfect for those avoiding wheat.
• Parmesan Herb Crunch: Increase Parmesan cheese in the breading mixture and add fresh chopped parsley. Top with additional grated Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra crispy, cheesy exterior.

Baked Chicken Cutlets Questions Answered

• Why use three different stations for breading chicken cutlets?

The breading stations ensure each cutlet gets a perfect, crispy coating. Flour helps the egg stick, eggs create a binding layer, and breadcrumbs provide that delicious crunch you love.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crispiness, and you can mix in Italian-style or seasoned breadcrumbs for more flavor. Just keep the same basic breading technique.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. When it hits 165F (74C), your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy. No more dry chicken!

• Is it okay to skip spraying cooking spray?

While not mandatory, cooking spray helps the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy. If you skip it, your cutlets might look pale and less appetizing. A light spray makes a big difference in texture and appearance.

Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Golden and crispy baked chicken cutlets bring Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Crunchy panko breadcrumbs and savory herbs create an irresistible coating you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch/1.27 cm thick)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (135 grams) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C), ensuring optimal cooking conditions.
2. Create a strategic breading assembly line using three separate shallow containers: one dedicated to flour, another for an egg and water emulsion, and the final station combining seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.
3. Transform each chicken cutlet into a crispy masterpiece by methodically coating it first in flour, ensuring a delicate powdery layer that will help subsequent layers adhere perfectly.
4. Immerse the flour-dusted cutlet into the egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip away, creating a smooth, adhesive surface for the final breading stage.
5. Generously encase the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure to guarantee a uniform, crunchy exterior that will crisp beautifully during baking.
6. Arrange the breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each piece to promote even heat circulation and optimal browning.
7. Enhance the potential for a golden crust by lightly misting the cutlets with cooking spray, which will promote a crisp, appetizing finish.
8. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and allow the cutlets to transform, monitoring their progress and rotating halfway through the cooking process.
9. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), ensuring both safety and succulent texture, which typically requires 20-25 minutes of baking time.

Notes

• Opt for thin, evenly-sized chicken cutlets to ensure consistent cooking and crispy breading throughout.
• Gently press breadcrumbs onto the chicken to create a thicker, more adherent coating that won’t fall off during baking.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before breading to help the flour and breadcrumbs stick better and achieve a crispier texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg