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Crispy baked chicken cutlets served with roasted vegetables and lemon wedges.

Perfect Baked Chicken Cutlets

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these baked chicken cutlets are a healthier alternative to fried chicken. Coated in flavorful breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect weeknight meal or meal-prep option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (small and large)
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or fork
  • Cooling rack (optional, for extra crispiness)
  • Cooking spray

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½ inch thickness)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko recommended for extra crunch
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for lower calories
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  • Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Set up a breading station:
  • In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
  • In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Coat the chicken:
  • Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
  • Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
  • Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray for a golden finish.
  • Bake: Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through, until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Optional: For extra crispiness, place the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Rest and serve: Let the cutlets rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low-carb, High-protein
  • Keywords:
  • Baked chicken cutlets, crispy chicken, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken
  • Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Notes

For gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
To meal prep: Store cooked cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
For added flavor: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk or lemon juice for 30 minutes before breading.
Pair with: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Keyword Baked chicken cutlets, crispy chicken, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken