There’s nothing better than golden, crispy chicken cutlets fresh from the oven—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside! Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken or an easy weeknight dinner, this baked chicken cutlet recipe is a must-try. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to pro tips for achieving the crispiest results.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Baked Over Fried?
Baking chicken cutlets offers several benefits over frying:
- Healthier Option – Less oil means lower fat content.
- Less Mess – No oil splatters or greasy stovetop cleanup.
- Easier Cooking – Place it in the oven and let it bake.
- Still Crispy – With the right method, baked cutlets can be as crunchy as fried.
Ingredients & Substitutions
A successful oven-baked chicken cutlet recipe starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken cutlets (thinly sliced) | 4 pieces | Chicken breast pounded thin |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Regular breadcrumbs |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup | Pecorino Romano |
| Egg | 2 large | Buttermilk (for extra tenderness) |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | Whole wheat flour |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Avocado oil |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Fresh minced garlic |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp | Smoked paprika |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | – |
| Lemon wedges | For serving | Lime wedges |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls:
- Flour – Mix with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Eggs – Beat with a fork.
- Breadcrumbs & Parmesan – Combine with garlic powder.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each thin-sliced chicken breast in flour.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Coat with breadcrumb mix, pressing to adhere.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Place chicken cutlets in the oven.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges.
- Serve with a side salad or pasta.
Pro Tips for Extra Crispiness
✅ Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
✅ Place the cutlets on a wire rack to allow air circulation.
✅ Spritz with cooking spray before baking for a fried-like texture.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures even crisping.
✅ Let the cutlets rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Cutlets
- Garlic Butter Pasta – A light and flavorful pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables – A healthy, colorful addition.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting.
- Caesar Salad – A refreshing contrast to crispy chicken.
- Homemade Coleslaw – Adds a crunchy, tangy twist.
Cooking Time & Temperature Guide
| Chicken Thickness | Temperature | Cooking Time |
| Thin (1/4 inch) | 400°F (200°C) | 18-20 minutes |
| Medium (1/2 inch) | 375°F (190°C) | 22-25 minutes |
| Thick (3/4 inch) | 350°F (175°C) | 30-35 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long to bake chicken cutlets?
At 400°F (200°C), bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.
2. Can I make oven-baked chicken cutlets without breading?
Yes! Skip the breadcrumbs and coat with olive oil, garlic, and spices for oven-baked chicken cutlets no breading.
3. What temp to bake thin-sliced chicken breast?
For baked thin-sliced chicken breast, set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes.
4. How do I store and reheat leftover cutlets?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
5. Can I freeze baked chicken cutlets?
Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Mastering the perfect baked chicken cutlet recipe is easy with the right technique! Whether you prefer classic breaded cutlets or a lighter, unbreaded version, this guide ensures you get crispy, juicy chicken every time. Try it today and let us know your favorite serving ideas!